Chiara Talluto

Author, Wife, Busy Mom, A Woman after God's Heart.

Category: Editing (Page 4 of 15)

Resting in His Presence instead of Running on Empty

September 7, 2023 /

 

As I got in the car this morning I realized I was running really low on gas. So I drove to the gas station. It was a cool morning, and I could feel the autumn season coming around. The leaves have also been changing colors.

While filling my tank, I yawned. I yawned again, and then again. My mind was worn down. A short, fit, older gentleman in a tan jogging suit trotted by and said, “Looks like you can use some rest.”

I nodded and replied, “Yes sir. Yes sir indeed.”

At that distracted moment, I was feeling overwhelmed going over the never-ending to-do lists and tasks to be completed. They circled my thoughts like a swarm of blackbirds. I was just as empty as my gas tank, while my backseat was crammed with burdens, obligations, follow-ups, consultations, and on and on…

After fueling up, I went on my way. I drove through miles and miles of construction and traffic, which were everywhere, and I even caught every single red light. Argh… I hate that. My car felt sluggish, unable to move the heavy load occupying my back seat, or maybe I couldn’t get my foot to press harder on the pedal. Either way, I was running empty because I’d been trying to solve and haul everyone else’s burdens along with my own.

The Bible tells us we are to help carry one another’s burdens as written in Galatians 6:2 and Philippians 2: 3-4. There are misinterpretations and debates over those scriptures, and I’m doing additional research to discern the differences (a good discussion for another time).

The Bible also tells us in Hebrews 12:1-2 to run our own race. We aren’t meant to run someone else’s race but our own. We have to lug our own cross, not someone else’s. I recognized that I have been neglecting my spiritual time in the secret place where I can get in the presence of the Lord and be refreshed and lifted up. We all need this.

Jesus even said, Come all who are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. (Mathew 11:28)

He also affirmed that busyness and checklists don’t matter. Rather, taking the time to lay everything at His feet. A good example of that is the story of two sisters, Mary and Martha. Mary chose to sit with Jesus, while Martha fussed with petty duties. (Luke 10:38-42).

With the driver-side window down while I drove, I felt a fresh wind come across my face. My responsibilities won’t diminish, but I know now my load is shared with my Savior. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

So, go into your secret place and pray. Get into God’s Word. May it comfort your mind from the worldly chaos, while not letting your tank run empty.

In the end, we have to finish the race that God has set before us. (2 Timothy 4:7).

I hope this encourages you as it did for me.

God bless…

 

 

 

The Mushroom Conundrum

July 28, 2023 /

 

You ever wonder about wild mushrooms or how they grow and thrive anywhere? I’ve seen them in yards, our lawn, on tree barks, sides of the road off of busy highways, under fences, you name it.

I personally find them pesty and downright nasty-looking. Wild mushrooms are oddly shaped and often have a peculiar shade of color. I’m not talking about edible mushrooms, such as Portobello Mushrooms, Shiitake Mushrooms, and plenty of others, either.

In my curiosity, I decided to research how wild mushrooms grow. First, though we need to ask, what is a mushroom? According to Microsoft Bing’s definition,

A mushroom is a fungal growth that typically takes the form of a domed cap on a stalk, with gills on the underside of the cap.

Mushrooms grow from spores (not seeds) that are so tiny you can’t see individual spores with the naked eye. In the wild, mushrooms grow on both soil and other substrates like wood. No soil is necessary for growing them. Instead, they’ll grow on substances such as sawdust, grain, straw, or wood chips for nourishment. It’s also because mushrooms do not contain chlorophyll, therefore they cannot produce their own food using the process of photosynthesis. Mushrooms use the substratum that they grow on or have a symbiotic relationship with, in order to create the nutrients that they require. Isn’t that crazy how mushrooms have that capability?

Mushrooms can also grow in damp, dark places, and in wet, humid climates. Mushrooms are very sturdy, and I’ve seen them affixed firmly onto things.

My daughter took the above photo for me because I was fascinated by this particular mushroom and how it grew near a rock. Yes, there was soil and woodchips around it, but it awed me to see its strength and durability considering its surroundings.

The wheels in my brain began to turn as I stared at this mushroom. We live in a world where there is a fix for everything. Take this pill for this, drink this concoction for that, do this particular thing and all your anxiety and pains will go away. It goes on and on.

The culture also tells us to rely on our feelings, thus taking offense to everything. We avoid getting grounded in our faith, we avoid discussing our spiritual desires. The Bible tells us that if we don’t have a solid foundation, we are like the wind, tossed to and fro, and can be seduced by evil doctrine very easily. (Ephesians 4:14, Ecclesiastes 1:14)

We’re expected to keep up with the latest fashions, music, bestseller lists, and technology. But nowhere are we encouraged to speak Truths to one another.

I have a better appreciation of wild mushrooms now. They are brave fungi! No matter what’s around them, they attach themselves to something grounded and their roots flourish because of their strength on the inside.

We should all focus on cultivating our inner selves more so than our outer selves because…

How are you growing?

Resources

https://www.bhg.com/gardening/vegetable/vegetables/how-to-grow-mushrooms/#:~:text=Mushrooms%20grow%20from%20spores%20%28not%20seeds%29%20that%20are,sawdust%2C%20grain%2C%20straw%2C%20or%20wood%20chips%20for%20nourishment

https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/where-do-mushrooms-grow.html

https://northspore.com/blogs/the-black-trumpet/how-do-i-grow-mushroomshttps://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=how+do+wild+mushrooms+grow&view=detail&mid=65CB62B977D9F897D34C65CB62B977D9F897D34C&FORM=VIRE

Dear Younger Me

May 25, 2023 /

I’ve spent a good amount of my life doubting my decisions and often living in a hesitancy to failure. Now that I’m older, have much gray hair that I color every seven weeks, and have experienced things, I wish I had had someone tell it to me straight and be truthful. It is why I’ve taken a moment to accumulate nuggets of wisdom to pass along to my children, as if I was talking to my younger self because if tomorrow never comes, then I know I have spoken my truth today.

Dear Younger Me,

I know I can’t go back in time. But if I could have sent you a message, a note, spoken to you in a  dream, I’d tell you these words:

Practice makes progress, not perfect because when you practice something long enough, you are really making progress. Perfection is not a mass finality, but rather an individualized, personal goal.
Gentle words, gentle play.Thru calmness, comes clarity.The best conversations are with myself.Don’t put words in the air that don’t belong there.Pain always follows the wanting.Get in front of the problem.

Fight the problem, not the people.
There are simple answers to difficult questions.
Turn your fear into a friend, not a foe.The decisions you make today affect you five years from now.Limit distractions. Stay on course.Don’t live for anything; stand for something.If you don’t stand for anything, you’ll truly fall for everything.Friends are people of passage. Find your people.You can only grow where you plant good seeds.

Grow where you are planted. And if you get replanted over and over again, dig your roots, and keep growing.
Don’t be a troublemaker, be a truth seeker.I’m temporarily closed…. forever. (Love the oxymoron)
I need God to pour into me so I can push out the overflow to others.Some questions have no answers.Love is love, but love is better when you love in truth.Love is love when it is done in truth.It’s how you overcome; not how you succumb.You either die suffering or suffer in dying!Test everything. Discern all.Everything good that comes out of me is from God, Everything bad in me, is from me.Lord, direct me to move out of the way, so You can make a way.Some people don’t want to make peace with you, rather they want a piece of you.Forgiveness is really for you to let go.The hardest people to love and pray for are the ones who persecute you.Rather than scold or talk badly about a person, pray blessings over them.You can’t control the passing on of generational curses, but you can stop them from being activated in your family.Wisdom, revelation and knowledge of Him, Jesus Christ is far better than all the education of the world.Be friendly with everyone, doesn’t mean you have to be what they are.It’s okay to feel that you don’t belong. It means you are growing in maturity. Put away your childish behavior and grow up.Not everyone is going to like you.Don’t stress about fitting in when God made you to stand out. Be separate from the culture.You’ll always going to have people jealous of you.Your biggest enemies are usually the ones closest to you.Family is blood. You can’t change that. But toxic blood often resides within the family. Get it out! Cast it out of your life!
If you don’t love in truth, it isn’t love.Stop appeasing those who keep using you.If someone doesn’t like you, no matter what you do, it won’t change their dislike of you. It’s because they’re threatened by you.Friends and family don’t always want you to succeed.No one friend can be your everything. Have many different friends with different interests.

Dream.

Be a risk-taker, not a regret-maker.

Pay someone’s bill.

Dress up for no reason and go to the grocery store.

Wear lipstick just to go for a walk.

Rather than watch a movie, turn on the television and watch cartoons.

Dance in front of your mirror.

Sing!

Work. It will teach you responsibility.

Learn to manage your money.

Go out to dinner alone every once in a while.

Love yourself.

Love God and love people.

Read. Read everything.

Get into God’s Word. Really read the Bible. IT IS a blueprint for living this earthly life.

Fretting and worrying all the time is really overrated.

Really watch a sunrise and a sunset.

Sleeping enough does help.

And it’s true. Never grocery shop when you’re hungry.

Never make big decisions when you’ve been drinking, are tired, or hungry.

Be true to yourself because no one is going to do it for you.

 

To be continued…

NOTE: This blog post was inspired by the song, “Dear Younger Me” by MercyMe. Check out the video here.

 

 

Motherhood – God’s Chosen Profession (Courtesy of Relatable-Voice Magazine)

May 4, 2023 /

 

I’m delighted to share that for this month of May, I had an article showcased in Relatable-Voice Magazine in celebration of Mother’s Day. It’s a FREE magazine filled with inspiring and creative artists who are living out their passion and dreams. This particular issue focuses on Motherhood.

Download the magazine at https://www.relatable-media.com/online-store/The-Relatable-Voice-Magazine-Issue-9-May-2023-p550939787

See page 19 for my article “Motherhood – God’s Chosen Profession.”

Until next time…

Be well. Be safe. Be happy!

 

Table Coverings: To Plastic or Mat? That is the Question

April 18, 2023 /

Dictionary.com defines a Table as:

A table is a piece of furniture used to place items on top, but mostly, to eat on. Yes, there are worktables, desk tables, etc., but in this instance, we are talking specifically about kitchen tables. Tables get dirty. Most modern homes don’t put any coverings on tables except for special occasions or holidays. See the following article on tablecloths.

  1. Dressing Your Table: Cloth or No Cloth
  2. Do Modern Tablecloths Even Exist
  3. To Use a Tablecloth or Not

Not in my home. I grew up in an Italian household with tablecloths on kitchen tables. Every time we sat down to eat, we had to pull out the old tablecloth. Did I say… EVERY SINGLE TIME! Once we were finished eating, we had to gather the cloth and go outside and shake the crumbs out in the yard, or at the end of the driveway. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.

Are you getting the visual on this? Just checking.

So, when my girls were younger, I put a tablecloth on our kitchen table because they were messy, and it prevented them from nicking and damaging the table. We’ve always bought a good, wooden table for our kitchen. We’ve gone through four in the last twenty-three years. Not bad, but still.

Anyhow, we’ve had our current table for about three years. And the girls are in their teens now, so I decided to try mats. I went to the at Home store, and I bought these really nice mats. I wanted to be modern, and my girls liked them, so we tried them. Folks, it didn’t last a month. Crumbs got on the table and the mats. I was shaking out the mats, over the sink this time, and wiping down the table. This had become a double-duty job, not to mention, we vacuum around the table after eating too. Yes, I’m a stickler for cleanliness. I don’t like crumbs on the floor either, plus we have an exotic bird, and he throws his seeds on the floor. So, I’m constantly vacuuming too. The floor is always crumb-and-seed-free.

With all this extra work, I didn’t like this ‘mat thing’ very much. I went back to what I know from my childhood, the tablecloth. This time, I added a clear plastic covering OVER the tablecloth, also my childhood experience—yes, I’m dating myself.

Ahh… Shiny, and clean, I can see any dirt marks or anything sticky. With a wet piece of paper towel, I’m able to wipe it down, and instantly, the plastic is clean again. The best part, I can admire my Italian tablecloth under the clear plastic and not worry it gets stained. Woo-hoo, win, win!

My daughters, on the other hand, shook their heads in disappointment. I wasn’t cool anymore. They later told me, not only was this outdated, but this made me look old, very old. I laughed it off. They weren’t serious, were they? Hmm… shrug, I think I’m pretty cool! Aren’t I?

Here’s the thing, folks. I love the expression, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. I also like the idea of a smooth-looking table covering. It looks 80ish, okay, maybe 70ish… but it WORKS.

Tell me what you all do with your kitchen tables. To cover or not to cover? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

A Jonah Spring

March 13, 2023 /

When I was a child attending catechism classes, now called Faith Formation, at my Catholic church, one of my favorite Bible stories was of Jonah and the Whale from the Book of Jonah. The Bible story of Jonah tells of a Hebrew prophet, hence Jonah, who is sent by God to warn the city of Nineveh of its wickedness and impending destruction. Instead of heeding his calling, Jonah flees by purchasing a ticket on a boat headed to Tarshish, which is the opposite direction of Nineveh. He is later thrown overboard and swallowed by a large sea creature and prays to God for mercy. Once released, Jonah obeys God’s command and preaches to the people of Nineveh, who repented and turned from their wicked ways, thus rescuing them from God’s wrath.

I’ve been in what I’m calling a “Jonah Spring”. I’m trying to cleanse my life of toxicity and harmful circumstances. We all know the ending of Jonah’s experience, but I was recently rereading the Book of Jonah, and certain verses struck a personal chord. You see, a lot has been going on in my family life, and inherited, overwhelming responsibilities which I prefer not to get into. In my reading, I learned something about myself through the scriptures (it’s amazing that way), that I believe might help others too.

Jonah Thrown into the Sea

             Jonah1:10-16

10 Then the men were exceedingly afraid, and said to him, “Why have you done this?” For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the Lord, because he had told them. 11 Then they said to him, “What shall we do to you that the sea may be calm for us?”—for the sea was growing more tempestuous.

12 And he said to them, “Pick me up and throw me into the sea; then the sea will become calm for you. For I know that this great tempest is because of me.”

13 Nevertheless the men rowed hard to return to land, but they could not, for the sea continued to grow more tempestuous against them. 14 Therefore they cried out to the Lord and said, “We pray, O Lord, please do not let us perish for this man’s life, and do not charge us with innocent blood; for You, O Lord, have done as it pleased You.” 15 So they picked up Jonah and threw him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging. 16 Then the men feared the Lord exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice to the Lord and took vows.

Jonah knew he was the problem and caused God’s wrath, but the men on the boat didn’t want to throw him over at first—they felt guilty. So, they kept rowing, and the storm still raged on. Finally, when they cried out to the Lord and threw Jonah into the ocean, did the sea calm.

I realized through these scripture words, that if you want to change, you have to throw out “your Jonah”. That is, whatever is holding you back. Whatever has had a stronghold on you. If that Jonah has caused strife, disconnect, and pain, then it’s time to remove it from your life. And this is what I’m working on, being a better me, obeying the plans God has for me, and facing those awful situations head-on and casting them out into the abyss.

May you forge ahead in love, peace, and joy this Spring Season. Face those fears and get right!

Leave the Hating to Me – A Pioneer Perspective

February 9, 2023 /

My husband and I have been watching the 1883 series on Paramount +. The prequel of Yellowstone’s prosperous Dutton family. There is a 1923 show which continues from 1883, but we haven’t gotten that far yet.

In 1883, episode 6, there is an eye-opening scene between Tim McGraw who plays James Dutton, and his daughter, Elsa who is played by Isabel May. A tragedy has occurred that involved Elsa, and she took matters into her own hands so to speak. I won’t spoil it for you, but in their exchange, a life lesson occurs between a father and his daughter that can be a learning moment for us.

Elsa is angry and brewing with disdain and rage. Her father, James, tells her a story about his Civil War experience and subsequent killings he committed, which left him questioning the purpose of his life, as the wounded and the dead surrounded him. They realized together, they now shared a common bond of loss and hate. The father proceeds to counsel his child to not sit in the hate and give up, but rather use it for growth and development. Death was a certainty on their journey across the Plains, but they had to keep going for survival.

James Dutton ends his conversation with this one line: “Leave the hating to me”. Elsa’s teary-filled eyes follow her dad as he gallops away on his horse. James Dutton was insisting that his only daughter relinquish her wrath to her father who would protect her at all costs.

The same goes for God. In the Bible, in the Book of Jeremiah: Chapters 30:22 and 32:38, two scriptures repeat the same message:

“You shall be My people; and I will be Your God.”

And because of this, God demands that we turn away from our sins, hate, wrath, and humble ourselves and seek Him in everything. Just as it was written in 2 Chronicles 7:14.

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

James loves his daughter, Elsa, so much, he’d risk his life for her. In one episode he even tells a horse rancher, “You’ll never love her like I do.” It’s the same with God, He loves us so much, and He made us in His image, as stated in Genesis 1:27.

“So God created man in His own image; in the image of God, He created him; male and female He created them.”

I know what you’re thinking. This is all fine and dandy, so were loved, yes, but it doesn’t discount the fact that there will be troubles in our lives. Even Jesus said so in John 16:32-33.

“Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.  These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

In Mark 13:8, Jesus said…

“For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows.”

Remember, there are devils in our midst who want to consume our thoughts and actions and take away all that is good within us. Jesus said in John 10:10.   

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly.”

You might be thinking that’s great; I’m still wallowing, the devil is winning. What do I do? Read Psalm 13. It’s a great battle cry!

“How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?  How long shall I take counsel in my soul, Having sorrow in my heart daily? How long will my enemy be exalted over me?

Consider and hear me, O Lord my God; Enlighten my eyes, Lest I sleep the sleep of death;

Lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed against him”; Lest those who trouble me rejoice when I am moved.

But I have trusted in Your mercy; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, Because He has dealt bountifully with me.”

Yes, there’s a lot to be angry about in this world and to hate. In Ephesians 6:12, it talks about how evil is much bigger than we can ever imagine.

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

How should we live every single day? We need to suit up and boot up and put on the Whole Armor of God as described in Ephesians 6: 10-18.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,  and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;  above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—”

Why do we need to do it at all? To protect ourselves when evil comes against us, knowing God will take vengeance for us as described in Romans 12:19.

“Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.”

Until then…Live your life with purpose, servanthood, love, and gratitude, seeking the Kingdom of God first as it is written in Mathew 6:33.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

And leave the hating to God!

Going for the Stretch in 2023

January 11, 2023 /

Dictionary.com defines “stretch” as:

  • to draw out or extend (oneself, a body, limbs, wings, etc.) to the full length or extent,
  • to hold out, reach forth, or extend.

The new 2023 year is here. Many have begun new regimens in the areas of eating healthy, exercising, mental reevaluations, new jobs, etc.

January is a great time to start anew. A clean slate. Each year, I come up with a word as a reminder to challenge myself in becoming a better “me”. For the last several years, I’ve started off with these words:

  1. Restart – 2020
  2. Reset – 2021
  3. Revive – 2022
  4. Stretch – 2023

I was on an “R” streak for the last three years, and this year, that all changed. The one word that has been creeping into my mind is “Stretch”.

I’ve been growing and nurturing myself in many areas of my life: my health, my writings, my family, my relationships, and most importantly, my faith in Jesus Christ. I don’t know what God has planned for me, but if it includes the word, Stretch, hmmm… well, I better get flexible very, very soon because I have an inkling that the Lord is leading me on a journey where all these facets will be tested.

This brings me to this revelation I discovered in the Bible, specifically, in Mathew 13: 1-8 and 18-23 as it relates to human inclination and learning the truth about themselves. Let me share the scriptural content below and then I’ll explain and tie everything together.

The Parable of the Sower

13 “On the same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the sea. 2 And great multitudes were gathered together to Him, so that He got into a boat and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.3 Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: “Behold, a sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them. 5 Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. 6 But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away. 7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. 8 But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”

 

The Parable of the Sower Explained

18 “Therefore hear the parable of the sower: 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. 20 But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. 22 Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. 23 But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”

My Take…

Though this is a biblical parable about a sower and the seed. A lot can be said about how people react, work through, or persevere when it comes to New Year’s resolutions, making life changes, starting something different, etc. Jesus uses the sower as Himself/God, and the seed as representative of God’s Word, But, it can also apply to learning, truth, wisdom, influence, etc. People generally fall into four categories when receiving these nuggets:

  1. People hear what they’re supposed to do, but often don’t understand it, are unable to apply it, often question it, and therefore discard it on the wayside.
  2. People hear what they’re supposed to do in “stony” places. These people are the ones who receive info with joy and start strong in their endeavors. Like those who start a new healthy diet in January. They’re excited about it for a while, but as soon as something goes wrong or it’s not working, they stumble and then quit because they have no depth in their being to fight through it.
  3. People who hear amongst the thorns. These folks are confident and are working on their talents, but soon the cares of the world take over, and their love for worldly things and pleasures choke them out, and they stop.
  4. People receive and hear on good ground. They’re the ones who will bear good fruit. Why? Because they accept it, apply it, and produce good in the world. They have a strong foundation, use discernment, and serve others using their gifts and talents.

Which category do you fall in?

And so, as I journey this year, “stretching” myself in various life situations and circumstances, I’m going to keep this Biblical parable in mind encouraging me to create a stronger soil, so that when the Sower throws me seeds, I can plant them, and they can multiply. I hope you do the same.

“He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” Mathew 13: 9

I pray you too can be blessed to stretch and soar beyond your understanding. Do you have a word for the year? If so, comment below. I’d love to learn your thoughts.

Until next time…

Be well. Be safe. Be happy!

 

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mathew+13%3A+1-8&version=NKJV

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mathew+13%3A+18-23&version=NKJV

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mathew+13%3A+9&version=NKJV

 

 

The In-Between of All Things

December 29, 2022 /

In life, you have a beginning, an end, and an in-between. We spend most of our natural existence in the “in-between”. What you do with that time is up to you. God gives you free will and choices that you can make any time you want.

Like a book, there is a beginning. It has to captivate the reader so that they continue reading the story. The beginning is the hook, and it should be strong. The end is the culmination of the plot, coming full circle and it too, should leave readers wanting more, satisfied and fulfilled, or retrospective. As a writer, I love all those kinds of endings and I work really hard in trying to achieve them in my stories. Most of the work, however, is in the “middle”. That’s where the booklover stays the longest. Sustaining the tale, keeping the interest, working through tragedies and triumphs, and transporting the reader on an adventure with the characters of the story.

Getting back to real life, we’ve reached the end of 2022. The end of the year. Like its beginning, it either ends strong or flat. Every one of us has a story and though we may have similarities and coincidences, our individual journeys are just that, individual. The beginning and end are only a part of an entire year. Your in-between or middle will either propel you or cripple you in the coming new year.

What’s your in-between going to look like in 2023? Start making plans. It’s hours away.

Until next time…

Be well. Be safe. Be happy.

 

References:

Photo by Jill Wellington: https://www.pexels.com/photo/happy-new-year-text-3334355/

 

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