Commencing

Photo by Good Free Photos on Unsplash

It’s that time of year again, and I’m feeling it. Graduation-ness. The ending of eras, the approach of new-to-me eras, and watching my kids embark on new adventures too. It’s all new and yet, before we can move on, we have to finish what we started.

As we sit through all the ceremonies, we will be exhorted to remember, to seize the day, to live life on our own terms, to make the most of every situation, and to shoot for the stars. If I were giving a graduation speech (which I’m not) I might suggest 2 things to the students who are not listening as they fidget on stage, waiting their turn to walk.

1.  Live first, take pictures second. Do things, go places, enjoy life, and then snap a photo along the way in order to remember, not in order to craft a fake story online. It bears repeating: do not live in such a way as to look good online. Rather than orchestrating what you think will look interesting to others, live your life for real, pursuing your passions, loving on the people you love, soaking up the moments and enjoying them, and LASTLY, record what you did if you think about it. 

2.  Expect a twist. Every great story has a least 1 twist. The nature of twists is that they are unexpected, and they often completely change the direction of a life, a career, or a relationship. All the careful planning in the world cannot prevent your twist, and whether it seems good or bad at the time, there is always the possibility that good can come from it, and oftentimes HOW you deal with the twist will determine WHO you ultimately become. So expect the twist. But don’t be afraid of it. You can’t do anything to prevent or hasten it, so live that life (without photos) and be prepared to embrace the twist, whatever it looks like. How you approach it may determine your future, your attitude, and the legacy you leave behind.

So that’s MY graduation advice. I’m attending the last high school graduation for my children today. We attended our first college graduation last week. I’m in the thick of it when it comes to commencing. What are you beginning right now?

Jennifer Fromke is a novelist who writes from NC, where she pines for colder temperatures all year long. Northerners by upbringing, she and her husband of 27 years have raised three Southern-ish children. Jennifer reviews books at Shetalksbooks.com and you can download a free story from her website when you sign up for her newsletter at jenniferfromke.com. She writes contemporary women’s fiction.

Sound Advice

 

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
For learning what wisdom and discipline are;
for understanding insightful sayings;
for receiving wise instruction
in righteousness, justice, and integrity;
for teaching shrewdness to the inexperienced,
knowledge and discretion to a young man—
a wise man will listen and increase his learning,
and a discerning man will obtain guidance—
for understanding a proverb or a parable,
the words of the wise, and their riddles.

The fear of the Lord
is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Proverbs 1:1-7 (HCSB)

In two short weeks from today, my first full-length book will be releasing. At the beginning of each chapter, Mrs. Wigglesworth gives etiquette advice. Now my heroine tends to do just the opposite. :)

I can't help but think that's the way people often are. When faced with someone 'advising' us, do we readily listen or feel like we need to find things out our own first? The wisdom that Solomon gave and is listed in Scripture... do we follow it or think we know better?

Some would say that advice can make a difference when it comes from a trusted source. Someone who knows you and has your best interest at heart. What it boils down to is this: Only God's Word is the best source for wisdom, advice, and training. He may use other people to help speak His truths into your life, but He is the only perfect authority on the subject. Look to Him for guidance in whatever you are facing. You won't be disappointed.

To Claim Her Heart

 In 1893, on the eve of the great race for land, Benjamin David prays for God to guide him to his 'Promised Land. Finding property and preaching to the lost are his only ways of honoring his deceased fiancée. He hasn't counted on Elmer (Elsie) Smith claiming the same plot and refusing to leave. Not only is she a burr in his side, but she is full of the homesteading know-how he is sadly lacking.

Obtaining a claim in the Cherokee Strip Land Run is Elsie Smith's only hope for survival, and not just any plot, she has a specific one in mind. The land's not only a way to honor her pa and his life, but also to provide a livelihood for herself. She's willing to put in whatever it takes to get that piece of property, and Elsie s determined to keep it.

Her bitterness is what protects her, and she has no intentions of allowing that preacher to lay claim to her land . . . or her heart.

Purchase Link

If you're interested in the fun sayings from Mrs. Wigglesworth, her ebook is now available for Pre-order.

Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She's been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests and is a member of ACFW and RWA. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.