Stories

Journal Entry from 5/20/10

I find myself troubled by the sheer volume of novels and stories out there, and that there is an assurance that as the population grows more and more, the number of writers will grow as well. Of course talent isn't equal among these so-called storytellers, and there are varying degrees of greatness associated with each work and the motive to write is as arrayed as the writers themselves. Some write for pleasure, craving an audience or simply excited to share a vision or glimpse inside one's soul. Some write for money, seeing a market to corner and make onself insanely wealthy which is getting harder and harder for a writer to do in the digital age. As much as these two reasons have found many writers to claim, I find myself with one consuming reason and corresponding dilemma. I wish to give God glory and to preach the Gospel in my writing.

The dilemma is such that I haven't written anything that I care to consider:
a) worthy of anyone reading
b) giving proper glory due to the Lord
c)containing anything resembling the Gospel

I used to write before I knew the Lord. I wrote a great deal of poems, stories, and the like. I was inspired by my dreams, my nightmares, and my buried feelings. Once I put these things on the page, I felt like I had served my purpose. As if I were a vessel filled that constantly needed to be emptied. My "vessel" has since been eternally emptied since I gave my life to Christ. He has saved me from my burdens, my shame, and my death sentence. I now have no selfish desire to spill my thoughts on the page, because I simply pray to my Father in Heaven. But where does this leave me?

I still feel an urge to write, but what? I wish to write simply to please God, but I want others to know this truth I've found. How can I reach people with my writing when I don't write anything that people want to read? I have ideas that come to me, but they go nowhere.

Lord, please forgive my procrastination and give me the discipline to do your will for my life. Let my life be another story in your book. I submit to you, Lord Jesus. Forgive my trespasses and grant me the clarity and vision to write to please You and bring others to You. Let not my name, but Your name be given the glory.

Amen

Taco Soup Recipe!

I know there are many recipes out there for this, but this is the one I've grown up with and it's pretty dang good. My grandmother gave it to my mom who later gave it to me. I noticed that this recipe is very versatile in that you are able to interpose different ingredients depending on your personal taste. I hope you enjoy!

1 pound ground beef (your personal level of fat %)
1 can Ro-tel Brand diced tomatoes (your personal level of heat)
1 can whole kernel corn (yellow or white)
1 can beans (red kidney or black)
1 package taco seasoning (pref. McCormick)
1 package ranch seasoning
1 bag tortilla chips
1 package shredded cheese

Brown meat, then add to rest of ingredients in pot and let simmer for at least 30 minutes; the longer the better. Don't forgot tortilla chips and cheese to complete the meal!