The announcement from the lifeguard floated loud and clear over the lake. “Camp Sunnyside Buddy Check!”       The kids splashed and kicked through the waters to link up with their assigned buddy. Were they in sight? Swimming over their heads? Obeying the rules or cutting up with other campers? Or wandering off by themselves way out of reach? This systematic check was a successful method for keeping everyone safe while still having fun.

We need buddies in our writing journey. Our writing buddies will encourage us when we’re overcome by waves of exhaustion, hold on to us when we feel like we’re drowning in rejections and keep us afloat and in the right direction when we start to lose sight of the dream. All this while still having fun.

A shout-out today to some of my writing buddies- steadfast Jorlyn sharing goals and inspirational quotes every month.  Connie, my Tennessee gal bringing encouragement and accountability. Vonda, my friend, mentor and cheerleader from day one. Judy and Anne, my southern gals lending their sweet support. New local friend (yea!) Elaine, sharing writing news and tips while featuring a blog promoting other authors. Dear Melody, who has offered continual positive feedback. And all those new friends I connected with at Blue Ridge this year – looking forward to sharing and supporting you all in your writing efforts.

Do you have a group of writing buddies? They don’t have to be in your local area, most of mine are in contact through email or phone. I’d love to be your “buddy” and encourage you along the way sharing links, tips, announcements, writing ops and support. Either leave a comment on this post or subscribe to my blog and I will be in touch.

If you do have writing buddies, please share about some of your favorites in a comment!

We must never forget our strength comes from Jesus.

Trying to walk in our own strength, our own wisdom never works. We will fail.

When this world threatens to overwhelm us with all its sin and sorrow, we need to remember – it is Christ who strengthens us.

Another scripture I love is found in I Peter 5:10. “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.“

I picture the Lord setting me firmly in the right path, pouring His strength into my being, settling me with a peace that passes all understanding.

Praying the Lord will ” stablish, strengthen, settle you” today.

Press 1 now to speak with a live operator for finance information on how to lower your interest rates.

Press 2 now if you would like to connect with a dead operator who cares about your financial woes about as much as the live operator. 

Press 3 if you would like to speak with a robot.

Press 4 for more helpful options.

I just couldn’t help myself. I’ve heard the first line on an actual phone message on my answering machine.

Because the writer of this phone monologue added the word “live” before operator, it inspired me to add on the other options.  🙂

This example clearly shows the difference one word can make to a sentence. If it started out with “to speak with an operator,” the sentence would have been fine.

Any other funny examples out there? Whether on a phone message, a TV commercial or in real life conversation- if you have a good example of word misuse, please do share it here!