Who Said That?

I’ve kept a journal called “Notes & Quotes” for a long time. If I find something interesting in a book that I want to remember, I write it in my journal. I also enjoy recording quotes about life, love, commitment, writing, etc. in it. I honestly go back and look at them from time to time and feel my heart begin to race as that unique combination of words encourage me to go at it again. I decided this month I’d share a few quotes that have special meaning to me.

• “I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world.” ~Mother Teresa [Who better to say that than Mother Teresa? This quote inspires me to allow God to direct my paths even when I don't know which path He's taking.]
• “God rarely makes our fear disappear. Instead, He asks us to be strong and take courage. Courage is choosing to act in spite of fear.” ~ The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson [What an excellent book! This book gave me the courage to step out of my comfort zone of teaching and into the uncomfortable, unknown world of writing.]
• “At times one should leave even good words unsaid out of esteem for silence.” ~ a 6th century monk [Being that I'm a talker it took some time to appreciate the silence in my home when the boys have gone to school and Jeff to work. Now, I have to have some quiet time everyday!]
• “Praise precedes victory.” ~ Joel Osteen [I've learned that God wants us to enjoy victories, but we must praise him all the time not just when things are going well.]
• “This writing is what I was brought here to do. And my purpose is to get out the word, to witness, and to give testimony. So I’m on a mission . . .” ~ The Artist as Witness by Sapphire [When I saw this quote I immediately identified with it. It encourages me that my writing has purpose, it witnesses to others and allows me to share my testimony.]
• “Behold the turtle. He makes progress only when he sticks his neck out.” ~ James Bryant Conant [If the turtle can do it, so can I!]
• “The world has yet to see what God will do with and for a through and in and by the man who is fully and wholly consecrated to him.” ~ Henry Varley [This is a quote I refer to often because I want it to be true about me and every Christ-follower.]
• “Get black on white.” ~ Guy de Maupassant

The last quote is one I refer to when I need to write, but my mind is elsewhere or on the days I feel like I have nothing to say. Over the last five years as I sit in my quiet house, I can get easily distracted and do other things besides my writing. It is a comfort to me that I can refer to these quotes and hundreds of others that I’ve collected and feel energized and encouraged once again.

If I could ask two things of each of you:
First, click on ‘Add Comment’ and share a quote that means something special to you. Don’t forget to give the person who wrote it credit. If you feel like sharing, include why the quote is meaningful to you. I can’t wait to be encouraged by your quotes!

Second, I am having my website (www.melonybrown.com) professionally updated. My current blog provider does not offer the capabilities for me to retrieve my blog subscribers. Therefore, I need to create a new database and would like to include you on it. If you wish to continue to receive my monthly blog and updates about my writing ventures, please send a quick email to construxlearning@yahoo.com. Put ‘database’ in the subject line. Include your first and last name and I will add you. Thanks for taking the time to do this.

Each of you are incredibly important to me as you have encouraged me, prayed for me, and kept me writing during the last five years. Someone once said, “It takes a village . . .” Each of you are an important part of my village. I can’t wait for you to see my new website. It should be ready to launch sometime before Christmas.

Until next month, Melony