It struck me recently that I’m a writer.
Now, I don’t mean for you to believe that I haven’t been aware of this until recently. It’s the fact that it struck me. Hard.
There are days when I don’t have time to write. This is a week full of those days. And my soul burns, my fingers itch, my brain twitches with the pressure of words that have to get out somehow. Could it be that, since my boyfriend-who-is-my-husband is out of the country for the week, it’s the lack of grown-up conversation that is starving me? Perhaps a bit.
Okay. Yes. I’m starving for real-people talk.
But more than that, I can’t shake the desire to tell stories. To share my convictions, my thoughts, myself. My mind is so full it keeps me up at night sometimes. There are myriad issues–touchy and daunting–that the world is reticent to discuss. As a believer, I’ve got to be willing to tackle them, too. Isn’t that what Paul means when he says to Timothy that we’ve got to be prepared in and out of season to give an answer for the hope we have? Aren’t we all supposed to be willing to discuss? To engage the culture we live in? To talk about what drives us?
I’m full of hope, and I want people to notice it. I want people to see it so clearly that they can’t walk past without asking me about it. Give me a chance to share my Reason for living. But as a stay-at-home-mom, it’s mostly my kids that get to do the asking. (I do love it when they ask. Those conversations are priceless.) So writing is my outside-the-house venue. I’m getting the word out there through my characters, through their trials, and through their overcoming. And through their flaws.
I’m not perfect either. (My kids know that as sure as they know hot chocolate’s the perfect just-in-from-the-snow-fort-drink). I’ve been messed up and thrown loops right and left, but I know why. (And I know Who allows trials to come my way). Every trial I face is another opportunity for the Potter to shape me into a vessel that He’ll continue to use for His purposes.
My hope is to share that journey with you. I’ll share the Scriptures and moments that inspire me, the challenges I face, the hilarious (and super-meaningful) conversations I have with my kiddos, and even use you as a sounding board for my writing process. It’ll be a mish-mash of sorts, but I hope you’ll join me for the trip. Share your thoughts, ask your questions. Peek into the lives of my deeply flawed characters as they learn to walk where Christ leads…and in a manner worthy of their calling.
The writer in me thrills with the knowledge that there’s fodder for my stories everywhere.
Aw. My sister’s following me. How thweet. 🙂
Wonderful first post. A friend has recently suggested that I start back again, and I was finishing up a post when I saw your email. You are starting for the first time, and I am restarting…again. 🙂 I look forward to hearing your heart.
Great beginning, my BFF! You have so much to share, and the world needs to hear it! Not to mention how much the world needs to hear about those fabulous characters of yours! Looking forward to following along on this new journey. Oh. And the background to your blog page? Looks just like you. 🙂 Love ya! Judi
I love this post! You’ve strummed the chord that sings about why I write and blog. A compulsion to share those thoughts welling up inside. And I KNOW you have much to share. I can’t wait to hear it! 🙂
Oh, how wonderful to have children in the house and be their mentor. Don’t discount the wide-reaching effect that will have.
I love the phone in the background! It looks just like the one in my kitchen. =)
I wholeheartedly agree. You ARE a writer. And a good one. I know how you feel about the fingers itching to write. For me, writing keeps me grounded in reality. If not for writing, I’d be overwhelmed by the minuscule details of life. But after I craft a character and place her in a scene, I can feel my own life realistically. Sort of ironic, isn’t it?
I’ve got to know: is your background a scene from your home? I love it.
More beautiful every time I read a word you pen; your heart sings melodious like your voice. To know that I had a hand in the person that you ultimately became humbles me more than you know. To think that some of the examples that I set have left you with some of the marring that has shaped you into the amazing woman and mother that you are, both saddens and encourages me…
Today, I cannot listen to SCB: You Led Me To Believe, without bawling… Thanks for everything. I will keep following your example, now, I believe. III
Welcome to the writing world, Bethany! After having read a bit of your work I totally agree you are definitely a writer.
Welcome to Blogdom, Bethany! Beautiful site. 🙂
Nice post, Bethany. We all need those in-our-face reminders of hope.
Enjoyed reading your blog beginnings! I am a new “writer” myself after receiving a miracle from our AWESOME God. Vonda Skelton was my cheerleading coach in school, and now I have reconnected with her as one of my writing mentors. I will soon be starting a blog myself, so keep watch! Maybe we can support each other on this journey!
How is the writing going? When will the book be published? Can’t wait to read it!
You’re all so encouraging! I appreciate you stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Blessings!
Also, this–sadly–is not my house. My home is only this cool in my head. When I saw the template, though, I wanted to move in right away. That counts for something, doesn’t it?