Purple Prose:
Review

Today is my first day participating in the MAYbe blog challenge (if you remember, I just finished the April blog challenge and the Bible in 90 day challenge-- I'm big on challenges... )

Every day, we are supposed to write on a certain topic. Today's topic is: May I tell you something about myself?

Well, I'm doing the 'easy' thing and doing Kelly-- A to Z...

A is for Author (so do you actually have to have a book published to be called an 'author'?)

B is for birthday (2/15)

C is for Color, favorite (purple)

D is for dancing (because it's what my oldest daughter is doing right now... )

E is for enter (I love to enter writing contest and submit stories)

F is for fanfics (yep, I used to write them... )

G is for Google, Dr. (because I have ever ailment ever invented when I use that certain 'physician')

H is for headache (when someone taps something repeatedly, it gives me a headache).

I is for interesting. (which I'm sure... someone... somewhere... thinks I am... maybe... )

J is for juggling (Mamas... and Daddys you know what I'm talking about.)

K is for Kelly (my name).

L is for lavender (a smell that makes me sneeze).

M is for marriage (I've been married for almost 9 years... to the same feller)

N is for "No." (Because I have an almost 2 year old).

O is for October (my favorite month. I've always wanted a baby born in October-- alas I got pregnant in October-- twice.)

P is for printer (because it was broke and I was all upset because I couldn't print my book-- turns out it had a Chex Mix stuck in it.)

Q is for Quiet (because that's what it will be when my kids go to bed)

R is for read (because it's something I want to do more of this summer).

S is for special education (because I'm a special education preschool teacher).

T is for three (because I have three kids)

U is for unique (because I'm trying to break into Christian Young Adult novels-- one of the most unique ie small genres there is).

V is for victory (because of Jesus)

W is for write (have I mentioned I like to write?)

X is for X-ray (because I've never had one.. unless you count ultrasounds).

Y is for yellow (a color I don't like to wear).

Z is for Zelda (because she zoomed off to Mars-- It's a song we sing at school).

So... that's it.. me from A to Z. Next Tuesday, I'll have more about me.

Wednesday's topic is: May I ask something about you?...

So start thinking... ;)

Much Love,

"What is Love?" Bible Study
Week 8
"Why Do We Show Love?"

Verse of the Week:
1 Corinthians 13:7
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
************************************
This week, we are going to talk more about the actions of love-- how you can show love in every day life. Sometimes people don't always tell you they love you, but you know they do by their actions. That is our topic today.
Before we get into the post, I'd love for you to go back and re-read what you wrote in your notebook for your daily verses leading up to this week.
Do any stand out to you?
James 5:19-20 really stood out to me. "My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, you can be sure that whoever brings that person back will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins."
To help bring a sinner back to the 'good side' saves that person from 'death'. I had never thought of it that way before.
How can we do that if we don't love them? If we just give up on them? Truthfully-- we can't.
Can you imagine the people who would (and have) gone to Hell because people have given up on them? That's not a great thought. That's why Paul was so big on us loving each other. People take care of those they love. If you try to love everyone, you will try to help them-- no matter what (now the ways of helping will be totally different, but the idea is the same).
So far, we have learned about what love IS-- patient, kind, keeps no record of being wronged..
And...
what love is NOT-- jealous, boastful, rude, demands its own way.
Today, we will learn more as we complete the "Love is.." portion of this chapter.
1 Cor. 13:7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

Wow... that is a lot! A lot to take in-- and a lot to do!

But like we have talked about before, the point of this study is NOT to be perfect in this. It isn't going to make our heart magically grow 3 sizes and all of our actions show love toward all mankind. No. The point is to learn what love is so that we will be able to strive to show it well, and to know WHY we are showing love to others. (to encourage, to inspire, and to help to lead them to God)
Notebook Question: Have you ever had someone in your life who you always saw the best in-- but everyone else thought you were silly-- even gullible-- for thinking that? What did you say to the 'naysayers'? How did it turn out? (Even if the 'world' was right and that person did end up treating you wrong, you did the right thing by showing them love. You can only do your part!)
Paul said, "Love is always hopeful." Always hoping that today will be the day that that person gets their head out of the sand and changes. And it may never happen, we all know that. But we still have that hope.
We have some people in our lives that will call us bat crazy for thinking like that!
Paul didn't think you were crazy. He thought you were doing the right thing.
He had the right idea.
So, how in the world can we do (or attempt to do) all of these things?
Truth be told, you can't do any of these things of the "world". There is no self-help book, no Dr. Phil show, no human device that can help you learn how to do it. It is through the Holy Spirit that we even have the chance-- the shot-- the attempt-- at true love (ok, that sounded a bit redundent, but you get the idea).
I want you to think of certain situations going on in your life right now where you might need help showing love.
Keep thinking of that circumstance as we go through each point in this verse and list ways we can show love based on it. If you have any other ideas, I'd love to hear them from you. You can leave them in comments if you'd like :)
1. Love Never Gives Up. *We've talked a little about this. If we love someone, we aren't going to give up on them-- HOWEVER, sometimes we don't have to keep giving them everything. Sometimes our prayers go along way past material things.
Ideas on how to do this: *Continual prayers *Communication *Finding Available Resources to help that person
2. Love Never Loses Faith *It is so hard not to lose faith in someone, especially the 50th time they have done something to us. And the world may think we are crazy (and we might be), but Paul said that this is a part of showing love. Never losing faith-- and I'm going to add-- Never losing faith that GOD can/will change their life.
Ideas on how to do this: *Pray *Believe in Matthew 19:26 (With God all things all things are possible.) *Sending encouraging messages
3. Love is Always Hopeful *Love always looks at the bright side... the glass is half full persona.
Ideas on how to do this: *Look forward-- not backward *Never stops having faith *Be "Gullible" but not stupid
4. Love Endures through Every Circumstance *Everyone has bad days. Sometimes I feel like I'm having a bad week. We all have people in our lives that we just know that they have a gray cloud continually over their head (and it was probably put there themselves.) It is so easy not to show love to those kinds of people because (in our head) we know that it probably won't do any good. But our heart keeps enduring that hope that today will be the big turn around day. It may sound counterproductive, but it is what we are supposed to do.
Ideas for how to do this: *Not being overwhelmed (a bit hard for me personally)-- even when the task seems large. *Know that "This too shall pass." *Focus on positive rather than negative
Love can live on even through anger, bitterness, and sorrow. But it is like a seed that needs to be watered. If it is taken care of, it has strong roots that can endure strong wind storms. If its not, it will be washed away in a summer rainstorm.
Through love, we can forgive, forget, and move on (not that it is easy). We can hope for the future, trust in the now, and rejoice in the truth-- that no matter what, God is God--- and God is good!
Ok, during weeks 2-4 we studied why love was necessary-- Why we needed to love others.
Then the past 4 weeks, we have discussed the actions of love. The verbs of love, if you will.
For the remaining weeks, we will discuss the Supremacy of love. Why having and nurturing love in your heart for others is, in a word, awesome!
Next week, we will be covering 1 Corinthians 13:8-10. Those verses fit so well together that it would be counterproductive to learn them apart.

Verses to Get us Ready for Next Week
Tuesday~ John 13:34
Wednesday~ Ephesians 3:16-19
Thursday~ 1 Corinthians 13:8
Friday~ 1 Corinthians 13:9
Saturday~ 1 Corinthians 13:10

Much love and have a great week!!
Kelly

Psalm 15:
Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord?
Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?
Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right,
speaking the truth from sincere hearts.
Those who refuse to gossip.
or harm their neighbors
or speak evil of their friends.
Those who despise flagrant sinners,
and honor the faithful followers of the Lord,
and keep their promises even when it hurts.
Those who lend money without charging interest,
and who cannot be briged to lie about the innocent.
Such people will stand firm forever.
*********************
My brag on God today is that even though we 'try' to be perfect and we 'try' to do all of these things, we fail so many times. We aren't worthy to enter his sanctuary. None of us-- But God is so awesome that He gives us a second.. third... forth... hundredth chance. He will forgive our sins as long as we ask (and as long as we have breath).
That doesn't give us the right to automatically sin then say, "Oh God... sorry about that." then do it again. No. That means that we do something, think "OH! Why did I do that?! I'm so sorry." Profess to God we are sorry and forgive us then STRIVE not to do it again.
And we may slip. We are human. Then we ask forgiveness again.
The more we want to be closer to God, the more we won't want to gossip-- or talk bad about our friends-- or break a promise.
Thinking on being a Mama, I'm not perfect... in... the... least! To top it off, my degree is in Early Childhood Education lol. I STRIVE to be a good parent, but I know I will make mistakes. I know I will learn from them and move on.
That's the same way with God. We want to be a good sinner, but we will make mistakes. We know we will learn from them, ask forgiveness, and move on.
We aren't worthy-- but Thanks to God, we can be forgiven. :)
Much Love,
Kelly
Linking with: Reflections on Psalms @ singingpilgrimdancing and Brag on God Friday

Today's letter in the A to Z challenge at http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/ is...

R is for Rejection.
We talked yesterday about how if you send query letters then you will (more than likely) get a few rejections. Rejections aren't fun (how dare they not like something you worked so hard on!), but they are part of it. You get sad, you move on, and you keep sending them out. Simple as that...
But if it's not *that* simple for you, I've found a site that has the number of rejections famous authors have gotten over the years. The link is: Wavy Lines. Go visit because I'm not going to write them all...
I found out that:
Harry Potter (J.K. Rowling): Rejected 12 times
Mary Higgins Clark: Rejected 40 times
A Time to Kill (John Grisham): Rejected by 15 publishers and 30 agents
Twilight (Stephenie Meyer): Rejected by 9 agents and 5 no responses (which equal no)
Carrie (Stephen King): Rejected 30 times
SO, the point is for you (and for me). Rejection doesn't equal bad or give up. It means to keep going and find someone who does love it-- if not, write something else and keep going :)
That said...
WELCOME TO THE VERY FIRST FAITH-FICTION FRIDAY!!!!
*Balloons... confetti... streamers!!!*
Because I'm sure this will cause some confusion, I'm going to give you the deets below.
1. I will post a picture.
2. You will get inspired by the picture and write a 100 word (give or take) story (either fiction or non-fiction OR devotional).
3. You will post your story in the comments section of this blog below.
4. You can post your blog on the link-up after you've added a story to comments.
5. Somewhere on your blog, put the Faith-fiction Friday button.
6. Since this is new, I'm asking, begging, pleading, kissing your feet, to please spread the word about this. I'd love for this to be a great place for people to read and write Christian fiction (believe me, there aren't many places on the internet that have it).
If you have any questions, just ask. Like I said, I'd love for this to just be fun-- but it won't be fun for me (or anyone else) if no one participates (I'm paranoid that I'm going to check back after work and there be no comments or links up... )
Anyway...
Here is today's picture:

Today's letter in the A to Z challenge at www.a-to-zchallenge.com is...

S is for Sweet, Sweet people.
Sometimes, people do things and it makes you smile (I guess smile could have been our S word-- actually lots of words could have been.)
I want to say a BIG Thank You to the people who participated in the first Faith-Fiction Friday. It actually did better than I thought it would-- especially for the first week. It will be a weekly event here at OTMA so I hope you come back and participate again. I LOVE reading short stories, and like I said, there aren't many places on the web for short Christian fiction. Please head over to that post and click on the people who linked up. Each have a wonderful blog and would appreciate the visits.
Yesterday was also a big day for one of our FFF participants. She had a lot of firsts-- First blog party, First writing contest (though it not really a contest-- the ideas the same), and the first time she copied a button code. You can read all about her exciting day at Catching Foxes.
I also want to thank the Sweet, Sweet People who have encouraged me and this blog (along with my other blog) over this past year. I would name you all, but I'm afraid I'd miss someone and I don't want too.
And lastly, the Sweet, Sweet People who take the time to make blog hops every week to spread God's word. There are a lot more, but 3 I participate in are Laura's at Beholding Glory, Shanda at A Pause on a Path, and Tracy at My Daily Walk in His Grace. Those are just a few of the great blog hops around the web: OH yeah there's Courtney at www.womenlivingwell.org as well.
Today's post is a little scattered, but I wanted to take time to thank the sweet, sweet people who I've 'met' while blogging. To all of the followers and commenters-- THANK YOU!
For all you readers, thanks for taking the time to read. I know your time is precious (and short if you are like me). You didn't have to read, but you do. That means a lot.
For all of the people who send me emails about adding your blog to the Encourage 365 Blog Directory -- you are so sweet. Your emails make me smile :)
Jenifer at Sweet Blessings for giving me something to add to my bio when I sent my queries to agents. (My first magazine writing credits.)
And to my big sister, Kathy, who reads (pretty much) everything I write. And sends me 'Oh wow' texts when I tell her about some "big" (to me) news. BIG SMOOCH!
There are so many sweet, sweet people in the world. Who are the ones in your life? Is there anyone you want to thank for being sweet? Take time to do that today. :)
Have a great Saturday :) Remember, Faith-Fiction Friday is still open if you'd like to add your story.
Much Love,

Today's letter in the A to Z challenge from http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/ is...

Q is for Query.
Do you know what a query is?
I had no idea what it was until I started trying to learn how to find an agent. A query is a letter, proposal, fight for your book's life that you send to an agent. It (in between 200 and 500 words) tells an agent everything they need to know about your 50,000+ masterpiece.
In a word: it's difficult.
I'm not good at them yet. I'll admit that, but I like it. I'd buy the book if I were an agent ;)
The thing about sending a query is that you inevidably (unless you are extremely luckly) will get a rejection. (REJECTION will be our R letter tomorrow. I have a neat little post written for that letter-- stay tuned--).
Are you good at writing queries? If you don't write them, are you good at summarizing? What resources did you find helpful? I LOVE absolutewrite.com. They have a great spot to post your queries (if you don't mind getting beat up a few times for it ;) )
Don't forget to come back tonight and tomorrow for the very first 'Faith-Fiction Friday' post/link-up/writing frenzy. Your support is humbly, beggingly, and lovingly appreciated.
Much Love,

If you've noticed, I've been working behind the scenes in phases to change this blog around. I wanted to have an author site, but I already had 3 other blogs. That just seemed like a lot.


So, I've closed down Encourage 365 (well it's still there, but I won't be posting... devotionals will be written and posted on this blog now). I've decided to keep Encourage 365 open :)

I've bought a new domain name for this site: www.kellymartinstories.com (do you like it?) You will still be redirected here by typing www.ohthatmomagain.blogspot.com

I'm going to use THIS site as an author site and as a devotional site (I'm actually really excited about this!). Most things will stay the same except for the name and devotionals here and not on the other site. Plus, there will probably be more writing updates.

I hope you continue to stay with me as I go through these changes. I'll always be a mommy and will always write on it, but I wanted this blog to be about different kinds of stories too: my home stories.. bible stories... and fiction stories.

I'm so glad to have you along for the ride! :)

Much Love,

~*~Kelly~*~

Today's Friday, so that means that the Faith Fiction Friday prompt is up @ Faith Filled Fiction... and the 5 minute Friday prompt is up at Lisa-Jo Baker's Gypsy Mama.

5 Minute Friday is simple. Lisa-Jo gives a prompt and you promptly (hehe) write on it for 5 minutes. No backsies, no edits (though I will spell check... because I just have too... )

Today's word is: Dance

GO

There is a dance going on inside of me, maybe inside of you too. It's a delicate tango between the "I want too" and "I can't... "

As I glide on the dance floor of life, these two dancers glide around inside of me, twirling until I am dizzy and run down.

The "I want too" is strong. I WANT to do a lot of things. Sometimes those things seem so big they will never happen. And sometimes they seem selfish.

The "I can't" is always there, following the "I want too", matching every step. I can't do... because I'm just me. Seems to be the typical dip. It seems logical enough. I'm just... me.

There is a dance inside of me, maybe inside of you too. A delicate tango between "I want too" and "I can't". Maybe it's time to find a new dance partner...

STOP

Much Love,

~*~Kelly~*~

I was going to post about my AWESOME shopping trip where I bought enough food for a family of 5 (ie us) for about 7 days for $50 (I'm so excited about it!) and I will... but man, I'm not feeling so great today.

Hopefully, I"ll get the post up tomorrow. UNTIL THEN, Please head over to Faith Filled Fiction and read M.J. Wille's story for the week. It's got romance, heart, and faith. All things we need to read about sometimes. Much Love, ~*~Kelly~*~

It's Friday again (has another week already gone by!), and that means two things. One: it is faith fiction Friday @ Faith Filled Fiction AND Two: it is 5 Minute Friday @ Lisa-Jo Baker.

I'd love for you to check them both out.

What is 5 minute Friday?

Basically, you sit your bottom in a chair, read the prompt, and write on the prompt for 5 minutes... The kicker is you can't go back and edit (for content anyway... I do use my backspace, silly Kelly). It's time to let your imagination run while.

This week's word is: RISK

GO

I'm not much one for taking risks. Seriously, I would rather stay at home than drive somewhere (even though I do). I'm not thrilled with trying new foods, and I HATE Ferris wheels (I'm all Ryan Atwood that way-- OC reference-- so shows my age... )

So, a few months ago when I decided to write a book, I hesitated a bit because it was a risk. Now, I wasn't going to die (like I might on the Ferris wheel... in my mind anyway), but it was hard putting myself out there. I've gotten used to it now.

I'm more of an introverted person. I don't talk a lot if I don't know you... not that I don't want too... but because I don't know exactly what to say. I don't want to risk sounding silly or stupid or weird.

I do want to say that some risks are good (writing a book, doing something you have always wanted to do, getting on that blasted Ferris wheel when your 6 year old says it will be ok because she will hold your hand... ). Some risks aren't (gambling your last money away, tempting God, etc). Before you do anything that might be considered risky, pray about it.

That said... what would life be without a little risk...

STOP

Yeah... that was a total ramble. Sorry about that.

BUT, gonna post it anyway (I'll risk it ;) )

Much Love,

~*~Kelly~*~

Linked with:

http://lisajobaker.com/2012/06/free-writing-exercise-in-five-minutes-risk/

And Faith Filled Friday @ Beholding Glory

**Before I tell you my happy dance news, I'd LOVE if you'd click over and read this week's story at Faith Filled Fiction. Stacey has done a great job writing it! I know you will be blessed.

~*~

Last night, I made my first $0.24 as a writer!

This morning, I made my first $0.48!

I wrote the Ruth Bible Study for the Women's Ministry at church. I put it on Smashwords for free download, but I had some wonderful friends who said they didn't want it for free... they wanted to BUY it (awesome friends!).

So, I put it on createspace...

And now it's on Amazon!

Ignore the fact that it has Mrs. Kelly Martin as the author (it grates my nerves, but my husband thinks it's sweet ;)).

A five part Bible Study on the book of Ruth. This humorous and heartfelt study brings the verses to life and shows how love and respect can change the world. If you are interested in learning more or are interested in buying it, please click HERE. You can also download the free eBook version by clicking the link on the sidebar :)
*If you're wondering about the other books... 'Crossing the Deep' is still being queried to agents and publishers. If it doesn't get picked up, it's ok. I'll work on it and probably self-publish it (now that I kinda know how).
*I'm 44,000 thousand words into my second book. (Thanks campnanowrimo! :)) It reminds me of "The OC meets God"... I'll probably finish it up this week, then do edits. The PLAN is to not rush edits like I did the first book and do it right the first few times.
Both are Young Adult/Christian books which are REALLY hard to sell to agents/publishers, but that's ok. If they are meant to be published, they will be. I just love writing them.
Much Love,
Kelly
Linked with: Women Living Well Wednesday

This Friday, I'm linking up with Gypsy Mama for 5 Minute Friday. It's simple. She posts a topic, and you write for 5 minutes (with no edits... eek).

Today's topic is: Path

GO

I've been thinking a lot this week on the paths of our lives and how we end up on the right one. In Proverbs, it says God will move our feet to the right path (paraphrasing of course, since it would take the entire 5 minutes to find it... )

But what if (it's been one of those What If weeks) we have no idea what path God wants us on. What if we *think* we know, but then we just don't.

I've known people who have had one path, then a tragic event happens and their lives are thrown on a totally different trajectory. But maybe that was the plan all along. Maybe they (and I) have to go through times of doubts to get us in a place we need to be.

To tell you the truth, my path to becoming a Special Education teacher wasn't a very conventional one, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.

And I'm sure it will be that way with other paths. If it's supposed to be, it will be. :)

I'm sitting here looking at the 'Footprints in the sand' bookmark that I gave the winners of the Bible in 90 Days. There are 2 sets of footprints in the sand: 2 paths. Then suddenly there is one path, because Jesus took over and carried 'me'. That's how I feel. Jesus and I are walking along the beach, but soon, there will only be one set of footprints because he will carry me where I need to go.

He will you too, friend. I've read a lot of posts this week on not giving up (must be a theme, or it's just me seeing it... ). If you don't know your path, you will find it. If you need help, Jesus will carry you.

STOP

I promise I will post 'happy' stuff next week :) It's been a learning week for me (and that's ok.)

Have a great weekend!

Much Love,

~*~Kelly~*~

LINKED WITH:

and

Faith Fiction Friday will now be posted at Faith Filled Fiction: www.faithfilledfiction.blogspot.com.

Please head over and read/write some good Christian fiction :)

Much Love,

Kelly

*First of all, I'd love for you to go visit FAITH FILLED FICTION today for our very first story :) Stacey from Shakin' the Foundation did a great job writing it.

*Also, @ Encourage 365, I'm having a giveaway to celebrate 365 days of continuous blogging. Please click HERE to find out details.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Without getting too much into it, something happened this week that made me question things... actually, it wasn't this one event-- it's been building for quit a while.

I wasn't in the happiest place I've ever been in.

To tell you the truth, I still don't know exactly what I'm going to do.

*I DO know that about every blog post I click on has to do with not giving up.

*The baby woke me up at 3 am this morning (she NEVER does that). I got online for a few minutes before going back to bed and read a post that nearly brought me to tears. Guess what it was about?

*I went to bed and was flipping through channels. I found something called 'Inspirational... ' something, and I turned it on there (I NEVER turn it on those shows). It was exactly what I needed (don't give up... who do you THINK wants you to give up!). I was sleepy, so I decided to DVR it. I thought it lasted maybe 10 more minutes. I checked this morning, and it's over an hour (can't wait to watch it later).

*Last night before I went to bed, I had the strongest urge ever to read my bible. So, I had to. I flipped it open to Psalm 119:8. The last part got my attention: (the psalmist talking to God): Please don't give up on me!

I'm in a doubting time, but that's ok. It's made my husband stand up and really cheer me on. I still have doubts and questions and (I SOOOO can't do that!), but it's ok. I've seen God more this week in my doubts than last week in my 'I can SOO do this' because last week *I* could-- This week *GOD* can.

Sorry for the ramble.

Much Love,

Kelly

Linked with: Women Living Well Wednesday

If you didn't know, I have 3 blogs (I know... EEK). One of them, Encourage 365 was made because I promised God I'd write 365 consecutive devotionals (one for every day of the year). Except for 2 guest posts, I've done that (or will on June 19th).

To celebrate, I want you all to have some GREAT prizes! Click HERE and find out how to win. I have 2 of the prizes and would LOVE to have the other 2! (I'm so jealous of you for getting the opportunity to get them!)

Thanks so much for the support :)

Much Love
Kelly

OH, and don't forget. Our first story at Faith Filled Fiction goes LIVE this Wednesday :) It's a great one-- :)

5 Minute Friday, from The Gypsy Mama, is where you write for 5 minutes. No editing. No going back. No second guessing (ok, maybe a little second guessing).

This week's word is: Expectation

Go:

I have a lot to say on expectations, but I'm not sure how much I want to actually say 'out loud'. Let's just have a hypothetical situation and go from there:

Picture if you will, it's your anniversary. You have expectations on how it will turn out. Your husband has other ideas. In the end, you go to bed bitter because your expectations haven't panned out and your feelings are hurt.

Yeah...

I'm not going to lie, me and anniversaries don't go well. I always end up upset over something. Yesterdays being upset came from a lack of communication (you'd think being married for 9 years would make you able to communicate... )

I have other expectations besides in marriage that hurt me sometimes. When I check my email, hoping for some news on an agent or a publisher and fine a rejection letter-- or worse yet-- nothing.

Expectations are a thorn in my side. If I could just move forward, not expect so much, just... *be* I'd be a much more content person. That's what God wants. He wants me to be content with what I have-- not what I don't.

If yesterday was a test, I failed.

But today is a new day (thankfully!). The sun is shining. The kids are smiling. Today is loaded with possibilities... as long as I don't expect too much, I should be fine. ;)

Lord, I pray that I keep a positive attitude today. I pray that I don't get bitter, and I have a wonderful day. I pray that, in some small way, I help someone today as well. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Stop.

Linked with:

It's not too late to write your 'faith fiction friday' story and post it HERE

It's kind of sad today, but kind of happy. This is our last 'Faith-Fiction Friday' here at OTMA.

Why?

Well, if you don't know, I've started a new blog called Faith Filled Fiction. That site is all about Christian/faith fiction so it's only natural that Faith Fiction Friday be posted there. Don't worry, I'll put a link to it here for you.

So... what is Faith Fiction Friday? 1. I post a picture.
2. You write a 100 word (give or take) story (fiction, non-fiction or devotional) about the picture.
3. You put the story in the comments section.
4. You add your blog (if you have one) to the linky.
5. Come back and read all of the great stories!
6. I normally ask you to put the faith fiction Friday button somewhere on your blog, but this time I'm not since the link will be different next week anyway.
Ready?

(WEDDING PHOTO)

Here we go...
This picture was inspired by Megan's post at Just a Little Place to Write. Her Creative Writing Wednesday post was a wedding picture. I saw this and couldn't resist. Today being my anniversary and all, I couldn't help but be a bit sentimental. Not that this looks anything like my wedding.
(from pinterest.com)
Happy writing!

The new blog I have which will be dedicated fully to Christian fiction is at: www.faithfilledfiction.blogspot.com.

I'm hoping to have the first story up and have everything going by next Wednesday (I said July... I can't wait that long lol).

Please check it out and become a follower so you can get updates when the stories start being posted.

Thanks so much :)

Kelly

It's no surprise that I love writing, especially stories on faith. I've been putting them in the 'oh that mom again' blog, but I feel that they need their own space. That blog has just kinda become a 'catch-all', and it's not fair to it.

I am working on a new blog called 'Faith-Filled Fiction'. I'm looking to lauch it on July 1st. I'm looking for all kinda of fiction on faith. I'd love for the stories to be no more than 1000 words and deal with, well, faith. I won't be able to pay for your stories, but I'm hoping it will grow into a resource for Christian writers. I have big plans for it (don't I always... )

If you are interested or would like more details, please email me at ohthatmomagain (at) yahoo. com.

Thanks so much. If you aren't a writer, your prayers in this new site would be VERY much appreciated.

Imperfectly yours,

~Kelly

Happy June! It's been a pretty exciting May for me. Ruth (the free version) hit 100 downloads in less than 2 weeks! And I launched the paperback version (because some people like that better). I've been sending the fiction book (Crossing the Deep) off to agents and publishers. I know that even if I don't get a book deal with it, I've learned SO Much that will be helpful in the future :)
Also in May, my sister, Kathy, found out that she's getting to preach at a church starting in July, and is on her way to becoming a full time preacher (Happy Dance :) )
As for June, well, Monday we are starting the Ruth Bible Study at church (squee!). I have to say, I'm kinda nervous. I'm more nervous about reading and finding the inevitable typo and not being able to change it.
Also, June 7th, is our 9th anniversary! We were watching TV last night and I bolted up, saying, "Do you realize we've known each other 10 years?!" It seems like a long time-- but it doesn't, know what I mean?

Anyway, enough about me, it's time for Faith Fiction Friday. Why is it up so late? Well, I forgot to do it yesterday. With school out (and TV shows on hiatus), I kinda get my days mixed up.
I think we have the basics of it, but just in case, here's a review:
1. I post a picture. 2. You get inspired and write a 100 word story (either fiction, non-fiction, or devotional) about the story. 3. Post your story in the comments section below. Leave your name and word count in the post. 4. Then add your blog (if you have one) to the linky under the picture. Do you have to have a blog to write a story? Nope. This just gives your blog some added traffic-- if you want. 5. Check back and read other's stories. I love reading them. It's amazing how this many people can see one picture and write different things (except for with the rainbow when we all wrote sad stories lol).

6. Link back to oh that mom again somewhere on your blog. QUESTIONS? Here we go...

Free images from FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I thought since we mostly wrote about sad things with the rainbow, wonder what we'd write about with a stormy picture... hmmmmm...
Can't wait to read your stories!!