The Vulnerability of the Writer

I was having dinner with a few friends the other night and we were talking about blogging, and I realized something: Being a writer can be scary. We were talking about the times we’ve written blog posts and then deleted them because we were so worried about what readers would think. One of my friends [...]

Are You Weary in the Waiting?

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV It seems that if a writer isn’t writing, then she’s waiting… Waiting to get edits back from a critique partner.Waiting to hear from [...]

Getting Picked Last

When I was a kid, I had a pretty stiff case of childhood asthma. I couldn’t run much, and because my dad was a Turkish immigrant and never played baseball or football, he never coached me to hone my skills in those regards (they still remain latent to this day). Consequently, I was usually the [...]

Need Stress Relief? Look Up!

My grandkids and I have been busy with all kinds of science fun this month – from one grandchild’s science fair projects to another’s computer lessons that are part of his Christian home schooling program. Much of it has been fun. Working with them as much as I do, I often learn new things myself [...]

How to Write Without an Office

Does the lack of privacy keep you from writing? In a recent web class I learned more about the unique way I learn, write and study. I had to laugh but I’m in a stage of life where my natural needs in the way of office space (private, quiet, creatively decorated) aren’t an option. With five [...]

When You Just Don’t Fit the Market

I’ve never felt like I fit. Growing up in the 70s and 80s on Long Island, New York, I didn’t know anyone whose parents (or grandparents) were divorced except mine. I didn’t know any other kids who had to visit their dad on the weekend instead of doing fun stuff with friends. And I didn’t [...]

Rejoicing in Hope Every Day

I looked up at our black walnut tree and cringed. This winter we’ve been denuding it of all its green “finger thick” limbs, donating pounds and pounds of them to a good cause—a friend’s alternative cancer therapies. Evidently one of the natural approaches she is trying involves drinking a tea made from young black walnut [...]

Writer’s Block, Now What?

Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others. For, “Who can know the LORD’s thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?” But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ. ~1 Corinthians 2:15-16 Writer’s block, now that is an interruption of great difficulty for [...]

If I Only Knew Then…

The phrase, “If I knew then what I know now…” is applicable to my life in many ways. There are many things I wish I could tell young Stephanie. Like that bangs are not a good look for you. Nor are shorts-overalls   Or, “You should not wear that hat.”   Or that making a [...]

His Love for Us Never Ends

I remember the day in the middle of the week, the Holy Spirit tugged at my heart. It invited me to take a break and spend some time with Jesus after a stressful day of school. I couldn’t let this invitation go. I desired to speak to Him. Once I got home, I set my [...]

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