Do you feel full of gratitude upon waking up in the morning or do you wonder how you will get through the day? My friend, Shirley, didn’t like hearing the birds sing in the morning. She knew if birds were singing, she had gotten drunk during the night. Shirley was an alcoholic. When a... Continue Reading →
Blog
Book talks with school children is great fun!
On March 30, 2011, I had the great opportunity to speak to several school classes in my area about being a writer. This was a special treat because not only did I meet new friends, I was able to visit with some old friends. At Ossian Elementary School I spoke to 100 third graders... Continue Reading →
Great turnout at my first free writing workshop!
Thanks to everyone who attended my first free writing workshop on April 1, 2011, at the Brew Ha Coffee Shop in Ossian. We had a great turnout! Sixteen people attended, creating a friendly and interested group. In this day of high gas prices I was honored to discover they came from a variety of... Continue Reading →
Loneliness has its advantages
For three days he was blind and did not eat or drink anything. -- Acts 9:9 (NIV) The first day of journalism class during my freshman year of college, I sat alone. Everyone else in the class already knew how to write for the school newspaper, having taken the class for it in the fall.... Continue Reading →
Join the Bluffton Christian Writing Club!
If you've always wanted to be a published writer and live in Wells, Adams, Allen or Huntington counties of Indiana (you're welcome to come from further away), you may want to consider joining the Bluffton Christian Writing Club. We meet the second Monday night of each month year-round at River Terrace Estates on the north... Continue Reading →
Rick Smith: Out of Retirement, into County Politics
It’s amazing to me how a small, rural area that I write a weekly column for with the Ossian Sun Riser has so much diversity. From politicians to world-class gymnasts to octogenarians who sew dresses for orphans in Africa, there is always something newsworthy. This story is an example of someone using his skills to benefit... Continue Reading →
Are you ready to tell others about God?
Luke 14:25-33 ‘If anyone does not carry his cross and follow me, he cannot be my disciple.” (v.27) The letter brought me up short. Shelly, a friend in another city, had never shown an interest in God. Concerned, I had written a minister who lived close to her, asking him to make a call.... Continue Reading →
Jordan Steffen dances to a new level
Bluffton resident Jordan Steffen is quite the celebrity. As a ballroom dancer, he has been featured in two magazines, including the cover! I’m not a dancer but I think he could make me look good! Keep it up, Jordan! Those of you who know Jordan may feel free to leave encouraging messages for him here... Continue Reading →
Everlasting Spring
This is one of my favorite devotions. I wrote it a number of years ago when we still lived on a farm. Life was challenging on the farm, but scenes like the one below made it all seem worthwhile. What signs of spring remind you of God’s care? ** “You will go forth and... Continue Reading →
Romance author provides encouragement, mentoring
If you want to be a writer, you must study your craft. Take advantage of opportunities to learn about writing from experts. Those of us in the Fort Wayne area have unique opportunities to learn about writing from seasoned author Shirley Jump. Each month she offers a free workshop at a Barnes & Noble bookstore.... Continue Reading →