I love how the Lord gives us what we need, when we need it.
With starting a new full-time job, my time and enthusiasm for writing had waned. Finding the energy and the time to write seemed a daunting task. My church and friends were praying for me and I asked God to remove all desire and let me feel okay about NOT WANTING to write. Well that didn't happen and an awesome thing did. I met another ACFW member in my small town of 2500 people. A women who is enthusiastic and so eager to learn. Her enthusiasm has rubbed off on me. Thank you, Lord. We've become face-to-face critique partners and I love seeing writing through her eyes. And it's been great to be accountable to someone on a weekly basis. And to be able to share what I've learned so far. And to be editing my second novel, The Moon Has No Light.
Thank you, Lord. You know what I need when I need it.
About Marian
- Marian Merritt
- Christian, Wife, Mother, Writer, Physical Therapist, Environmental Compliance Techanician,and whatever else needed. But mostly, I'm an ordinary woman who serves an extraordinary God... Thanks for visiting. May you be blessed in an extraordinary way today.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Book Review - An Irishwoman's Tale
I met Patti Lacy over the internet a couple of years ago then in person at the ACFW conference in Dallas in September of 2007. After reading her debut novel, I saw her personal beauty shine through in the way she told this story. Patti has an awesome way with words. READ HER BOOK. You won't be disappointed...
Review of An Irishwoman's Tale:
Bravo to first time author, Patti Lacy! The story, the characters, the plot all gel to make An Irishwoman's Tale a book worth reading. Based on a true story, Patti has woven the elements of fact and fiction to take the reader through the life of Mary, a poor Irish girl whose life is a series of rejection and poor choices. But it is also a story of an unlikely friendship, of unselfish forgiveness, and God's amazing redemption. In this fast-paced world where reading is a luxury few can afford, this book, filled with deeply drawn characters, is definitely worth your time.
Review of An Irishwoman's Tale:
Bravo to first time author, Patti Lacy! The story, the characters, the plot all gel to make An Irishwoman's Tale a book worth reading. Based on a true story, Patti has woven the elements of fact and fiction to take the reader through the life of Mary, a poor Irish girl whose life is a series of rejection and poor choices. But it is also a story of an unlikely friendship, of unselfish forgiveness, and God's amazing redemption. In this fast-paced world where reading is a luxury few can afford, this book, filled with deeply drawn characters, is definitely worth your time.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Time, Time, Time
Wow, I can't believe it's been so long since I've last posted.
Yet, there's been so much that's happened, it's easy to see how time has slipped away.
Brief catch-up:
My Dad indeed passed away at the end of April. God blessed me with two weeks to spend by his bedside before he went on to be with our Savior.
Two weeks later, we moved into our new house. Pics to come later.
Two weeks later, my daughter graduated from high-school and we hosted 8 family members for several days. Lots of fun and it was great for my Mom to travel to a new part of the country.
In the midst of the above, I started a full-time job working for a local Oil company. Helps to offset the costs of the house and a daughter starting college in a few weeks!!!!
I continue to receive rejections on my first manuscript. But they are getting more personal and provide some encouraging feedback. Who would have thought that a rejection could be encouraging?
I'm currently working on a Certification as a Health Specialist in Ergonomics and hoping to write a book for writers...all those hours at the keyboard.
Life sure has a way of keeping us on our toes and sometimes in a tailspin. I've come to understand--that's normal. How we react to those tumultuous moments can mean the difference between chaos and trust.
I've had many moments in the last few months to examine my reaction to life events and quite frankly, sometimes chaos edged closer than I preferred. But in the end, peace and trust reigned. Why? Because I handed those moments to the Lord. He does a much better job than I.
Yet, there's been so much that's happened, it's easy to see how time has slipped away.
Brief catch-up:
My Dad indeed passed away at the end of April. God blessed me with two weeks to spend by his bedside before he went on to be with our Savior.
Two weeks later, we moved into our new house. Pics to come later.
Two weeks later, my daughter graduated from high-school and we hosted 8 family members for several days. Lots of fun and it was great for my Mom to travel to a new part of the country.
In the midst of the above, I started a full-time job working for a local Oil company. Helps to offset the costs of the house and a daughter starting college in a few weeks!!!!
I continue to receive rejections on my first manuscript. But they are getting more personal and provide some encouraging feedback. Who would have thought that a rejection could be encouraging?
I'm currently working on a Certification as a Health Specialist in Ergonomics and hoping to write a book for writers...all those hours at the keyboard.
Life sure has a way of keeping us on our toes and sometimes in a tailspin. I've come to understand--that's normal. How we react to those tumultuous moments can mean the difference between chaos and trust.
I've had many moments in the last few months to examine my reaction to life events and quite frankly, sometimes chaos edged closer than I preferred. But in the end, peace and trust reigned. Why? Because I handed those moments to the Lord. He does a much better job than I.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
The Gentle Giant
The waters of Lake Pontchartrain welcomed like a grand dame hosting her own. Although the view was limited by the size of the plane's window, the sight stirred pent-up emotions. From deep within.
In the distance, the afternoon sun reflected from the newly-repaired roof of the infamous Superdome--more stirrings. I'm Home.
My heart twitches with a bevy of emotion. I visit, not to enjoy once again the plethera of seafood, not to take in the good times of family, and not to take in the quiet history of oak-laden plantations. I come to say goodbye.
I come to grab those last moments that God would allow with the man who I will always, despite today's sad reality, view as invincible. The man who could fix anything (including his own lacerated thumb). The man who seemed unstoppable (as evidenced by carrying over 300 wheelbarrows of dirt), the man who stood for strength and stability and as the anchor of home. My dad.
As I take in the worn body, one struggling for the last breaths malfunctioning lungs allow, I see his spirit--it's still invincible. Still strong. I see a gentle giant who rarely complains and still smiles behind the annonying mask pumping massive amounts of oxygen to lungs refusing to accept the life-sustaining mix. But what I see, maybe for the first time the quiet courage of a gentle man who knows his days on this earth are coming to an end. As I watch his struggle to do what I can without effort--breathe, I fully grasp the essence of my father--his spirit, his courage, his character. With a heavy heart, I wonder--Would I exhibit such grace were I in his position? Did I inherit a small measure of his character to endure in quiet dignity what he now endures?
The question burns in my heart. Am I prepared to say goodbye? Are we ever? Yet, I pray for God's mercy on him. To relieve his suffering. My father's exit will leave an unfillable void. And as I prepare, as best I can, to grieve, I cling to hope assured. I can see his smiling face and envision his joy as he reunites with his own parents comfortably in the arms of his Savior, Jesus. For that, I am eternally grateful.
In the distance, the afternoon sun reflected from the newly-repaired roof of the infamous Superdome--more stirrings. I'm Home.
My heart twitches with a bevy of emotion. I visit, not to enjoy once again the plethera of seafood, not to take in the good times of family, and not to take in the quiet history of oak-laden plantations. I come to say goodbye.
I come to grab those last moments that God would allow with the man who I will always, despite today's sad reality, view as invincible. The man who could fix anything (including his own lacerated thumb). The man who seemed unstoppable (as evidenced by carrying over 300 wheelbarrows of dirt), the man who stood for strength and stability and as the anchor of home. My dad.
As I take in the worn body, one struggling for the last breaths malfunctioning lungs allow, I see his spirit--it's still invincible. Still strong. I see a gentle giant who rarely complains and still smiles behind the annonying mask pumping massive amounts of oxygen to lungs refusing to accept the life-sustaining mix. But what I see, maybe for the first time the quiet courage of a gentle man who knows his days on this earth are coming to an end. As I watch his struggle to do what I can without effort--breathe, I fully grasp the essence of my father--his spirit, his courage, his character. With a heavy heart, I wonder--Would I exhibit such grace were I in his position? Did I inherit a small measure of his character to endure in quiet dignity what he now endures?
The question burns in my heart. Am I prepared to say goodbye? Are we ever? Yet, I pray for God's mercy on him. To relieve his suffering. My father's exit will leave an unfillable void. And as I prepare, as best I can, to grieve, I cling to hope assured. I can see his smiling face and envision his joy as he reunites with his own parents comfortably in the arms of his Savior, Jesus. For that, I am eternally grateful.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Housing Development - April 6
I know it's been awhile since I've posted pics. Truthfully, we've been pretty busy. I've started a part-time job, the house is getting close to completion, and Hope will be graduating in less than two months! Phew, life really does come at you fast!
Here are pictures of the latest in our house-building saga--yes, saga. It seems to go on and on...
But one day I know it'll be finished and worth the wait.
The tongue & groove ceiling in the great room is going up. I'm really loving the way the knotty pine looks. We're using a light oak colored stain and it's really warming up the room and going well with the paint colors.
The kitchen tile is down (grout left to do) and some of the cabinets are in place. It's starting to look like a place where meals will one day be prepared!
The master bedroom. The stacked boxes are hardwood flooring for the great room.
The master bath - getting close...
We're hoping to be finished within the next month. But I've learned not to get my hopes up. This whole building process seems to have a mind of its own.
Until next time...
Here are pictures of the latest in our house-building saga--yes, saga. It seems to go on and on...
But one day I know it'll be finished and worth the wait.
The tongue & groove ceiling in the great room is going up. I'm really loving the way the knotty pine looks. We're using a light oak colored stain and it's really warming up the room and going well with the paint colors.
The kitchen tile is down (grout left to do) and some of the cabinets are in place. It's starting to look like a place where meals will one day be prepared!
The master bedroom. The stacked boxes are hardwood flooring for the great room.
The master bath - getting close...
We're hoping to be finished within the next month. But I've learned not to get my hopes up. This whole building process seems to have a mind of its own.
Until next time...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)