Today is my dear sweet hubby's birthday.
I like this day becuase for a little over three months, he gets to be a year older than me. :-) Oh the vanity of me.
While a birthday should be an enjoyable one, so far, things haven't gone overly well for my sweetie. His aunt passed away. She had some disease that the doctors gave her 2-3 years and she lived five. That's a blessing from God.
Then hubby called an invited me and our two youngest girls to go to lunch with him. On the way to Red Robin's, some driver cut him off and then proceeded to flip him off. And if his day wasn't going so well, our order was misplaced and we waited almost 30 minutes for the manager to finally tell us our order had been misplaced. Between a baby who was acting like she was on a sugar high and being surrounded by people who arrived after us and who were already eating, can you blame our four-year-old for wanting to eat her dessert first?
Good thing I surprised my hubby with a piece of Chocolate Coconut Cream Cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory. He usually gets Godiva Chocolate, but I figured he needed to be wild and crazy and try a new flavor. Better that than skydiving.
I love you, sweetie. Even if you never read my blog, which is probably a good thing because then you'll figure out I'm not as sane as I pretend to be. You know how the saying goes:
Sanity is in the mind of the beholder.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Touched by Love Contest
RWA Faith, Hope & Love's TOUCHED BY LOVE CONTEST
The purpose of the TOUCHED BY LOVE Contest is to inspire, motivate, and reward unpublished authors of inspirational romance. TOUCHED BY LOVE is the premier inspirational contest for the unpublished.
Eligibility: Participation is open to all unpublished authors and to any author not published in the past three years. All work must be the author's original work. Entrant must retain all rights to the entry and not have granted any of them to a publisher or other party by the contest entry deadline. The official entry form and fee must accompany each submission.
Inspirational Romance Categories: Contemporary (under 75,000 words), Contemporary (over 75,000 words) and Historical.
Definition of an inspirational romance is stories written by writers whose worldview, influenced by their faith in the God of the Bible, is woven into the fabric of the book or manuscript. Entries in FHL’s contest should not include inappropriate or gratuitous demonstration of sin, whether in language, violence, or sexual situations.
Entry fee: $20.00 for members of the Faith, Hope and Love (FHL) chapter. $25.00 for non-FHL members. Non-members can elect to join FHL and pay the member entry fee. Any checks must be made out to FHL chapter of RWA.
Prizes: The overall winner chosen from the three winners of the categories will receive a critique of their entry by an editor and $100 toward any writing-related expense paid within one year of the end of the TBL contest. The remaining two First-place category winners will receive $75 toward any writing-related expense paid within one year of the end of the TBL contest. Second-place winners will receive $50 toward any writing-related expense paid within one year of the end of the TBL contest. All other finalists in the categories will receive $25 toward any writing-related expense paid within one year of the end of the TBL contest. Writing expenses include the Golden Heart or other writing contest entry fee, conference fees, National RWA dues, etc. Receipts are required for reimbursement.
TOUCHED BY LOVE CONTEST RULES FOR 2008
DEADLINE: Entry Form, nonrefundable fee (checks made out to FHL or by paid by Paypal) and manuscript must be received no later than April 1, 2008 (so mail early to ensure it arrives on time). Entries and fees received after contest is officially closed will be returned.
Any questions contact the Contest Chairman: Kelly Ann Riley at RileyK1@aol.com.
ELIGIBILITY: Contest is open to all unpublished authors and to any author not published in the past three years. All work must be the author's original work. Entrant must retain all rights to the entry and not have granted any of them to a publisher other party by the contest entry deadline.
ENTRY FEE: $20.00 for members of the Faith, Hope and Love (FHL) chapter. $25.00 for non-FHL members. Non-members can elect to join FHL and pay the member entry fee. Any checks must be made out to the FHL Chapter of RWA
ENTRY FORMAT:
An entry consists of a synopsis (no more than two pages single-spaced) and up to the first 30 pages of an unpublished manuscript.
One inch margins all around for paper and electronic entries. A standard professional font should be used with at least a 12-point font size. Entry must be double-spaced. Synopsis may be single-spaced.
Header must have manuscript title on the left and page number on right. The author’s name should not appear anywhere on the manuscript.
PAPER ENTRIES:
Send three copies each of a synopsis (no more than two pages single-spaced) and up to the first 30 pages of an unpublished manuscript. Two copies will be judged in the first round. Contest coordinators will use the third copy to make clean copies for the entries going on to the final round.
The total submission is to be no more than
30 double-spaced pages plus a two- page synopsis (not judged)
Paper entries must consist of good quality originals or photocopies and typed on one side of white, 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper, double-spaced. Follow formatting guidelines listed above.
Entries shall have one title page with the author's name, phone number, address, manuscript title, projected length, and category entered listed. Your name appears only on the title page, which is kept by the contest coordinator.
Use small binder clips only to hold entry together. Do not bend or staple. Make sure the envelope you send the manuscripts in is sturdy (suggestion the free Tyvec envelopes from the Post Office) because of the possibility of damage in transit.
Include a SASE business letter size envelope for the return of the judges’ score sheets.
***NO METERED MAIL***
Include one self-addressed, stamped postcard for verification of receipt of entry. Please no signatures required for delivery. Use the delivery confirmation receipt instead, which can be tracked on the USPS website.
Enter as many manuscripts as you wish. Each entry must be accompanied by both an official entry form (or facsimile) and entry fee OR entrant must complete online entry form and pay the entry with Paypal.
Entrants who do not comply with the above rules will be disqualified and entry fee will be forfeited.
ELECTRONIC ENTRIES:
Entrant may complete an entry form online and pay entry fee using Paypal OR mail an entry form and a check to the appropriate category coordinator.
Address the email to the appropriate Category Coordinator. Please put TBL Contest and the contest category in the subject line.
In the email body include the author's name, phone number, address, manuscript title, projected length, and category entered. Your name appears only in the email body, which is kept by the contest coordinator.
Attach to the email a copy of entry and synopsis in one file in .doc or .rtf format only. The file name should contain the title of the manuscript and the entrant’s last name. Send the email and attached file to the appropriate category coordinator before the deadline. Follow formatting guidelines listed above.
The total submission is to be no more than 30 double-spaced pages plus a two- page synopsis (not judged).
Email entries to:
Historical Romance Entries: RileyK1@aol.com
Short Contemporary Romance: gina@gabcrush.com
Long Contemporary Romance: gina@gabcrush.com
((((If you are entering the short or long contemporary romance category, you DON'T have to include a SASP if you have an e-mail address. I'll send you an e-mail confirmation.)))))))
Enter as many manuscripts as you wish. For each entry, the entrant must complete an online entry form and pay the entry fee with Paypal OR send an entry form and check to the appropriate contest coordinator.
Each entry should be emailed separately.
Entrants who do not comply with the above rules will be disqualified and entry fee will be forfeited.
JUDGING:
Preliminary judging begins April 10, 2008. All manuscripts will be judged by two judges. The two scores will be averaged for the preliminary score.
Barring unforeseen circumstances, finalists will be notified no later than May 16, 2008. Finalist scores must be in the top 25% with an overall possible point total of 155.
Finalists will receive the opportunity to have their entry judged by five published inspirational authors. Scores will be averaged in order to establish a winner. The winner will be announced at the 2008 RWA National Conference. There will be three finalists in the three categories. There will be a winner in each category and an overall winner from the three categories.
The overall winner chosen from the three winners of the categories will receive a critique of their entry by an editor and $100 toward any writing related expense paid within one year of the end of the TBL contest. The remaining two First place category winners will receive $75 toward any writing related expense paid within one year of the end of the TBL contest. Second place winners will receive $50 toward any writing related expense paid within one year of the end of the TBL contest. Third place winners will receive $25 toward any writing related expense paid within one year of the end of the TBL contest. Writing expenses include the Golden Heart or other writing contest entry fee, conference fees, National RWA dues, etc. Receipts are required for reimbursement.
Any questions, contact the contest coordinator Kelly Ann Riley at RileyK1@aol.com.
The purpose of the TOUCHED BY LOVE Contest is to inspire, motivate, and reward unpublished authors of inspirational romance. TOUCHED BY LOVE is the premier inspirational contest for the unpublished.
Eligibility: Participation is open to all unpublished authors and to any author not published in the past three years. All work must be the author's original work. Entrant must retain all rights to the entry and not have granted any of them to a publisher or other party by the contest entry deadline. The official entry form and fee must accompany each submission.
Inspirational Romance Categories: Contemporary (under 75,000 words), Contemporary (over 75,000 words) and Historical.
Definition of an inspirational romance is stories written by writers whose worldview, influenced by their faith in the God of the Bible, is woven into the fabric of the book or manuscript. Entries in FHL’s contest should not include inappropriate or gratuitous demonstration of sin, whether in language, violence, or sexual situations.
Entry fee: $20.00 for members of the Faith, Hope and Love (FHL) chapter. $25.00 for non-FHL members. Non-members can elect to join FHL and pay the member entry fee. Any checks must be made out to FHL chapter of RWA.
Prizes: The overall winner chosen from the three winners of the categories will receive a critique of their entry by an editor and $100 toward any writing-related expense paid within one year of the end of the TBL contest. The remaining two First-place category winners will receive $75 toward any writing-related expense paid within one year of the end of the TBL contest. Second-place winners will receive $50 toward any writing-related expense paid within one year of the end of the TBL contest. All other finalists in the categories will receive $25 toward any writing-related expense paid within one year of the end of the TBL contest. Writing expenses include the Golden Heart or other writing contest entry fee, conference fees, National RWA dues, etc. Receipts are required for reimbursement.
TOUCHED BY LOVE CONTEST RULES FOR 2008
DEADLINE: Entry Form, nonrefundable fee (checks made out to FHL or by paid by Paypal) and manuscript must be received no later than April 1, 2008 (so mail early to ensure it arrives on time). Entries and fees received after contest is officially closed will be returned.
Any questions contact the Contest Chairman: Kelly Ann Riley at RileyK1@aol.com.
ELIGIBILITY: Contest is open to all unpublished authors and to any author not published in the past three years. All work must be the author's original work. Entrant must retain all rights to the entry and not have granted any of them to a publisher other party by the contest entry deadline.
ENTRY FEE: $20.00 for members of the Faith, Hope and Love (FHL) chapter. $25.00 for non-FHL members. Non-members can elect to join FHL and pay the member entry fee. Any checks must be made out to the FHL Chapter of RWA
ENTRY FORMAT:
An entry consists of a synopsis (no more than two pages single-spaced) and up to the first 30 pages of an unpublished manuscript.
One inch margins all around for paper and electronic entries. A standard professional font should be used with at least a 12-point font size. Entry must be double-spaced. Synopsis may be single-spaced.
Header must have manuscript title on the left and page number on right. The author’s name should not appear anywhere on the manuscript.
PAPER ENTRIES:
Send three copies each of a synopsis (no more than two pages single-spaced) and up to the first 30 pages of an unpublished manuscript. Two copies will be judged in the first round. Contest coordinators will use the third copy to make clean copies for the entries going on to the final round.
The total submission is to be no more than
30 double-spaced pages plus a two- page synopsis (not judged)
Paper entries must consist of good quality originals or photocopies and typed on one side of white, 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper, double-spaced. Follow formatting guidelines listed above.
Entries shall have one title page with the author's name, phone number, address, manuscript title, projected length, and category entered listed. Your name appears only on the title page, which is kept by the contest coordinator.
Use small binder clips only to hold entry together. Do not bend or staple. Make sure the envelope you send the manuscripts in is sturdy (suggestion the free Tyvec envelopes from the Post Office) because of the possibility of damage in transit.
Include a SASE business letter size envelope for the return of the judges’ score sheets.
***NO METERED MAIL***
Include one self-addressed, stamped postcard for verification of receipt of entry. Please no signatures required for delivery. Use the delivery confirmation receipt instead, which can be tracked on the USPS website.
Enter as many manuscripts as you wish. Each entry must be accompanied by both an official entry form (or facsimile) and entry fee OR entrant must complete online entry form and pay the entry with Paypal.
Entrants who do not comply with the above rules will be disqualified and entry fee will be forfeited.
ELECTRONIC ENTRIES:
Entrant may complete an entry form online and pay entry fee using Paypal OR mail an entry form and a check to the appropriate category coordinator.
Address the email to the appropriate Category Coordinator. Please put TBL Contest and the contest category in the subject line.
In the email body include the author's name, phone number, address, manuscript title, projected length, and category entered. Your name appears only in the email body, which is kept by the contest coordinator.
Attach to the email a copy of entry and synopsis in one file in .doc or .rtf format only. The file name should contain the title of the manuscript and the entrant’s last name. Send the email and attached file to the appropriate category coordinator before the deadline. Follow formatting guidelines listed above.
The total submission is to be no more than 30 double-spaced pages plus a two- page synopsis (not judged).
Email entries to:
Historical Romance Entries: RileyK1@aol.com
Short Contemporary Romance: gina@gabcrush.com
Long Contemporary Romance: gina@gabcrush.com
((((If you are entering the short or long contemporary romance category, you DON'T have to include a SASP if you have an e-mail address. I'll send you an e-mail confirmation.)))))))
Enter as many manuscripts as you wish. For each entry, the entrant must complete an online entry form and pay the entry fee with Paypal OR send an entry form and check to the appropriate contest coordinator.
Each entry should be emailed separately.
Entrants who do not comply with the above rules will be disqualified and entry fee will be forfeited.
JUDGING:
Preliminary judging begins April 10, 2008. All manuscripts will be judged by two judges. The two scores will be averaged for the preliminary score.
Barring unforeseen circumstances, finalists will be notified no later than May 16, 2008. Finalist scores must be in the top 25% with an overall possible point total of 155.
Finalists will receive the opportunity to have their entry judged by five published inspirational authors. Scores will be averaged in order to establish a winner. The winner will be announced at the 2008 RWA National Conference. There will be three finalists in the three categories. There will be a winner in each category and an overall winner from the three categories.
The overall winner chosen from the three winners of the categories will receive a critique of their entry by an editor and $100 toward any writing related expense paid within one year of the end of the TBL contest. The remaining two First place category winners will receive $75 toward any writing related expense paid within one year of the end of the TBL contest. Second place winners will receive $50 toward any writing related expense paid within one year of the end of the TBL contest. Third place winners will receive $25 toward any writing related expense paid within one year of the end of the TBL contest. Writing expenses include the Golden Heart or other writing contest entry fee, conference fees, National RWA dues, etc. Receipts are required for reimbursement.
Any questions, contact the contest coordinator Kelly Ann Riley at RileyK1@aol.com.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
I'm, like, way behind...
Too much to do. Just not enough time.
I've been doing some pondering of the inspy market, especially since over on the ACFW loop, there's been MOOCHO chatting--okay, arguing--about the definition of "edgy" fiction. Well, edgy in relation to the CBA market.
What's odd is the pendulum swings far to the left and to the right.
If you're pro-edge, you think the CBA market is way too full of cheesy, shallow, unrealistic novels.
If you're anti-edge, you think most Christian-fiction readers want clean, wholesome novels.
Just between us, I think the Church is full of Christians who either are pro-laws or pro-grace. Too many hold to the belief if they follow x,y, and z laws, then they will be in the world but not of it. Yet also too many hold to the belief that Jesus freed them from the law so nothing is unlawful for them to do.
Why does it have to be an either or?
Is it fair to the consumer to limit Christian fiction to one type?
I've been doing some pondering of the inspy market, especially since over on the ACFW loop, there's been MOOCHO chatting--okay, arguing--about the definition of "edgy" fiction. Well, edgy in relation to the CBA market.
What's odd is the pendulum swings far to the left and to the right.
If you're pro-edge, you think the CBA market is way too full of cheesy, shallow, unrealistic novels.
If you're anti-edge, you think most Christian-fiction readers want clean, wholesome novels.
Just between us, I think the Church is full of Christians who either are pro-laws or pro-grace. Too many hold to the belief if they follow x,y, and z laws, then they will be in the world but not of it. Yet also too many hold to the belief that Jesus freed them from the law so nothing is unlawful for them to do.
Why does it have to be an either or?
Is it fair to the consumer to limit Christian fiction to one type?
Monday, March 17, 2008
Why you shouldn't sleep in church!
I've never been a very faithful note-taker...in church. When I was in college, I took notes all the time in class because I knew if I wrote things down, I could usually remember the info enough so I wouldn't have to study come test time. I may not be great at multi-tasking, but I can figure out how to get around studying. Oddly, the application same doesn't work with sermon notes.
And I know why.
I've figured out taking notes during the sermon helps keep me awake.
Not that our pastor is boring, 'cause he's not. Well, he was a couple weeks ago. I hadn't even been tired when I got to church, but if I hadn't had things to daydream about, his sermon would have zonked me out. I told my hubby he has my permission to tell Pastor Mark that I thought his sermon was a dud that week. Hey, don't get all piously offended on me. Even the best preachers had off-days.
Of course, many times I learn something from taking notes. One being I have sucky penmanship. Oh well. We can't all be virtuous or God would have zapped us home already. Give me credit for admitting my flaws. :-)
According to my notes of yesterday's sermon, I dozed off six times. Scribbled words and/or blue ink blobs testify to my zzzzzz-ness. And I actually feel bad about dozing because the sermon was good. Probably would have hit the really good scale if I hadn't slept through so much of it.
Anyhoo, the sermon was about how the Second Coming of Christ comes in phases.
1) The Rapture of the Church
2) The Preparation of the Bride
3) The Great Tribulation and Revival
4) The Second Coming of Christ
The part that really stood out to me was Phase 2. Romans 8:1 says, "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus..." While the born-agin Believer won't suffer the wrath of God, we will face judgement--that of the quality of our work (1 Cor 10:1-13) and of the character of our hearts (1 Cor 4:1-5)--and then be compensated (2 Cor 5:10).
Yet with all the judgment talk in scripture, God makes sure to tell us to stop judging our brother/sister. (Romans 14:10) In other words, stop judging others, stop comparing what we have to someone else because other believers have different gifts and abilities. <--Mark said that in his sermon. I took notes.
Now I like that God gives Believers spiritual gifts.
My husband is so gifted in administration that I wonder if he fears my lack of administrative abilities will negate his. For years I really really really wanted to have the spiritual gift of compassion, like my sister-in-law has. What the world needs now is love sweet love. And I can freely say that as I've grown in Christ, I am a bit more compassionate than I used to be.
Over the last twenty years ( started testing when I was six), I've taken close to a dozen spiritual gift analysis tests. After scoring high in one particular gift over and over again, I decided I'd rather have another gift so I tried rigging the test. Would you believe I still scored high with that one particular gift. Notice I didn't put a ? at the end of that sentence becuase the question was rhethorical.
Cheating doesn't pay.
So I figured if I couldn't rig my way into the best spiritual gift (compassion, for those of you who've been skimming), then I'd take the active approach and start loving people more. I can freely say that as I've grown in Christ and have worked at being itentionally loving, I'm a bit more compassionate than I used to be.
Don't get me wrong, I don't mind having the gift God gave me, but I'm still debating why I didn't get compassion. If anyone needs the gift, I do.
Sometimes I just don't understand God, which is why He's God and I'm not. I'm thinking He likes more the "active approach" in me instead of the easy way (gift). Bummer. Compassioning people would be some much easier if it came naturally.
Since I realized I wanted a spiritual gift that I could get excited about having, I decided I have the spiritual gift of receiving. With all those who have the gift of giving, someone HAS to be on the receiving end. Why not me?
Yet one tiny bit of me wonders "Why is it I can't be happy with the gift I've actually been given?"
Why is it the best [fill in applicable word here] is what someone else has?
Why is it we can't be satisfied with what we have?
The reality is if I can't use the gifts and abilities that God gave me to use for His glory, then what are the odds that I'd use someone else's gifts and abilities for God's glory? Hmmm.
Far too many times we consider "judging" to be "the cognitive process of reaching a decision or drawing conclusions," and fail to consider that in judging we often compare that other person to us.
She feeds her kids home-cooked meals seven days a week. She homeschools her kids. Her house is always neat and tidy. She never misses a Bible Study. She can write a 75K-word novel in two months. She sold the first book she wrote within a month of completing it. She can eat all day long and never gain a pound. She never screams at her kids...or the dog. She actually feeds her cat because she loves it.
In all that, we look at the other gal and compare us to her and find ourselves lacking. But what about the flip side where instead of seeing another's gift and ability and finding fault in ourselves, we see another's gift and ability and find fault so we can feel better about us.
I'm a better mom than her because she ________ but I _______.
I'm a better Christian than her because she _______ but I _________.
I'm a better writer than her because she __________ but I __________.
Comparing yourself to another to belittle yourself is as wrong and sinful as comparing to feel better about yourself. Be you. Actually, be Jesus. After all, you were crucified with Christ so it is no longer you who live but Christ who lives in you. And in me.
By the way, if anyone does have the gift of compassion and would like to give it up, just remember I have the spiritual gift of receiving. And my kids wouldn't mind a tad more compassion spewing from me.
And I know why.
I've figured out taking notes during the sermon helps keep me awake.
Not that our pastor is boring, 'cause he's not. Well, he was a couple weeks ago. I hadn't even been tired when I got to church, but if I hadn't had things to daydream about, his sermon would have zonked me out. I told my hubby he has my permission to tell Pastor Mark that I thought his sermon was a dud that week. Hey, don't get all piously offended on me. Even the best preachers had off-days.
Of course, many times I learn something from taking notes. One being I have sucky penmanship. Oh well. We can't all be virtuous or God would have zapped us home already. Give me credit for admitting my flaws. :-)
According to my notes of yesterday's sermon, I dozed off six times. Scribbled words and/or blue ink blobs testify to my zzzzzz-ness. And I actually feel bad about dozing because the sermon was good. Probably would have hit the really good scale if I hadn't slept through so much of it.
Anyhoo, the sermon was about how the Second Coming of Christ comes in phases.
1) The Rapture of the Church
2) The Preparation of the Bride
3) The Great Tribulation and Revival
4) The Second Coming of Christ
The part that really stood out to me was Phase 2. Romans 8:1 says, "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus..." While the born-agin Believer won't suffer the wrath of God, we will face judgement--that of the quality of our work (1 Cor 10:1-13) and of the character of our hearts (1 Cor 4:1-5)--and then be compensated (2 Cor 5:10).
Yet with all the judgment talk in scripture, God makes sure to tell us to stop judging our brother/sister. (Romans 14:10) In other words, stop judging others, stop comparing what we have to someone else because other believers have different gifts and abilities. <--Mark said that in his sermon. I took notes.
Now I like that God gives Believers spiritual gifts.
My husband is so gifted in administration that I wonder if he fears my lack of administrative abilities will negate his. For years I really really really wanted to have the spiritual gift of compassion, like my sister-in-law has. What the world needs now is love sweet love. And I can freely say that as I've grown in Christ, I am a bit more compassionate than I used to be.
Over the last twenty years ( started testing when I was six), I've taken close to a dozen spiritual gift analysis tests. After scoring high in one particular gift over and over again, I decided I'd rather have another gift so I tried rigging the test. Would you believe I still scored high with that one particular gift. Notice I didn't put a ? at the end of that sentence becuase the question was rhethorical.
Cheating doesn't pay.
So I figured if I couldn't rig my way into the best spiritual gift (compassion, for those of you who've been skimming), then I'd take the active approach and start loving people more. I can freely say that as I've grown in Christ and have worked at being itentionally loving, I'm a bit more compassionate than I used to be.
Don't get me wrong, I don't mind having the gift God gave me, but I'm still debating why I didn't get compassion. If anyone needs the gift, I do.
Sometimes I just don't understand God, which is why He's God and I'm not. I'm thinking He likes more the "active approach" in me instead of the easy way (gift). Bummer. Compassioning people would be some much easier if it came naturally.
Since I realized I wanted a spiritual gift that I could get excited about having, I decided I have the spiritual gift of receiving. With all those who have the gift of giving, someone HAS to be on the receiving end. Why not me?
Yet one tiny bit of me wonders "Why is it I can't be happy with the gift I've actually been given?"
Why is it the best [fill in applicable word here] is what someone else has?
Why is it we can't be satisfied with what we have?
The reality is if I can't use the gifts and abilities that God gave me to use for His glory, then what are the odds that I'd use someone else's gifts and abilities for God's glory? Hmmm.
Far too many times we consider "judging" to be "the cognitive process of reaching a decision or drawing conclusions," and fail to consider that in judging we often compare that other person to us.
She feeds her kids home-cooked meals seven days a week. She homeschools her kids. Her house is always neat and tidy. She never misses a Bible Study. She can write a 75K-word novel in two months. She sold the first book she wrote within a month of completing it. She can eat all day long and never gain a pound. She never screams at her kids...or the dog. She actually feeds her cat because she loves it.
In all that, we look at the other gal and compare us to her and find ourselves lacking. But what about the flip side where instead of seeing another's gift and ability and finding fault in ourselves, we see another's gift and ability and find fault so we can feel better about us.
I'm a better mom than her because she ________ but I _______.
I'm a better Christian than her because she _______ but I _________.
I'm a better writer than her because she __________ but I __________.
Comparing yourself to another to belittle yourself is as wrong and sinful as comparing to feel better about yourself. Be you. Actually, be Jesus. After all, you were crucified with Christ so it is no longer you who live but Christ who lives in you. And in me.
By the way, if anyone does have the gift of compassion and would like to give it up, just remember I have the spiritual gift of receiving. And my kids wouldn't mind a tad more compassion spewing from me.
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