How To Write A Book Successfully

Whether a person is new at writing or an experience journalist, writing the first book can become over-whelming. The main thing to remember is to take it one step at a time. If you haven’t done some kind of research about the writing process, it might be a good place to start. Most writers don’t suddenly begin to write a book or novel. There has usually been a point in their life where they realize that writing has been their passion from an early age. Now don’t take this the wrong way, but there are only a few people who have decided they wanted to be a writer later in life. Most writers have had some idea or preconception regarding writing early on. If you have decided you want to write a book, then decide what the book will be about. Research your topic, search for your niche market, develop a plan and write.  So Let’s Get Started!

Dealing With Depression

Not a lot of people are talking about it, but many are dealing with it.  Depression is a very real thing that interferes with peoples health, happiness and everyday lives.  I hope by sharing my story and suggestions, I can help someone else. 

I have been dealing with Depression in some sort or another from an early age.  I was the youngest daughter of four girls.  Growing up I felt like I had to compete with my older sisters for my friends.   If I brought someone home, they usually wanted to hang out with one of my older sisters.  I guess she had that crazy spunky personality that attracted people to her.  I guess you can say I was down to earth, boring to some.  I considered myself loyal and friendly but could never hold on to my friends if my sister was around.

Then in middle school the Depression worsened.  I wasn’t the popular girl that everyone looked up to.  I wasn’t the cheerleader or the basketball player, I was just me.  I was quiet in school with a few friends but most of the time, they ended up in other classes than me, so I felt alone.  Then one day, a guy started to talk to me.  He actually liked me.  Another girl, who must have been jealous tried to break us up.  That same girl, who I will not name, followed me all through school.  If I had a boyfriend, she would go after him.  Luckily in high school I found a boyfriend outside of school that I didn’t have to worry about her taking from me.  For some reason having a boyfriend,  gave me some joy.  I wasn’t no longer completely alone.  Now I had someone that I could hang out with and do things with on the weekend.  But at school, I often sat alone.

Now that I have been married, I feel like my greatest accomplishment in life has been my children.  They have brought me such happiness.  When my son moved out, my heart was broken and grieved.  He joined the Air Force without telling me or my husband.  We had only a few months to get used to this idea.  When we went to Nashville to let him give his official oath, I tried to convince him to sign up for 4 not 6 years, but he only got angry with me when I ask him to.

I never felt like my husband had my back regarding talking to my kids; discipling them.  I felt like I had to be the bad guy and he was the friend type of dad.  When my daughter was getting married, I tried every moment I could to spend time with her, because she would be moving to Texas.  The night before her wedding day I felt such dread.  I knew I would no longer have that closeness with her.  We always did everything together; shopping, watching movies, visiting with family, etc…

Now I have the empty nest syndrome.  It has been a couple years already but it still hurts.  People tried to tell me that I would enjoy it when my kids left home, but it simply isn’t true.  My daughter had a baby 3 months ago and we brought her back to the house to spend some time with her and the baby.  What joy we had when that precious boy livened up the room.  Now she has returned home with my grandson and I feel so sad.

I’m trying to find something that I can do that would bring me that happiness again.  I work part-time but when I get home, the sadness returns.  It doesn’t help that my husband works third shift and he sleeps during the day and works at night. So right now I am trying to just express myself through this blog, hoping it will help me overcome this Depression. I know that I have someone that I trust to help me through this and that is my Lord and Savior.  He has helped me so much in the past and I know he will help me now. Also, I am trying to find something to do that will bring me happiness again.  So far I have thought about joining a gym or dieting.  I think it may help me with my overall perspective if I can accomplish something; which is to lose some weight.  I used to be thin but age has caught up with me.  My metabolism has certainly slowed down.

Leave me a comment if this has helped you in any way.  I have written about Depression in the past; things you can do to overcome it.  Please check out this blog post.  Taking Care of Mental Health

Poem: Twas the Day of Easter

T’was the day of Easter and all through the land,

kids were home playing and mom was lending

a hand. The weather man was on tv talking

about bad weather coming, while an old man

was on his porch humming. The folks of

Alabama were rushing to Walmart for some

toilet paper and milk, others were sewing

mask of linen and silk. Some were searching

the house for candles in case of tornadoes.

Others were out buying flowers at Lowes.

Many are dreaming of Jesus return, while

some are hoping this virus would burn.

The churches are empty which to me

seems odd, because today we should worship

Jesus and our God. The mayor is restricting

our meetings of more than ten, others laugh

and joke about their world of sin. One day many

will question what they did wrong, while

searching for loved ones all the day long. Then

they will remember what the preacher said,

causing their hearts to dread. Realizing Jesus

has come and went, no more chances to ever repent.

Why is This Happening Lord

Seems like this world has changed overnight.  People are asking: What’s Happening Lord.   (Read this post)

Not one small group of people, not one country, but the world has been affected by this pandemic called COVID 19.  Started in one small remote place in China and now inhibits every part of the world in some way or another.  It can’t be contained.  It can’t be bargained with.  It is deadly and it is not choosy.  It can kill a young man while leaving an older man to live.  This virus has changed the worlds views one way or another.  Some blame China; some blame government; some blame individuals.  Let me tell you this one thing that I have realized.  Quit blaming people.  Quit worrying about self.  Start looking up.  Start looking for Jesus, our Savior.  I have no doubts that Jesus is the only one who can take care of this pandemic.  The problem is that people are looking everywhere else other than God.  They want government to fix the problem.   Only God can heal our land.  God can heal our land but we need to turn to him and pray and ask him to save us.

Is Repentance Needed for Salvation

Lately I came to realized that many people think that they do not need to turn from their sin; that they can continue in sin and still go to Heaven. They think that they can call on Jesus once, attend a few church services, then go out and drink, party and live in sin without any consequences. Today rebellion is more common amongst those that claim they know God. They have the attitude, “I believe in God so he will not punish me. It doesn’t matter what I do because Jesus will forgive me. They think they can continue to sin, drink alcohol, party, or sleep around and God will forgive them anyway. If you are one that thinks that he can live in this fashion and all will be forgiven, you are sadly mistaken and don’t understand the scriptures.
Sadly a new ungodly movement; the Progressive church is teaching falsehoods and many people are following this cult because they want to continue to sin and this fake church says they can live like the devil and still be saved. Wrong! The Bible teaches all man to repent of his sins. They try to say that repent just means to turn from. Well if that is the case; we do need to turn from sin, but we shouldn’t continue in sin, we should turn far away from it.
Mark 1:4-John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Luke 15:7-I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. Luke 24:47-And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
God says in 1 Corinthians 6:9,10 “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.”
Don’t let Satan deceive you in believing a lie. God expects his people to live holy and to be separate from the world. Satan has blinded the eyes of man where they think that such abominations are overlooked by God. They try to tell you to accept man as he and not to “Judge him”. God will not overlook wickedness. You cannot continue in sin.
Romans 6:1-12 says: 1. What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. 10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
If a person says they believe in God, but they haven’t turned from their sin and want to continue in sin, then they are not born again. John 3:5- Jesus answered, Verily, verily I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
The only answer to sin is death, but Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Romans 6:11,12 says, “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.” Colossians 3:5 says, “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” That means to put them away and not do again.

Lead Me Lord Jesus

We should never look to ourselves on what we think is right.  We should always look to the Heavenly Father and his son Jesus for direction.  Jesus was perfect, lived a perfect sinless life.  He was God’s son.  He loved everyone and tried to help people realize their sinful nature.  He wanted people to realize that they needed God.  That is why we need to follow him and no other.  Many will come saying follow me; but Christ is the only one you should ever follow.  He can lead you to everlasting life.  He can help you with all your trials and hardships in this life, but we must trust in him as our Lord.

Will you receive Christ Jesus as your Lord and Savior?

1. First you must repent of your sins.
2.  Then you must pray and ask Jesus into your life.
3.  Next turn from your sins.
4.  Try to live a godly life.
5.  Tell others about Jesus

Read more here: Lead Me Lord Jesus

 

A Person’s Attitude Illuminates Character

Photo by Adrian Boustead on Pexels.com

A person’s attitude illuminates their character.  This simply means that a person is often judged by how they act and how they react to certain situations.  If they are having a bad day and then continue their day in a bad mood; they will portray themselves as a negative, unkind person.  I’ve seen people who I know are really nice people, but after having a hard day at work, they allow themselves to become entangled in that one instance where their character is illuminated in a negative way.  Or perhaps stressors and trials that a person may be going through, can shine negatively through their attitude.  We want others to see us in the best light possible.  Even on our bad days…..

I know it is hard to always have a smile on our face, but we should strive to be friendly no matter the situation.  Once in a while, I’ve seen that one person that has overcome some terrible obstacles in their life, shine brightly among us.  They are thankful, praising God for the blessings that he has given them; despite them losing their home to a tornado or flood.  Their character is a blessing and it illuminates beauty from within.  A character that only God can help them portray. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

I encourage you to “Let your light shine brightly” even on the cloudy days.

Eating a Healthier Diet

It is sad to say that most people don’t eat a healthy diet and they know it.  Diet is a major factor in our overall health.  Below I will give you reasons to eat a healthy diet and give you insights on how diet can affect your health.

1. People who don’t  drink enough water become dehydrated.  This can lead to colon problems, organ dysfunction and possibly failure.  Skin needs hydrated in order to stay healthy.  Skin is the largest organ in the body.  Organs are made of cells that form tissues and need fluid and/or blood to function.  The skin helps to hold in heat, senses pressure and temperature and protects other organs of our body.
2. Eating healthy foods full of vitamins are essential for overall health and sustain life.  Vitamins  have play different roles in the body.  Example of vitamin needs are: Vitamin B6 is needed for brain and healthy blood formation.  Folic acid is needed especially in pregnant women to prevent birth defects such as cleft lip.  Vitamin D is needed for healthy bones.  Vitamin K is needed for blood clotting.  The list goes on and on.
3. Eating unhealthy foods such as eating a high fat diet can cause obesity and Diabetes.  It can clog arteries and cause heart disease.  Eating a high salt diet can cause high blood pressure, stroke, kidneys disease.  Eating spicy foods if you have certain diseases can cause other issues such as GERD, dyspepsia, and worsen colitis, etc…
4. Food itself is necessary in order to sustain life.  Anorexics are people that don’t eat much food and they are very unhealthy.  They often die early.  Food gives us our energy.  A low carbohydrate diet affects our energy.  A high carb diet can lead to Diabetes.

Diet is very important because it can determine whether we live healthy lives or develop diseases.  A ketogenic diet can control a Seizure without the use of medications.  Always talk to your doctor before eliminating anything in your diet.  Example is that a vegan does without meats and dairy; which is very essential in obtaining needed vitamins.

Taking Care of Mental Health

Women are often worriers and don’t often take time to care for their mental health.  Let me be clear.  I am in no way a Psychologist so please keep that in mind.  As a woman who has dealt with some mental health issues in the past, I know how important taking care of our overall mentality is important in staying healthy.  So I hope I can inspire and educate you to take care of yourself.  Depression is a real thing and should be taken very seriously.  It came upon me one day without notice.  I know that women have a bigger chance of developing some Depression as they get older.  Not to say that younger women do not.  I know of younger women who have committed suicide so it can come upon anyone at any age.

The older the woman becomes she begins to examine her past; her accomplishments  and her failures in life.  She evaluates things that she could have done better; whether it is a different career, better family life, etc…. Mistakes will be made in our lives.  It is only natural to second guess ourselves.  It is when life starts to overwhelm us that we need to take a step backward and find ways to eliminate those stressors in our lives.  Whether it is working too many hours on a job or too many pressures in our family life.  Always take time to relax and allow your mental health some much needed relaxation. Stress can cause death.  It can cause a huge stroll on us.  Don’t ever think their isn’t a way out of our troubles and trials.  Below is a list of things that may help to eliminate stress in our lives.

1.  Find a library and read!
2. Find a church to attend and/or find time for your spiritual well being.  This is part of your mental health and should never be overlooked!
3. Take a few minutes everyday for yourself.  (Whether sitting in your car in a parking lot by yourself or watching some tv on your couch)
4. Don’t forget to breathe!  Most women who are stressed, hold their breath without realizing it.
5. Write down things that you need to do and forget about them.   If you have them written down, you won’t forget to do them, but quit stressing over them.
6. Get a much needed massage.
7. Get a pedicure; it can be very relaxing
8. Get a makeover
9. Go shopping (if this relaxes you?)
10. Find a hobby, whether writing or painting, etc…

 

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Let your Beauty Shine Through

Let your Beauty Shine Through

I hope I have inspired you to let your beauty shine from within you by being kind, compassionate and loving to others. In my last post I talked about how beauty comes from within us. Beauty comes from having a good heart, being kinder, more compassionate, and helping to others, etc… Now I want to help you to let your beauty shine.  This can be accomplished by taking care of yourself. As a registered nurse I have learned that that people seldom take care of themselves. People work a lot, have busy lives and they don’t take time to relax. Take a few minutes to unwind from your busy day. Watch some tv, read a book, lounge on the couch and simply relax.

One main reason we are so unhealthy is that we simply don’t eat right. We indulge in things that are bad for us. We don’t take vitamins, we don’t drink enough water. These things are necessary for our overall health. I will talk later about these things in a post about (Eating a healthier diet).

Life consist of baby steps. Each step leads us somewhere. Either in a positive direction or negative.  So follow me and I will help you and encourage you to take steps in the right direction.  I want to inspire you to live a happy, healthier life.  Then, you will have beauty that will shine through and many will see it from afar.

Related link: https://www.facebook.com/Tracy-Kauffman-Mary-Kay-Independent-Consultant-102692284460936/