God Makes Clear His Call—Eventually by Zoe M. McCarthy

Zoe M. McCarty

For many years, my sister invited me to attend Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). BSF is an international, nondenominational,, and comprehensive Bible study. I resisted. I had enough on my plate. I worked full-time; I was working to get published; I was taking another Bible study; I was … blah, blah, blah.

Then in 2004, I prepared to attend two conferences on the same trip. I would fly from Richmond, Virginia to Denver for my first American Christian Romance Writers (now American Christian Fiction Writers) conference. I would have a full day after the writers’ meetings before I would fly to Las Vegas for a business symposium.

Because my dream of becoming a published writer was progressing far too slowly, I desired confirmation that writing was God’s will. So, during the extra day between the two conferences, I planned to hold a fast in my Denver hotel room and seek God’s will.

At the writers’ conference, the keynote speaker, Francine Rivers, shared that BSF changed her life. My jaw dropped. BSF! One of my favorite authors attended BSF?

At lunch, I sat at author Robin Hatcher’s table. As she chatted with us, she mentioned going to BSF.

OK. What was going on here?

After the conference, I fasted, prayed, and read the Bible, seeking God’s will concerning my writing. But God had already spoken to me through my sister and two respected authors. He simply confirmed I was to attend BSF. He conveyed nothing about my writing, but the circumstances spoke loudly about BSF. As soon as I returned home, I signed up.

I spent seven years in BSF, five in leadership as a children’s leader. After three years in BSF, He clearly confirmed that I was to finish four more before we retired to the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains, where I would write as a nine-to-six job. During that time of commitment and hard work, God encouraged me with small writing successes as I learned to write.

With hindsight and four books either published or contracted now, I believe God wanted me drenched in His Word before I wrote for Him full-time.

How has God made a calling clear to you?

About the Author

A full-time writer and speaker, Zoe M. McCarthy, author of Gift of the Magpie and Calculated Risk, writes contemporary Christian romances involving tenderness and humor. Believing that opposites distract, Zoe creates heroes and heroines who learn to embrace their differences. When she’s not writing, Zoe enjoys her five grandchildren, teaching Bible studies, leading workshops on writing, knitting and crocheting shawls for a prayer shawl ministry, gardening, and canoeing. She lives with her husband in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Zoe blogs regularly at www.zoemmccarthy.com.


Gift of the Magpie

Gift of the Magpie
by Zoe M. McCarthy

Amanda Larrowe’s lack of trust sabotages her relationships. The English teacher and award-winning author of middle-grade adventure books for boys shut off communication with friends and family to meet her January 2 book deadline. Now, in the deepest snow accumulation Richmond, Virginia has experienced in years, Camden Lancaster moves in across the street. After ten years, her heart still smarts from the humiliating aftermath of their perfect high school Valentine’s Day date. He may have transformed into a handsome, amiable man, but his likeability doesn’t instill trust in Amanda’s heart. When Cam doesn’t recognize her on their first two encounters, she thinks it’s safe to be his fair-weather neighbor. Boy, is she wrong.

Purchase link for Gift of the Magpie: https://www.amazon.com/Gift-Magpie-Zoe-M-McCarthy-ebook/dp/B073M8X4YZ/


Zoe M. McCarthy is a regular contributor for Seriously Write. To read her other posts, click here.

God Was in Control This Monday by Zoe M. McCarthy

Sunday, I prayed and hoped for a good writing day on Monday. My deadline is fast approaching, and I needed uninterrupted writing time. 

Zoe M. McCarthy

That night, the electricity went out. I prayed and hoped it would return before my good writing day started. It didn’t. Disappointed, I told John I would drive to Independence to work in their library. Hopefully, I could get much done on my story there. I packed my laptop and notes and drove to Independence.

As I entered the small town, the first traffic light wasn’t working. My shoulders slumped. I’d have to drive on to Galax to find electricity. At the Independence shopping center, the traffic light worked! I turned into the Food City parking lot. The store’s lights were beaming.

A young woman sat on the ground, leaning against the grocery store wall. I buzzed down my window and asked her if the lights had just come on at Food City. She said the store ran on a generator. Independence had no electricity. I said I would drive on to Galax. She asked if she could catch a ride.

This sweet young woman was on disability because she has a hard time coping. She was so medicated that sometimes I couldn’t understand her. When she said that people were blessed to live in such a beautiful area here, I took that opening. I said she sounded like she knew the Lord. She admitted she was not where she wanted to be with God. She said she didn’t read the Bible like she should, but she didn’t understand the Bible. I told her I had been where she was and had written two books of contemporary Christian short stories to explain to myself what I read in the Bible. At that point, God took over and I gave her my testimony, something I rarely do.

When I dropped her off, I gave her copies of my books of Christian short stories, one of my romances, my business card, and a hug. Then I called John, and he said the lights were on. So, I turned around and drove home.

I think the Lord wanted me to recognize that He has better plans than my plans. I wouldn’t have gone to Independence if we’d had electricity. I wouldn’t have driven through town to Galax if the stoplight had been working. I wouldn’t have turned into the Food City lot if the stoplight there had been dead. I wouldn’t have spoken to the young woman if I hadn’t wanted to make sure the lights were back on. I wouldn’t have normally witnessed to anyone. And I never carry my books of Christian short stories in my car. Never. But I had them that day.

God is an awesome orchestrator for His glory and purposes.

About the Author

A full-time writer and speaker, Zoe M. McCarthy, author of Gift of the Magpie and Calculated Risk, writes contemporary Christian romances involving tenderness and humor. Believing that opposites distract, Zoe creates heroes and heroines who learn to embrace their differences. When she’s not writing, Zoe enjoys her five grandchildren, teaching Bible studies, leading workshops on writing, knitting and crocheting shawls for a prayer shawl ministry, gardening, and canoeing. She lives with her husband in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Zoe blogs regularly at www.zoemmccarthy.com.

Gift of the Magpie

Gift of the Magpie by Zoe M. McCarthy

Amanda Larrowe’s lack of trust sabotages her relationships. The English teacher and award-winning author of middle-grade adventure books for boys has shut off communication with friends and family to meet her January 2 book deadline. Now, in the deepest snow accumulation Richmond, Virginia has experienced in years, Camden Lancaster moves in across the street. After ten years, her heart still smarts from the humiliating aftermath of their perfect high school Valentine’s Day date. He may have transformed into a handsome, amiable man, but his likeability doesn’t instill trust in Amanda’s heart. When Cam doesn’t recognize her on their first two encounters, she thinks it’s safe to be his fair-weather neighbor. Boy, is she wrong.

Purchase link for Gift of the Magpie: https://www.amazon.com/Gift-Magpie-Zoe-M-McCarthy-ebook/dp/B073M8X4YZ/

For more Seriously Write posts by Zoe M. McCarthy, click here.

Sedentary Writer to Prayer Walker by Zoe M. McCarthy

Zoe M. McCarthy

Are you like I was, feeling guilty because I sat for long periods and clocked in little exercise? But I work full writing days on my platform, marketing, and on three books in various stages of publication. I need to sit … a lot.

I wear a Fitbit, which has told me how pathetic my exercise time has been. I set 5,000 clicks as my daily goal, but many days my Fitbit registered less than 2,000.

God has also called me as a prayer warrior. I pray for between 375 to 400 people or situations daily. This work takes me from an hour to an hour and a half. I rise at 5:30 on weekdays and get started on those prayers. On weekends, I start later.

In the past, I sometimes woke around 4 AM. I tried to get ahead and pray my prayers in bed. But as I mentioned in another post, God healed me of my insomnia, and He answers my prayers for peace. So, I knew I shouldn’t infringe on the time God has given me to rest.

One Monday, I thought I’d get in some clicks before I went to my office to start my day. We have an open downstairs. If I walk the route from

our bedroom door, ➘
    across the large foyer, ➘
      through the dining area, ➘
         around the octagon, ➘
           through the kitchen, ➘
             under the arches that lead back to the foyer, ➘
               through the laundry room, long walk-in closet, and the bedroom,
 I can run up about 110 clicks. 

So on that Monday, I felt led to pray my prayer list while I walked. I’ve memorized it, except for the new requests on the church bulletin and from my Bible study. I pray for people on lists I’ve created for:

the physically sick, 
    those needing emotional healing, 
      the grieving, 
        those suffering dementia and their caregivers, 
          those involved in Christian publishing, 
            writers in groups I belong to, 
              a list of children I’ve collected, 
                addicts, 
                  family members, 
                    friends,
                      church members, 
                        unbelievers, 
                          pastors, 
                            Bible teachers, 
                               lay speakers, 
                                 a prison chaplain and the prisoners,
                                   my country,
                                     my church denomination,
                                       the 6 churches in our rural charge,
                                         Christians worldwide and those suffering persecution, and
                                             the people-groups not yet reached with the gospel.

When I checked my Fitbit, I was shocked. I had over 5,500 clicks! I’d made about 50 trips around my indoor course! I’d been so involved in praying to the Lord that I hadn’t noticed the exercise my body received.

I’ve been prayer-walking for about three weeks. After a prayer walk, I’m hot and tired, but I’m physically and spiritually satisfied. 

How about you, what works in giving you exercise from sitting and writing?

About the Author

A full-time writer and speaker, Zoe M. McCarthy, author of Gift of the Magpie and Calculated Risk, writes contemporary Christian romances involving tenderness and humor. Believing opposites distract, Zoe creates heroes and heroines who learn to embrace their differences. When she’s not writing, Zoe enjoys her five grandchildren, teaching Bible studies, leading workshops on writing, knitting and crocheting shawls for a prayer shawl ministry, gardening, and canoeing. She lives with her husband in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Zoe blogs regularly at www.zoemmccarthy.com.

Gift of the Magpie

Gift of the Magpie by Zoe M. McCarthy

Amanda Larrowe’s lack of trust sabotages her relationships. The English teacher and award-winning author of middle-grade adventure books for boys has shut off communication with friends and family to meet her January 2 book deadline. Now, in the deepest snow accumulation Richmond, Virginia has experienced in years, Camden Lancaster moves in across the street. After ten years, her heart still smarts from the humiliating aftermath of their perfect high school Valentine’s Day date. He may have transformed into a handsome, amiable man, but his likeability doesn’t instill trust in Amanda’s heart. When Cam doesn’t recognize her on their first two encounters, she thinks it’s safe to be his fair-weather neighbor. Boy, is she wrong.

Purchase link for Gift of the Magpie: https://www.amazon.com/Gift-Magpie-Zoe-M-McCarthy-ebook/dp/B073M8X4YZ/

For more posts by Zoe M. McCarthy, click here.

Love Lives After Valentine's Day by Zoe M. McCarthy

Zoe M. McCarthy

Valentine’s Day 2018 was special for me. No, John didn’t buy me a diamond tiara. Last summer, I’d been invited to be part of a Valentine’s Day romance collection of novellas. Cooking up Kisses has been out since the middle of January. Writing my novella and all the ensuing promotional activities have kept love and hearts and kisses before me constantly for the past several months.

Knowing the Cooking Up Kisses collection had released, a local reporter, asked if I would let him interview me for his Valentine’s Day article in a local newspaper. In one of his questions, he asked what was my definition of love.

My answer came easily. I had just published a blog post on how to show love in stories. I researched behaviors heroes and heroines would exhibit if they loved each other. I used behaviors associated with several traits listed in The Positive Trait Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Character Attributes by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi.

No attribute showed up for loving in the book’s list. I was forced to decide which attributes fostered loving behaviors. Here’s the list I used: 

• Affectionate,
• Appreciative,
• Charming,
• Courteous,
• Empathetic,
• Gentle,
• Generous,
• Loyal,
• Nurturing,
• Patient,
• Supportive, and
• Trusting.

After perusing the twenty-five to thirty-five behaviors for each of my twelve attributes, I received a picture of what love is. I couldn’t tell a definition of love, but I could show examples of love between a hero and heroine. Not to leave anyone disappointed, here’s the best definition of love I’ve come across.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NIV)

How about you, what do you think should be included in depicting love?

About the Author

A full-time writer and speaker, Zoe M. McCarthy, author of The Invisible Woman in a Red Dress, Gift of the Magpie, and Calculated Risk, writes contemporary Christian romances involving tenderness and humor. Believing opposites distract, Zoe creates heroes and heroines who learn to embrace their differences. When she’s not writing, Zoe enjoys her five grandchildren, teaching Bible studies, leading workshops on writing, knitting and crocheting shawls for a prayer shawl ministry, gardening, and canoeing. She lives with her husband in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Zoe blogs regularly at www.zoemmccarthy.com.

Cooking Up Kisses
Five Sweetly Scrumptious Novellas

Cooking Up Kisses (Five Sweetly Scrumptious Novellas)

LOVE ON A DARE BY MARY MANNERS
Alana Mulvaney’s life is in a holding pattern. Consumed by day-to-day operations of the family business, Alana has no time for fun or romance. But a little fun and a whole lot of romance is just what Alana’s sisters have in mind when they learn childhood friend Donovan O’Reilly has returned to town.

HUMMINGBIRD KISSES BY DELIA LATHAM
Toni Littlebird believes that when she meets the man God created for her, she’ll know—and she’ll love him in that very moment.
But then Dax Hendrick roars into Hummingbird Hollow on a noisy, crippled Harley, stinking up the air and chasing away her beloved hummingbirds. One look into the intruder’s eyes and her heart sinks. He’s “The One.” She’d been right about knowing, but wrong about something far more important: She will never love this man!

HEARTS ON THE HARBOR BY ROBIN BAYNE
Cara Peyton is content with her life, her trendy Baltimore bookshop is perfect for her. But when her ex turns up to remodel the store, asking for a second chance, she’s torn and unsure about risking her heart again. Can he convince her to trust him, and God, before the job is finished?

HIS VALENTINE PROMISE BY DORA HIERS
Another Valentine’s Day and Quinn Randolph prefers to spend it with her sweet rescue lab. Who needs men and their broken promises? Especially Pierce Karson’s! Years ago, his desertion shattered her. Now he’s trying to steal the property she targeted to expand her florist shop! Pierce only wants to belong…and for Quinn to choose him. His Valentine Promise…

THE INVISIBLE WOMAN IN A RED DRESS BY ZOE M. MCCARTHY
Candace Parks lives a passionless life in Richmond. The computer programmer returns to the empty family home in the Blue Ridge Mountains solely to evaluate her job, faith, and boyfriend. Her high school crush, Trigg Alderman, who barely remembers her, visits his Gram next door. Sorting her life out? How about nothing of the sort!

Zoe M. McCarthy is a regular contributor to Seriously Write. For more posts by Zoe, click here.

Anxiety Prevention: Bind the Slave Driver by Zoe M. McCarthy

A few Sundays ago, I was frustrated. What I wanted to do was accept my husband’s offer to take one of our wonderful afternoon drives in the mountains. But I said I couldn’t.

Zoe M. McCarthy

Earlier this year, I’d learned my lesson about my Sabbath. I now reserve it for worship, rest, spending time with God, and loving on others. But I’m still figuring out what that looks like. That Sunday, I had planned to prepare something to send to my grandchildren, do my devotional I hadn’t done that morning, and read the Bible Scriptures and commentary for the evening Bible study. We wouldn’t have time before Bible study to enjoy God’s creation on a drive. No. I’d hole up in my room and complete those tasks.

My husband, the man who does most of the housework so I can hole up in my office and work five and a half days a week, accepted my plan, but I sensed his disappointment.

Then realization hit me. In my office five days a week from 5:30 AM to 6:00 PM, I read devotions, pray my lengthy prayer list, listen to God, develop the Bible study I teach (reading the Bible and commentaries), prepare my Sunday school lesson, and then work on my writing and platform tasks.

Did I, the slave driver, expect me to hole up in my office on Sunday because what I was doing was related to the Bible? Did God expect that of me?

And that loving on others, I wasn’t doing much of that on my husband during the week or Sunday.

So, after Sunday school and worship that Sunday, I told John, “Let’s go for that drive.” Traveling through fields, pastures, hills, valleys, mountains, and stopping for a moose munch ice cream cone at a small country store blessed us. We thanked God for the beauty of His earth.

I relished time with my husband, and the drive rested me.

At the evening Bible study, someone always reads the lesson’s scripture aloud. I enjoyed the lesson without the unnecessary pre-work I usually did. And I still put together something for my grandchildren.

We can avoid much anxiety if we tell the slave driver in us to take a rest at least one day of the week.

About the Author

A full-time writer and speaker, Zoe M. McCarthy, author of Gift of the Magpie and Calculated Risk, writes contemporary Christian romances involving tenderness and humor. Believing that opposites distract, Zoe creates heroes and heroines who learn to embrace their differences. When she’s not writing, Zoe enjoys her five grandchildren, teaching Bible studies, leading workshops on writing, knitting and crocheting shawls for a prayer shawl ministry, gardening, and canoeing. She lives with her husband in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Zoe blogs regularly at www.zoemmccarthy.com.

Gift of the Magpie

Gift of the Magpie by Zoe M. McCarthy

Amanda Larrowe’s lack of trust sabotages her relationships. The English teacher and award-winning author of middle-grade adventure books for boys has shut off communication with friends and family to meet her January 2 book deadline. Now, in the deepest snow accumulation Richmond, Virginia has experienced in years, Camden Lancaster moves in across the street. After ten years, her heart still smarts from the humiliating aftermath of their perfect high school Valentine’s Day date. He may have transformed into a handsome, amiable man, but his likeability doesn’t instill trust in Amanda’s heart. When Cam doesn’t recognize her on their first two encounters, she thinks it’s safe to be his fair-weather neighbor. Boy, is she wrong.

Purchase link for Gift of the Magpie: https://www.amazon.com/Gift-Magpie-Zoe-M-McCarthy-ebook/dp/B073M8X4YZ/

We Can Be Part of Something Big by Zoe M. McCarthy

My seven-year-old grandson wanted to understand what he’d heard about our presidential candidates lying. I was saddened. What thoughts, opinions, and lessons was my grandson absorbing from the hubbub about two prominent people that he should be able to respect and follow as role models?

Zoe M. McCarthy

I felt helpless. What could I do to stop all the sinfulness this and other nations are choosing, the most harmful being the turning away from God?

Then I read two short devotionals on opposite pages in Today God Wants You to Know… You Are Loved by Laura Wegner.

The first devotional offered 1 Peter 5:10-11 from The Message. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.

Ms. Wegner titled the following devotional, “You Are Part of Something Big.” She wrote: “No circumstances or person will ever be strong enough to push our God out of the way. Even His haters will ultimately bow their knee before His throne. So when the going gets tough, always remember that, in the end, God wins.”

That was a comforting reminder, but that didn’t ease my helplessness to change things for the better.

Ms. Wegner titled the opposite page, “You Can Bring Heaven to Earth.” The Scripture she chose was Matthew 6:10 from the New Living Translation. “May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.” She followed the Scripture with the words below.

“God wants you to be a part of His work on earth. He longs for you to exercise your faith in His will. This is because God has included us in His plans through our prayers. Our prayers enable us to access God in heaven. What a privilege!

If you want something from heaven to come to earth, pray. Entreat God to make it happen.”

I believe in prayer. So, I turned up the heat in prayer for our country and other nations, for Christians, for my church, and for Jesus’ great commission*. Also, I can be a role model for my grandchildren and others, so I pray about that too. I am part of something big.

How are you part of something big?

*“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

About the Author

A full-time writer and speaker, Zoe M. McCarthy, author of Gift of the Magpie and Calculated Risk, writes contemporary Christian romances involving tenderness and humor. Believing that opposites distract, Zoe creates heroes and heroines who learn to embrace their differences. When she’s not writing, Zoe enjoys her five grandchildren, teaching Bible studies, leading workshops on writing, knitting and crocheting shawls for a prayer shawl ministry, gardening, and canoeing. She lives with her husband in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Zoe blogs regularly at www.zoemmccarthy.com.

Gift of the Magpie

Gift of the Magpie by Zoe M. McCarthy

Amanda Larrowe’s lack of trust sabotages her relationships. The English teacher and award-winning author of middle-grade adventure books for boys has shut off communication with friends and family to meet her January 2 book deadline. Now, in the deepest snow accumulation Richmond, Virginia has experienced in years, Camden Lancaster moves in across the street. After ten years, her heart still smarts from the humiliating aftermath of their perfect high school Valentine’s Day date. He may have transformed into a handsome, amiable man, but his likeability doesn’t instill trust in Amanda’s heart. When Cam doesn’t recognize her on their first two encounters, she thinks it’s safe to be his fair-weather neighbor. Boy, is she wrong.

Purchase link for Gift of the Magpie: https://www.amazon.com/Gift-Magpie-Zoe-M-McCarthy-ebook/dp/B073M8X4YZ/

6 Tips to Control Your Creativity from Taking Over Your Life By Zoe M. McCarthy

If you're like me, you can become obsessed with writing. Always thinking, always planning, spending as much time in front of the computer as possible. I asked Zoe McCarthy to give her advice on controlling those urges so we can maintain a life outside the writing world. -- Sandy

Zoe: Hello. My name is Zoe. I’m a creativity junky. If you’re like me, your compulsive desire to create threatens your sleep, family and spiritual living, housework, and other responsibilities.

Know that once a creativity junky, always a creativity junky. But try theses 6 tips to help you know when to free your imagination to fly and when to rein it in.

1. Treat your writing like an outside-the-home job. I’m a full-time writer. On weekdays, I rise at 5 AM and start my day in Bible study and intercessory prayer, which prepares me for a good day. Around 9 AM, after breakfast and cleanup, I climb the steps to my office. I take care of non-creative tasks first, and then until 6 PM, I unleash my creativity to work on stories, blogs, and ministries. Ahhh.

2. Carry with you something to write on at all times. Creative ideas pop into my head while I pray, eat, work around the house, and even while I dream. I want to pursue an idea NOW. I can often control that urge by writing the idea down on my notebook or iPad. In effect, it’s scheduled, and I can relax.

3. Avoid activities at bedtime that tempt your creativity. I’m learning it’s dangerous to work on a scene or blog before going to sleep. When the lights go out, I’ll rework the content in my mind for hours. So, to stop ideas from streaming, I read a little of a book that’s far from a page-turner. Or I play a boring solitaire game on my iPad.

4. Plan moments throughout your day to re-ground you in non-creative living. For me, God is my guide, my counselor, and my Lord. Sometimes, I get wrapped up in my creative work and forget that. So I schedule another time with the Lord, using a devotional after lunch. Also, I plan tasks that include exercise for my breaks from writing.

5. Train yourself to keep certain days for family time and doing things other than creative work. This tip is the most difficult for me. It’s hard to shut down the creative frenzy for long periods. However, I’m working on the habit of taking off weekends. Also, I attend a Bible study Wednesday mornings. I schedule appointments, writing catch-up, or free time for Wednesday afternoons.

6. Do creative activities with others. My husband and I have worked together on activities, such as designing our house, creating a garden pond, and planning creative activities for Sunday school children. My creative nature loves and feeds on such times with my husband. And, I enjoy playing make-believe with my grandchildren.

Making habits of these tips will help round out your life.

What has worked for you to prevent your creative work from taking over your life?

~~~

A full-time writer, Zoe M. McCarthy spins contemporary Christian romances and short stories with splashes of humor. A self-publisher of two books of contemporary Christian short stories, Zoe has also published short stories with Christian Fiction Online Magazine. She is represented by Hartline Literary Agency and currently has a novel under contract, Calculated Risk. She lives with her husband in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia.

Zoe’s blog, Creative in Everything, (http://zoemmccarthyblog.wordpress.com) gives quotes, tips, and examples of how people can creatively engage others in their home, workplace, and volunteer activities. You can connect with Zoe on her Facebook Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/ZoeMMcCarthyAuthor and through Twitter https//twitter.com/zoemmccarthy

What To Do When the Storm Inside You Is Worse Than the Adversity by Zoe M. McCarthy

Zoe M. McCarthy

Someone discredits something I believe. One roadblock after another stops my progress. A circumstance beyond my control undermines my effectiveness.

Boy, aren’t these stimuli for sleepless nights and anxious days? Days consumed with defensive mental scenarios and infinite replays of unfairness?

Allowing such difficulties to consume hours of our peace turns us into blurry-eyed, seething creatures. We might as well be zombies for our inability to listen to or help others.

This imprisoned state becomes the real adversity.

Shields

Here are the shields I use against attacks on my inner solace. Try one or all of them the next time your reactions to circumstances attempt to abduct you.

Shield 1. I firmly say: “I will not receive that.” Then I move on to something else.

Shield 2. I remind myself: Be anxious in nothing, prayerful in everything, thankful in anything, and then the peace. (From (Philippians 4:6)

I pray, “Lord, You know all these hurtful things, and You command me not to be afraid or anxious. I want to be in your will. So here, I give my hurt and frustration to You. And I ask for Your peace. Thank you, Lord, for freeing me from the storm.”

Then I move on to something else.

Shield 3. I take this test based on Philippians 4:8. If the answer is no to one, I need to change my thoughts.

• Are my thoughts true? Maybe
• Noble? No. They turn me against someone else.
• Right? No. Jesus is against evil thoughts. Matthew 9:4; Mark 7:21
• Pure? Well, pure trouble, but not godly. Acts 8:22-23
• Lovely? They’re turning me into a prune.
• Admirable? I’m not obeying my Lord.

So I fill my mind with such thoughts as: Jesus is faithful. What a wonderful husband I have. I’m thankful the pipes didn’t freeze, the sun came up, and I have food on my table. God is wise and can do all things. Then I move on to something else.

Shield 4. I recall this scripture: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13 NKJV) Wow. This says I can remove anxious, worrisome, and unhelpful thoughts from my mind through Christ. I ask myself: Do I believe this scripture?

I confirm I do believe the promise. And I move on to something else.

Sometimes it takes moving from one shield to another and raising my shields several times. But God has always been faithful. I’m able to move on to something else.

What are your weapons or shields that free you from the adversity of inner storms?

About the Author

Zoe M. McCarthy believes the little known fact that opposites distract. Thus, she spins Christian contemporary romances entangling extreme opposites. Her tagline is: Distraction to Attraction, Magnetic Romances Between Opposites. Now retired actuaries, Zoe and her husband evaluated the financial risks for insurance companies. Nick, in Zoe’s debut novel, Calculated Risk, is an actuary. Christian Fiction Online Magazine published two of her short stories. Zoe self-published two books of contemporary Christian short stories. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She enjoys leading workshops at JoyWriters on the craft of writing; speaking about her faith; planning fun events for her 5 grandchildren; and exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains, where she lives with her husband, John.

Learn more about Zoe M. McCarthy at her website: http://zoemmccarthy.com.

Calculated Risk

Calculated Risk
by Zoe M. McCarthy

What happens when an analytical numbers man meets a mercurial marketing Rep? Romance is a calculated risk…

Jilted by the latest of her father’s choices of “real men,” Cisney Baldwin rashly accepts an invitation to spend Thanksgiving weekend with a sympathetic colleague and his family. Nick LeCrone is a man too much her opposite to interest her and too mild-mannered to make her overbearing father’s “list.” Now, Cisney fears Nick wants to take advantage of her vulnerable state over the holiday. Boy, is she wrong.

Nick wants little to do with Cisney. She drives him crazy with all her sticky notes and quirks. He extended an invitation because he felt sorry for her. Now he’s stuck, and to make matters worse, his family thinks she’s his perfect match. He’ll do what he can to keep his distance, but there’s just one problem—he’s starting to believe Cisney’s magnetism is stronger than he can resist.

Purchase links for Calculated Risk: http://zoemmccarthy.com/books

You Can Count on It: There’s No New Adversity Under the Sun by Zoe M. McCarthy

Zoe M. McCarthy

Solomon concludes: What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. Ecclesiastes 1:9 NIV

We writers are told no new plots exist—only new twists on old plots. Readers need both the element of the familiar and the freshness of the twist. For example, we write in our proposal, “This is an Invader story.” We go on to sketch out a new twist on aliens invading Earth or on pre-Columbian natives invading a nearby island.

Is it the same for the adversities that come our way? I think it is. That gives me comfort. No new adversity uncommon to man is going to rise up and strike me. Every kind of adversity has been experienced before.

When an adversity comes my way, my experience may exhibit a different twist than other peoples’ encounters with the same age-old adversity. But I can count on a wealth of people to help me ride its waves.

For example, I’m reading Gayle Roper’s A Widow’s Journey for research on my young widow in my manuscript. I’m thinking, “Women should read this before they become widows.” According to actuarial tables, widowhood is a likely adversity for women. Reading Gayle’s journal account of her journey, inspires me to:

• Appreciate John now
• Know where he files important papers and understand our financial matters
• Build my dependence on the Lord
• Make choices now to avoid regrets if I should become a widow (go happily to Wake Forest sports events)
• Tuck away in my mind the tasks and decisions Gayle addresses

I know doing the above won’t lessen the grief I’d face, but it may make it a little easier. Maybe I won’t try to go it alone, unduly prolonging it.

Knowing what to expect helps me. Knowing that widows offer blogs, books, time, and groups comforts me.

And the best part for us fiction writers is we have a venue to help others go through our types of adversities. We know about twists on common plots, so we know others’ experiences and journeys aren’t exactly like our own. We know characters have minds of their own. We can help our characters on their journeys but we must let them be themselves. The same is true for anyone we might encourage. This inspires me as well.

Why knowing your difficulty is age-old is good for you—and others. Click to tweet.

In what ways have you used your adversities to help others?

About the Author

Zoe M. McCarthy believes the little known fact that opposites distract. Thus, she spins Christian contemporary romances entangling extreme opposites. Her tagline is: Distraction to Attraction, Magnetic Romances Between Opposites. Now retired actuaries, Zoe and her husband evaluated the financial risks for insurance companies. Nick, in Zoe’s debut novel, Calculated Risk, is an actuary. Christian Fiction Online Magazine published two of her short stories. Zoe self-published two books of contemporary Christian short stories. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She enjoys leading workshops at JoyWriters on the craft of writing; speaking about her faith; planning fun events for her 5 grandchildren; and exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains, where she lives with her husband, John.

Learn more about Zoe M. McCarthy at her website: http://zoemmccarthy.com

Calculated Risk

Calculated Risk
by Zoe M. McCarthy

What happens when an analytical numbers man meets a mercurial marketing Rep? Romance is a calculated risk…

Jilted by the latest of her father’s choices of “real men,” Cisney Baldwin rashly accepts an invitation to spend Thanksgiving weekend with a sympathetic colleague and his family. Nick LeCrone is a man too much her opposite to interest her and too mild-mannered to make her overbearing father’s “list.” Now, Cisney fears Nick wants to take advantage of her vulnerable state over the holiday. Boy, is she wrong.

Nick wants little to do with Cisney. She drives him crazy with all her sticky notes and quirks. He extended an invitation because he felt sorry for her. Now he’s stuck, and to make matters worse, his family thinks she’s his perfect match. He’ll do what he can to keep his distance, but there’s just one problem—he’s starting to believe Cisney’s magnetism is stronger than he can resist.

Purchase links for Calculated Risk: http://zoemmccarthy.com/books