New Bea-ginnings

Like my title for this first post? Corny, but cute, I say. What I write will not be formal, grammatically correct most of the time, nor pre-determined to tickle someone's funny bone. And, I may add, I will not write anything theologically deep (However, I am a professing Christian so I may skim the surface) or politically charged (you're welcome!).

Why am I starting a blog, for the zillionth time, you may ask? I want to start writing, seriously...again. There are those of you out there who know what I'm talking about when I say that I had journals galore with beginning dates from the 90s. To make me feel less guilty, I tore those start date pages out...and wrote in new start dates on new pages. Of course, throughout the ensuing years I received more journals from well-meaning friends and loving family members who knew I LOVED to write, but the cycle repeated itself.

Serious writing for me started in 1996 when our youngest son was born. I started a Tea With Bea newsletter. Surprisingly, many enjoyed receiving it in the mail and were always looking forward to the next issue. The newsletter run lasted for a couple of years or so, but life became busier as the kids were growing and homeschooling more time intensive. As I looked through the old issues a few years ago my heart ached to revive the newsletter, but again, life happened. And, is still happening. I was able to get a short devotional published in The Secret Place several years ago. Circulation boasted a mere 100K, but l'm not complaining. Getting paid for that was a rather thrilling experience for me. (Hmmm...maybe I should try sending something in again.)

Excuses. I'm fond of finding excuses to start something new. I know that, my family knows that, and my closest friends know that. Maybe I shouldn't let that "flaw" be out there for all the world to see, but unless you're perfect (or you're God), you can relate. The primary driver on my part is fear of failure. That cold heavy cloud that envelopes you, weighs you down, preventing you from focusing on the goal. It can get pretty darn heavy, that cloud, almost rendering you useless "as the g in lasagna."

There are a few new things I want to delve into this year. One of them is writing a novel, which is easy, I've heard...but, finishing it? Alas, it's no easy task. My husband is on his fourth novel right now (of the Jake Sloan Adventure series) and I know the challenges he's faced as a writer, professor, father, and fabulous husband. Constantly, and consistently, encouraging me to write has been his almost-weekly chore. I would usually smile my Bea-smile (the largest fake smile ever) and give him, yes...an excuse!

I've started writing in my Busy Bee journal, sketching out details about my main characters. My Writing Pinterest Board is full of helpful tips. I have a husband who is a great story-teller who can help me as well. Just a few things to be grateful for.

As I write this I am reminded of one of my favorite verses: "There is no fear in love. Perfect love drives out fear... (1 John 4:18)" With the love of God, family and friends, I believe I can do this novel thing. Fear may visit me now and then, but it won't deter me this time. No excuses!