General

Are you a good listener?

Posted by joaniebruce on Mar 20, 2013 in General | 2 comments

Do you hate to see some people coming your way?—possibly because they tend to dominate the conversation? Maybe we each should consider how many times we use the word “I” in the middle of a conversation with our friends or family. We all have an unconscious habit of manipulating the conversation to express OUR opinion, OUR advice on a subject, or OUR “words of wisdom.” When you’re standing around with several of your friends, LISTEN to the conversation, and see how many times each person interjects their personal comment using the word “I.” After a while, it seems almost funny.

Most of the time we jump in because we want to help someone or make others laugh. Basically, we want others to love us. But, I believe the most loved people in the world are those who rarely use the word “I.” They’re people who actually LISTEN to others first. They ask questions about a friend’s situation, or problems, or family. If we would cut out four-fifths of the word “I” in our conversations with others, we could really HEAR what others are saying. And, who knows? … We might really hear something worth listening to.  🙂

Posted by joaniebruce on Feb 20, 2013 in General | Comments Off on

“Hold the Bucket”

Posted by joaniebruce on Feb 20, 2013 in General | Comments Off on “Hold the Bucket”

My pastor says the glue of the family is commitment, but the oil of the family is communication. Commitment keeps us together—communication makes the togetherness sweeter.

However, sometimes communication is hard—it takes courage, thoughtfulness and especially tact. We should feel comfortable having a conversation about ANYTHING, but that conversation should be seasoned with love, tenderness, and compassion. It also has to flow both ways.  My husband is so easy-going—he lets me rant and rave, then agrees with everything I say. BUT, if there’s something he’s passionate about, he speaks out. If either of you feel stifled in your communication, it drives a wedge between you, and the communication dies.

A big part of communicating is LISTENING.  Sometimes, we get so upset we need to vent or release pent-up frustration. That’s when we need someone to just “hold the bucket.” When your friend … your child … your spouse is upset enough to cry a “bucket full of tears,” all they need is for someone to listen.  Don’t talk … don’t try to “fix” them … don’t try to offer a solution. Just listen. And, “hold the bucket.”

What do YOU take for granted?

Posted by joaniebruce on Feb 12, 2013 in General | 8 comments

My son is at Marine boot camp in Parris Island, South Carolina. In his letters, he writes that he misses certain things he always took for granted: freedom to eat what and when he wants, lounging around in “old clothes” that are loose and comfortable, staying in bed a little longer in the mornings. 🙂  It brought to mind the things I take for granted in my life every day:

1)A companion and loving husband —I have a friend whose husband died at an early age with a heart attack.

2)A comfortable, warm, dry home—there are people even in the small town of Madison who no longer have homes to call their own due to circumstances beyond their control.

3)A loving, supporting family—one of my friends in particular has no relatives—not  even cousins to fall back on in times of trouble.

How many things do YOU take for granted?  In the book of First Thessalonians, verse eighteen of chapter five, God tells us to be thankful in all circumstances. If we take time, every day, to thank God for what we do have—not  taking anything for granted—not only will it please Him, but the new outlook on your own circumstances will put a smile on your lips and add a touch of sunshine to your day.  🙂

Building characters

Posted by joaniebruce on Feb 4, 2013 in General | Comments Off on Building characters

People ask me where I get the ideas for my characters. First of all, let me say that all my characters are fictional, however, I’ve used character traits from people I’ve met over the years to flavor my characters and give them personality.

My art career has brought me in touch with so many different kinds of clients—some quirky, some exciting, some just plain weird. But, one thing about each of them….they all have smiles on their faces, and they all have some sort of characteristic or story to tell that make them unique: A kooky neighbor who piles up beer cans in the back yard and uses the pop-tops to line their driveway. (Which, by the way, I used in my book “Alana Candler, Marked for Murder,”) or, someone with a cat who loves to plunge himself into the Christmas tree every year so he can play with the ornaments he knocks off.

The most colorful person I’ve ever met was a woman who thought the police, the sheriff’s department, even the government was spying on her—twenty-four hours a day.  She closed her windows, blinds and curtains immediately when the sun went down, and made sure her cell phone was off before she talked about anything worth hearing. She even moved twice to “throw the hounds off the track.” Now THAT is paranoia! I can’t wait to put that character trait in a book!

What fun to mold and bend one little idiosyncrasy into an intriguing character with a colored personality! And THAT’S what makes writing fiction so exciting!

How to make your day brighter…

Posted by joaniebruce on Jan 31, 2013 in General | Comments Off on How to make your day brighter…

Today I was reading in Proverbs 3, where it says … “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.” What a convicting passage. Do I praise others for their accomplishments? Not like I should. We all enjoy hearing others praise us … even if it’s only to thank us for some little service. Why can’t we do the same for others? Often, it’s because of self-centeredness. We are so consumed with our own lives that we can’t—or won’t—consider the difficulties others might be going through. Think how many lives we could brighten if we only said, “Thank you,” or “I love you,” or “I value your friendship.” I’m going to make a point to praise, thank, or encourage at least one person a day.  It will make a cloudy day much brighter—possibly for them AND for me!  🙂

Combining Art and Writing

Posted by joaniebruce on Jan 30, 2013 in General | 2 comments

This is my first blog: as an artist and as a writer. I feel so blessed to be able to glorify God with not one, but two professions.

My art career, which came first, has been extremely rewarding. Making people happy with an original oil painting of someone or something they cherish is gratifying. It is indescribable to watch a client’s face light up with genuine delight and surprise when they see the image of their loved one painted on canvas. In my opinion, making others that kind of happy is what life is all about.

My writing career came next and the journey has just started. Even though I sometimes feel as if I’m in the front car of a very tall roller-coaster, I know the ride will be out of this world—a wonderful and joyful experience. I’m hoping with all my heart that my book will be a blessing and encouragement to someone. When you’re sitting up at night, reading my book, know that I’m praying for each of my readers–that you will be encouraged, inspired, and that it will bring you a closer relationship to God.