“Just as a tree must be pruned and trained in order to maximize its potential, we as writers must commit ourselves to certain self-disciplines if we intend to succeed—and to glorify God by our success.” ~ Penelope Stokes, Ph.D

Whether writing is our career or ministry or hobby, we want to be rooted in God. For only He can nourish and produce fruit in us. Apart from Christ, nothing lasts. Even His grace must fuel the discipline of all our writing habits.

Are we working in tandem with the Holy Spirit?

“To desire only what Christ gives and not to desire Christ himself is to be bought off by trinkets, never to own the greater treasure of his indwelling presence.” ~ Calvin Miller

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” ~ C.S. Lewis

“Remember the tea kettle…it is always up to its neck in hot water, yet it still sings!” ~ author unknown

“If you are cold, tea will warm you. If you are too heated, it will cool you. If you are depressed, it will cheer you. If you are excited, it will calm you.” ~Gladstone, 1865

“Tea should be taken in solitude.” ~ C.S. Lewis

“There is no trouble so great or grave that cannot be much diminished by a nice cup of tea.” ~ Bernard-Paul Heroux

“Bread and water can so easily be toast and tea.” ~ author unknown

Tag, you’re it. So here’s the challenge:

Make a list of five strengths that you possess as a writer/artist. It’s not really bragging, it’s an honest assessment. Please resist the urge to enumerate your weaknesses, or even mention them in contrast to each strong point you list. Tag four other writers or artists whom you’d like to see share their strengths.

HT: Heather at Mumblings of a Mommy Monk

My Five Writing Strengths:

1. I’m comfortable being alone to write for long stretches.
2. Research is fascinating and I’ve always been a life-long learner.
3. Editing suits me. I enjoy re-writes.
4. I take deadlines as challenges and get more done that way.
5. Believing that God called me as one of His scribes.

Tagging:
Hal Paxton
Cindy Swanson
Bonnie Bruno
Mary DeMuth

“If people only knew how they might cheer some lonely heart or lift up some drooping spirit, or speak some word that shall be lasting in its effects for all coming time, they would be up and about it.” ~ Dwight L. Mood

“The cheery warmth of the blazing fireplace sets the tone, and the evergreen smell of the decorated Christmas tree fills the air along with the music. We can almost hear the angels singing!” ~ Emilie Barnes, If Teacups Could Talk

As Christmas time rolls around, I find joy in all kinds of places—even my kitchen. Soon I’ll have my granddaughter over for a cookie-baking day. Last year we constructed a Gingerbread House from a pre-fab kit because my oven died. Not so tasty but lots of fun. This year we’ll make gingerbread men from scratch and decorate sugar cookies. With my new oven, I’m looking forward to a little culinary adventure.

Along with Cookie Day, the Gaines family girls have suggested an annual Christmas Tea. Nothing fancy. The china makes ALL things lovely, certainly those dainty egg salad finger sandwiches, scones, and mini blueberry muffins.

What does all this have to do with writing? I don’t know, but it sure gave me something to blog about! Can’t imagine anything more important than taking time out to make memories, nurture relationships, and invite joy. Do we not write best from a full heart?

For a full tummy, here’s a little recipe to get you started:

Scones
2 cups flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoon sugar
6 tablespoons butter
2 eggs, beaten
1/3 cup cream, milk or half-and-half

In a mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients. With a pastry blender (or two knives) cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In another bowl, combine eggs and cream until blended well. Stir cream mixture into dry ingredients until they are moistened. Do not mix dough too long or the scones will be hard! Divide dough into two 8-inch rounds on greased baking sheet. Cut dough with a sharp knife into 8 wedges. Brush the top with milk & sprinkle on sugar. Bake at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes or til scones are golden brown.

Optional:
2 tsp. lemon or orange rind
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup finely chopped nuts
1/4 cup cranberries or currants

*** The secret to tender scones is minimal handling, I understand. Enjoy!

November Carnival of Christian Writers at Writer . . . Interrupted

Enjoy this month’s new entries at the Carnival of Christian Writers. Authors and agents “talk turkey” about the craft and call of writing and offer some seasonal insights. Enjoy!

Thanksgiving is always such a sweet time at the Gaines cottage. Hope yours was filled with savory treats, warm surroundings, and the love of family and friends. For most of us writers, it’s back to work!

Let’s start the holiday season with a special thought:

“Writing an artful letter is truly a gift both to the recipient and to the writer” ~ Leslie Laskin-Reese

When is the last time you sat down to write someone a little note? Remember, not everyone owns a computer.

“The artistry of the creative life is in seeing what God is doing and being available to reveal his working. This requires the techniques of observing and expressing.” ~ Alice Bass, author of The Creative Life

“When we write a story, we must write to the absolute best of our ability. That is the job, first and foremost. If we are truly Christian, that will be evident, no matter what the topic. If we are not truly Christian, that will also be evident, no matter how pious the tale.” ~ Madeleine L’ Engle, The Rock That is Higher