Blog First, Book To Follow? (Blog #49)

For several years now, I have been encouraged by a few close loved ones and friends to put my writing skills to use by writing a book. My response has almost always been, "I don't think I would be able to write a book." Then I started writing a blog. Recently, it occurred to me that the amount of effort put into consistently writing a blog would eventually translate into the amount of work required to write a book. Having said that (actually written the words), it also occurs to me that there are a few other questions that would need to be answered before undertaking a project like writing my own book.

Among the first questions to be answered would be "What is the subject matter?" Furthermore, "What type of book would I write?" Will I write an autobiography? If so, who will read it. Should I write a work of fiction instead? Is there an audience for that type of work? Better yet, would it be most prudent to publish a book of poetry? Since I am well on the way with the number of unpublished poems which I have written in the past eight years, that choice would seem to a logical one.

These are all great questions to ponder. Then again, considering my background and education, something in the religious realm would not be out of the question either. At this juncture, I will find it prudent to rely on my faith and seek guidance from my Creator. One of the favorite books to study from the Bible, at least for me, is the Book of Proverbs. From the onset, the writer (possibly Solomon) provides us with incomparable wisdom like the following verses.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

[Proverbs 1:5-6 NIV]

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." [Psalm 119:105 NIV]

Guide me, O Lord, in the path You have set before me. In all that I say and do throughout my life, may You receive the glory. Amen.

~ DB Turnmire

The Countdown Continues (Blog #37)

As I continue this self-imposed rigorous schedule of blogging, I am reminded that had I not taken days off here and there I would likely be coasting to July 27, 2009 without worry. However, I did take almost a week off and then more recently, two days without a blog post. Alas, the end is in sight and the goal is well within reach.

This year seems to be filled with nostalgia, old memories and reconnecting with old friends, acquaintances and family members. Who would have thought that I, considered by some to be anti-social or even to have imposed self separation from certain family members, would find such pleasure and satisfaction in locating individuals who have crossed my path in the past.

In reflecting on the past, I am finding it easier to look forward to the future. There will be new opportunities, new challenges, new acquaintances and maybe even a few new friends along the way. Knowing this could make on fearful or fill one with joy and excitement. I find comfort and assurance in the words spoken to the prophet Jeremiah. " 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' " [Jeremiah 29:11 NIV]

"I can do everything through him who gives me strength." [Philippians 4:13]

Nine (9) days and 13 more blogs after this one to go!

~ DB Turnmire

Happy Birthday to Everyone!

During my youth, I was blessed with an uncanny ability to remember numbers, especially birthdays and phone numbers. "Back in the day", I was able to dial each of my siblings' phone numbers without use of a phone list or directory. Until my nieces and nephews started marrying and having families of their own, I could recite each of the birthdays and for a time, even the birth year as well.

Something happens to us as we grow older! Actually, many things happen to us as we grow older in the realm of mind and body. With each year, we accumulate more and more information which seems to clutter our minds and prevent us from processing the older information as quickly. As a result, even though I may still know each of those birthdays, I often am not reminded of them until I see the current date on the calendar. My memory difficulties may also be attributed to the fact that I am the family member who rarely sends out cards for birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. That is probably a missed opportunity to keep things fresh in my memory.

Another factor, however, is the sheer size of my family of origin. Just to crunch a couple of numbers, I am the youngest of eight children. Each of the eight children had at least three offspring with their original spouses. Two of us have four children and one has five. If you start to do the math, eight children with eight spouses and 28 offspring becomes somewhat unreasonable. It wasn't until the nieces and nephews started getting married that you now introduced spouses birthdays and, then, their children. Later, re-marriages with step-children were introduced to the mix. At some point, the task of remembering without visual aids became so daunting that I simply gave up.

So to the chagrin of some of some of my siblings, I can still remember the original spouse's birthdays but have no clue about the new spouse. If pressed, I could remember each of my nieces' and nephews' birthdays (and maybe even birth years) but their current spouse or children, I would have no idea. I am sure no one else even gives this a second thought but that's why I have a blog!

All of this came to mind because today is Jeremy's (my son-in-law) birthday and not being a card sender, I sent him a text message to wish him a happy birthday. Of course, I should write an entire blog about texting and how one day I said "I would never do that!" Today is also my brother Glen's birthday. Tomorrow is my brother-in-law Jim's birthday. For all the birthdays I remembered and all those I forgot, I am writing this blog to wish everyone a Happy Birthday! If on your actual birthday, I forget to send a greeting, call you on the phone or send you an "annoying" text message, please remember that today I thought of you and wished you a happy day.

"This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."
[Psalm 118:24]

~ DB Turnmire

Writer's Block or On Hiatus?

By now, a number of you have been wondering what happened to me and my "daily" blog? Of course, it would be easy to claim writer's block as the cause for my absence. Or I could simply state that I had decided to take a hiatus from writing which could be considered a mistake on my part. I am aware of the great danger of losing readership during an extended absence so please make sure that you tell everyone that "I am back!"

Recently, I finished reading a novel entitled At First Sight by author Nicholas Sparks. This work is actually a follow up to the story which begins in the novel True Believer by the same author. The main character in both novels is Jeremy Marsh, who writes a monthly column for a scientific focused magazine. He also does freelance articles for other publications and investigative reporting on the side. In the second of these novels by Sparks, Jeremy has relocated from New York City to a small town in rural North Carolina. While the home he has purchased is being renovated, Jeremy finds it extremely difficult to continue writing his column. I would highly recommend any of Nicholas Sparks' novels. You will probably be surprised at the movie titles that you recognize among his works.

There is some similarity between Jeremy Marsh and myself in that over the past week, it has been hard to focus on writing. You see, about ten days ago or so, Bill and I decided that we should make a conscientious effort to make the house we have lived in for over two years our own. I think it all started when the washer quit and we had to purchase a new washer and dryer. That starting a cleaning frenzy that has been ongoing ever since. So we eventually removed the carpet from the last room on the main floor, exposed the hardwood floors, cleaned them and began the process of redoing our home office.

Since all of this began, we have basically touched every room in the house. Furniture is being re-purposed and used in other rooms. In the words of one of the historical church fathers who has influenced my life greatly, Martin Luther, what does this mean? One of the main things it means for me is that I am stepping out in faith. After all, why go to all this work at a time when I remain unemployed, Bill is on medical leave and the future of the house in uncertain. Because for the first time in several years, I find purpose in the things that I am doing to make the house a home. For over two years, we have existed in this expensive space without really allowing ourselves to enjoy it.

I also am able to find solace in the Old and New Testament scriptures which I studied in preparation for the ministry. Putting my future in God's hands allows me to move forward with confidence. He explained it to the Old Testament prophet Jeremiah. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." [Jeremiah 29:11] For me, it is a no-brainer. If I believe that God has been the guiding force in my life to this point, then it seems natural to trust him for my future. For many, that is called "faith". "... Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." [Hebrews 11:1]

So in the meantime, we find ourselves making a house into a home and enjoying each day as it comes. I pray for strength to carry on and trust that God will deliver, confident that whatever lays ahead is in keeping with God's will. While it might be easier to give up, I am reminded of my lifetime Scripture verse spoken at the rite of confirmation. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." [Joshua 1:9] Borrowing the thoughts and words of Martin Luther (May 1521), "Here I stand. I cannot do otherwise. God help me. Amen."

~ DB Turnmire

Amazing News for Tough Times

As I become more comfortable with daily blogging and have begun to reach out to others and share the web address for my blog, I am being positively amazed by the response. As more of you read and share, please feel free to offer your comments. Perhaps we will be able to begin some positive discussions of some of the topics offered. Thanks to Annie, a friend and former co-worker, for taking the time out of her busy schedule to offer her comments. My daughter Amy tells me that the daily blog reminds her of listening to my sermons in church and that each day speaks to the things she is going through in life. One of my former parishioners, Yvonne, echoed those same sentiments in an email which I received from her today.

Just imagine how we could change the world by opening up positive dialogues on the topics and issues which would appear to set us apart from one another. The times in which we find ourselves living today are challenging to say the least. Economic hardship, unemployment, foreclosure, homelessness, an international swine flu epidemic, major wars in Iraq and Afghanistan - just to name some of the concerns on people's minds. Desperate times are also causing otherwise sane individuals to act in desperation. Rarely a week goes by without someone snapping mentally and killing themselves after they have killed a number of family members or even complete strangers.

There is an old saying that "when times get tough, you know your true friends". The biblical psalms remind us of what may happen when those closest to us cannot handle difficult situations in the lives of friends or family. "My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak. Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbors; I am a dread to my friends — those who see me on the street flee from me. I am forgotten by them as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery." [Psalm 33:10-12] Some who find themselves in despair feel that either there is no God or, if there is a God, they have surely been abandoned and there is no way out of the darkness.

Writing a daily blog is proving to be one of the most therapeutic measures I have ever taken. Yes, I am still unemployed and receive little or no response from most of my applications or resume submissions. We will miss our next mortgage payments and will likely be on the downward slope toward foreclosure. The upside of all this was reported in yesterday's blog. Our yard and the landscaping shrubs and trees look really nice. We are tearing out the rest of the carpet on the main floor to reveal the hardwood floors underneath. Strangely enough, I have lately become more determined to make every effort to stay in the house if possible. There is no mistaking that faith will be tested in the months to come.

I am often reminded of another scripture passage from the Book of Proverbs. Proverbs 18:24 encourages me with the reminder that "there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Recent experiences have also proven a measure of truth to the saying "out of sight, out of mind". How quickly and easily we forget those who come into our lives but for a season - "friends" and acquaintances, former co-workers and employees, or even family members.

Many of us are making an effort to get back to basics by streamlining, purging things, downsizing, etc. Maybe this is a good time to rediscover the basics of human relationships and interactions. Meaningful friendships require more than superficial knowledge of another person. Relationships which offer lasting benefits call for active sacrifice on our parts as well. The end result will definitely seem to be worth it. In case we could forget, Jesus said "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." [John 15:13] That is exactly what He did.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;'
Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

[John Newton, 1725-1807]

~ DB Turnmire