Half of writing is taking the time to think. It feels funny, just sitting and staring out the window. It's absolutely necessa

Short and Sweet #12
by Annette Dammer

Half of writing is taking the time to think. It feels funny, just sitting and staring out the window. It's absolutely necessary, though... Taking the time to think.

Ahhh, the tortures of writing. But it must be done!

For most of us, it helps to have something to focus on. A verse, a quote, a child, a flower. But let's try one.

Here's a wonderful proverb, "A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense." Proverbs 19:11 (NIV)

Let's pull it apart and think about each piece. I'll supply the parts - you supply the heart! If you pray, do so now. Short, quick, just ask your God to guide you. After all, He wants you to write. His kids need your inspiration and experience! We all need a smile!

OK, reread the proverb. Now think about these focus points. Write or now, it's up to your and your personality. If you find yourself wandering off to another worthy topic, write about that. If you find yourself making the grocery list, finish quick and start over! Hey, the bread will always be there. Nobody's starved yet! Pray. Here we go!

Wisdom gives us patience.
Is patience a gift of wisdom?

What else do you find here? Scribble madly. Misspell, doodle, stare off into space. Stare off into a daffodil! When ready, or bored, return here! (Feel free to print this out to take with you!)

When I overlook an offense, it is "to my glory."

What is "my glory?" I can check out any of these words in a dictionary - their history, other meanings, antonyms. A deep look at "glory," "overlook," or even "offense" can spur deeper thought - and deeper writing!

Scribble madly or stare. Return when ready.

This verse never says "if there is an offense." It assumes offenses ARE a PART of life.

What is a recent one I can write about? I want to cover my 5Ws & How down... (Who, What, Where, When, Why, How...)

Scribble or stare. Return when ready.

How did I react?
Did I overlook the offense? At what point? How? Was I ugly? Martyred? Kind? Did I rudely ignore them? Give an ugly look? How is that different from "overlook"?
How did my reaction, whatever it was, work for ME? For God's other kids? Is there anything I want to do differently the next time? (Because there will BE a next time! LOL!)

Sharing true stories, learning from and laughing at ourselves can be very comforting to others. And sharing takes a tragic, even ugly situation, and puts it to work for Good. For God!

Now THAT's worth writing about!

Annette Dammer, Publisher TEEN LIGHT - The Teen 2 Teen Christian Magazine http://www.teenlight.org

JO: Journalism Online http://www.writershelper.org/tour.htm

Ready, Set, Go! Out April 1 by Baker Books (Amen!)