The Woman

She may not seem like much at first glance. A passerby might think she was shy or stand offish. A friend would know better, but a sister knows it best.

She keeps to herself mostly, sharing her radiant smile with those she trusts and loves most. She does not use words in a flippant manner, but speaks carefully, weighing each thought before actually speaking it.

She isn't the life of the party and doesn't 'entertain the crowd'. This doesn't mean she's boring. Far from it! Inside the depths of her quiet soul contains a vast knowledge of her surroundings. She sits, quietly, observing those around her. She picks up on the slightest thing, things most people wouldn't even think twice about.

Though she is quiet it doesn't mean she is passionless. No, indeed, a deep and burning passion flares brightly in her chest, but only those close to her have the honor to hear her deepest thoughts. Like a treasure trove she does not let just anyone in. Those that think they know her may be assuming wrong for there is always some other hidden gem they have yet to discover.

She continually surprises those around her with these little jewels.

So, she may sit quietly at first, observing and thinking, processing every little thing that comes her way, but once you have gained the trust of this wise soul, you will see the most beautiful thing.

A smile that warms the soul. A compassionate heart that aches, yearns, and loves more deeply than most. A wit unmatched, a quiet wisdom, a bit of sarcasm.

In the dark of night, when true hearts come forth and the sharing of sorrows and secrets commence, her wise self gently encourages and guides those who need it and are willing to listen.


So deep is the cavern of her soul, so magical this treasure of hers that one could get lost just trying to understand it all.

Who can fully understand the workings of this amazing creature. Not I, even though I be the closest thing to her. I feel as though I have barely chipped away at the smallest of diamond rocks in this vast personality.

I sit back and admire, though, wishing I could be more like her. To be as wise and as understanding, for sometimes she can understand me better than I know myself. Perhaps, just perhaps, by more observation on my side, I will come to pick up some ways on how to be more like her. She is one of my heroes. She is my sister.

Many know so little and yet think they know so much. But there is not another person I know who is so caring, so passionate, so loving, so perceptive, so tender, so amazing. Her life has touched so many in so many important ways, sometimes without them actually knowing what she has done. So quiet is she in her helping of others. Yet even complete strangers feel as if they can simply open up and tell her their tale.

Yes, she is my sister. She is an amazing woman. A mysterious woman. I am lucky to be so close that I'm able to glimpse her beautiful soul. For once you get to know a little bit of her, you find yourself wishing you could find out more and wishing you could spend more time around her. Just being around her is wonderful.


So don't pass by the woman who sits quietly, observing those around her with a glint in her eye and slight curve to her lip. The best treasure is worth searching for and taking the time to find.


A tribute to my amazing sister on her birthday. I love you so much, sis!! This little thingy doesn't really do you justice. You're an amazing person and I'm so blessed to call you sister. I honestly don't know what I would do without you by my side. Don't ever forget what an amazing and beautiful person you are. Love you!!!

*All photography credit goes to Mosey Photography

 

"My Lord, I have failed you..."

(This is originally from my writing blog, but I wanted to share it here, too)

Sir Hawthorn waited outside the King's chamber. He was nervous, which was unusual. On a normal day while visiting his King, he felt at peace, happy, and in awe to be in the presence of such a King as he had the pleasure of serving. But today... today was different. He had no happy tidings to bring, no questions or requests that needed answering. Today he was only to give an account of the recent quest he had returned from. 

"The King will see you now," the page announced. Sir Hawthorn jumped slightly, being drawn out of his reverie rather suddenly. He stood, nodded, straightened his uniform, and followed the page's lead. He tried to calm the nervous butterflies in his stomach, but to no avail. How was one supposed to even prepare for such a task as this?

As he entered his King's chamber, he took a deep breath and kept his eyes on the ground. He could not bring himself to look upon his King's majesty. Not like this. 

"Sir Hawthorn! My faithful servant, how are you?" The King exclaimed, coming down from the throne and extending his arms for a warm embrace. Sir Hawthorn ducked his head in a quick salute, but stepped back quickly to evade the embrace.

"My Lord, you will not think so highly of me once you have heard my news," Sir Hawthorn, eyes still lowered, willed his voice not to tremble. He had gotten the first part out. Now to just tell the news.

"What is it, my son? You do not need to fear telling me anything. Come, sit and talk," The King motioned to two chairs by a table. Sir Hawthorn reluctantly followed and took a seat beside his King. He felt ashamed to be sitting so near to Him. 

"Now tell me, what is it that troubles you?" the King asked, in a gentle voice. 

Sir Hawthorn did his best to keep the tears from rolling down his face, yet one escaped and slowly made a trail down his cheek. "I have failed you, my Lord. Yes, I have failed you," the last words were barely whispered.

"Ah, I see..... I believe I know what you are talking about," the King answered, slowly. 

"What? But how could you? I've only just returned," Sir Hawthorn replied, confused.

"Yes, that is so. But I still know. You feel you have failed because your recent quest failed. Is this correct?" 

Sir Hawthorn stared at the King for a moment, surprised. "Yes... yes, this is so," 

The King smiled sadly at Sir Hawthorn. "My son, you did not fail me. Not in the way you think. Your quest failed because it was a quest of your own making. I did not send you on the quest and you did not even seek my permission,"

"But I saw a need, Sire, and my desire to serve this need was great!" Sir Hawthorn argued.

"Indeed! I saw it was so. But still, this quest was not of my making and therefore, you feel as if you have failed because your quest did not end as planned."

Sir Hawthorn sat quietly, realizing his King's words were true indeed. 

"My son, did you receive my letter for the quest that I would have had you go on?"

"Yes," Sir Hawthorn replied quietly, once again looking at the ground in shame.

"And did you receive them before, or during your own quest?"

"Once before, sire, and once during," Sir Hawthorn replied, beginning to realize where this was going.

"Indeed, it was so. I knew you had gone on a quest of your own. I knew you were thinking of going on this quest before you even went! This was why I sent you the instructions for mine. And when you still left for your own, I sent you instructions once more, in hopes that you would listen and return home."

"But, my Lord, I felt that there was greater need for my quest. That it was more... important."

The King smiled sadly and looked into Sir Hawthorn's eyes. "And that, my son, is where you are very wrong. No quest of mine is too great or too small for the one I have given it to. You need only listen and fulfill that quest as best you are able in order to please me. I cannot make you go on the quests I send you. I do not want to make you. I wish for you to serve me with your whole heart and willingly because you choose to do so," 

"Yes, my Lord," Sir Hawthorn replied. "But the fact remains, that I *have* failed you,"

"Nay, that is not so. My quest is still standing. It still needs to be done. And there is time to complete it."

"But, my Lord.... I feel.. I feel as if I am not able to complete it. Not without your help," 

The King smiled and took Sir Hawthorn's hand. "And my help I will certainly give you, my son. You need only ask and I shall be by your side," 

Sir Hawthorn smiled and bowed his head, "Then I have only to receive Your instructions once again, my Lord, and I shall go on Your quest."

Have you ever felt like you 'failed' the Lord? Like He had given you a task to do, but somehow that task got lost among the many other 'bigger' things you could be doing?

I know I've had it. Many, many times. In fact, I had it just recently. The sense of failure. The knowing that I wasn't doing what I was supposed to be doing.

See, as a writer, we sometimes get stuck in this sense of 'must be doing, must be doing'. And we're finding out what the most popular genre is at the moment so we can write some epic and amazing novel to put out there on the shelves of millions of book stores around the world. We start losing track of what our main goal is.

My most recent one was NaNoWriMo. I've written before about why I love this contest, so I won't repeat it again. But I was ready to participate and win and write a novel that I would publish and would become New York's Best seller, etc, etc, etc.  But I had something missing in my plan. A really big thing; God. I didn't have God in any of these plans. Sure I sort of halfheartedly prayed that God would give me inspiration and guidance on how to write this novel, but I wasn't focused on serving Him in it. I was focused on serving myself. I was tired of only being known as a 'children's author'. I wanted to write something my friends would read and actually enjoy. I wanted to write something that would become popular and talked about. I, I, I, I..... it's all about self.

So one evening, while driving home from work, I turned on the radio and heard a song. I don't remember what it was called or who it was by. But I do remember this... it was talking about "less of me, more of You, that who I want to be,". And the words struck a chord in my heart as I realized, "Lord, I have failed you. You gave me a task. A task that I thought was too small and not big enough. I got caught up in what the World thought of me instead of seeking You on a daily basis,". I started crying. Because you know what? This wasn't the first time I'd made that mistake. No, sir. I wish it was, but it wasn't.

As I cried, asking the Lord for forgiveness. And as I prayed, He said to me, "You haven't failed. Do the task that I already gave you and seek Me on it."

And so, feeling renewed again to go about my task, I began afresh. And isn't that wonderful that we can do that? That the Lord's mercies are new EVERY morning? It's beautiful and humbling.

So I 'failed' NaNoWriMo. I didn't get in a word count. I didn't get very far in my story. But I learned something far more valuable from it than I could have ever learned on my own. I may never come out with some big novel that hits the top 10 in book stores. Yet I will have something far better because it is the task, the quest that the Lord has given to me. And it is my honor to complete it, despite what others say, despite what I think, and despite the nagging that Satan gives me to tempt me to do something else.

And I have a feeling that this time, with the Lord by my side on His quest, I won't fail.

The Melody of Life

Have you ever just sat and pondered the simple things? Pondered where the wind comes from, or where it goes? How clouds can suddenly form in the blue sky from seemingly nothing? How a bug knows which direction it's going?

Perhaps I'm crazy. Or odd.... or both. But sometimes I like to just sit outside and think about those sorts of things. It's the kind of thing I do when words can't describe the emotions and feelings swirling around inside my mind.

Moments of intense pride as you watch your brother turn into a man before your eyes.
Times of heartache when you wish things weren't as they are.
Feeling as if you'll simply burst from excitement for all sorts of things.
Calmly smiling to yourself as you realize that you truly are special in your own way.
Realizing that most people might think they know you, when really they don't.
Fighting the panic that rises as you think about the tasks facing you.
Pondering the small things in life and catching the beauty in simple things.

Yet still that fails to describe everything. The intensity of emotions that sometimes roll around. The sparks of creativity that flood my mind. The passion for life that comes out in a big smile. The joys of feeling happy for others.

Ever had that? Where it doesn't matter how hard you try to describe it, it just won't come out right. No one will or can  understand it. But it's there.  like a song lurking in the corners, ready to burst at the oddest moments, making life more beautiful with each of it's sweet and sad notes.

The melody of life though very old and frail,
Yet strong and firm as a navy ship's sail.
Each note sings of joys and sorrows,
The wonder of mercies new on the 'morrow.

Though no one can see it 
Though only the bearer can hear it,
It floats on heavenly wings to you and me,
Breathing life into everything we see. 

Each note brings something new
To ponder and question alike.
Much like the bright morning dew,
It sparkles and dances in the sunlight.

Each new day a bar and measure
Every moment a note to savor.
The melody of life flows strong in the veins,
Untouchable and unbreakable in life's stormy rains. 

Yet many do not listen to this melody so strong, 
Ignoring it for material and worldly things instead.
For the beauty of this song lies not within itself,
But instead comes from the Giver of them all.

For He who gives the melodies so tender and so sweet,
Makes each one so very special and unique. 
No two are ever quite the same,
Yet listen to the sound it makes.

The melody of life is one that covers all space and time,
Woven inside the magnificent tapestry of grace and love.
For each new thread that's added into this paradigm,
The Giver shares a melody from His throne above. 

~Sarah Heckendorn

My New Writing Blog

I know that I've posted links for my Wordpress writing blog, but, due to a few 'tricky' things with publishing a book, I've decided to get a different site. I know it sounds confusing, but it's mostly so that it matches up with my business email so I don't confuse folks too much. :-) Hopefully that paragraph didn't confuse my readers...

I will more than likely not use my wordpress blog any more... I might go and post just for sentimental reasons, but I'm trying to transfer it over to my new site. I am using Blogger again just because I really liked that HTML format MUCH better than Wordpress. Easier to navigate and whatnot. So, if you'd like any updates on my book publishing, want to read tidbits of my stories, then you can go and check it out here: www.bookwriter451.blogspot.com.  Really original name, 'write'?? =P

It's still under a bit of construction, but I'll be adding new pages and posts as often as I can. I'm hoping to have some good book giveaways, some author interviews, fun writing tips and ideas, and much more! So, please be sure to check it out and follow if you'd like to. Your support is always greatly appreciated!

Also, once my books are published and out on the market, I will post links to the purchasing sites.

Thanks so much, and I hope to see you over there sometime soon!

P.S. If you like my new blog design, and the blog design over at my new site, you should go check out This Blog Design Site!! Dani has lots of neat, fun, and chic designs! (and no, she didn't ask me to put this up... I just really like her designs and want to show some support and thanks for her work.)

Just an update

Howdy!

I thought I'd drop in and let everyone know that I've recently updated my writing blog, No Greater Thing.  I think you'll want to go check it out. :-) I won't tell you what it says, but I will let you know that it has a bit of a story in it, in case anyone is interested. ;-)  The post can be found here.

How's that for advertising? ;-)

As far as an actual update goes, I guess there isn't much to share! We've been busy doing some cleaning and that's about it. The boys are showing their heifers at the fair this week, and that's probably the only exciting news (except for some other big news, which I will share in another post as it deserves a whole, separate one to it's self =D)

I hope everyone's having a good week so far!!

In Christ's Service,
Sarah

Never done this before...

...but that doesn't mean I have to keep it that way.  What have I never done before?? I have never shared parts of my books on here.   As many of you know, I am an aspiring authoress.  God has given me a gift, and I want to use that gift to Glorify Him. 
      There isn't a whole lot to say, except that I hope you enjoy reading just a little bit of this new book.  I plan to get this one finished by next year and hopefully published.....but we'll see what happens! It's in God's hands, so no need to worry, that is for sure! :-)  Also, I haven't come up with a title yet.. as another many of you know, I have a hard time coming up with titles..... =D  So without further ado....... My book, {No Title}:

The broad sword of his enemy flashed in the sunlight as the blade screamed towards his head.   He had been caught by surprise with this attack and barely had enough time to bring his own sword up to block it.  His blade hardly slowed down the alarming speed of his opponent’s.  The skillfully sharpened metal crashed into his helmet knocking it off and sending him reeling.  Blood trickled down the side of his face mixed with the sweat that made his appearance shiny; the result of a long, hard fight.  As he careened backwards, his opponent grabbed him by his breastplate and pulled him forward.

            “Let that teach a lesson to you, dog!”  He snarled before he pushed the fainting man away from him.

As he crashed heavily to the ground, Trent lost all feeling.  The world slowly stripped away.  The sounds of battle around him became faint, barely audible.  The trees above him swayed and became blurred until all was black.

He awoke with the feeling that he was being drug.  Yes, he was most certainly being hauled along through the tall, dry grass, but he couldn’t remember what had happened.  Trent summoned his strength to lift his head off of his chest and look up at his captor, or perhaps rescuer, but to no avail.  Licking his parched lips, he struggled to remember what had happened.

            He noticed that whoever was carrying him was breathing hard, is if he was a heavy load for them.  Once again he tried lifting his head.  Fresh blood from his wound came trickling down his face.  Trent became dizzy and rested his chin on his chest as his  eyes slowly closed and all became dark.

I hope you let me know what you thought!!!

In Christ's Service,
Sarah

Day 19: A Talent of Mine

Writing.  God has blessed me with the gift of writing, though I can't take any credit because God is the one Who gave it to me! :-)  I want to turn that talent around and bless Him.  "Write" now I am working on writing children's stories that have good morals in them.  I am also working on a couple of novels that are coming along slowly but surely.  I want all of them to point to God.  This is one way that I can be a witness for Him...

What are some of your talents?

In Christ's Service,
Sarah