March Issue Completed!

I just emailed Jennifer my Editor’s Letter for March. That’s usually the last thing I write for each issue of the paper. I’m really excited about the March issue of the paper. We have two new columnists; my dad, retired Pastor Allen Geil, and Dr. Randy Hinze. My dad has always been a great teacher, and has a fun sense of humor, and I think readers will enjoy his article. Dr. Hinze will be writing about the effect of stress on the body, and how we can combat those effects. I was skeptical about chiropractors until I met Dr. Hinze. He’s helped our family with several health and pain issues. I’ve suffered from migraine headaches for many years, and with Dr. Hinze’s advice and treatment, have had few headaches the last few months.

I’ve already started on the April issue of the paper! I get several emails every day from organizations and websites of interest, and today I found an article that will be perfect for next month’s issue.

If there is a topic you’d like to see covered in the paper, please let me know! If you have a specific article suggestion, send me a link to that article, and I will check if it is copyrighted or if we need permission before it can be used in the paper.

Next on my list…cleaning off my desk! It’s covered with article clippings, sticky notes reminding me of things to include in the paper, my dictionary, calendar, pens, papers…

Starting on the March Issue

It’s always fun to get a start on the next issue of the Nebraska Family Times. I usually start about 4 or 5 days before I want to have everything submitted to Jennifer, the lady who lays out the articles, advertisements, and so on, before the paper is printed. I want the articles and information in the paper to be current, yet want to have time to study resources, follow links, and pick out what I feel are the best articles. I ask God to lead me to those articles and help me know when I’ve found them—articles to inspire, encourage, and motivate readers.

As I do research and read articles, I’m very picky. J I don’t want the articles to be too long, and they must contain information that readers can put to use easily. I especially like articles that encourage readers to take action—action to help others, improve their own lives (in areas of parenting, marriage, finances, and/or spiritually), or just add some fun to their lives.

Sometimes it seems I read many articles before I find a “keeper”—one that’s good enough for the paper. When I do find an article that’s “right,” I have a feeling of excitement—I know that the article will resonate with the needs of readers. It’s a great feeling!

Some months, the articles that are the biggest challenge are those to put on the front page. The paper is in many waiting rooms, business and bank lobbies, and restaurants around the state—locations where people who don’t have a relationship with God may see it. Of course I want the headlines to appeal to regular readers, but I also want to catch the eye of those who might not have a relationship with God…but with a catchy title or graphic on the front page, might pick up the paper and learn more about God.

I just started on the paper today; I plan to have all the articles to Jennifer by next Tues. or Wed., Feb. 23 or 24. It was nice to get a start ahead of time. As I was reading through possible articles, I was happy to find several articles that are appropriate front-page material! Some months it takes hours to find good articles for the front page, so it was really nice to find them so quickly. I’ll read them several times over the weekend, and see what other articles I find for inside the paper, before I decide on the front page articles.

I look forward to hearing what YOU think of the front page articles, and any articles that appear in the paper. Please call (402) 993-2467, E-mail shelly@shellyburke.net, or write Nebraska Family Times, 42887 G. G. Road, Genoa, NE 68640 and let me know what you like, or don’t like about the paper, and any suggestions you have for making it better.

November Paper Ready to Print!

As I’m working on each paper, I pray that God will lead me to articles that will encourage, inspire, and motivate readers. It is a great feeling to come across an article that contains useful information, or inspires me even as I read it. I also look for fun or lighthearted articles; we all need some laughter and something fun to think about.

One of my favorite articles in the November issue is: Experience the Transformation of Tithing. During these tough times it can be hard to trust God enough to give Him our “firstfruits” as we are instructed. However, through personal experience I’ve found that God is faithful to us, even when (or especially when) it takes a leap of faith to tithe.

The November paper also includes; Fun Facts about Thanksgiving, a devotion about the road-map of the Bible, and book reviews for a fiction book, Crystal Lies, and one of my favorite devotion book, New Day, New You; 366 Devotions for Enjoying Everyday Life, by one of my favorite authors, Joyce Meyer.

Our local feature is about the Living Water Rescue Mission, which is in the planning stages. Chaplain Ted Pearson is the Director of the Columbus Rescue Mission and will also direct the Living Water Rescue Mission. Read the article in the next post.

I hope you enjoy the November issue of the Nebraska Family Times! As always, if you have any suggestions or comments, please let me know!