Writing!

A day trip to the University Museum with a bus load of Seniors. As you can see, I fit right in with the exhibition of dinosaurs....

Trying to concentrate on my next book writing title "6 Ways to Regularly Get God's Blessings" takes discipline! Takes tenacity, perseverance and time! BTW that's the temporary name of the next book. I read somewhere from an established author that it's best if an author doesn't give out information about the next or current book that is in process.

The cool thing about this effort is what I'm learning about how tender God's heart is for those who heart who love Him. 

And...I'm not entirely sure how the next one will be financed. I have thought I could step out and try to get one of the big 6 to publish it. Though I certainly am neither a known author nor a best selling author. Besides that, there are certain stringent requirements to even getting a manuscript in position to be even accepted or looked at or considered or even to get them to open an envelope with a manuscript inside.

Then there is a required person (I forget what that person is called) that makes sure what you submit is perfect and coaches through the entire process.

Besides doing it that way there is always a free book publish opportunity through Amazon and I haven't really looked into all the details with that. But of course I have to get further along with the book to do anything at this point. Anyway, I'm busy writing and also keeping up with my normal life activities. Which includes feeding and walking with Milo twice a day. Once after his breakfast and once after his dinner. That's daily.

I usually end up writing in the evening and even into the early morning hours. I'd say 65% is general writing from what I've learned as I study and research the topic and the rest is scripture which is the basis for the general writing. You know that if one wants to the scripture can support almost any point of view you take on most any given subject. There are those who put their teachings and sermons together in such a way as to support their opinion.

I truly hope that I don't do that. I'm aware of the possibility. I can't be totally positive that I don't do that but I don't set out to do things like that. There's a serious accountability I think, to writing about God and the scripture to be sure it's correct and not abused to support something that is not according to God's character. What I'm thinking about this line of conversation is that one can get so caught up in trying to convince a reader to accept their way of interpreting God's intent or meaning and that's when the scripture is found after the idea is written, to support the idea.

It is not hard to write like that. The next book is based pretty much on the first two commandments and 1 Corinthians 13. Those two scriptures (or three), are about God's kind of love. Oops, there I go, spilling the beans. Okay, that's all I'm going to say about the next book. 

I have considered writing a biography but not sure what benefit it would be to the reader and I want whatever I might get published should be helpful in some regard. My life did a complete turn around in 1975 and from that starting point I've moved forward and have a purpose and there's a plan that is working and it will until I move on up. 

May sound strange to some but as I get older, year by year, it is clearer to me that there is purpose and reason in and for my life and it's not just exciting but energizing and entirely fulfilling. I wake up knowing something is going to happen that day that will be totally outside my realm of expectations. Some in my age group are satisfied to do as little as possible on a daily basis. A few stay in their pj's most of the day, most days. To those I've talked to regarding daily activities and encounters with others have decided that that's just the way it is because they don't see that they have any usefulness left. Family has pretty much moved on in life and that individual has little or in some cases no contact from their immediate family. There has also been no expectation of future friendships to be made.

Just because the age numbers keep rising and the hair turns white and wrinkles have or are beginning to take over doesn't mean that life is done. I admire some of the ladies I've met who just keep moving, keep fixing their hair and face, even if their day is spent only in the garden or in a chair knitting or whatever it is they find to do. Then, when the weekend arrives, they are up and out on Saturday, yard sale shopping and come Sunday they are on time to Sunday School and Church with their Sunday best on and an eagerness to greet everyone they see.

 I love the stage of life I'm in and I have great things ahead of me, both here and there. This is Judy in the cottage with Milo who, once again is on his round pillow asleep. I hope you had a good day and Blessings for Saturday and Sunday ahead. Good night

There they were, on my doorstep...

I'd been waiting, anxiously seemed like a long time to me. I opened the door to leave for Sunday School this past Sunday morning and there in the way of the storm door was a somewhat smashed brown cardboard box. At the moment I picked it up I couldn't think of anything I was expecting.

I didn't read the label except my name. I had to get out a craft razor blade to use because the box was crumpled around the opening. I carefully slit the cardboard in a way as not to cut anything inside because, remember at this moment I don't know what's inside.

Oh my goodness, it's my book! 5 of them as promised! And it's even better than I thought. Just the right size too. A short read as books go at 147 pages. I took a book with me to give to the church librarian for her to determine whether or not she would shelve it in the Church Library. Also took a copy to give to my grandson to take home to the family. At this point, I'm still stunned! Why? The reality of the book in hand and now, now I'm a published author.

At my age? 79! Yes! So here's the scoop on where and how you can get a copy.

https://www.xulonpress.com/bookstore/bookdetail.php?PB_ISBN=9781662886829&HC_ISBN=

this link will give me the best of the royalties.

The book is a print on demand POD so it can be ordered at Barnes and Noble for a soft cover or a Kindle e book.

The book is on Amazon for both the soft cover and e book.

"Without Spot or Wrinkle" by Judy Chase

What it's about...

 Christians and non Christians are hearing and seeing in print about the Second Coming of Jesus. Revelation, the last book in the Bible, is being discussed and the end of life as we know it is written about. Some say this could be it. 

Ephesians 5:27 "that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing...". Jesus is returning for his Bride (the church) in her dress without spot or wrinkle. Revelation 19:8 "And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints". The soon return of Jesus is a now topic because of the state our world has transitioned into. Are we in the last days of the existence of the world as we know it? Is what's written in Revelation happening now?

A valid question today, is the Bride ready for him? She, the Bride is suppose to be dressed in a white wedding dress that is without spot or wrinkle. This book is a non-fiction book challenging believers and non believers everywhere to take note of their individual participation in the state of the bridal dress. Are they truly loving their neighbor, themselves and their God? The number One command is to love their God with all of their heart and to love their neighbor as they love themselves. 

Could it be that in spite of what is talked about in Jesus coming soon, the soon of it maybe dependent on the wedding dress? Could we be, collectively, as members of the Bride of Christ, The Church, holding up the return because of the first and second commandments? The book discusses the possibility he could be waiting for us. Matthew 25:5 "But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept." 

The non believer will be challenged as well by reading of a God who loves, and has relationship with his followers, and who's only requirement is to acknowledge his Son Jesus, and accept the Christ as their only Lord and Savior. The reward is a Loving God and immortality with him in a wonderful, place he has made for all those who love him.

That's it for this post. I'm so ecstatic about this book and that it's in print as I write this post in the cottage on a Tuesday evening in Texas. Hope you have a great rest of the day you are in and the ones that follow and of course that you will buy the book and read it! This is Judy at the pc

as Milo sleeps on his big round pillow.

(the back of the book)

One of those days...

 I'll ask but I know the answer. Have you ever had one of those days when it seems like all that comes to mind is: my friends are against me; I never hear from my family; Why can't I ever do anything right; I feel so all alone; why doesn't anyone ever call me; and all the shoulda's, woulda's, coulda's...? Ever had one of those ? or two or maybe a week or month?

All through my life seasons, those days have popped in and out of my thoughts. They seem to come from nowhere and everywhere. Seems like out of the blue, I'm just fine, no problems and then there those thoughts are. Well, guess what? I actually have an answer and even a means to get rid of them. So, here it is.

Several years ago I came across a book titled "Battlefield of the Mind". In this writing the author gives examples of just what I started this blog with, all those unwanted thoughts. You may or may not be familiar with the author but I have actually learned from her book how to not just control the popping in and out of such negative and sometimes debilitating thinking. The author hits the nail on the head about where the thoughts come from and how to get rid of them and even the fact, yup, fact that we don't have to think those thoughts. Joyce Meyer is the author of this relevant book. I keep the book and refer to it as needed and I loan it out. That's where it is now.

Just a couple of days ago, later in the day the thoughts I'm talking about began to very slowly present themselves to me. For a while I allowed them, even considered and got somewhat emotional about them and then...I realized! 

First thing to understand in my case I was unusually tired. Vulnerable to such emotional thinking as I this day. I didn't just think about one scenario but several different instances that I didn't think I was important to the ones I thought I should receive additional care and attention from. The thoughts continued to become a problem in that a tear rolled down my cheek...

It was that tear that got my attention. I realized what had been happening and what was going on in my thoughts. All negative. In each area, there wasn't anything I could do to fix anything. That was another attention get'er. That's when I said, "self, just stop, stop with the thoughts"!  I absolutely changed my mind. You can do that! Yup, you can! Sometimes it can be more difficult any you have to be tenacious, but if you are a believer in Jesus then you have help. 

All throughout the Bible are the words "ask". To go along with that word are the words "I will answer". Lots of people look at God as a man and refer to him as "the man upstairs". But, he is not a man. He is God and he doesn't lie. Man does that, Satan who is the father of lies does that...but God does not lie. Not ever. Not even once has he lied. So, if you ask for help, he will answer.

First things first, you don't have to think on everything that pops into your mind.                               Second, change your mind. Think about something pleasant. (ya have to be persistent)                      Third, ask

It's easy to think we are the only one going through tough things. That's just not true. If you are having a hard time, with anything, there's always someone who has been there before you. Just knowing that can help defray the intensity. Then if you start talking about it, that also helps you hear what you are saying, which in turn helps to think about what you are saying and does what you are saying make sense? 

I have a really good friend who is my sounding board. Most of the time she doesn't have any comment. She just let's me talk. I usually hear what I've been thinking and realize that some of it just is unimportant in the scheme of things. 

Hope this is helpful for someone. Thought it somehow needed. The Joyce Meyer book "Battlefield of the Mind" is highly recommended by many and by me.

This is once again Judy...Published Author ;) at my new computer arrangement in the cottage. Blessings as you come and go throughout the week ahead.

 

Oh What a Beautiful Morning...

 Every morning Milo and I go for a walk around the apartment complex we live in. This particular morning the air was just a little bit crisp! So out of the ordinary for this year's SW Texas Summer temps. A wonderful indicator of the changing season. It's been a hotter Summer than last year, even the cotton crop shows the result of days and days of over 100 degrees. Welcome Fall, to Lubbock, Texas. We are all glad you're here.

These are beautiful days but there is a bit of an anxious feeling in the air around me.  I keep thinking that there will be an email announcing that the book is ready. But, there are still a few hurdles between then and now. There's so much ahead of me when the book actually is in my hand and it's all unknown to me. I love adventure and even the unknown ahead brings a bit of excitement along with just a tad of "can I do this?", and yet I know I can because He is going before me, actually has already paved the way through the marketing aspect. So, with pending eagerness, I wait!

In the mean time my new to me refurbished PC died with a audible bang and I sent it back to the refurbisher today and the refund will be back into my bank account fairly soon.  One thing has led to another and I've decided to hook up my computer monitor to my Acer Chromebook and use what I have to continue to write my next book.

Oh, have I mentioned there is another one cooking in my head and heart? Anyway, I have  MicroSoft Office on the Chromebook which is what the publisher wants the manuscript typed in for their publishing purposes. It's gonna work just fine for my purposes and won't be out any monies for a computer.  And, I know whose provision it is and I'm thankful that He provides the ideas to "just keep swimming". (a "Nemo" reference) 

I just have to say this because it's part of what's going on in my life at 79. So, this is it...I'm so amazed that this is happening at this time in my life. I do think I've been prepared through the years for where I am now and for however long it lasts, I'm loving the challenge. Life is exciting and each day is great to wake up to.  

Speaking of imagination, I've bought and gotten ride of several 2 drawer file cabinets over the past 10 years and I just bought another...because I don't have one right at the time I found the one I now have. It was a pale blue with white handles and it is now white with white handles. I cleaned it up, spray painted it white and it's in it's place with files in the drawers! Now maybe I will be able to find things. I got it at the ReStore for $8.00 on sale. Yes the drawers work just fine...I thought you might be wondering...

This has been a long post and it's getting late and I'm calling it a night. 

I'm Judy in the cottage with Milo curled up in his round bed sleeping and I'm heading there too, to bed that is.  God bless you one and all. Thank you for reading this entry. I've enjoyed writing. And, please leave a comment, it let's me know you are out there and what you are thinking.  'Til next time. Don't forget to breathe now and then.

The Book...Excerpt

How does lite conversation about people change to distructive conversation? Why do we talk about other people anyway? Really? I can think of examples that seem admirable like: Talking about the child that made straight A’s. Or the one that plays volley ball and how fun it is to watch. Even the girlfriend who won a blue ribbon at the Fair this year. Or about the new neighbor that moved in next door and how glad it to have someone in the empty house. And, how about yourself and how you made a big batch of chocolate chip cookies that were delicious. Is there anything wrong about this kind of talk? I don’t think so. It all seems to be positive and encouraging and fun, uplifting, light and interesting.

But real gossip doesn’t sound like that at all. In fact real gossip has common words that introduce what’s coming. How does gossip start? What happens to those leading sentences that makes them turn into gossip. I have noticed that sometimes when there is a break in conversation or a silence that it seems to be a set up for gossip to enter in. You might just pay attention to this and check it out to see if it’s true.

Word starters that signal gossip just entered the room and often introduce the invisable third person. Often when there’s a lull in the conversation you might hear:

“Did you know?“My friend told me”“You heard that?”“I have a prayer request for”“I saw and they

said”“I heard”

Notice that conversations are not usually whispered! A hand is not held up to shield our mouths as we spread our opinion, assumptions and speculation of what someone told. That is not our normal posture or body language when we are gossiping. The set up is normally casual and we just talk over a cup of coffee or on the phone or maybe as we visit on a Summer evening in the back yard as in this particular story of a short visit with a neighbor. We Joke and laugh often at someone else's expense.

This is how people are relating tol one another. It’s what we do. We’ve been doing it, I guess since the beginning of ever. 

**taken from Chapter Two, Without Spot or Wrinkle by Judy Chase (that's me)

Gonna be a few more weeks, they say before, I actually have a book in hand. In the mean time planning my marketing tactics. But I'll talk about that next time.

In the recliner, watching a Christmas movie of all things! Blessed and totally comfy. Leave a comment if you'd like. Sure am interested in what you have to say. Judy here on a Monday night.

Honestly Speaking

 Well hello! I have a favor to ask of you.

I know, I don't have any leverage over anyone who stops in on my blog so I'm not trying to pull something here.  Really!

Look, I don't claim to be old or anything!!! But, I am aware that I'm not up on all the ways and means of blogging. I haven't read up on the whys and wherefores', etiquette or anything. Honestly speaking, I just got on here, opened/signed up for a blog and here I am. I don't know what is customary and another thing, I'm trying to get my post read by more than 7 people. Well, one time it was 9.

So here's my request after all that honesty. I'd love to hear from YOU, If you've gotten this far in this writing this time around. Would you please comment? I would like some encouragement in writing here. And...

If you are feeling gracious and have the time and inclination leave a comment on how I might draw readers. I know, I know...I've sorta read how to do that but...I don't get it. Plain and simple. I added words that I think will pull up when people search and other than that, what else.

Should I try to make money like a lot of bloggers do? 

Is it possible that my subject matter isn't interesting enough?

Don't like my style? (if that's what ya' call it)

I sure need some advice, some help, some kind words if you are so inclined. And if it's my age, well, it is what it is! 

Should I have a specific topic of conversation throughout all my posts. Like should my blog only cover or talk about a specific topic? Would that be read?

I also know it's a busy time in this world, I hope some, more than one of those who pass through, will leave a generous comment and help this blogger/writer out.

Yours truly, Judy

the pic is of me and the museum artifact behind me...a group day trip.

 There it is...the front cover of my first ever book to be released soon. I'm just thrilled about becoming a published author at 79.  Would have never, never imagined that this could possibility become a reality for me.

I've been writing a long time but not for publishing. Mostly journaling over the past 10 years. I have written some stories but never published or even really thought it possible. And, yes this is a self published book. Let me explain...

Use to be there were publishing company's that would evaluate a manuscripts, decide whether or not they thought it would sell, hand the author a big check, publish the book with very little revenue going to the author.  Well they won't take a manuscript to even look at it. They won't accept a manuscript unless you are already a best selling author. Then there is a protocol to follow. 

Today, if you want to have a manuscript to publish you can but you have to pay up front or some will allow a payment plan. Your manuscript is received if it follows the publisher requirements. So for me to get published I had to have a particular amount of words. Mine exceeded 300K.  Then it had to be typed in MSWord.  

This type of publishing use to be called Vanity Press mainly because the author was charged a large amount to have the manuscript published. Not true anymore. Because the Self Publisher changed their way of publishing and the costs they are quickly becoming the best way to get a manuscript published. 

There are a couple of other options and they may all be free, I don't know.  Ebooks through Amazon, Barnes and Noble and there may be others. You can always google and find more information.

So, for me it was the best choice to find a Christian Publisher first then look for the least expensive I could find and then contact them to see what i would have to do. My next move as it get's closer to release is to arrange publicity for it's release and I don't know anything about that..

Very shortly I will be finding out what I need to do and how to do it...I'll be doing a post about that when I know anything....

It's Saturday, I'm in the cottage with Milo and it's not yet noon in Lubbock, Texas with an afternoon temp of 98...that's hot!

Hope you have a good weekend....later