Hope and humor: encouragement from James Watkins

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February 2010

Welcome to the month of roses, chocolate and—of course—love! Here's some hope and humor for relationships:

• Falling in love . . . and getting back up
• Looking for love . . . in all the right places
• Realistic love songs
• Three secrets to xxx-ceptional sex
• [more]

Please visit every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for new hope and humor.

"Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well" (The Bible, 3 John 2).

Friday, February 26, 2010

When plans are delayed . . .

Many of my friends claim the following verse as one of their favorite biblical promises:

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11).

What many don't realize is that this promise was pronounced before Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonians and its residents taken away into exile for 70 years!

REMBRANDT'S PAINTING: 'JEREMIAH LAMENTING THE DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM'

Jeremiah laments Jerusalem's destruction

God says in the preceding verse, "You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again."

In our instant "New York minute" microwave world, waiting 70 years for God to answer prayer seems like an eternity. But God promises in verses 12-13: "In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me."

During those 70 years, God promises to be with His people. And that is the real promise here. Whether we are facing "good" or seeming "disaster," we have "a future and a hope." We have His presence!

Email me at jim@jameswatkins.com to share your thoughts. Thanks!

Related site
God is never late—but He sure is slow

Comments

Thanks, Jim—this was good. I have trouble wanting things right NOW. God is good. kathy.troyer@gmail.com

I love your teaching about this verse. My understanding of scriptural prophecy is that the world will become increasingly harder to survive the closer we get to Jesus' return. If we don't use the difficulties of the present day as training for how to walk with God in the midst of trouble, we will not be as prepared for what is coming as we could be. All the agony I experienced as an underbelt in karate made me prepared when I tested to receive my black belt. So it is with this life with God. Thank you for sharing the wisdom of this post today. I love the theme of your blog! lorisroel@verizon.net

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

When plans are detoured . . .

Your life is not going to be easy, and it should not be easy. It ought to be hard. It ought to be radical; it ought to be restless; it ought to lead you to places you'd rather not go.
Henri Nouwen

Email me at jim@jameswatkins.com to contribute an encouraging quotation. Thanks!

Monday, February 22, 2010

When plans are dashed . . .

A show of hands, please? How many of you have ever claimed this "promise" verse?

Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and your plans will succeed (Proverbs 16:3)

It's a promise that if we're "totally committed" to God, our plans will succeed, right?! Well, not if you look at the Hebrew

PLANE CRASHED IN TREE NEAR 'LEARN TO FLY HERE' SIGN

word translated by the New International Version as "succeed."

Kuwn can be translated "to be firm, be stable, be established; be enduring; to be directed aright, be fixed aright, be steadfast (moral sense); to prepare, be ready."

Success—particularly in the worldly sense of fame and fortune—is not implied. You can be firm, stable, morally steadfast and still not "succeed." Last year was disastrous for me as far as worldly success: three books going out of print, cancer, losing a big contract because of “radiation retardation,” huge medical bills and all five lottery tickets I received as a Christmas gag gift being losers. Sigh.

But I think my "purpose" (to communicate the gospel of Christ in as effective and creative manner as possible with as many as possible) remained "firm, stable and morally steadfast."

And, if all your plans are succeeding, you’re not being innovative. The president of Honda Motors claims its research and development department’s failure rate is 90 percent!

So, if you're not having a "successful" week, you're in good company. Stay firm, stable, established and most of all—endure!

(This post originally appeared January 12, 2009.)

Email me at jim@jameswatkins.com to share your thoughts. Thanks!

Friday, February 19, 2010

How to write for the soul

I love writers' conferences. I'm with my own kind: weird and wonderful people with a passion for proper spelling, punctuation and grammar. But most of all, as the Christian Writers' Guild conference in Denver emphasizes, people who are dedicated to "Writing for the Soul."

Here are my topics during the conference:
• I Have a Dream (keynote)

• Writing Books That Change Lives (continuing session)
• Nonfiction Book Proposals (workshop)

And here are some of my online resources.

I'll also be looking for new writers for Vista, the paper I edit, and shamelessly promoting my writing books:
    • Communicate to Change Lives
    • Writers on Writing
    • Writing with Banana Peels

Sunday, February 21, 2010 10 pm EST
For my "Writing for the Soul" friends, unlike my series of unfortunate events getting to the conference, I actually arrived at Fort Wayne International ten minutes ahead of schedule. And for those who asked, here's how to get a copy of "That's Good, That's Bad" from my keynote talk.

Ash Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Top ten things I (Jim) am giving up for Lent*

I have in my right hand, direct from the home office in Corn Borer, Indiana, the top ten things I'm giving up for Lent:

10. Kidney stones

9. Sushi

8. "Reality" TV

PHOTO FROM LOUD MOUTH GOLF WHICH ACTUALLY SELLS THESE

7. Body piercing (other than the usual household repair accidents)

6. Multi-level marketing schemes

5. Urban legends

4. Golf pants

3. Rap music

2. Political correctness

CLICK FOR MY YOUTUBE RANT ON INTOLERANCE

1. Cats

Email me at jim@jameswatkins.com to share what you're giving up for Lent. Thanks!

* From my I'm a mess! You're a mess! Lenten mess-age

And click for Lent and Easter articles and resources.

Comments

Here are my seven things I'm giving up for Lent: 1. Dog poop on the soles of my shoes, 2. Long-winded telephone calls, 3. Moaners, groaners, and complainers, 4. Droopy eyelids, 5. Rejection slips from editors, 6. Internet boots & frozen 'puters, 7. Popcorn kernels in my throat (or bed). Blessings, Penny Smith PS: I Enjoy your site and blog

Monday, February 15, 2010

Top ten wishes for my birthday

I have in my wrinkled right hand, direct from the home office in Corn Borer, Indiana, today's top ten wishes for what's left of
my life.

10. I will not obsess about my cholesterol level, the cost of prescriptions, or the condition of my colon. Social security rip-offs, conspiracy theories, government corruption, and "that horrible noise they call modern music" are

Moi circa 1973: Groovy!

also off limits during the Early Bird dinner hour at Denny's.

[More]

Email me at jim@jameswatkins.com to share your life wishes. Thanks!

Valentine's Day, February 14, 2010

Looking for love in all the
right places

Many people spend their lives, as the old song goes, "Lookin' for love in all the wrong places." So, how do we find real, lasting love?

Love comes from God

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God (1 John 4:7a NIV).

Many people think that God is only interested in rules. But God is all about love. Jesus, God the Son, reminds us of the most important "rule":

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind." This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:37-39).

"Okay," we say. "That sounds good." But we seem powerless to love like that.

Those who say, "I love God," and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also (1 John 4:20-21 NRSV).

The power to love comes from God

Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 John 4:7b-10).

Anything that we have done that is not loving separates us from a loving God. We don't have to murder or commit armed robbery to "sin." Sin is simply breaking God's commandment to fully love Him and others.

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us (1 John 1:8).

But His only Son, Jesus Christ, died and rose again to "atone" for our unloving behavior (1 John 2:1-2). Atone means to make "at-one." When we confess our lack of love (sin) and believe that Christ has died and risen for our sin, we are forgiven and are "at one" with God and His love (1 John 1:9).

God abides in those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in God (1 John 4:15).

The power to love unselfishly comes from God

Love from God is not earned—it is a free gift—but it is also learned.

No one has ever seen God; but if we love each other, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us (1 John 4:12).

We get to know God and His love better through reading his love letter (the Bible), talking to Him (prayer), and being with those who also love Him (the church). And the better we know God, the easier it is for us to obey his commandment to love Him and others.

This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God has overcome the world [of hate] (1 John 5:3).

If you'd like to know more about God and His great love, please feel free to e-mail me at jim@jameswatkins.com

Friday, February 12, 2010

The Olympics: office events

While the world's attention is focused on skiers, skaters and Lindsey Vonn's Sports Illustrated's photo spread, unsung heroes are overcoming Olympic challenges in offices and factories closer to home.

10-mile Commute and 100-Yard Hurdles: Employees (who have just raced through rush hour traffic on slippery roads),

must now jump ten snow-covered parking bumpers, three UPS boxes, and a "Caution: Wet Floor" sign to arrive at their desk on time.

Telemarathon: Callers attempt to contact their party in record time despite the electronic obstacle course: "If you know your party's extension, press 1." "For a menu of options, press 2." "Press the last four letters of your party's last name. Use # for Q and * for Z." "Press 0 for an operator." "All operators are busy keeping other customers on hold." [Muzak] "Your call may be recorded to assure quality service." Click! Bzzzzzzzzzzzz.

[More]

Email me at jim@jameswatkins.com to add your favorite office Olympic event. Thanks!

Note 4 pm EST: My thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of the Georgia luger killed in training accident.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

'I Have Been There'

A powerful song and performance by Mark Schultz. What a source of hope!

Email me at jim@jameswatkins.com to recommend an encouraging video. Thanks!

The secret life of editors

Click here to read Joanne "OneSoBlessed"

CLICK HERE FOR MARK SCHULTZ's VIDEO 'I HAVE BEEN THERE'

Kraft's interview of moi and my thoughts on publishing, editing, and my six years living in a girl's dorm. I've been "so blessed" to have Joanne as one of my writers for Vista.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Soaring, running, walking . . . and standing

Everyone loves the prophet Isaiah's encouraging promise:

He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.

But those who trust in the Lord will find
new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:29-31).

Everyone wants to soar. Everyone wants to run. But notice that Isaiah includes the more pedestrian promise of strength for walking. And the apostle Paul brings us to a complete standstill:

Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm [and] stand your ground (Ephesians 6:10-11, 14 NLT).

During the ups and downs, highs and lows of life, God is there with strength for soaring and running . . . and for walking and standing our ground. (And, I believe, standing requires much more spiritual and emotional strength than soaring!)

I trust that wherever you find yourself today, you sense strength for the task—even if it's simply standing.

Email me at jim@jameswatkins.com to leave a comment. Thanks!

Comment

I loved your post about soaring vs. standing. I agree; anyone can sing and dance when Jesus soars with them above the clouds of adversity; it takes more faith and strength to stand. Especially when you want to slump on the ground and snivel! Blessings to a standing-strong saint, Jeanette Levellie

Friday, February 5, 2010

Hope for writers

Writing is the hardest way of earning a living, with the possible exception of wrestling alligators.
Olin Miller

It is hard, but it is possible. Click here for some resources to wrestle those alligators AKA editors, agents and publishers.

Email me at jim@jameswatkins.com to share your favorite writers' site. Thanks!

'Writing for the Soul' conference, February 18-21

If you need some encouragement, I'd love for you to join hundreds other writers (and moi) at the Writing for the Soul Conference February 18-21 in Denver, Colorado. I'll be one of the keynote speakers along with Jerry B. Jenkins, Max Lucado, Phil (VeggieTales) Vischer and Philip Yancey. (Pray for me. I am so out of my league!)

And for those who write from home . . .

Up to two feet of snow is predicted for the east coast (half a foot for Corn Borer, Indiana). But for those of us who work from a home office, my take on it:

    Oh the weather outside is frightful
    But the view is so delightful
    And since I work here at home
    Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Something to love . . .

The grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.
Allan K. Chalmers

Email me at jim@jameswatkins.com to contribute an encouraging quotation. Thanks!

Monday, February 1, 2010

Coincidences or 'God-incidences'?

"The first girl you meet when you return to Marion College will become your wife."

No, this wasn't the prediction of a fortune teller or a 900-number "psychic friend." My pastor's wife was trying to console me after a break-up of an engagement and the feeling that I'd never, ever find true love.

"I just feel that's what the Lord is telling

Watkins-Farra wedding 8.03.74

me," she said confidently. I was skeptical, but I did go back to school with a sense of fear that the "Bride of Frankenstein" would be waiting for me.

To quickly make my point, the first girl I met that year at college was Lois Farra—definitely no Bride of Frankenstein. Two and a half years later she changed her last name to "Watkins." A coincidence, perhaps. I would rather think of it as one of my friends calls it: "A God-incidence."

Throughout life God is orchestrating His will for our lives with "as it turned out" and "just then" incidences. Lois just "happened to be" the first person I met on campus. When our car broke down several miles from home, a neighbor "just happened" to have had to work late and "just happened" to notice us beside the road. When Lois and a friend from out of town missed an appointment with each other at the hospital where both needed to call on parishioners, Lois decided to pick up some supplies at a Christian bookstore several miles from the hospital. "As it turned out" her friend "just happened" to be at the very same store!

Throughout my life, the Lord has used God-incidences to have me meet the right people for marriage, employment, writing assignments, and other ministry opportunities.

We can make our plans,
but the LORD determines our steps (Proverb 16:9).

The LORD directs the steps of the godly.
He delights in every detail of their lives. (Psalm 37:23)

Your 'God-incidences'

Email me at jim@jameswatkins.com to share a God-incidence in your life. Thanks!

During his junior year in college our son had been accepted to the study abroad program in Australia. I knew that even tho we didn't have the money God would provide,since He had opened the door for Todd to go. One evening I said to my husband, "By the way, we need to send in $1,000.00 to the Abroad Program by next week. As I walked into our back bedroom, the doorbell rang. I returned to the living room within five minutes. My husband said, "Hold out your hand." In it he placed eleven, one hundred dollar bills. My father-in-law had stopped by and given us the money-after cashing in some bonds. He had no idea the need we had. We gave one hundred dollars back to God and paid the Program. This was a great witness to my father-in-law. Holy hugs, Kathryn Hartman

Jim, I loved your God Incidence story on your blog today. Mine is: I prayed for the friend of a friend to find a wife. God said, "Surprise! You're it!" Valentine's Day will be our 35th anniversary. Jeanette Levellie

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Legal stuff and warnings

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