writesftk

THIN PLACE--GOD & PUSH UPS

2010-02-12T14:12:00.000-08:00

In 1989, I joined the Army. In order to start basic training, I had to do one “man’s” pushup. No problem. I had trained with a hard-core Marine.
I climbed on top of a table and got in “position.”
Two drill sergeants stood on each side of me.
I lowered my torso to the table.
"Lower!” they yelled. “You have to go lower."
I tried.
Again and again, I endeavored to push my chest to the table and back once more.
But my limbs gave out, and I collapsed to the table.
Not making it meant two weeks in Fitness Company (eight hours of physical training for two weeks).
I cried so hard to God, “How could you do this to me? You brought me to New Jersey to fail.”
I was so angry.
Well, I did my two weeks and went onto basic—doing fifty pushups, mind you. But that two-week detour followed me.
I ended up being two weeks late for starting class in Chaplain’s school and had to wait for the next class. The entire class I missed shipped out for the war in Panama.
Then I missed my permanent assignment by two weeks and was reassigned. The position I should have had, went to Desert Storm. And, when I got out, I joined the National Guard, missing the L.A. Riots by two weeks.
I have learned that God has my best interest in mind, even when I can’t see it. He can use even a pushup to protect me; I just need to trust Him.

Bulletin Mistakes

2009-06-15T09:27:00.000-07:00

As many people know, I am a church graphic designer, as well as a writer. So it is fun to read how placing words in the wrong order in a bulletin can make for some interesting reading. Here are some famous bulletin mistakes...

The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.
--------------------------
The sermon this morning: 'Jesus Walks on the Water.'
The sermon tonight: 'Searching for Jesus.'
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Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.
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Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile
at someone who is hard to love. Say 'Hell' to someone who
doesn't care much about you.
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Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.
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Miss Charlene Mason sang 'I will not pass this way again,' giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.
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For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
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Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.
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Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the
church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.
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A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church
hall. Music will follow.
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At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be
'What Is Hell?' Come early and listen to our choir practice.
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Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new
members and to the deterioration of some older ones.
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Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be
recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.
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Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want
remembered.
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The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious
hostility.
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Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to follow.
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The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen
in the basement on Friday afternoon.
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This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.
--------------------------
Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10 AM. All ladies are invited to
lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B. S. Is done.
--------------------------
The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the Congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.
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Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door.
--------------------------
The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church basement
Friday at 7 PM. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.
--------------------------
Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.
--------------------------
The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new campaign slogan last
Sunday: 'I Upped My Pledge - Up Yours.’

TAPS TO THE SOUL

2009-06-03T19:24:00.000-07:00

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2008-11-20T14:11:00.001-08:00

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DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A PUBLISHED AUTHOR?

2008-11-18T12:44:00.000-08:00

Answer these four questions:
1. DO YOU HAVE AN INCREDIBLE PASSION FOR WRITING? Like in anything, you have to be passionate about your field. A pastor once said about ministry, "You know you're called when you aren't happy doing anything else."
2. ARE YOU WILLING TO DO WHAT IT TAKES? If you want to be published, you have to be willing to train, and hone your craft. You can't expect to get published, if you aren't willing to join a critique group, attend writer's conferences, read books, take courses, etc. Think about the business world. A person who sits at his or her desk just doing his or her thing, doesn't get far. But the successful person is always in motion--networking, training, etc.
3. ARE YOU WILLING TO FIGHT FOR IT? If you want to be published bad enough, you'll need to fight for it. That means you don't interpret one NO as a reason to give up. You keep fine tuning your piece ... then send, send, send it out some more. I have a binder full of rejection letters, but I also have a shelf full of published poems, plays, and books. I didn't listen to my English professor when he told me I'd never be published. There are a lot of writers in this world being published. Fight to be one of them.
4. DO YOU HAVE THE PATIENCE? So, you did it. You finally sent your manuscript. Now, you have to be patient. The writing world is SLOW! No news might be good news. Don't bug them. The waiting time for a response can be three months to a year. Keep in mind, if you bug them, you'll be sending your work out to someone else the following week---and the wait will start again.

COMING SOON

2008-10-10T10:56:00.001-07:00

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SDCWG Conference 2008

2008-09-30T14:52:00.000-07:00

This last weekend, September 26-27, 2008, I had the awesome opportunity to meet my editor from Meriwether Publishing, Rhonda Wray. I had the best time getting to know her. I always knew she was a sweet woman, now I think I can honestly call her friend.

Also, I stepped out of my comfort zone of being an author trying to get published, to an editor offering consultations and advice. It was weird stepping into the other side of the galaxy. I say, "galaxy," because that is how far away it felt. I have a whole new respect for editors and agents. Which brings me to the point of this blog. The faculty sit through proposal after proposal. They are asked lots of questions. And by the end of the day, they probably wonder, "Is it worth it?" If you ever consider attending a conference in the future, help the editors/agents by doing the following (And just so you know, I've been guilty of a few of these in the past):
1. CREATE A ONE-SHEET. This is a one page, easy to read sheet that lists the title, word count, genre, a SHORT summary of the book, an author's short bio, and the audience. Occasionally, it will have some marketing ideas as well.
2. DON'T BRING YOUR WHOLE MANUSCRIPT. Most agents/publishers need to get on a plane. With all the costs of luggage, don't expect them to take it with them. Also, they have 15 minutes with you. All they need to see is the first chapter and maybe a summary. That's it.
3. KNOW WHO YOU'RE MEETING WITH. I'm a romance/young adult editor, and yet, I had a bunch of people meet with me who write non-fiction devotionals. Before you book an appointment, make sure that the editor can help you. If not, it is a waist of both of your times.
4. MEMORIZE AN ELEVATOR PITCH. When someone asks you what your book is about, you should be able to tell them in 20-words or less. Editors have lots of people to talk to, so give it to them quickly. Also, learn a 50-word pitch in case the editor wants to know more.
5. DON'T BE DEFENSIVE. I know it is hard when you put your "baby" out there, but don't try an defend it to the hilt. The editor and agents know what sells. If they say fix something, they aren't saying "you stink," they are saying, "If you ever want to be published, these are the steps you're going to have to walk through." The choice is yours.

Like I said, I've been guilty of the some of the above. But after stepping into the role of editor, I now understand why those five things are so important!

MY COVER WINS @ STEPPING STONE MAGAZINE

2008-09-03T20:32:00.000-07:00

My cover, No Second Chance, by Maggie Toussiant, just won first place at Stepping Stones Magazine. Here is the link: http://www.freewebs.com/steppingstonesforwriters/bookcoverwinners.htm

I DID IT!!!

2008-08-13T21:39:00.000-07:00

After 33 years, I'm officially out of school...today, I TOTALLY got my diploma, for my master's degree, in the mail!!! Ricky and I staged a graduation, since I never got one, and took some pictures. Can you believe I did it? I'm sure no one in my past thought it possible (including me), but I now hold a master's degree in my hot, little hand!!! Whoo hoo. In the words of London from The Suite Life, "Yay, me!"

HIGH SCHOOL REUNION 2008

2008-08-12T10:53:00.000-07:00

On August 9, 2008, the alumni of Clairemont Christian High School converged at a restaurant in Clairemont for the first time, in over ninteen years, since the school closed down.

It was fun to see people I hadn't seen in since childhood. Like the Sherlocks.

Even some of the professors came: Mr. Ales & Mrs. Lebarron.

For some reason...I was voted the most changed (or unrecognizable). You decide:

Have I changed that much???

Anyways, it was fun to see old friends and even make some new ones that I didn't "roll" with in high school.

See you in five years!

Cool Video

2008-08-06T08:35:00.001-07:00

CAPISCE? DINNER THEATRE

2008-07-21T22:09:00.000-07:00

Well, I am finally done with another dinner theatre. It is amazing how you can just tell you were built to do something, that God knew I was to someday produce dinner theatres. From the script, to directing, to picking the menu...if I could do it every month, I would. I really enjoy it.

This year the script was "Capisce?" That is pronounced Kah-peesh for you non-Italian types. The story took the audience back to the 1930's Noir style, while they dined on Italian cuisine. Brendan Baldie played the mob boss, and I don't think anyone could have done a better job. Our detective was none other than Jonathan Nowlin. The boy is one of the strongest actors I've ever seen at his age. The siren was Carolyn Parfet. The woman is amazing and never ceases to amaze me with her talents. The entire team was made up of 13-23 year olds, but you wouldn't have guessed it. They were professional, hilarious and a joy to work with.

Well, I've submitted the script for publication, now we sit back and wait to see if that is the last time Capisce? will be produced. Last year's Who Dun Stole the Bride? was just picked up by Meriwether Publishing. I'm hoping it will do well.

Now onto the next year...Shooting Star @ Studio 66. See you there!

SDCWG SPRING BRUNCH

2008-04-21T21:48:00.000-07:00

(Picture of the Board with keynote speaker, John Shore.)
This Saturday (April 20, 2008), the San Diego Christian Writer's Guild held a Spring Brunch at Faith Chapel. It was an intimate affair, but a good time to socialize with those in the guild or interested in the guild. Izzy's Cafe did an amazing job on the food. (Thank you, Lori.) All and all, I would say it was a success. It was a time to relax and talk. Much needed from the chaos of the conference. I hope more people will come next year.

Top Ten Reasons I Keep Writing

2008-04-07T14:22:00.001-07:00

10. Because I can.
9. Because my high school teacher said I would never be published, and I aim to continue proving him wrong.
8. It gives me a good excuse to eat chocolate.
7. There isn't anything good on TV until after 8:00 pm anyways.
6. I need to show my children that dreams can come true.
5. So I can turn my brain off from life now and then.
4. It's more fun than housework.
3. I can create a character that will say everything I'm dying to say,
but can't legally say without getting sued.
2. It's an acceptable form of schizophrenia.
1. Because it's what I was created to do and I wouldn't be happy doing anything else.

Books Coming Soon!

2008-04-07T12:14:00.000-07:00

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Trick to Treat (YA ebook) This fall from The Wild Rose Press
Who Dun Stole the Bride? (Mystery Dinner Theatre Script) This Summer from Meriwether Publishing
Seek Ye First My Heart (YA Romance--Russell Family Series) E-book this July, print January 2009, from The Wild Rose Press.
Wanted: Boyfriend for Christmas (Inspirational Romance) This Christmas from The Wild Rose Press
Fried, Scrambled & Unequally Yoked (YA Romance--Russell Family Series) Sometime in 2009 from Wild Rose Press
Taps to the Soul (Inspirational Romance--Sequel to Reveille of the Heart) Sometime in 2009 from The Wild Rose Press

Mt. Hermon Christian Writer's Conference 2008

2008-03-19T11:43:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! As you know, I went to Mt. Hermon March 14-18. It was my first time, and boy was I in for a treat. What I loved about it:

1. The area was beautiful.

2. The educational value was beyond anything I expected.
I was in a clinic with Gail Roper and friends, and I can't tell you how valuable that time was! Also, it was great to hear one of America's best loved authors, Debbie Macomber speak each night.

3. The faculty was extremely helpful, friendly, and seemed to genuinely care about the authors and their dreams.
(Me & Robin Jones Gunn. I know I look like a goofball with Robin, but hey, you would too. It was very exciting. LOL)

4. I got to meet some of my favorite authors.
The hi-light being Robin Jones Gunn. Her book, "Echoes" was one of the reasons I started writing romance. Very big honor. And if you're wondering, she's a sweet person. I also met Jerry Jenkins, Angela Hunt, John Olson, Brandi Collins, Karen Ball, and the list goes on! Very honored to meet these folks!
(Me with Angela Hunt & Jerry Jenkins.)

5. I made wonderful friends.
Especially in the Cec Murphey group, the Edgy Fiction group, my clinic, and just sitting around eating. Some of their encouragement will stick with me forever. A special thank you to my roomie, Katherine!

(Katherine & Bethany)

6. I found God in a whole new way.
Though the worship time wasn't what I was used to, God showed up. I can't tell you how many times He touched my heart on this journey.

If you've never been, I highly recommend going. Link to Mt. Hermon

AND Thank you Cec Murphey for making this amazing trip possible. You changed my life, not only in writing, but spiritually as well. God bless you!!! For more about Cec, the Man Behind the Words, go HERE!

A GIRL NAMED CHRISTMAS, BEST SELLERS LIST AT THE WILD ROSE PRESS

2007-12-04T21:46:00.000-08:00

WHOO HOO!
Thanks all of you who have purchased, "A Girl Named Christmas." You've made it #1 for a few weeks now!!!

Love thy Sister, Guard thy Man Trailer

2007-11-28T10:11:00.001-08:00

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BOOK RELEASE OPEN HOUSE

2007-11-19T10:13:00.000-08:00

On November 16, 2007, I had my Book Release Open House for LOVE THY SISTER, GUARD THY MAN. It was a fun night of fellowship, with a few surprises. Here are some pictures to highlight the night:

Signing books

My high school English teacher, Mr. Bill Ales poses for a picture with me.

Some of the guests... Thank you, Marc Bailey for serving coffee!

Fellow author Susan Meissner celebrates her release too!

MEET AUTHOR KARA LYNN RUSSELL

2007-11-11T11:13:00.000-08:00

I had the awesome opportunity to interview Kara Lynn Russell, author of Until Summer’s End and the soon to be released holiday romance Nick and Noelle. Both are inspirational romances published by The Wild Rose Press. You can find Kara Lynn on the web at karalynnrussell.googlepages.com or at whiterosesinbloom.blogspot.com/

Q: When did you know you wanted to write?

A: I knew very early on, in elementary school. I loved making up stories. I got a lot of encouragement from my teachers which was a huge factor in the decision. I also got a lot of support from my parents.

Q: How do you make time for writing?

A: I usually get up early to write. But if I’m really hit with inspiration or have a deadline to meet, I make more time to write by putting off things like cleaning and laundry. (Sad, but true.) I try to never let my writing interfere with family time, though.

Q: What other jobs have you held or do you hold besides writing?

A: The most unusual job I’ve ever had was probably in college. I had a work study job as a costumer for the university theater department. That was a great experience. The best job I’ve ever had was to be a stay at home mom. Not everyone can do that, but I’m so happy I was able to. Now, I am the director of the my small town’s public library and I love that job, too.

Q: What is one of your favorite things to do when you're not writing?

A: I love to spend time with my family. My children range in age from 12 to 19. I don’t often get to spend time with them anymore so when I do, I treasure it. My husband has been working so much overtime lately that I hardly see him. I hope we can do something together when his big project is finished!

GOD USES GARBAGE DISPOSALS

2007-10-17T10:16:00.000-07:00

You may have read my blog on how God uses push ups...well, it appears He can even use objects as well. Who knew?

I have a lot of things in my life right now, that without faith, would eat me alive. I am in constant prayer, just trying to make it day-to-day. So, when my garbage disposal broke down, I about had it. The smell in our kitchen slowly drifted to the living room and soon, the dishes piled up and we opted to eat out. We didn't have the fundage to hire a repair man, so we just endured the mess.

A woman at my work used to be an apartment manager and brought me a tool and some advice. I used both, but NOTHING happened. I stood over the "puke-filled" sink and cried..."Jesus please, I beg you, make this thing work." I kid-you-not, the thing started right up. Acted like it had never been damaged. (I found a dime-size piece of glass inside, that of course might cause havoc.)

But what did this small miracle teach me. That if God cares about something as simple as my garbage disposal causing me grief, how much He must care about the gigantic things that are causing me pain. I know that I don't need to worry, because He will, as He promised, never leave or forsake me. He has written a plan for my life and I just need to believe everything will work out okay...no, better. Great.

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2007-07-23T09:54:00.001-07:00

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CELEBRATING OUR HERO'S EVENT

2007-07-02T08:49:00.000-07:00

The America's Heroes of Freedom and America's Heroes Tribute were here at Faith Chapel for a "Celebrating Our Heroes" Event, July 1, 2007. Here are a few pictures from that event.

(The Eternal Flame)

(Presentation to the POW's)

(Booksigning for "Reveille of the Heart")

(Presentation to all the Veterans in attendance)

NO WORRIES...HE'S IN THE BOAT

2007-06-25T22:45:00.000-07:00

I got a lot of this from a study at my church. I thought I would share what I've learned.

Matthew 4:38-
Jesus was in the boat asleep during an incredible storm. The disciples feared they would drown. Jesus got up, rebuked the wind and waves and all was calm. Then he asked the disciples, "Why were you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"

I love this study. How amazing that nature would obey Him, but then He spoke it all into exsistence and nature knows His voice. Here is the other thing, Jesus is always with us if we allow Him in our boat. At times it may seem the waves (problems) are just toooo high and the wind (trials) is just toooo strong. We begin to wonder does Jesus care? Is He asleep in the boat? But the truth is, He does care and no matter how bad things get, He will not let us drown. We just need to believe that He has the ability at anytime to rebuke the situation in our life. Our trial will pass either naturally or supernaturally. We just need to have faith.

The disciples had seen so much, and yet, even they were afraid. Says a lot about our human nature, doesn't it? I have seen so much, and yet, right now, I have a trial of my own. The moments when I've been afraid are the times when I haven't exactly invited Him into my boat. I know He has the power over my situation, He loves me and I will not drown. Therefore, I have no worries.

Remember: The tide in life will change and the level of the waves will alter. Some crash against life hard. Do we have faith?

"Whatever our trouble, whatever our pain, remember that God always sends rainbows after the rain." (Author Unknown)

REVEILLE OF THE HEART

2007-04-24T23:02:00.000-07:00

In 1989, I joined the Army 120 pounds soaking wet, just in time for the first war in the Middle East, Desert Storm. During my time in, I started writing down the hilarious things that happened me. Being dropped for push ups my first ten seconds in Basic Training for laughing. Going into the gas chamber without a mask. And many more. These things left an impression on me, so I decided to write a book that encompassed some of my misadventures. Thus, the genesis of the inspirational fiction novel, REVEILLE OF THE HEART.

REVEILLE OF THE HEART takes you on the journey into Camilla Harrison’s life as she joins the Army, despite her family and boyfriend’s objections. She crawls through mud, shoots weapons, goes through the gas chamber and ends up a POW…all the joys of basic training. When she reaches her permanent station, she meets Nathan Porter. He becomes an amazing friend. All seems great until Cami’s boyfriend Trevor decides to visit and proposes. Cami then has to decide between the man she always knew she would marry and her soul mate.

The book ends with one of the key characters being wounded in Iraq. A horrible tragedy that is unfortunately a reality in our world. When I started thinking about how I would promote Reveille, I got this desire to do more with my book. To give back to the very people that inspired my book. I'm looking to find an organization to support. If you know of one, let me know.

Kimberlee R. Mendoza
Author of “Reveille of the Heart”

Preparing from the Helicopter

2007-04-07T17:53:00.000-07:00

I have said millions of times, "God is in the helicopter, we are in the car." As I drive the car of life, often there are road blocks and detours that keep me from getting to MY goal. I get frustrated as I am directed another way. What I fail to realize is God's birdseye perspective can see the ditch on the other side of the detour. He is saving me from an amazing fall or maybe redirecting me toward something better. Afterwards, that 20/20 after sight kicks in, I see this clearly.

That has begun to happen again. I have wondered for years, why did I go into the Army? It was a spiritually hard time for me and I had many horrible things occur during my time served. Up until now, I just figured maybe God wanted me to go in so I could buy a house. (VA benefits are amazing.) But in the last few weeks, I have begun to see that it may be something bigger.

Through my church, I have met a woman who helps organize "America's Heroes of Freedom," an amazing organization that helps the fallen military and their families. Just in the small amount of time I've known about them, I am touched by all that they are doing. Being in the military during Desert Storm, gave me a soft spot for the military men and women. Also, I think being trained as a Chaplain Assistant also prepared me for what may lie ahead. I still don't totally know what God has in store for me, but I know he is clearing a path. And I'm excited where it will take me.

SIGHT TO THE BLIND

2007-01-18T09:32:00.000-08:00

As some people know, my youngest son was born with an eye that doesn't work. When we first went to the eye doctors, he couldn't see the big "E" close up. The past two years have been difficult as we blur the good eye and cover it with a patch. For a whole year, no change occurred. Then we began to really pray and at his last visit, he could see the third line.

A week ago, my pastor held a healing service. I believed I would take him down front and poof! he'd be healed. (I do believe this happens, since it has happened to me.) But when we got down there, my son went back to his seat the same. I struggled with this for days. Was my faith lacking? Did I have something in my life holding back the blessing? What did I do wrong? Then it hit me...I didn't do anything wrong. Look at this story in Mark:

Mark 8:22-25 "They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man's eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, "Do you see anything?"
He looked up and said, "I see people; they look like trees walking around."
Once more Jesus put his hands on the man's eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly."

My son sees the "trees walking around." Jesus is healing him, but the process is like this blind man in Mark 8. People have asked for centuries, "Why Jesus didn't just heal the man outright?" In Matthew 20 "[Jesus] touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight." He had the power to do it, but chose not to. Why? How can we know the mind of God?

There is a reason my son (and me) are going through this. He prays for his eyes every night and he is being healed. I can't second guess God, I just need to have faith. Faith that he loves my child and faith that he is healing him in His time. In the end, the blind man "saw everything clearly." And I believe my son will too. It is a matter of patience, perseverance, faith, and prayer. And when it is all said and done, my son's testimony will be right here!

God Knows Where I Am

2007-01-08T12:28:00.000-08:00

In the past several months, I've had this amazing anxiety about my future. Wondering what God's will is for my life. Praying for dreams to come true and for my future to make sense. It's been painful.

My pastor said something the other day that struck home. He said, "God knows right where we are." I have this control issue where I think I have to go out and make God's will happen. Like, if I don't make the calls or write the letters, it will never come true. But I should know better. Most miracles in my life have come when I wasn't looking.

A woman once told me no man can keep me from God's will. I think that includes me. I make all these efforts, but to what end? I don't really want anything not ordained by Him anyway. So, what do I need to do? Learn to wait on Him.

He blesses me daily and I need to remember that. Already I have two books coming out in 2007: "The Human Video Handbook--Christian Outreach through Mime, Music & Dance" and "Reveille of the Heart." Thank you, Lord for blessing me...despite my interference.

My Place

2006-12-13T14:54:00.000-08:00

What is my place in this world? Ever wonder that? I've spent the last few months trying to figure that out. Finding God's will can sometimes be time consuming and patience sucking, but this is what I've learned:

(1) God has a plan for my life
(2) God has me right where I'm supposed to be right now
(3) God's plan is better than my plan
(4) God created me for a purpose
(5) God's timing is never late
(6) God only wants me to worry about today

It is hard to seek God and most of the time I am trying to make things happen the way I want them to happen. The problem with that is we can't see what God sees. I know God is calling me to the ministry. But my definition of ministry may not be His. Therefore, I am open to whatever he calls me to. At His feet is where I am to be. Worrying, stressing, mulling, etc. all keep me from focusing. Focusing on Jesus will give me clear insight into the rest. His purpose for me is to worship Him. Wasn't that why we were all created? His actual will for my life? If He wants it, he will make the doors open and will give me the tools to walk through them. I may be confused about my place in this world, but at least I know God is positioned next to me on my journey.

LESSONS FROM THE GARDEN

2006-10-10T14:51:00.000-07:00

In the last few weeks, God has really shown me some important lessons on prayer from what happened in the Garden of Gethsemane. In Matthew 26, Jesus brings three of His disciples to the garden and asks them to pray. Instead, they fall asleep. Not once, but three times. Then the soldiers come to take Jesus, and what happens? The disciples scatter. Have you ever wondered what would have happened if they had been prayed up? If instead of sleeping, they too had been in prayer. Could Peter have admitted his allegiance to Jesus? Could the disciples have stayed by Christ's side? Each and every day, we are faced with crucifying our flesh. God has called us to pray, because He knows that temptation will come. The Bible doesn't say that it MIGHT come. It says WHEN it comes. Are we ready or are we sleeping? How is your prayer life? You can't win a battle if you haven't got your sword by your side. I realize now how important it is to follow Christ's example and get on our faces before God.

Matt. 26:41 "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

Remember the Push Up

2006-09-19T09:19:00.000-07:00

A few years ago, I wrote an article on how God uses push ups. My testimony went something like this:
When I joined the Army in '89, I needed to do only one push up and I was off to basic training. When my time came, I couldn't do even one. Not ONE. I was so frustrated with myself and with God. Because of that moment in time, I had to go to what is called, "Fit Co," where its members are required to do eight hours of PE for two weeks solid. Then they are tested again (now 15 pushups) and off they go to basic. I did my time and graduated, two weeks behind. When I got to Chaplain's School (training for my job), I missed the class by two weeks. They all went to Panama. (Do you remember that wonderful conflict?) Then when I graduated and got to my duty station, I was once again two weeks late and missed assignment into Signal Company (known for going to the field). The guy that replaced me was the first person to go to Desert Storm. A lousy push up saved me from going to war twice. I honestly believe that God used a push up.

This weekend I found out that my thesis had been rejected. This means that I will graduate six months later than I anticipated. My first response was frustration with myself and with God. (Sound familiar?) Then God really began to speak to me. There is a reason for this set back. I am in a car and God is in the helicopter. He can see the road blocks and I need to mind the detours. This is a push up that I haven't been able to perform. But with prior experience, I can see that God's ways may not make sense now, but 20/20 hindsight will be amazing. I just need to trust Him and His timing. He will get me through this. Yes, it is more painful. But in Romans it talks about how trials give us perseverance, character and hope. I must cling to this and to God. A push up never killed anyone and neither will this set back.

"Thank you Lord for looking out for me. I trust You're in control." Amen.

Eyes Off the Water

2006-05-30T16:03:00.001-07:00

So, I came to a deep realization yesterday... one I've known for a while, but never quite admitted. I have my eyes on the water, and I'm sinking fast.

I am writer--love it and unless God takes it away, I plan to do it forever. And like most writers, the stuff on paper is a piece of my "soul." But what happens when someone hates or criticizes my work? What then? Well, if my motivation is right and my eyes are on God (and off myself)... big deal, isn't about me anyway.

The problem (MY problem)... I'm pretty wrapped up in my stuff. My self-esteem is connected to my being successful and the way people think about me. When people say negative things about my writing, I'm secretly not okay. My gut hurts and this overwhelming sense of giving up consumes me. (Now, this isn't the case in a critique group. For some reason, I expect criticism, so I'm okay. It is my friends and families' little remarks that stab to my core.)

I know the reason... that part is simple. I do things, not to please God, but to make man pleased with me. What a stupid thing to do. But like so many people, my self-worth is based on what others think. The reality is... God gave me this gift. And as long as I am writing for Him, the rest doesn't matter. Then success is measured differently. It isn't about me. It isn't about their opinion. It is about God molding me, changing me, making me a better writer, and then using it for HIS glory.

In the words of Audio Adrenaline, "If I keep my eyes on Jesus, I can walk on water."

Journey Through the Battle Field

2006-04-26T14:14:00.000-07:00

I've just finished a novel entitled, The Seraph War. In all my years of writing, I've never been so shaken by something I've written myself. As I edited my manuscript, I often found myself in tears and on my knees. I knew then, that without a doubt, the author's name on the front was only a formality. I didn't really write this book. God did.

The story is about a young man's discovery of the spiritual world in a Pilgrim's Progress meets The Matrix sort of way. He deals with abandonment, an abusive mother, suicide, rejection, confusion, temptation... any of these sound familiar?

My plan was to just keep the story--an easy read for all. But right before production, I decided to add a 10-step study on spiritual warfare. My publisher accepted it and now it will soon be in print. I'm overwhelmed by the purpose of this project. I want to use it as a tool for people to see there is hope. It's God's book, not mine. May He use it for His glory.

On the Couch

2006-02-27T09:59:00.000-08:00

Over fourteen years ago, I began writing a skit for my playwriting class at Grossmont College. It was called, "On the Couch." It was showcased in the Grossmont College Theatre and then printed in the literary magazine, THE ACORN REVIEW. Everyone who read the script said they liked it. So in 2003, I began to turn it into a book. Now, it is my first published novel and my proudest achievement to date.

I just returned from Cleburne, TX, where students at the Cleburne Community Christian High School are actually studying my book. I had the wonderful opportunity to answer questions about some of the symbolism and the creative decisions made when writing this psychological thriller.

I've discovered however, that writing and publishing a novel is not enough. One must also sell it. I mean, what's the point if no one reads it. Right? There is this a perception that once a book is published it will be on all the bookstore shelves. I wish that were true.

So, how does one get the word out about their book? Well, for starters, you have a mom like mine who can sell anything she's proud of, and then word of mouth is always welcome. But without skywriting it in the sky or getting on Oprah, I'm not sure ON THE COUCH will ever be a best seller. So, I write this blog in hopes that some soul will see it and say, "Hey, I'd love a novel that Paul McShane from Good News called,

"a wonderful and most worthwhile, uplifting book."

He also urges you to "run, not walk to your computer and type in www.writesftk.com to purchase this book."

Marketing is a burden an author must bear... but a necessity just the same.

In the meantime, if you know someone out there who likes movies like Sixth Sense or Beautiful Mind or reads Ted Dekker or Dean Koontz books... hey, why not tell them about a new author... Kimberlee R. Mendoza.

You, the reader of this blog, are my "Obi-Won."

To find out more about my writing: www.writesftk.com