The Heart of a Dog

I have two novels to read and a paper to write, as well as preparing lesson plans for several classes I’m teaching. Winston, my dog, agreed to write today. Thanks, Winston!

By Winston Churchill

Since I was little, Master, whose name is Top-Dog, would sit on the couch with Mommy, Tall-Boy, and Peep. On their laps they stared at glow-trays or Books. I know what Books are, because one day my teeth ached and I wanted to chew, so I chewed a Book, and Top-Dog taught me what a Book was and not to eat them. Even though the house is covered in Books—on the tables and desks, even on the walls, I don’t eat them, because Books are what the family wants to talk about.

I don’t know why.

Winston Churchill

Their every moment, when not hunting for food outside our when they are in the doghouse, is spent reading Books and sometimes looking at their glow-trays. They once had a giant window with a strange light that they starred at, but it’s gone and they sit and look at Books more.

One day, Tall-Boy left. I sat at the front door and waited. And waited. And WAITED. I missed him so much! Days. Months. Oh BOY! I heard his footsteps, and he opened the door. It’s Tall-Boy. No wait, he’s Taller-Boy! And so strong! He sat on the couch, took more Books from a bag, and talked about them. And the family looked so interested.

I sat on his lap.

Top-Dog started looking at the glow-tray a lot. He’s a little grumpy, and Mommy walks me.

One day, a single sheet of paper came that made the family sad. Top-Dog worked on the glow-tray some more. And again, more sad sheets. And more looking at Books and glow-trays. And more discussions. Mommy and Peep (Tall-Boy left again, but I think he’ll be back with more Books to talk about) are giving Top-Dog kind words. I can tell the comments mean a lot to Top-Dog.

Another sad sheet, and this time Top-Dog was really sad. He didn't seem to know what to do. I sat with him, but he wasn't in the mood to do anything. Not glow-tray, not Books, not talking to Mommy or Peep. It was time for a drastic action. I took his favorite Book and bit into it. He jumped up and snatched the Book away and called me BadDog. The book fell open. He picked it up at looked at it for a few moments. He started crying. I couldn't help but wag my tail and nudge him, because crying comes before everything. He holds me for a bit.

He started back on his glow-tray, and then one day, he stopped.

He was so happy. A Book arrived. But this book was different.

It had his picture on it.

It makes him happy. And now, I have to sit at a glow-tray and help him type stories. But I don’t mind. It’s like the old days. With one difference. Every now and again, a new Book comes with his picture on it. And then it’s time to party.

I’m glad he didn’t give up.

I'm glad I didn't give up writing. But what does a dog have to say on the subject? @PeterLeavell #seriouslywrite #writerslife

If you won't write for yourself, write for your dog. @PeterLeavell #seriouslywrite #writerslife

My dog wrote my blog post! What does he have to say about the writing life? @PeterLeavell #seriouslywrite #writerslife

Peter Leavell, a 2007 graduate of Boise State University with a degree in history and currently enrolled in the University's English Lit Graduate program, as well as History Graduate program, was the 2011 winner of Christian Writers Guild's Operation First Novel contest, and 2013 Christian Retailing's Best award for First-Time Author. An author, blogger, teacher, ghostwriter, jogger, biker, husband and father, Peter and his family live in Boise, Idaho. Learn more about Peter's books, research, and family adventures at www.peterleavell.com

Fortifying Friday: Dream the Dream

 

Dream the Dream

by Dawn Kinzer

One of my favorite biblical accounts is Joseph’s story.  Like me—and perhaps like you—he was a dreamer. His brothers scoffed at him, made fun of him, and even wanted to kill him because of it.

“Here comes that dreamer!" they said to each other. "Come now, let's kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we'll see what comes of his dreams.” (Genesis 37:19-20 NIV)

But, God had given Joseph the ability to dream. God had a plan and purpose for Joseph.

What can we learn from Joseph’s life?

1. Don’t give up on your dream, even if things don’t start out well.

Joseph’s dreams didn’t initially make him an honored man. Instead, his dreams got him into a lot of trouble. But that didn’t stop him.

You may experience rejection from editors and agents. You may not final in writing contests. You may feel discouraged by all there is to learn about writing and the publishing industry. But don’t let those things stop you.

2. Don’t give up on your dream, though others don’t support it.

Joseph’s brothers actually wanted to kill him because they felt so threatened by his dreams and status with their father.

Your friends and family may not understand your desire to write. They may not show any interest. They may be blunt about their feelings and that can hurt. But if God has planted that dream deep in your heart, let it grow and blossom. Anything that comes from him is NOT a waste of time.

3. Don’t give up on your dream, though your journey is full of surprises.

Who would have thought that Joseph would have experienced all that he did? Even to the point of being put in prison?

The writing journey may also include surprises. You may experience physical, emotional, relational, financial, or spiritual challenges along the way. Your dream will invite attack. God is still with you.

4. Don’t give up on your dream, though it takes a lifetime to fulfill.

It took twenty-three years before Joseph’s dream was fulfilled. But in the end, he reconciled with his brothers and saved a nation.

It may take years—and it often does for writers—to see the kind of success they hope for. It’s important to remember that although God’s timetable may not look like ours—his is perfect.

Never give up on your dream!

~ Dawn

Nothing is Too Hard for God

Thursdays - Devotions for Writers

“Is anything too hard for the Lord? No!” (Genesis 18:14 NCV)

God moves. He acts. Things happen. Sometimes . . . even miracles.

Do you believe that?

In the book of Genesis, we read that Sarah laughed when she was told she would have a son. Sarah was too old. But, that didn’t stop God.

Joseph was sold by his brothers and later ended up in prison. But that didn’t stop God. Joseph became a leader and was given great power in Egypt. All a part of God’s plan.

God is able to do ANYTHING. He desires to bless the faithful . . . and at times, He even surprises us.

Is the road long? Don’t give up.

Do you feel tired and discouraged? Don’t quit.

God is watching. And He’s working on your behalf.

For all you know . . . an idea for a great story may come during the night.

An agent may be getting ready to call.

You may be signing a contract next week.

Nothing is too hard for God to accomplish. So don’t give up. If you do, you may miss the answer to your prayers, not to mention, the wonderful blessings He has in store for you.

Dawn

Don't Give Up!

Thursdays - Devotions for Writers

But as for you, be strong and do not give up,
for your work will be rewarded. (2Ch 15:7 NIV)

Do you ever feel like giving up?

As I writer?

Do you cringe inside when people ask if your book is ever going to be published?

Or if you’re still working on that little “hobby” of yours?

It can be painful if your spouse, children, or friends don’t understand why you spend so much time in your writing world.

It may feel defeating when many hours sacrificed at the computer don’t produce desired contracts. Or an agent even willing to sign you.

And if you have a job outside of the home, it can be tiring rising in the wee hours of the morning, or staying up until you fall asleep at the computer later in the evening. Just so you can type a few more words before they evaporate from memory like rain water on a sweltering day.

You may ask, “Why am I working so hard when I'm getting nowhere? What’s the point?”

You might even ask God, “Do you really care that I’m trying to use my passion for writing to do good? The passion you gave me?”

Don’t lose heart. Be strong and of good faith.

If you feel called to write, don’t give up.

God hears. And He cares.

Your work will be rewarded.

It may not come in the form of a five book contract, an enormous advance on a manuscript you sell, or your article printed in a prestigious magazine.

But it will come.
And you’ll recognize it when it does.

Happy writing!

Dawn