Bubbles and Rock - a devotion for you, if you are finding life tough

When things get tough, do you ever eyeball yourself firmly in the mirror and give yourself a pep talk? I know I do. I try to make sure nobody is watching, but even that doesn't always work out.

I’ve come to realize though, that my motivational eyeballings – even the very best ones, are a little bit like wrapping myself in a bubble. For a while I can float along, feeling cushioned from the bite of an anorexic bank account, safely tucked away from bickering kids and in firm denial of my hungry petrol tank.

There’s just one problem with a self-motivated-pep-talk-bubble. It just takes one sharp object, one tiny prick and it pops. I can tell you from experience that when you’re floating in a bubble that bursts, there’s only one way to go and it ain’t up. You feel the teeth of your bank account when you can’t buy the bottle your kid needs for school to make your Mom’s day pressy, when you have to say no to your teenager’s social life because you can’t afford the petrol for the extra trip.

It doesn’t take a sledgehammer to pop a bubble.

Yet somehow, when God speaks, there are no bubbles involved. His Words come with a standard issue of solid rock under your feet and the guts to face life unflinching. No matter what. One word from Him, and I’m on solid ground, light years away from the quicksand of doubt.

From now on when I eyeball myself in the mirror, I'll be saying one thing and one thing only... 

Listen to Jesus, girl. He's got you!

Dianne J. Wilson writes novels from her hometown in East London, South Africa, where she lives with her husband and three daughters.

Finding Mia is available from Amazon, Pelican / Harbourlight, Barnes & Noble and other bookstores.

Shackles is available as a free ebook from Amazon& Smashwords.

Find her on Facebook, Twitter and her sporadic blog Doodles.

MOTIVATION

This is me a few weeks ago recovering after my op. I'd put in so much effort on my new book before entering hospital that it became a real motivation to get well. Though I have to admit I couldn't have cared less for some time after leaving theatre!

I kept remembering those repeated phrases from the Bible, "And it came to pass." And yes, it did! I am still a
little slow and not allowed to drive, but only a few more weeks and that will pass also.

I have enjoyed my participation in our ICFW blog. I have followed many of our authors' successes and empathized with the struggle we all go through to bring our books into being. Many of you have shared great advice. And I found that so many published authors have felt the need to go the Indy route, thereby bypassing the often year long wait for a contract and another year to get the book published.

With the technical expertise of a friend, I have gone this route and my historical romance is almost there. It was edited professionally, but along the way I discovered many irritating mistakes where I'd added extra information that needed correction.

The book has been formatted, with finished cover, my library number, and bar-code. All we need now is to give it to the printers and await that first copy to check.



Everything can change in a heartbeat ...

Mayfair London, 1859
All is well in the well-to-do Cantrell household until its scheming mistress begins to act on her self-serving plans.
Forced into the security of an arranged marriage and an uncertain future of eloping with her heart's desire, Charlotte Cantrell's faith and integrity are tested to the limit. Either choice threatens dire consequences to everyone she holds dear, and even as she hovers over her decision, she knows that once made it will affect the entire course of her life.

Only an unforeseen event can rescue Charlotte from personal tragedy and forsaken dreams.

I'd be interested to know who of you have had a strong motivation to write after a difficult experience. I know personal experiences - either great or disappointing - have often become a part of my stories.

(For more information on this novel's availability contact:  ritagal  at  optusnet  dot  com  dot au )
www.ritastellagalieh.com