I’d spend a hunk of time working on blog posts today, but I’ve got some revision that need my attention. My manuscripts must take priority over other writing. So the blog, the articles, and that set of devotions I’ve been pondering, will have to wait.

While I’m slogging through scenes and rewriting others, I’d love to get your opinions. I’d like this blog to reflect some of the issues I write about in my manuscripts.

Sometimes relationships enhance our lives and other times they tear us apart. How can we encourage each other and avoid the temptation to put others down with gossip or unkind words?

Have you ever met someone who, in the midst of serious hardships, still glows with hope and joy? Why are some people crushed, while others are strengthened? Have you experience joy in the storm?

I’ll be back soon! Please leave your answers in the comment section and feel free to share this post on Facebook or Twitter.  And don’t miss Mesu Andrews. She’ll be here on Friday.

Image(s): FreeDigitalPhotos.net

This blog has been silent for the last few weeks. I think about writing often, but the desire is swept away in the chaos of life. You see, our family is in one of those seasons we all hope to avoid. We’ve gained a new appreciation for spiritual warfare and I’m pleased to report that we’ve all grown closer in the battle. It’s far from over, but we’ll make it…eventually.

Have you ever been in a particularly difficult time and felt like the trials just kept mounting?

On top of the darkness we’ve had a leak in the bathroom (both from the ceiling and the toilet), a flood, a lamb die, and a son with a concussion.  That’s just in the last couple weeks. Actually, most of this has been in the last couple days.When it rains it pours, and in Oregon, we REALLY mean that!

Life’s not all bad.

My marriage is awesome, and my kids are amazing.

I’ve seen my children support each other and offer encouragement to one another.

I have, and I don’t say this lightly, the very best friends in the world!

I can see the protections that were set in place years ago.

The sun is shining today and the birds are singing.

And God is still good!

I hope you’re all blessed today,

Christina

As a mom and a writer, sometimes I have to leave the house to really get solid writing done. At home the laundry, dishes, and all sort of other chores call me away from focusing on my story.

But I can’t just go anywhere. I’ve learned this the hard way. Certain establishments spell productivity, while other produce only distraction.

For me there are many factors. I need the temperature to be warm enough. Some places are plain chilly. I also need the music to be the right type and volume. And there’s the seating arrangement. I can’t write dialogue when the table next to me is having a conversation over my character.

Oh, and one last point. There needs to be yummy coffee or tea.

I use to write at the coffee shop in Borders. The proximity of hundreds of books didn’t hurt that location at all. There was also a great little coffee shop in the town where my older kids attend high school. Both of these places have closed.

Recently a not for profit coffee shop, Imagine Coffee, opened. It’s perfect. And now we have Panera too! I’m looking forward to many productive afternoons at my new writing locations.

So, what makes a good writing (or other type of work) place for you?