NaNoWriMo 2010

 

It is November 3, 2010 and I have managed a little over 10,000 words. 

NaNo is quite simply a motivational tool to inspire the habit of writing EVERY DAY, something that I haven’t done for quite a while.

I am sorry that this blog is so short, but in addition to creating 50,000 words this month, I have started watching my infant grandson five days a week, in the middle of trying to buy a house. 

Quite the bit of juggling going on, but I feel confident that even if all of my goals aren’t met, I will have given my all in my attempts and that is what maters the most.

Till next time….

God Is Love

I am a member of the church of Christ. Wait! Stop right there. Don't leave until you hear what I have to say.

I am not one of the brow beating, ultra right-wing conservatives that think everyone that isn't a member of the church of Christ is going to Hell. That is my grandmother, and my heart breaks to know that she will be judged harshly for that.

I believe in the Bible. Period. One of my favorite ways of saying this is, "Your relationship, or the lack there of, with God is just that. You rs. You can't get me to Heaven any faster than I can get you there". The sooner more people realize that and move forward, the better off everyone will be.

My family, on both sides, are all members of the church of Christ. Grandaddy, my daddy's father was a preacher, and Papa, my mother's father, was a deacon in the church.

My mother and father met while both were attending David Lipscomb College, and one set of my Aunt and Uncles met at Abilene Christian University. We are surrounded by other members of the church of Christ.

However, in growing up and in my formative years, my parents and I rarely went to church. Actually, I feel pretty confident to say that unless we were visiting with my family, we never went. That was very disappointing for me as I loved Sunday school, and VBS. Yet, we never went at home. I can remember crying and wanting to go, but couldn't.

To feed my desire, I started going to spend the night with friends and visiting their churches. None of which were the church of Christ. There were Presbyterian, Baptist, and even some Southern Baptist thrown in for good measure. I didn't care. I just wanted to sing from the hymnals and study God's word.

I vividly remember two specific instances of what I now know was the 'invitation' at the end of the sermon. One was at a Baptist and the other at the Presbyterian church. I couldn't have been more than 8 or 9. Both times I felt compelled to 'go forward' and proclaim my love for Christ. Both times I was told by the man in the suit that Jesus loved me, I was saved and I would spend eternity in Heaven with Him. I was so proud. By the time I got home, I was bursting with joy at this thought! That was, until I told my parents, and they told me, "No. That's not right." Which was quickly followed by, "Don't tell your grandparents about this."

I was devastated. Heartbroken. The nice man had just told me that Jesus loved me, but my parents are making me feel shame and confusion. Talk about depression.

I believe that this is why I feel so strongly about not judging each other based on religion.

God is love.

He says so.

'nuff said!

August 22, 2010

Yet again, life has gotten in the way of my writing.

Gah!

How do I overcome this?

I have been told to write when I can, as in 10-15 minutes here, 20 minutes there. I simply can't do that. I have tried. It just doesn't work for me, because no matter what, I either don't have a pen/paper, computer, with me when the opportunity presents itself, or I am in the middle of something else when my mind suddenly decides, "Hey! I'm ready to dump words now!"

Now, on the rare occasions that I do end up with time to myself to write, I go to whichever WIP I am currently feeling, sit down with my computer/pen,paper, and just like that. WHAM! My phone rings, my kids knock on the door (even though I have politely explained several times that unless you are dead, bleeding or dying, DO NOT knock on my door), or some other act of congress that needs that exact moment of my time comes along, and then the mood has passed. The thrill is gone. The mind goes completely blank.

Does this ever happen to anyone else?

How do you resolve it? Do you overcome it? How many bodies have you had to bury to hide your disruptions?

I'm just saying.

June 27, 2010

Sorry for the delay in words. Dave, Beth and I have been out of pocket for a few days.

We started on our adventure on Friday morning. Dave wanted to go to the Air and Space Museum in Huntsville, AL and see a Star Wars exhibit that was there. Off we go! We arrived there safely and then spent the better part of the day at NASA. Dave was like a kid in a candy store as he met and visited with some of the 501st, and r2 builders. Beth and I enjoyed looking around and she and Dave rode a few rides.

Then it was off to the hotel for a good night's rest.

Saturday morning found us scratching our heads and saying, "What now?" The answer? On to Chattanooga! We decided that we were so close, that we should take full advantage of our location and a few days to enjoy it.

Even though Lookout Mountain has little to be desired regarding signs that clearly tell you where you are and where you should be going, we had a great time there.

Our descent off the mountain found us in yet another quandary. Hmm.... what now? At the time, we talked about the fact that Dave and Elizabeth have never seen UT football stadium, so..... off we go!

On the way there, it occurred to me. Aunt Anne and Uncle Paul live in Gatlinburg which is ONLY another 30 miles from Knoxville. I called Anne and she insisted that we come meet them for supper and spend the night at their house. That being said we found ourselves in Sevireville, TN for supper and then up the mountains of the Great Smoky Mountain National Forrest for a night of visiting with family.

Sunday morning came way too early and after a great breakfast prepared by Aunt Anne, we were again on the road. Next stop, Knoxville. Beth wasn't near as impressed with Neyland Stadium as Dave and I were. Even with all of the construction that is still taking effect, there is something magical about being on the UT campus.

Knowing that we had a L-O-N-G drive ahead of us, we ooohed and ahhhed all we could and then I-40 westbound we went.

Seven hours later, we are now back, safe and sound in our home. What started out as an over-night jaunt, turned into a long weekend traveling a huge circle around the south east of the country, but I wouldn't change a bit of it. Elizabeth enjoyed herself and Dave and I enjoyed some stress free relaxation.

Let's hear it for spontaneity!

June 23, 2010

Another hot one in Millington today. Though, not nearly as hot as it was last week.

In an attempt to perfect images for face painting, my youngest and I piled up in the living room this afternoon and began painting anything from sunshine, to college names on our arms, legs and backs. She did a great honey bee on my right foot and I am rather proud of the butterfly on her back. The best part of it was spending time with her. Not one time during the day did she ask if we could do something else, or when would we be finished. These moments are too few and far between and I cherish them deeply.

On a sad note, it was another day of arguing with the oldest. As of late, my husband and I both are struggling with having and 'adult' child in the house, and she is on the opposite end of that spectrum with being an adult and living at home with her parents. There are very fine lines there and you never know when the next one will pop up and we are all treading very carefully. That being said, we all need to take care as to how our tone of voice comes out to each other. Once something is said, whether you meant for it to be said hateful or not, there is no taking it back. Innocent as it may have been meant, it is a done deal. At that point, all you can do is apologize, sincerely, and hopefully everyone can move on. Oh, and learn from the mistake and strive not to make it again.

So far, no words to paper today other than the little writing I am doing here now. My in-laws are coming over for supper and then will visit afterward. Maybe this evening I can move ahead some on my short story.

Till then.....

My Life Changed

My life was changed that day,
And not a moment too soon!
With selfless love and tenderness
That still makes my heart swoon.

My life was changed that day,
I’m awed, that on a whim.
She fought the crowds that scorned her,
Just to touch His dowdy hem.

My life was changed that day,
I’ve known no greater thrill.
Than when this sagacious vagabond,
Uttered those two words, “Be still.”

My life was changed that day,
And those that love Him, too!
As He cried unto the Heavens,
“They know not what they do!”

My life was changed that day,
They denied him, one, two, three.
My life was changed that day,
When my Savior died for me.


Melissa C. Royer ©
February 1, 2010

For My Children

Angelic innocence made mortal
Kissed by the lips of God
Overflowing with beauty and passion
Avoid those streets I've trod.

Lined with glitz and glamour
Manipulating you with 'what should be'
Trying to vitiate the precious gift you are
With radio, Internet, and TV.

Idols, legends, movie stars
Shown everywhere you turn
Used to equivocate your identity
Left to later crash and burn.

Hear my feeble plea, my love
List not to their brazen call
Unwavering inner strength and beauty
Are the most desirable traits of all.