Tag Archives: survival

Chain bookstores don’t have to die: see Waterstones

Skilled Workman Posted on by

In a fun article in Slate, Stephen Heyman tells a tale of hope. In an article entitled, Big-Box Bookstores Don’t Have to Die, he shares the story of how Waterstones, the largest bookstore chain in Britain, has turned things around. Hint: it’s the same way we have as indie authors. Eliminate publisher control And, give place to the needs of the actual users of a particular store. It’s surprising how badly traditional publishing is still hurting us. Their model … Continue reading →

This too is vanity and striving after wind…

Skilled Workman Posted on by

One of the things that happens as you mature is dealing with all that you have seen, heard, and done. As I have told many people, I have learned more since I was fifty than in the fifty years prior. My entire writing career started when I was fifty, for example. Lately, we have been dealing a lot with Ecclesiastes—all is vanity. More and more, nothing seems to matter except our relationship with Jesus. Increasingly, the things … Continue reading →

Got slapped upside the head last night…

Skilled Workman Posted on by

As those of you who know me have probably figured out, I’m going through a major period of adjustment in my life. Last night my remote stopped on a broadcast by Joyce Meyers. Man, that woman can preach! She really helped me see some things about myself that need serious work. The Holy Spirit comes through again. Thank you, Lord. It’s good to be reminded that even though I may have an accurate vision of where the … Continue reading →

Making sense of your life…

Skilled Workman Posted on by

Easier said than done, huh? I’ve been contemplating this issue now that I’ve “retired” — wondering what the Lord would have me do with the rest of  my life. I tend to go by what He blesses. But that is certainly not a reliable indicator. You have to make certain of several things to do that: Are you following His lead? If not any blessings on your direction are probably from the Creep. Are you hearing from … Continue reading →

Knowing when to move…

Skilled Workman Posted on by

One of the largest difficulties in my life is easing myself into a project. My normal response is to get really excited and go gung ho ’til I’ve got it as far as I can go. I’ve got a new postulant at Radiqx and what I want to do is start dumping stuff on the poor man and just overwhelm him with input. Now, of course, I don’t think it is overwhelming but it always is to … Continue reading →

Being ready: this is not optional!

Skilled Workman Posted on by

I was praying this morning and was brought back to the verses in Matthew 24 about his next coming in power. I could talk for hours about how I think that might work. What His name might be. Who will be raptured and when. But I was reminded by the words of my favorite pastor. I was her associate pastor for many years, and I taught quite a bit on end-times speculation (for that is what it … Continue reading →

It’s all vanity, so why bother?

Skilled Workman Posted on by

So, why do we do the things we do? I certainly hope that your answer is not “because I want to”. It would be nice to be able to assume that we are all doing what we do because of a higher level of motivation than that. But Solomon had it right… Again I am reminded of Oswald Chamber’s statement that you can always tell who the true believers are by the fact that they are sitting … Continue reading →

Do you pray while you are shopping?

Skilled Workman Posted on by

If not, why not? God has clearly indicated that He cares deeply about everything we do down to the smallest detail. In fact, his smallest details are much more minute than I am capable of keeping track of on any real level. How far should you take this? As far as you like. My experience is that the Lord delights in our attempts to understand him better and use his wisdom more deeply in our lives. So … Continue reading →

Who owns the internet & why do we care?

Skilled Workman Posted on by

Fred Showker in his latest monthly DT&G newsletter has an excellent article on internet ownership that we all need to read. Internet anarchy threatens civilization — and no I  do not think this is an overstatement. Now as a believer, I concede that this might be necessary to enable  the Antichrist to take control. But, even though I long for that day [so I can go home], that is not a reason to allow internet anarchy and … Continue reading →