YES, YOU CAN!

 I often have comments from readers that they wished they could write.  YOU CAN!  AND I am going to give you a little tutorial in how to get started.  IF you went back and read my first online posts---WAY BACK---almost 20 years ago, you would be shocked.  Thankfully I cannot remember the platform I was using nor the title---it was, at best, an elementary attempt.  I have told you I have written under several different blog titles over the years.  This was an indication of the changes in my life.  Until I began writing what I call a "Quasi Devotional", most of my posts were about my day to day and thoughts around that.  I blogged about my grands, my travels & adventures, family, activities, ministries I participated in, etc etc.  Why that almost sounds like a journal.  Do you already keep a journal?  You are writing.

As I recently posted in "Left Behind", during all those years of running, I was NEVER headed to the Olympics.  I ran for good health (mental & physical) and to enjoy the good company of my running bunch.  I knew when I bought that first pair of Brooks running shoes DECADES ago---it was about enjoying the benefits of good health---NOT to run and especially not to win races.  If that had been my aim, I would have never enjoyed it as much as I did.

SO--you can write too---and none of us will probably  win the Pulitzer Prize---but it can be very enjoyable and even stimulate your brain (that might be called exercise.)  You don't think you can write, because you have not started your training with the basics.  Get a small notebook (purse or pocket size) and begin to write down words that strike you, quotes that inspire you, things that happen.  One word--a phrase--or maybe even a sentence.  You do not start writing to write a book---you start writing for your enjoyment.  Then buy a journal---and write prayers---wonderful exercise---or write a letter to God occasionally.  He would love to get it!  In fact--write someone a letter (a quickly vanishing art, sadly)  With the advent of voice activated transcription we are missing that vital step of thinking as we write.  As I have told you over and over, I process while I write.  I may well start off on one subject and stray to another before I have finished the first paragraph.  You have read it.  This is NOT a graded project--no one has a red pen to color your work with.  This is for you!  I cannot tell you how much I enjoy sitting and writing.  The entire process from taking notes of points of interest to ponder, to creating the content concerning that subject, to getting it all down on paper is enjoyable.  I try to catch all my errors by proofing what I am posting, but if you are only writing for yourself---I would not bother.  It's not about perfect grammar, sentence form, or any of those other rules we all learned in English Grammar.  It is about getting your thoughts down on paper.

SO---YES YOU CAN!  Give it a try --start slow.  It has become one of my favorite times of the day.  For those of you who send me emails, texts, or make comments---you have already begun.  Now take it to the next step.  For those who never comment--that is ok, but feel free to use my words to inspire communication with me about the blog.  OR---if you have grands--write them a letter---they will keep it forever!  What a joy!

God does not want us to be intimated, He wants us to find joy in life.  Perhaps writing can be as joyful for you as it is to me.  I am so thankful He nudges me everyday to sit and write.  You CAN do it too!

"You make known to me the path of life;

in Your presence there is fullness of joy;

at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

Psalm 16:11