Monday, November 9, 2015

A Step in the Write Direction--November 9, 2015--Keep It Simple

A Step in the Write Direction
November 9, 2015

Update:  Every morning for the past few days when I walk my dog, I pass 19 crosses on the lawn in front of the clubhouse--each one with a name on it, signifying someone from the mobile home park who died this past year. It's hard not to look at them, knowing one has the name of my husband. But last night, passing them, I realized it is the Cross, and the One who died on it, that gives me the hope of seeing Gary again!...Speaking of my doggie, he nabbed at me again this morning 3 times. When I got up, I saw he wasn’t walking on his left hind leg, so he must be hurting and I must have touched it when I moved him on the bed. Taking him to the vet at 12:30. I’m really getting attached to the little guy….Thoughts today of my bestest friend of 69 years (since 2nd grade) who passed away a year ago today, and my brother-in-law who died 9 years ago today….Had a nice combination Veterans/Memorial service in clubhouse yesterday with family members lighting a candle for a relative. I did okay until the Taps....Say thanks to a veteran this week!

Thought for the Day: Lord, Thou knowest...that I am growing older and will someday be old. ...Keep me reasonably sweet....a sour old person is one of the crowning works of the devil... Make me thoughtful, but not moody; helpful but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom, it seems a pity not to use it all, but Thou knowest, Lord, that I want a few friends at the end. (Author unknown, from Wes Tracy’s “Manna Morsels”).

Song for the Day:
Down through the ages, God wrote His love
With the same hands that suffered and bled;
Giving all that he had to give,
A message so easily read.
I love you, I love you
That's what Calvary said;
I love you, I love you,
I love you, written in red.
Gordon Jensen, “Written in Red”

Laugh for the Day: A pickpocket appeared before the judge for a series of crimes. The judge said, “Sir, you are hereby fined $100.” The thief’s lawyer stood up and said, “Your honor, my client has only $75 on him at this time, but if you’d allow him a few minutes in the crowd…”

Writer’s Tips:             Keep It Simple

Jesus gave us the most profound truths in simple language, for example, John 3:16 and John 11:35. Short and easy to understand. I'll never forget the first Sunday I attended church after my mother's funeral. The preacher spoke on John 11:35, relating how Jesus wept after the death of His good friend Lazarus. The strength and power of those two words enveloped me and I knew that, in my hour of sorrow, Jesus was weeping with me.

As a teen I worked for a local variety store. Each day, walking to the employees’ lounge, I passed by nine paper sacks on the wall—ranging from the largest the store used to the smallest. Each sack had a word on it, and together they spelled out: DON’T USE THIS SIZE IF THIS SIZE WILL DO.

That's what we need to remember as writers. Don’t use a five-syllable word if a one- or two-syllable word will do.

 Have a good week spreading the
gospel through the printed page.

Donna Clark Goodrich

·          100-Plus Motivational Moments for Writers and Speakers – half-price $5, $2.69 s&h (This is free if you purchase 5 other books.) (I’ve now purchased the remaining inventory from the publisher. The book has been out-of print for a number of years, so this is it! If you buy FIVE copies, I’ll throw one in free. This will make a great, inexpensive gift for members of your writers’ group.)
·          A Step in the Write Direction—the Complete How-to Guide for Christian Writers—NEW edition with assignments throughout! $19.95, $3.22 s&h
·           A Step in the Write Direction—the Complete How-to Guide for Christian Writers (the original)on sale--$10.00, $3.22 s&h (only 29 left)
·          A Step in the Write Direction—Student Edition with assignments throughout—on sale—$8, $2.72 s&h)
·          The Freedom of Letting Go (new one coming out will have discussion questions; can be used in S.S. class or small group); original copies without questions now on sale for half-price--$7.50, $2.69 s&h
·          Healing in God’s Time (story of Dave Clark, composer of 26 songs that have gone to #1 on the charts); was $15; now $10, $2.69 s&h
·          The Little Book of Big Laughs—105 purse/pocket-size book of clean jokes—$5; up to 4 for same s&h—$2.69. Great gift for writers, pastors, and teens.
·          Preparing Your Heart for Christmas (31 Advent Devotions) half-price—$5
·          Michigan and Ohio Cookbooks; half-price $5 each, plus s&h (depending on number ordered)








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