Catching Idle Butterflies

Hyphenated Christian

Mom and I had a religious discussion the other day and I tried to explain why I don’t identify with the church I go to; that I will likely never become an official member. Some people see religion and faith as one as the same. My mom thinks this, but I do not. I go to this church because it feeds my spirit. It challenges me as well as gives me shelter when I’m in need of renewal. But I will not be identified as a member of one religion, because I may or may not believe everything a particular religious group believes.

I couldn’t express myself the way I wanted and Mom and I quit the discussion by deciding we disagree, and we will never discuss “God” again unless I bring it up first. I think she realized at this point she had crossed a line, but since she apologized for her inappropriate words a little while ago, the specifics are unimportant.

Dave and I did talk about it earlier today. I also tried to tell him why I won’t become a member of any one church.

“My sister said it best,” he said, “Belonging to a church is similar to a marriage. You don’t have to agree with your spouse at all times, but you do support one another when they need it, try to fix things when they go wrong.”

“True,” I said, “but if I tell everyone say, ‘I’m a Methodist’ suddenly that becomes equal to or greater than me being a Christian. I want my focus on Jesus and Jesus alone, not a religion.”

“So,” he added, “It’s like you being an American, not an Irish-American.”

“Exactly. I’m not a hyphenated Christian.”

He stared at me, his eyes wide and said, “That’s the most eloquent thing I’ve heard.”

I cocked my head and said, “Yeah, I kind of like how that came out myself.”

“Just remember, I contributed to you coming up with that. You wouldn’t have said it without me.”

I laughed and said, “Don’t worry. I’ll give you . . . 48.5% of the credit.”

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On another note.

I wrote this in my publication journal "Ah, the pitfalls of seeking publication."  the other day, but I liked the quote I highlighted so much I wanted to share this with you as well (If you’ve read my journal already, I apologize for the repetition):

Yesterday I received a package in the mail from amazon.com. I knew right away it was from my Dad for my birthday. Inside I did get a surprise.

Two books.

Now quit laughing, that's not the surprise! Sheesh, I knew enough there were likely books inside!

The surprise partly came in the title and author of the book: "Writing for the Soul" by Jerry B. Jenkins.

I had no idea he had written a book on writing. Pretty exciting, since he's such a prolific author, and owner of the Christian Writer's Guild.

The same day, I received my monthly newsletter from the CWG, and splattered all over the front page was an article proclaiming the release of the book.

Cool, huh? Just one of those funny little coincidences.

I started reading it, and I found this paragraph on page 8 that spoke to me quite loudly: Problem was, I didn't believe in writer's block, and had been saying so to budding writers for years. My idea went like this: Writing may be art and craft, but it is also your job. Factory workers and executives don't get to call in and say "I have worker's block today." They would be told to get their behinds into the workplace or look for another job.

I know that's my problem right now. I don't see my writing as a job. Yes, it is something I long to do, but figure I have time tomorrow to begin my many projects.

If I am to start and complete them, perhaps now's the time I look at it like a job; not work so much, but a job I love, and one that needs to get done.

I wonder, can I fire myself? Do I want to get fired, thereby killing my dream of publication forever?

Mmmmm.

No.

I'll start work tomorrow.

*snicker*

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And one more thing

I decided to celebrate my birthday early and purchased my birthday present. Since neither Dave nor I like getting surprise gifts, we decided years ago to take each other shopping and buy whatever we want during our birthdays and Christmas.

After much deliberation, I purchased another PDA. I intended to buy an HP iPAQ, but none of the computer stores had what I wanted. Since I don’t have the patience to order online and wait a week, I checked out my other options. I bought a palmOne LifeDrive. It has everything I wanted, plus more than I expected, and for the same price. The HP had only 256Meg of memory whereas the LifeDrive has over 3.5 Gigs. I got more than enough space for my documents and most of my music files.

Though this is my fourth PDA, the LifeDrive has something none of the others have: Bluetooth and WiFi wireless. I decided dragging around a laptop to writer’s conferences and other places was too much for my little shoulders. With my LifeDrive and wireless keyboard (also brand new and working wonderly), I can access my email and internet from any WiFi hub, which most hotels have now. No more lugging around a 6-9 pound laptop! Plus, with my keyboard, I can write from my couch instead of at my desk.

Makes a good excuse, does it not? Truth is I’m a techno-junky, and it’s my birthday!

Well, soon anyway .

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Sorry, not done yet:

Speaking (or writing) of birthdays, I received this early birthday present from chalaedra:

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Isn’t it gorgeous! She’s so talented and thoughtful. The scripture she added almost brought me to tears. She knows me too well . . . either that or I’m simply . . . simple and easy to figure out .