Sandra Heska King

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Diving into the New Year

December 31, 2010 By Sandra Heska King

Many of my friends have picked words to define their year.

I choose three.

Deep. See. Dive.

They’re not new words. God’s been whispering them to me since at least September.

But this year, I want them to color everything.

In fact, I have a book burning deep inside.

Deep See Diving.

And I want to take you down with me.

To see Him in every moment. In every circumstance. In every object. Yes, even “overspiritualize” in order to keep Him before our eyes.

Are you with me?

I want to thank Kay Arthur who taught me how to see deep into the Word and dig for treasures.

And Claire Burge for her challenges as I’ve learned to dive deep with my little girl camera–and who offered advice toward the purchase of my new big girl (teenage) camera that won’t tuck easily into my purse.

And L.L. Barkat who has inspired me to rest and wait in the yard (God in the Yard) and see things that I otherwise would have missed.

And all those at The High Calling who journey with me and who inspire me every day.

And my family who puts up with my ever-changing (fickle) interests, especially my husband who is the victim of screeching tires and slamming doors and shoving matches–all in the name of capturing a moment in time.

And all of you, my readers, who have cheered me on and nurtured my spirit, laughed with me and cried with me.

And my sticky sisters (you know who you are), especially Tami Heim who encourages me to keep writing and has helped me find a focus. She suggested a posting schedule for this blog that will provide discipline and perhaps the ability to complete two–yes, two–books (fiction and nonfiction) by the end of this year.

Oh. Help.

A big issue for me will be that I might not be able to participate in as many blog chains, but I reserve the right to double post sometimes.

And so, drum roll, here is what you can expect on this blog as we head into 2011.

Subject to whim of spirit weather, of course.

MONDAY

Monday Meditations: Devotionals to open your eyes to the extraordinary in the ordinary. To prime your sight pump for the week. These will be full or abbreviated offerings from the devotional book I’ll write this year. So be sure to write lots of wonderful comments to impress a future agent or editor. Just kidding. Not.

TUESDAY

Textures of Text: Babies are all about exploring textures and colors. Crinkly and silky and soft and rough and ridged and scratchy. They even have to learn to eat different textures, from liquid milk to smooth spinach and lumpy potatoes and chewy meats. It’s how they grow and stretch. On Tuesdays I’ll explore different texts–books (reviews and current studies), movies, music, a passage of Scripture. I might even review one of your blogs. We can grow and stretch together.

WEDNESDAY

Window on My Writing World: On Wednesdays I might share a little of my own writing journey (so you can hold me accountable) or something I’ve recently learned about writing or some great resources. I might practice a little poetry or writing in place.

THURSDAY

Through and Through My Life: Serendipity. Like life. Whatever strikes my fancy. For a few weeks, I’ll continue my reflections on @stickyJesus.

FRIDAY

Fuel for the Weekend: Another devotional or a Bible study or maybe a prayer. Another day for lots of comments. Just kidding. Not.

SATURDAY

Saturday Snapshots: On Saturdays I’ll share some of my photos of the week or participate in a photo prompt from High Calling Focus or 3 From Here and There.

SUNDAY

Seasoned Sayings: I’ll continue to share inspirational or thought-provoking quotes from classic devotional writers, celebrities, writers, or maybe even something you’ve said. Timeless wisdom from past and present, sayings that are too long to tweet, Christian and non-Christian. Maybe I’ll even share a Snadyism.*

So that’s the plan, though I may get off to a bit of a rocky start since my daughter will have major surgery next week, which means I will be helping to care for her as well as her girls.

Pray for me as I work toward goals for this year–with the desire to balance Mary and Martha. To be before I do. To wait on Him and see deep. To pursue simplicity of head, heart, and home.

Will you join me?

*Snadyism: “Snady” was born of a typo, and the nickname has stuck. A Snadyism is a saying I made up.

Note: Linking this post to the Faith Barista Jam for Thursday, January 6, where she asks us to share our word for the year.

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Comments

  1. Lyla Lindquist says

    December 31, 2010 at 11:18 am

    I love those words. And you already do them…taking them deeper should be a blast for us to see, and to join you in.

    Blessings to you this year, Sandy.

    • Sandra says

      January 1, 2011 at 8:27 pm

      And to you, Lyla. Linking arms.

  2. Mel says

    December 31, 2010 at 11:18 am

    Wow! All I can say is….I can’t wait! Looks like good things are coming! I have enjoyed reading your words.

    • Sandra says

      January 1, 2011 at 8:28 pm

      Thanks, Mel. Here we go! 🙂

  3. Keli Gwyn says

    December 31, 2010 at 11:23 am

    Your words and photographs are wonderful.

    I wish you all the best in 2011.

    • Sandra says

      January 1, 2011 at 8:28 pm

      And I wish the same for you, Keli. So glad we’ve connected.

  4. Jennifer@GDWJ says

    December 31, 2010 at 11:51 am

    My oh my … You do see deeply. How grateful I am for you, Sandy. Happy New Year!

    • Sandra says

      January 1, 2011 at 8:29 pm

      Oh, my cross-eyed sister. I’m grateful for you, too!

  5. Nancy Kourmoulis says

    December 31, 2010 at 4:33 pm

    Great words! Want to join you in this…”“overspiritualize” in order to keep Him before our eyes.” God consuming everything!

    • Sandra says

      January 1, 2011 at 8:30 pm

      Consume. Great word!

  6. Michelle says

    December 31, 2010 at 4:50 pm

    Looking forward to every word!

    • Sandra says

      January 1, 2011 at 8:31 pm

      Looking forward to sticking together, Michelle!

  7. S. Etole says

    December 31, 2010 at 8:24 pm

    Yes! anticipating what you share with us in these different categories.

    and what kind of “big girl” camera were you blessed with????

    • Sandra says

      January 1, 2011 at 8:32 pm

      It’s a Canon PowerShot SX30. I’m afraid to take it out of the box. 😉

  8. Kenda says

    December 31, 2010 at 10:19 pm

    Wow, what a banquet you plan to offer. I look forward to checking in regularly. You are an inspiration, and your place is such an encouraging place to come to. Wishing you the best on your plans. Happy New Year!

    • Sandra says

      January 1, 2011 at 8:34 pm

      Wonderful, Kenda. I love it when you come by. Thanks. One of my goals is to make better use of Google Reader so I don’t miss my favorite blogs–like yours. Thanks!

  9. Sara Biskie says

    January 1, 2011 at 8:55 am

    I’ll look forward to each of these. Balancing the Mary with the Martha–that’s what I’m trying to do, too. I’d still like to get together sometime. It probably hasn’t happened yet because my “Martha” keeps getting in the way. Happy New Year to you & your family!

    • Sandra says

      January 1, 2011 at 8:35 pm

      I know that Martha feeling! We’ll get it together yet. Happy New Year!

  10. Monica Sharman says

    January 1, 2011 at 11:08 pm

    Sandy…
    This THRILLS me! What a great week you’ve laid out!
    Yes, praying…
    With love,
    Monica

    • Sandra says

      January 3, 2011 at 4:20 pm

      Thank you, Monica. Loving you back.

  11. Bradley J. Moore says

    January 2, 2011 at 1:48 pm

    Holy Smokes! You are certainly going into 2011 with an organized and ambitious schedule! I am deeply impressed, and wish you all the best and most of what you set out to do here. I love the way you have been so inspired and encouraged by your cloud of online friends. This is true community, isn’t it?

    I can’t manage a blogging schedule like that myself very well – I just am down to “at least once a week.” And that’s just fine with me.

    Do remember to take time to breathe, to not obsess about it too much.

    Happy New Year!

    • Sandra says

      January 3, 2011 at 4:22 pm

      Thanks, Brad. I’m going to give it the old college try. I absolutely will try to breathe, and if I get overwhelmed, I’ll take a break. Though one of my readers told me not to ever “go away” again.

      Yes, this is true community, and I’m glad you’re part of mine.

  12. K.M. Weiland says

    January 2, 2011 at 1:49 pm

    Sounds like a fun year ahead for the blog. I pray 2011 proves to be your best writing year yet.

    • Sandra says

      January 3, 2011 at 4:23 pm

      Katie, you are such an inspiration and encouragement to me. I am grateful for you.

  13. Jenny says

    January 3, 2011 at 9:33 am

    I love this!

    • Sandra says

      January 3, 2011 at 4:24 pm

      Thank you, Jenny. Welcome!

  14. Tami Heim says

    January 3, 2011 at 9:43 am

    YOU. GO. GIRL. Be brilliant. (Your Father would have it no other way.)
    I got my goggles on – I am going in deep with you. / LYI

    • Sandra says

      January 3, 2011 at 4:26 pm

      All for Him because of Him.

      Got my flippers. Got your hand. Blow it out. Breathe it in!

  15. Cheryl Smith says

    January 3, 2011 at 1:57 pm

    I’m watching with great anticipation!

    • Sandra says

      January 3, 2011 at 4:26 pm

      Thanks, Cheryl! Praying I can pull this off.

  16. Tony Alicea says

    January 3, 2011 at 2:15 pm

    Wow, this is inspiring! I’m definitely going to be working on discipline in writing this year as well. Praying for an incredible year for you Sandra!

    • Sandra says

      January 3, 2011 at 4:27 pm

      And I’ll pray for you. Thanks, Tony!

  17. Faith Barista | Bonnie says

    January 8, 2011 at 5:16 am

    Wow! I’m so glad I read this, Sandy! You have a gift and I’m so happy to hear you’ll be sharing it in so many doses this year! Amazing passion God’s put in you!

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