I wanted to share this poem written by my thirteen year old grandson, Dylan. Who knew he could write at this depth? Who knew he could write at all? Check it out: UNFINISHED Born with my key and an unfulfilled dream He has set for me the clear unsolved mystery Miracle inside the clouds and above little rocks A man on a mission no challenges on his clock In a world with not yet complete restoration But backwards turns in a box of his creation A mistake be never made But a fallen angel still living in fear Wipe these…
Jumping Life’s Hurdles
Traveling down life’s road inevitably throws many hurdles in our paths which requires our attention before continuing the journey. What makes or breaks us is how we handle to those roadblocks. Some of us run fast, jump high, and clear those hurdles like trained athletes while others come to a screeching halt. None of us are exempt from life’s problems. As I look at the many hurdles I’ve had to jump through the years and the problems I’ve faced I am convinced that my guardian angels must have a nervous twitch by now. You may laugh, but I know you…
The Life I’m Living and the Life I’m Observing
What a joy it is to host DiAnn Mills, an award winning author of over fifty books, on my blog, Loretta’s Loft. DiAnn was my mentor through my Journeyman and Craftsman studies with the Christian Writers Guild. She is an amazing friend, teacher, and encourager to anyone desiring to learn the craft of writing. Don’t miss the challenge she offers at the bottom of the page to win a free personalized copy of her new release, The Survivor. It’s packed full of suspense. DiAnn Mills The Life I’m Living and the Life I’m Observing I’m a lot like you. Average…
Taking The First Step
The first time I attended Jerry Jenkins’ Writing for the Soul Conference, February 2011, I thought I was having an out of body experience. I was extremely nervous. I wanted to plaster myself against the wall to watch, listen, and learn without being noticed. I wondered if anyone could sense my fear. It wasn’t until I took the initiative to step out of my comfort zone and mingle with the crowd that I discovered most of the writers attending were just as nervous. The second time to the conference, February 2012, was a little less stressful. I met new friends…
I Can Fly Faster Than You Can Fall
In my Bible one day I read “to mount up with wings as an eagle.” I had to stop and ask, “Lord, how? For I am in no way equal. No wings to spread, no talons to grip. I’m afraid of heights, Lord, what if I slip? No sense of direction, my eyesight weak, stepping out in faith is what I seek.” Bowing my head in solemn reverence, I heard my Lord speak while in His presence… “Come soar the skies with Me in its beauty and grandeur; feel the peaceful tranquility, the freedom and splendor. Trust in Me, set…
Dare to Believe in Yourself
My fingers danced across the keys of my laptop making that infamous tapping sound. My heart pounded at the thought of writing a non-fiction story for a compilation of true stories. Excitement, guarded by hesitation and doubt, seeped through the corridors of my mind as I pressed forward with every word. Is it possible? Am I being presumptuous to think I could possibly submit a story for publication? Is it feasible for someone like me to assume such an accomplishment? Can I? How? No one knows me? Who would even care? The room fell silent. My fingers shook. I re-read…
Making Christmas Memories
When grandchildren began springing into our family I searched for ideas on how to make lasting memories in their little minds of Christmas at Grandma’s. It was and still is my desire for them to grasp hold of the real meaning of Christmas and never allow commercialism to erase that truth…the truth that Jesus IS the real reason we have Christmas. Now, I must admit too, that I want them to have special Christmas memories of spending time with me…Grandma… so when I’m long gone from this earth they will remember all the fun we had at our annual Christmas…
A Different Look at Breathing
I want to stir your thinking about the way you look at breathing. Consider the fact that every time you inhale you are taking in the breath of God and every time you exhale you are returning yours and God’s breath into the air. When it’s cold outside you can actually see your breath as it blows out. So what am I saying? You have natural God-given gifts. What are you doing with them? Are they safely tucked away so no one can compare you to someone else? Were they squelched when someone laughed at your attempts? Has the sparkle…
Taking Time to Listen
Early in the mornings when the house is quiet and the aroma of fresh coffee lures me to the kitchen, it’s the perfect time for me to tell God about everything that’s going on in my life, my concerns, my hopes, and my dreams. The best part of this time is when I stop talking and take the time to listen for His response. I know from experience that life has a way of consuming our time and making us feel we can’t spare another minute. We throw out a quick prayer and run out the door with our cell…
The Power of Words
When I was a little girl I retaliated to harsh words from my elementary classmates with sticks and stones may break my bones, but words may never hurt me. It sounded good at the time to snap back sarcastically at their hurtful words in hopes of drowning out the humiliation I received. Words are powerful whether spoken or written. Look at the depressed child who grew up being told he would never amount to anything, then look at the jovial one who was raised with praise and encouragement. Words affect self-esteem, your state of mind, your personality, and ultimately, your…