I need to remind myself of that, often–‘keep it simple’, I mean. For whatever reason, my natural inclination seems to be to complicate things. 🙂
For instance, my morning devotional program. This time is vital to me, on every level. The problem? There are SO MANY good devotionals out there–I ended up with a stack of books nearly two feet high. Between traveling and being sick, I fell behind, and then I wasn’t showing up for devotions at all. Not good. Nothing sends me spiraling into depression faster than missing my prayer and meditation time. You’d think I’d learn, wouldn’t you? Anyway, the solution turned out to be a matter of cutting back. Now, I have exactly three books, the Bible, a copy of the classic “Jesus Calling”, and a journal, because I can focus better when I write my prayers, and focus is a big challenge for me, given my medicated but still powerful case of ADD. The point of devotions, for me at least, is to be quiet in God’s Presence. Just to be with Him.
This is a lesson I need to learn over and over (and over) again, it seems. I guess that must be why we’re here, though. And God is so patient with me. Whenever I come crawling back home from the Far Country, He orders up the fatted calf and the party to celebrate my return to the fold. It’s difficult to fathom that kind of love.
On to more mundane matters. I’m writing today–got off to a great start (finally) yesterday. I kept rewriting the first half of the first chapter, and each time, I felt something was missing. Now, at last, I’ve gotten it right.
Our favorite teacher winner, by the way, is Sarah Stanley.
It only seems right to mention some of MY favorite teachers–it would be impossible to name just one. For such a tiny town, Northport attracted some amazingly perceptive, committed and kind people–L.K. Mihalovich, you are a legend. (Yes, I still have the gift for b.s., but I MEAN it!) Mrs. Styrker, you kept an unruly tribe of 7th and 8th graders in line, year after year. Crystal Harworth and Bob Hyatt, I wouldn’t be a writer today if it hadn’t been for you. (Mr. Hyatt told me I had the potential to be a writer when I was only ten, and the idea stuck. Mrs. Harworth taught me HOW to write, how to hear the sweet, silent music words make.)
Next week’s question? If you were stranded on a desert island, what is the ONE THING you would bring with you?
🙂 Make it a good day, and trust, trust, trust.
We’re going to make it through, gang. All we have to do is stick together and keep going!
About Linda
The daughter of a town marshal, Linda Lael Miller is a #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than 100 historical and contemporary novels, most of which reflect her love of the West.
Raised in Northport, Washington, Linda pursued her wanderlust, living in London and Arizona and traveling the world before returning to the state of her birth to settle down on a horse property outside Spokane.
