Good morning from my noisy part of the world.
As I sit on my deck and write to you, the bush surrounding me is a resounding chorus of bird calls, songs and celebration. I guess I’m not the only one enjoying the subtle warming of winter to spring.
You may have noticed that we are no longer in July… and this update is late. If you hadn’t, forget I said that and read on. However, if you did note it, I will explain.
This past month has been particularly difficult. I can relate to one of my characters in my latest book who says:
“Quite honestly, I feel the only thing holding me up are all the opposing forces coming at me from every side.”
Cissa Black
A veritable washing machine
There have been great successes and significant trials, wonderful celebrations and heavy farewells, concerning illness and extra responsibilities. And in the midst of it all, my latest manuscript’s (updated, pushed back, and re-renegotiated) deadline was speeding toward me like a freight train on a steep downhill run. All the while the weight of my unfinished book was growing (much like a snowball increasing with each rotation down an alpine ski run). Trapped in the valley between the two, I have been busy putting out fires and picking up dropped bundles and navigating new paths whilst balanced on a tightrope, keeping flaming chainsaws in the air (not really, but my goodness, what a sight that would be… or not. Talk about train wreck). And yet, I am able to say, God is good.
I will confess, in the middle of the mess, tears had a habit of bursting the banks to relieve some of the pressure of my over-cooked capacity. At times, I felt I just didn’t have the strength to stand let alone negotiate, alleviate, compensate as I attempted to prop up, shore up and stitch up.
Over the roar
In the midst of it all however, God, in a voice loud enough to be heard over the strain, said:
“Remember who you are. Remember whose you are. You are the daughter of the King, a member of the Royal priesthood, you are loved cherished and chosen.You are enabled, carried and protected. Bearing the name of Christ is both an honour and responsibility: A privilege and a blessing.”
I was reminded that purely by settling ourselves under the umbrella of the name “Christian” we draw attack. We will hurt, we will struggle and things will be tough.
Not all Bad
But equally so, when we wear the name Christian, we are indwelled by the Holy Spirit: power of the universe, Breath of Life. We are encased in the body of Christ: the Armour of God. I believe this was Paul’s message when he wrote:
“But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it will be evident that such overwhelming power comes from God and not from us. We have all kinds of troubles, but we are not crushed; we are perplexed, yet not in despair; persecuted, yet not abandoned; knocked down, yet not destroyed. We always carry in our bodies the dying of Yeshua, so that the life of Yeshua may be manifested in our bodies too. For we who are alive are always being handed over to death for Yeshua’s sake, so that Yeshua’s life also might be manifested in our mortal bodies. Thus death is at work in us but life in you.”
2 Corinthians (2 Co) 4:7-12 CJB
Different but the same
At the end of all that (“that” being July), I am very happy to report that all my family are on the road to recovery. New partnerships have been successfully negotiated and initiated. All the required responsibilities of July have been met.
And, none of us died.
Not even once.
And it’s out there!
Added to this great success, last night I was able to send off my completed (Kind of. I think I’ll rewrite the Epilogue – but since the manuscript is 124 000 words, I might have a bit of grace getting that to Belinda – my editor… I hope???) manuscript for Book 5: Fractured Intervention. Over all, through all, and despite all, the colourful and textured tapestry for July 2024 is now complete! (albeit a few days late).
In other news.
- I spoke at the Christian Writers Showcase in Brisbane at the beginning of the month where I met a truly amazing group of people. What a pleasure.
- The Flood, Fire and Famine Writing workshop, funded by the Somerset Regional Council, has wrapped up with a crew of amazing writers joining in and contributing some outstanding work. What a privilege! I will be publishing the stories in our SWG end of year Anthology. I will also be turning our stories into audio visual works this week… or next. Stay tuned!
- My eldest celebrated his 18th in the midst of the turmoil of July. It was a bit of a subdued event, but we are nonetheless proud of the incredible young man he is.
- Term 3 at Lowood State High school has kicked of to an abbreviated start (I missed the first two weeks), my Yr 7 class has reduced in numbers but the quality of this batch of young writers is outstanding. The best yet, I believe.
Enough about me, how has your July crafted itself?
db
Read on to find links to the month that was.
- From the Blog: The Letters: Ephesus
- Info about the books:You can find them all here.
- Links to the podcast: yes, the Gracewriters podcast
- Bonus Content: A Smouldering Pile of Ash
- Shots of the month: Photography, not weaponry
PS: All typos are my gift to you. They are evidence of an authentic, original newsletter, written with my own typo-prolific fingers : )
