“SOMEBUNNY” NEEDS YOU By Patti Jo Moore

Easter blessings, my friends! I’m certain we’ll all agree that this Easter season is unlike any Easter season (or spring season) we’ve experienced in the past. Ever. With the horrible Covid-19 virus (I shudder even typing that) pandemic, our lives have been turned upside-down. And shaken. But as Christians, we cling to our faith and the hope we have in Christ—and we persevere. We must! 😊

Recently, I’ve been reading some excellent articles and blog posts encouraging those of us who are writers. Some wonderful, uplifting suggestions to keep us going, even when we feel we’re in a fog. Personally, I’m relieved to know I’m not the only one who’s having difficulty staying focused. Yes, it’s frustrating when you need to complete your current project, but just can’t seem to keep your mind on the story or your fingers on the keyboard. But knowing you’re not alone helps somehow.

Originally, this post was going to be about writing through this trying time, foggy brain and all. I’d planned on offering encouragement and cheering folks on. But then…I decided that for some writers, maybe—just maybe—the Lord has another way for you to use this time at home. Could it be that you’re supposed to put away that manuscript (temporarily, of course) and write something completely different? Maybe you write contemporary romance but for a season you’re supposed to write for children, or young adults. A completely different genre. Or maybe you’re supposed to send cards to people (a personal favorite ministry of mine), including handwritten notes of encouragement and hope. Who couldn’t use some uplifting words right now, delivered by snail-mail in an old-fashioned card?

Or maybe you’re supposed to take a little break from writing altogether, and spend time phoning elderly shut-ins who are lonely, to offer an encouraging word to them. You never know how a simple act of kindness can brighten someone’s entire day (or week!). For those of you with children in your home, this is an opportunity to get super creative with activities for them. Or, simply sit and read together.

Are there craft projects you’ve wanted to make and give as gifts at Christmas (yes, I realize it’s only April now) 😉 but when life was “normal” you never had the time? Or it could be that during this season you need to be a prayer warrior for someone. The point is: Somebody needs you! Whether it’s your writing, your listening ear, or your prayers—YOU can be used to help others during this very trying time.

Since I’ve been seeing so many cute pictures of bunnies recently, I couldn’t resist the play on words in my blog title today. 😊 Always the kindergarten teacher, I guess. Despite these uncertain, trying times, I hope each of you will have a very blessed Easter, as we celebrate our Savior’s victory over death.

He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Matthew 28:6

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Sadie's Dream

In a coastal Georgia town in 1900, a young woman prepares to serve as a missionary in Africa.

After being jilted the previous year, she's certain she's meant to remain single.

When she meets a handsome businessman from Savannah, she begins struggling with doubts.

Over time she learns that the Lord's plans are best, and dreams really can come true.

Patti Jo Moore is a retired kindergarten teacher and lifelong Georgia girl. She loves Jesus, her family, cats, and coffee, and is blessed to be published with Forget-Me-Not Romances. When she’s not spending time with her family (including her sweet grandbaby) or writing her “Sweet, Southern Stories” Patti Jo can be found feeding cats—her own six and local strays.

She loves connecting with readers and other writers, and can be found on Facebook at Author Patti Jo Moore or her personal blog at http://catmomscorner.blogspot.com

Be Kind To Others - - - And To Yourself 😊 By Patti Jo Moore

As Christian writers, we want to show kindness. This is done in countless ways—including encouraging other writers, sharing lessons we’ve learned in our own journey, posting great reviews for books we’ve enjoyed, and lifting up an author-friend who may have gotten a not-so-great book review.

If we’re published, we also want to be kind to our readers. This can also be done in countless ways—from corresponding with them via e-mail and blogs to giving away prizes to show our appreciation for readers.

But I was recently reminded of another way writers need to be kind, and that is to ourselves. I’ve battled a rotten cold for a full week—nothing major, but still feeling miserable. My worst day of this pesky cold was last Friday. I’d been home since Wednesday, not even venturing out to my mailbox. I was reminded of the fact I have a December first deadline, and had gotten behind (okay…waaay behind) on my word count. I had everything I needed—medicine, tissues, coffee, soup, and my kitties napping close by—and the sunshine was streaming in my window next to my desk. It was the perfect setting for me to dive in and let those words flow.

Except…I did not feel like doing a thing. Not one thing. Even my favorite hobbies of reading and needlepoint held no appeal. What was going on? I didn’t want to turn on the television (not even to the Hallmark channel!) and couldn’t think of anything at all I wanted to do. So guilt poked me with that annoying voice. You’re wasting this entire day. Since you’re not sleepy, you should be at least doing something! Remember all those words you still need to write before December?

And it hit me then—something I’ve often heard other writers say. We tend to be hard on ourselves. Sure, it’s great to push ourselves to write or do writing-related tasks even if we’re not feeling motivated. But when we are ill—even from nothing serious—our body still needs rest. And if that means simply gazing out your window and being thankful for the sunshine and Autumn leaves, then that’s okay. 😊 Even Jesus took time to rest.

So with the holidays fast approaching, if you should become sick (which I hope you won’t!) or even overwhelmed with the dozens of items on your To-Do list, please take some time and rest. Without feeling guilty. Then when you’re feeling better, you’ll be ready to tackle whatever has been waiting on you! Be kind to others—and to yourself.

And be ye kind one to another. Ephesians 4:32

Amazon Buy Link

Sadie's Dream

In a coastal Georgia town in 1900, a young woman prepares to serve as a missionary in Africa.

After being jilted the previous year, she's certain she's meant to remain single.

When she meets a handsome businessman from Savannah, she begins struggling with doubts.

Over time she learns that the Lord's plans are best, and dreams really can come true.

Patti Jo Moore is a retired kindergarten teacher and lifelong Georgia girl. She loves Jesus, her family, cats, and coffee, and is blessed to be published with Forget-Me-Not Romances. When she’s not spending time with her family (including her sweet grandbaby) or writing her “Sweet, Southern Stories” Patti Jo can be found feeding cats—her own six and local strays.

She loves connecting with readers and other writers, and can be found on Facebook at Author Patti Jo Moore or her personal blog at http://catmomscorner.blogspot.com