My Rediscovered Goals & Purpose for Writing

So…this post is in response to facing something I knew would happen eventually. I decided to build up my writer repertoire by meeting with a writing group and getting to know others with similar aspirations. Sadly, I was disappointed.

As writers we have an important task and have to ask ourselves the question: Do we write merely for our own and others’ entertainment? Or do we have a purpose and goal we seek to achieve? Possibly make our society and world a better place through our words. 

I choose to bring my little corner of the world and those I meet “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self- control”. Sound familiar? I hope so because those are the Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). If I am simply writing for my own entertainment, or possibly money and fame, my purpose is empty and useless. But I strive for more. I want young girls to have a quality story that builds up their confidence and drives them to be quality people.

What I met today was not consistent with my goals. Yes, I would like to meet and share critiques with other authors. But, NO, I do not want to read their romance/erotic, gender-neutral/etc, or language-filled mature rated books.

I am not being legalistic. Legalism is pushing my morals/ideals on others with the implication that our works save us. Instead, I’m discriminating. (Yes, I know that word has received a bad rap lately.) I discriminate (not against a person’s race or ethnicity) but by what they do. (The Batman quote comes to mind: “But it's not who you are underneath, it's what you do that defines you.”) I judge a book by its cover. I do not want to read filth for the simple reason that I do not want that junk in my mind. Jesus puts it best in these quotes: "The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart.” (Luke 6: 45) And, “…For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matt 12:34)

So, instead of wallowing in the filthy entertainment of this world, my goal is to provide novels that inspire my readers to become better people, to have strong morals, and know their value. And, if you remain my friend after reading this, I hope (and expect! ;) you to keep me accountable. 

Thank you for your time and I’ll step down from my soapbox now with this last thought: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23)

~ Rebecca Henry

Caleb's Airplane Birthday Party

What can be better than a moist cupcake, sweet but not overpowering frosting, or a crunch of chocolate? Putting all three together for a tasty mouthful, of course!

 This cupcake cake was for Caleb's 2nd birthday party at the pool! I opted for making cupcakes versus a sheet cake for the ease of just passing them out the kids instead of cutting a cake, providing plates, forks, etc. It made everything so much easier! After singing "Happy Birthday", the kids grabbed a cupcake, devoured it and jumped in the pool. 

Each child also enjoyed some of the chocolate decorations. I do not like fondant, ugh the taste and working with it...so I choose to work with the colored melting chocolates! I traced an airplane cookie cutter onto wax paper and outlined it with melted red chocolate. When it was cooled, I placed them on the cupcakes. I also made several small "clouds" with white chocolate. They were a delicious tidbit of sweetness and crunch to add, not to mention adorably cute! :P

I also made a small cake that the family could take home and enjoy together after the event, with a layer of strawberry filling!  (I will share how to make your own jelly filling in a future post!) ENJOY!

 

Now for the recipes! I've shared them on different blog posts before, but I will share them again on this page because I like them so much and it will be simpler to just come to one place for my favorite recipes! (I cannot claim credit for this recipe since I found it on Pinterest.)

 WHITE CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES

1 Box Betty Crocker White Cake Mix

1 - 3.4oz. package White Chocolate Instant Pudding

4 Egg Whites

1 Cup Sour Cream

1 Cup Vegetable Oil

1/2 Cup Milk

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

1/4 tsp Sea Salt

 Preheat oven to 375' F. 

Beat all ingredients together until smooth. 

Line cupcake pan with liners and place a medium scoop in each cup, about 2/3 full of batter. 

After placing them in the oven, turn down to 325' F. (This helps them rise fluffy!)

Bake cupcakes for 18-20 minutes and test with a toothpick when done. 

DELICIOUS FROSTING

1 Qt Heavy Whipping Cream

1 - 3.4 oz. package of White Chocolate Instant Pudding 

Whisk ingredients together until smooth.

Chill in the refrigerator for several hours.   

**This is important! The frosting will not keep its shape if it is not cold. FYI: This is a creamy frosting and not the easiest to decorate with. 

Top cupcakes and cake with and design/shapes made with melted chocolate! 

Lovebirds Valentine Dinner ~ 2015

Happy Valentine's Day! ❤️ ...from 2015! 

Before I post the pictures of this year's Valentine's Day Dinner, I would love to show you what we did last year!

I've never been into the over-the-top, red, hot pink and purple valentines day thing, but I do enjoy a romantic dinner and time with my Love, Jon. 

This was the second year I headed up the Valentines Day dinner at my church, but I knew it would have to be different. My first year doing this, I made all the food, but since I was preggers and was getting tired very easily, not to mention the too often Braxton Hicks contractions...So, when hiring a caterer proved fruitless (the 2 in Kenai were booked, plus too expensive!), a great friend stepped up and volunteered to take care of the entire meal! Thanks Alicia!! 😄

She made a very delicious meal of egg rolls, cheese won tons, egg drop soup, and chicken on a bed of rice. It was a tasty and relaxing dinner!

Our desserts were the work of several hands as well, although I think the chocolate covered strawberries from Sarah were the favorite! ;) We also had peanut butter cookies, gluten-free brownies, chocolate pretzel melts, and chocolate & vanilla heart brownies. I made a white chocolate cake and chocolate cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. There were so many delicious sweets to celebrate a sweet day! ;) Thank you to everyone who contributed!!

 

 

 I LOVE to decorate and set up for parties, and this was no exception! We used our wonderful tablecloths sewn by Sharon. Each table setting had a brown baggie filled with games and goodies!

The table centerpieces were clipped roses in miniature birdcages, green trees topped with hearts, and lovebirds salt and pepper shakers. These were given away at the end of the night to the ladies!

The dessert table laden with goodies!!

 

There were several games and activities planned for the night, including writing Valentine's Day cards and Tic-Tac-Toe!

We had an AWESOME group of teen helpers who made the night possible! (not all are pictured because some were still working) THANK YOU for all your hard work!

There was a group of ladies who's husbands were unable to attend, due to work schedules, etc, but they still had a wonderful time!

And a big shout out to Angela for taking all the amazing photos! You always do a splendid job!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

(Be looking forward to this year's Valentine's Day Dinner, hopefully recipes and downloads for anyone wanting to use these ideas!)

Am I famous? ;)

Back in high school, my best friend Stephanie and I made plans. We decided, that if either of us ever became famous, we would need to start practicing our autographs! So, in our sophomore biology class, we would run to each other and say, "Oh my! Are you Stephanie?!" or "Wow! You're Rebecca!" And then we would sign our name as messily fancy as we could.

All our practice has not paid off yet. Also, add to that a name change in 2012. (:* Love you Jon!) But I did feel special when I was recently interviewed for the Spinning Pen, a blog debuting new and unpublished authors!

Here is a sneak peek!

SP: Who are you?
Hello! My name is Rebecca Henry. I grew up in Southern California, with a lot of sisters and a big backyard, perfect for acting out the stories we made up! I began writing down my stories soon after I discovered my older sister had her own writing journal. When I turned six and the question was put before me, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I answered with conviction, “A teacher, mom and writer.” Through the unpredictability of a child, teen and college student, those three remained constant and describe who I am now.

SP: Best writing scenario?
The “Write” Setting: I cozy up with my computer and a bowl of popcorn to sneak some words in when my adventurous boys are finally sleeping and the world is quiet. This way, I can hear my characters as they make their way from my mind to my fingertips and on to the page.

For my full interview, check it out at:
http://thespinningpen.com/2016/02/05/friday-feature-2/

Thanks and have a beautiful day!
~ Rebecca Henry