Tag: Message

My Invisable Helper

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© jb katke

Well folks, it’s happened again.

Some mornings I wake feeling defeated before the day begins. I hate it when that happens. The problem is I get easily overwhelmed. I have more to do than there are hours in a day. Retirement just ain’t what I imagined. Do ya know what I’m sayin’?

Then I remind myself, for most women, retirement is an illusion. You are familiar with the workload of a homemaker, so there is no need to elaborate. Grandma Andrews once told me, “A housewife never lacks something to do.” Those are true words if I ever heard them.

While I don’t do the gardening or canning grandma did, I do have one little teeny tiny task that makes all the difference in my world. I’m writing a book, and I am here to tell you that is difficult to accomplish. Particularly when I never dreamed, or set out to write. Ever. Period.

As if waking with a crummy attitude isn’t enough, I find myself behind in my allotted time reading the Bible. So, I picked it up this morning and the following is what I read,

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress…”                                                                                                         Hebrews 12:1 NLT

It is uncanny how often when I am playing catch-up in my reading, I come across a verse that speaks to where I am at in that moment. I interpreted that to mean, others are watching. Girl, God’s got this. Don’t let little things get you down, there are others that suffered far more grief than you will ever know. There are people rooting for you

I continued reading.

“So, take a new grip with your tired hands and stand firm on your shaky legs. Mark out a straight path for your feet…”                                                                           Hebrews 12:12 NLT

The fact that God doesn’t make mistakes, wrestles in my mind and heart. The waters I tread are strange to me. Writing a book takes a truckload of effort; keep moving forward one step at a time. A saying comes to mind, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.”

My aim is not to spook you, but experience points to a supernatural experience.

People and circumstances have come to my attention making this a doable project, showing me the next step. I will tell you this. Never will I look at a book the same again. Authors literally pour themselves into the art of writing, not for the money, but because they either have a message to convey, or a desire to entertain.

As usual, when I read the Good Book, I feel strengthened and encouraged. Today is no different. I still find myself challenged, but God’s got this, it was His idea in the first place. My writing coach feels I will have book in hand yet this summer. She thinks great things of me because she knows an invisible Helper is by my side. Stay tuned to my continuing saga.

Why Do You Do This?

Quilter4 Comments

© jb katke

What prompts a person to do what they do?

That question could apply to any bazillion topics. Mine, today, is directed to those unsung hero’s that write for a living.

The last few days, I have lived at my keyboard. Not writing, but listening to those that do. I am fresh from an online conference for authors. What am I doing hanging with them when I’ve yet to produce a book?

Good question. I ask myself that on a regular basis. The answer may not make sense, sometimes not even to me. A voice led me here, where it came from doesn’t matter because it was real to me.

As I sit under the tutelage of educated folks, I am learning new words.  Like Scrivener, Trope, enneagrams. Don’t ask me for definitions, as I haven’t wrapped my head around them yet. I fear there are more lurking about, yet to surface. One of the speakers I heard mentioned we never stop learning.  I have grasped I am in over my head and writers are introverts.

My dear husband disagrees with me being introverted. He thinks because I can carry on a conversation I am an extrovert. Not so. This conference has proved my point. All I did is sit and listen, barely responding to questions or comments and I am exhausted! Interacting with people, and apparently just listening wear me out.

The caveat is how much a writer must do to get their words not only published, but then sell themselves. They must be their own advertising agent, convincing others why they need to purchase this book. Let me assure you, this is no easy task for someone who prefers not to call attention to themselves.

Why do they put themselves through this? Because they have a message. It is an inner voice that says their words are of value. That others could learn from a writers experience or wisdom. That’s what Jesus’ dad did. He chose to write a book, sharing his life and all kinds of other stuff that are helpful for living. He included people that set examples, both good and bad for us to learn from.

There is so much more to absorb. Same as reading the words of the Good Book-we never stop learning.        

Fill ‘Er Up

Quilter2 Comments

It brings me great joy to share my empty laundry basket with you. Laundry basket

I know, you’re thinking the lady has lost serious brain power. (PS Join the long line, others are way ahead of you)

Allow me to explain myself.

I use this basket as a hamper, and for more years than I care to admit, this basket has been ½ full, with dry cleaning as well as laundry. I won’t burden you with why I didn’t get the dry cleaning done in a timely manner. Let’s agree some things just are and leave it at that.

This year, 2020, I got the dry cleaning done! It may be the only accomplishment I achieve this year. That’s okay.

My real purpose is for you to see what I see in that empty basket. It has potential. It can be used for storage; or as when we moved, packed with all manner of things to get from here to there.

I can almost hear you now, “They’re not perfect for everything with holes in the sides, which limits what gets put in them.” True, but…

That empty basket reminds me of myself. Imperfect, kinda limited in what I can do. But still, good for something. I’ll even go so far as to say Jesus sees me that way too. My potential combined with his help will see me through things I never imagined doing.

Like what? If you have followed my blog from the beginning, you know this was not my idea. I don’t see eye to eye with technology, what computer skills I have generally get me in trouble. More than once I’ve had to issue an SOS to my husband or writing coach.

If you read through a few of my entries, you will get it. I don’t know much, but I know Jesus. I have shared things that I have observed in others, stuff from my own life; some scary and others are kinda funny. Bottom line, though, Jesus has been with me whether I have been aware of it at the time or not.

A good blog will have a purpose to the message. My purpose is for you to see the different ways Jesus is with you too. Be of good heart. I believe mankind has value and something to offer to others. Can ya see it?