How To Eat An Elephant
Linda Culbreth
Copyright 2011 Linda Culbreth
All Scripture references are from the KJV.
Smashwords Edition
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Book & Cover Design by Linda Culbreth
I have always been “the writer.” The first thing I ever had published was a poem in a national magazine when I was seven. I wish I had a copy of the poem and a copy of it published. I can't even remember the name, the theme, nor the magazine.
In seventh grade – now remember, this was way before computers much less computers with automatic spell check programs and when electric typewriters were out of reach of most homes - I had a wonderful teacher who could have jerked my “butterfly wings” off. She decided not to grade my creative writing based on my spelling. I can still hear her words: “Linda, you can always pay someone to spell for you. Your creative writing is beautiful.” What tremendous words of encouragement!
In high school, I became one of the writers and editors of the high school paper.
Many published stories and articles later, I took a few “bits and pieces” of several true events from a family of five boys and put them together in a “fun story” that was not mean spirited in any form or fashion. It was good. Very good. But, I made a huge mistake and showed it to them. The five boys loved it. So did the dad...and others. I don't know if the mom, my pastor's wife, loved it or not. All I heard was “poison pen of the writer.” She never knew how that comment stopped me cold. I think she would be shocked and really meant no harm. (Be very careful what you say in the presence of the writer – it may end up in creative writing or it may end of knocking the pen out of the writer's hand!)
My butterfly wings were severely damaged and dangling. Manuscripts went into a file cabinet, misspelled words and all. Occasionally I would write Christmas plays, puppet scripts, Sunday School and Vacation Bible School materials, and other things, mostly at the request of that pastor's wife. Always, that “poison pen” phrase flashed like neon lights in my brain.
Originally, How To Eat An Elephant was just a personal encouragement for myself. It was hand drawn, hand written, and hand bound! Talk about a whole new meaning to self publishing, there it was! I would even admit this bit of creative writing was a little “different.” But it served me very well as my butterfly wings repaired and grew back.
Then, one day, that “poison pain” phrase no longer pained me. I pulled out some creative writing manuscripts and realized they were good. With the advent of e-books and the incredible growth of the internet, I decided I needed to learn how to publish a book. Become a self publisher by self publishing my own creative writing? Yes, with no regrets and not looking back.
Immediately, I knew if I was going to self publish then I wanted to learn and master book design and design books. That encouragement paid off as I learned how to design a book, then books, then books for others using special skills, including some acquired with a diploma in art, and special computer programs.
As you do your creative writing and even learn how to publish a book, and as you actually go through the process of publishing a book, one ingredient you will need over and over is encouragement. My desire is to encourage you with How To Eat An Elephant! Be encouraged!!! ~ Linda Culbreth
Chapter 1
Encouragement for Day 1
Quotes on Encouragement
Our dependency makes slaves out of us, especially if this dependency is a dependency of our self-esteem. If you need encouragement, praise, pats on the back from everybody, then you make everybody your judge.” -Anon.
“Correction does much, but encouragement does more.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (German Playwright, Poet, Novelist and Dramatist. 1749-1832)
“Nine tenths of education is encouragement.” Anatole France (French Writer, member of the French Academy and Nobel Prize for Literature in 1921, 1844-1924)
“The essential support and encouragement comes from within, arising out of the mad notion that your society needs to know what only you can tell it.” John Updike (American writer, b.1932)
How To Eat An Elephant including Scripture Quotes
You are well able to do what you need to do, so make the decision to eat an elephant.
Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, “Let us go up at once and possess it: we are well able to overcome it!” Numbers 13:30
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13
Look at yourself in the mirror and repeat after me: “I can. I can. I can. I can. I CAN!!!” Do this as often as needed every day.
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7
For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. Matthew 12:34
A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. Luke 6:45
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:27
Now, repeat this section several times and think on them. You might need the Encouragement for Day 1 for more than one day!
Chapter 2
Encouragement for Day 2
Quotes on Encouragement
“Music, of all the liberal arts, has the greatest influence over the passions, and it is that to which the legislator ought to give the greatest encouragement. Napoleon Bonaparte (French General, Politician and Emperor (1804-14). 1769-1821)
“We live by encouragement and die without it - slowly, sadly, angrily,” Celeste Holm
“A word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success.” -Anon.
“Taking an interest in what others are thinking and doing is often a much more powerful form of encouragement than praise” Robert Martin
How To Eat An Elephant including Scripture Quotes
Get a good, clear picture in your mind what an elephant looks like.
Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. Proverbs 29:18
Here's a verse if you don't know what it looks like: Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. Jeremiah 33:3
Remember, not everything that is gray and fuzzy is an elephant. It might be just a mouse. Are you chasing a mouse or an elephant?
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. I John 4:1
Chapter 3
Encouragement for Day 3
Quotes on Encouragement
“People need encouragement and need support. People want to know they can work through this.” Bobby Martin
“They have been the driving forces that provided us instruction and modeling. The support, encouragement, respect and friendship has made this experience so wonderful.” Deborah Halvorson
“When you're in the service - you're alone. A lot of times soldiers will find out about their wives leaving them when they're overseas. Information spreads faster these days with the Internet. Any kind of encouragement is valued over there - way beyond money. I've talked to many soldiers and they tell me they'd much rather have a letter than a gift card.” Gerald Sadler
“The way the students and community come out and are very vocal with works of encouragement for the team is great. We, the coaches, are very pleased with the heart and desire that the players give on every play.” Ken Shumate
“He gives me pointers: Try to keep up with the front guys and stay strong ... words of encouragement.” Kale Liechty
“He picks his spots. He's not vocal every day, but the guys know he is serious and he means business. He will come up to guys late in a ball game and give them encouragement and he'll also find a way to get it himself.” Jeff Jones
How To Eat An Elephant including Scripture Quote
This would be a good time to ask God for wisdom.
How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver! Proverbs 16:16
And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding. Job 28:28
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. James 1:5
Chapter 4
Encouragement for Day 4
Quotes on Encouragement
That some should be rich, shows that others may become rich, and, hence, is just encouragement to industry and enterprise.” Abraham Lincoln (American 16th US President from 1861-65
“I believe that any man's life will be filled with constant and unexpected encouragement, if he makes up his mind to do his level best each day, and as nearly as possible reaching the high water mark of pure and useful living.” Booker T. Washington (American educator and reformer, first developer of Tuskegee Normal 1856-1915)
“The finest gift you can give anyone is encouragement. Yet, almost no one gets the encouragement they need to grow to their full potential. If everyone received the encouragement they need to grow, the genius in most everyone would blossom and the world would produce abundance beyond the wildest dreams. We would have more than one Einstein, Edison, Schweitzer, Mother Theresa, Dr. Salk and other great minds in a century.” Sidney Madwed
How To Eat An Elephant including Scripture Quotes
Make plans on how to catch it...and what to do with it.
Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; “Consider your ways.” Haggai 1:5
Choose ways that line up with the Word of God.
For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness. For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall. As for God, His way is perfect: the Word of the LORD is tried: He is a buckler to all those that trust in Him. For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God? It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. Psalm 18:28-32
Chapter 5
Encouragement for Day 5
Quotes on Encouragement
“Today is a most unusual day, because we have never lived it before; we will never live it again; it is the only day we have. Today can be a healthy unusual day for you -- and for others -- if you take time to give someone a smile, to express a word of kindness, to lend a helping hand to someone in need, to write a note of gratitude, to give a word of encouragement to someone who is temporarily overcome with problems, to share a portion of your material possessions with others.” William Arthur Ward (American dedicated scholar, author, editor, pastor and teacher)
“A pinch of praise is worth a pound of scorn. A dash of encouragement is more helpful than a dipper of pessimism. A cup of kindness is better than a cupboard of criticism.” William Arthur Ward (American dedicated scholar, author, editor, pastor and teacher)
“There is no such thing as a 'self-made' man. We are made up of thousands of others. Everyone who has ever done a kind deed for us, or spoken one word of encouragement to us, has entered into the make-up of our character and of our thoughts, as well as our success.” George Matthew Adams
How To Eat An Elephant including Scripture Quotes
Continue on in spite of difficulties. There will be those around you who think their reason for living is so they can throw “wet blankets” at you. Dodge them at all costs and their wet blankets! I call it “pulling butterfly wings off. Without the wings of encouragement, a writer may find it very hard to write day in and day out. A “wet blanket thrower” can snuff your fiery passion before you even have a chance to fan the flame.
Some may begin with: “I think...”
Or: “But...”
“I'm just thinking what's best for you...”
“We've never done it that way before!”
“I'm telling you this for your own good...”
Really? Hummmmm, they know better than God?
Remember Caleb's words from Day One? Here's what the other spies (except Joshua) said about the same situation: “And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, :Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.” But the men that went up with him said, “We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we.” And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, “The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature. And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.” Numbers 13:30-33
The results of “they said”?
And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night. And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, “Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness! And wherefore hath the LORD brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? Were it not better for us to return into Egypt?” Numbers 14:14:1-3
Their murmuring, complaining, and bellyaching caused them to wander and die in the wilderness for forty years, when they could have been in their promised land in a short period of time. Only Joshua and Caleb and the children who were now grown went in the promised land.
Chapter 6
Encouragement for Day 6
Quotes on Encouragement
“Let [woman] receive encouragement for the proper cultivation of all her powers, so that she may enter profitably into the active business of life.” Lucretia Mott (American Social Reformer, 1793-1880)
“Songs don't just come out of the air. They take time, but it's good fun, too. Maurice gave me encouragement.” Andy Gibb (English Singer and brother of Maurice Gibb), 1958-1988)
“That gives me tremendous encouragement and optimism for the human race in general, that people choose to go off and do their own things.” Bruce Dickinson
“Most people are not really conceited, but feel a certain amount of inferiority and tend to get a little discouraged with themselves, therefore encouragement is a very important thing! I do it all the time! I praise everybody for everything they do that I see is good.” David Brandt Berg (Founder/leader of non-traditional Christian missionary movement)
How To Eat An Elephant including Scripture Quotes
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD. Isaiah 54:17
NOTE: Condemn the tongue and not the person. You may want to do this in private and not in front of the person or even in front of others.
Chapter 7
Encouragement for Day 7
Quotes on Encouragement
“There is nothing better than the encouragement of a good friend” Katharine Butler Hathaway
“I consider my ability to arouse enthusiasm among men the greatest asset I possess. The way to develop the best that is in a man is by appreciation and encouragement.” Charles M. Schwab (American industrialist 1862-1939)
“You don't have to accept the invitation to get angry. Instead, practice forgiveness, empathy and encouragement.” Dan Fallon
“There are high spots in all of our lives and most of them have come about through encouragement from someone else. I don't care how great, how famous or successful a man or woman may be, each hungers for applause.” George Matthew Adams
“Most of us, swimming against the tides of trouble the world knows nothing about, need only a bit of praise or encouragement - and we will make the goal.” Robert Collier (American motivational author, 1885-1950)
How To Eat An Elephant including Scripture Quotes
God promised to guide you and never leave you.
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Psalm 32:8
For He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrews 13:5
David had to encourage himself in the Lord. And David was greatly distressed: for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons, and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God. I Samuel 30:6
You may have to do the same thing. If you think there are difficulties and challenges, know that you are not the first one to face them and go through them, and probably won't be the last.
Chapter 8
Encouragement for Day 8
Quotes on Encouragement
“To all of our friends in Irish-America and beyond, we owe an enormous debt of gratitude. Whenever we needed your friendship and encouragement, you were there for us.” Mary McAleese
“Give encouragement (the incentive to action) you will have courage and be encouraged.” W. Clement Stone (American best selling Author and Founder of Combined Insurance Co.), 1902-2002)
“I moved to Louisiana to become the executive Chef at Commander's Place. And I must say I had some encouragement from friends such as Ella Brennan, the queen of the New Orleans's culinary set, and others. This was very flattering to a young man with a dream. I was only 26 years old.” Emeril Lagasse
“Bart, having never received any words of encouragement myself, I'm not sure how they're supposed to sound. But here goes: I believe in you.” Lisa Simpson (Fictional character from the animated television series created by Matt Groening, The Simpsons.)
How To Eat An Elephant including Scripture Quotes
And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. Luke 18:27
Would you believe four hundred and seven verses in the Bible either begin with “And it came to pass” or have “and it came to pass” in them? Thank God, some things didn't come to stay! This is a tremendous encouragement! Realize things will change and eventually for your good. It's a promise from God to you.
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
Chapter 9
Encouragement for Day 9
Quotes on Encouragement
“What we need now is encouragement, support, motivation, vision, foresight, and courage. We aren't spending a lot of time looking back. We are looking at what we can do for people today and tomorrow. That's our focus. We're just not going to spend time right now looking backwards.” Carlos Gutierrez
“Students that receive encouragement (from their parents) to participate in a program that they're interested in are more likely to succeed.” John Wise
“We wanted to provide them with the greatest encouragement, that the city of Indian Wells and PM Sports are working together. And we reached terms so they can feel confident coming in, that this is a good deal for them. We set the stage for it to be a good deal economically.” Greg Johnson
The goal here is simple: raise your world ranking. For the Scottish boys the whole mood has changed since Andy broke through. Suddenly it doesn't seem impossible.” Jamie Baker
“It can be hard to teach them in half an hour, but we can give them a few pointers and encouragement when they stop. Most people don't believe they can juggle, but they can.” Scott Morrison
How To Eat An Elephant including Scripture Quotes
When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the LORD your God, Who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you. 2 When you are about to go into battle, the priest shall come forward and address the army. 3 He shall say: "Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be terrified or give way to panic before them. 4 For the LORD your God is the One Who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory." Deuteronomy 20:1-4
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6
The LORD gave this command to Joshua son of Nun: "Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I promised them on oath, and I Myself will be with you." Deuteronomy 31:23
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
Joshua said to them, "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the LORD will do to all the enemies you are going to fight." Joshua 10:25
Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the LORD gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. 1 Chronicles 22:13
Chapter 10
Encouragement for Day 10
Quotes on Encouragement
“It's one of the most encouraging days of the whole year. I think it's hope and encouragement to keep going on.” Sharon Henderson
“We played the European champions today, and we should have won that game. But there's a lot of encouragement to be taken, especially the lineout contesting, which was excellent. Nick Kennedy was superb.” Bob Casey
“Hiro, the Crown Prince, was kind and often gave me words of encouragement. Prince Akishino was a child who was sensitive and considerate; at the same time, there were times when he seemed to keep an eye on me out of concern so that I would not fail to recognize the truth about myself.” Empress Michiko
“What, sir, would the people of the earth be without woman? They would be scarce, sir, mighty scarce. Then let us cherish her; protect her; let us give her our support, our encouragement, our sympathy, ourselves -- if we get a chance.” Mark Twain (American Humorist, Writer and Lecturer. 1835-1910)
How To Eat An Elephant including Scripture Quotes
Little elephants are easier to catch. Remember, little elephants grow into big elephants. You will have to grow with the elephant. God not only expects you to grow, He commands you to grow. “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen.” II Peter 3:18
Chapter 11
Encouragement for Day 11
Quotes on Encouragement
“Correction does much, but encouragement does more. Encouragement after censure is as the sun after a shower.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (German Playwright, Poet, Novelist and Dramatist. 1749-1832)
“Tell a child, a husband or an employee that he is stupid or dumb at a certain thing, that he has no gift for it, and that he is doing it all wrong and you have destroyed almost every incentive to try to improve. But use the opposite technique, be liberal with encouragement; make the thing seem easy to do, let the other person know that you have faith in his ability to do it, that he has an undeveloped flair for it -- and he will practice until the dawn comes in at the window in order to excel.” Dale Carnegie (American lecturer, author, 1888-1955)
“It's a nice boost to be off the bottom of the table. We know there is still a hard fight ahead of us but this one gives us a little bit of encouragement.” Bryan Robson
“I wanted to make sure he knew I believe in him. I hope he knows that, but sometimes, in that moment, you need a little encouragement.” Mark Richt
How To Eat An Elephant including Scripture Quotes
In this elephant challenge, you may go down paths others will not go.
Why?
Because that is where God's light is.
“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105
“The entrance of Thy Word giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” Psalm 119:130
And, you have your own high place. “The Lord God is my strength, and He will make my feet like hind's feet, and He will make me to walk upon mine high places. Habakkuk 3:19
Chapter 12
Encouragement for Day 12
Quotes on Encouragement
“It was a very emotional dinner. Everyone shared personal stories about her and gave her words of encouragement and inspiration. Everyone tried to remain positive.” Lil' Kim
“No segment of society is more strategic and in more in need of prayer than pastors and their families. They urgently and desperately need our love, encouragement and earnest prayers.” Bill Bright
“Shane needs constant support, encouragement and reassurance that he is the man. He loves to be loved.” Shane Warne
“That hurts our league and the Falcons, and I feel for him. He's my friend, and he'll be back. I'll call him and give him encouragement.” Ray Lewis
“My 16-year-old brother does the graphics. And my parents have started to help out a lot more now that I'm in college. Even my 6-year-old brother offers me moral support and encouragement.” Emerson Spartz
“Pearce was intimidating as a player, but he's different as a manager. It's always encouragement that he shouts, which is a nice change from some of the old-school managers I have known. All you hear with them is, 'don't do this' and 'don't do that' but Stuart is totally different. He's more likely to say 'unlucky' than have a go at you.” Richard Dunne
How To Eat An Elephant including Scripture Quotes
Hang on for dear life...and maybe all your life! “Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” I John 4:7
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
Chapter 13
Encouragement for Day 13
Quotes on Encouragement
“I'm one happy man right now. I can't tell you how much I appreciated my wife, Joyce, and my family's loyalty and love. Without their strength, encouragement and support I don't know if I would have made it.” Mike Price
“It gives us, as a program, encouragement that it's possible.” Terry Hoeppner
“This has been a wonderful experience for me in many ways. But one of the greatest of those is that not only is South Main such a missions-minded church, but it also is my faith community, and it has been such an encouragement to me to continue to find God's will in this and where He will lead.” Luis Campos
“The pope, in his heart and with his words of encouragement, embraces all who suffer injustice.” (Polish Pope, 1920 -2005)
“I went head-to-head with him most of the game, playing all the special teams. He gave me a little encouragement and told me it was a hard road to travel. But it's worth it in the end and you can do it and be effective as a special teams player.” Chase Blackburn
“I discovered I always have choices, and sometimes it's only a choice of attitude.” -Judith Knowlton
How To Eat An Elephant including Scripture Quotes
If you're wondering HOW, take your clue from David. He did it with a continual dose of Psalm 35:27-28. “Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favor my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the Lord be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of His servant. And my tongue shall speak of Thy righteousness and of Thy praise all the day long.”
Chapter 14
Encouragement for Day 14
Quotes on Encouragement
“Mike stayed near me, when I came off, he gave me some words of encouragement. More or less on game day, he kind of kept his distance from me. If you have a lot of guys talking to you on game day . . . you just want to go out and play.” Matt Schaub
“I don't want to take credit, but I think we were a source of encouragement for Hunter.” Colin Hanna
“I'm going to call all those guys and hopefully give them some encouragement.” Darren Sharper
“I tried to give him encouragement. At times he was down because he was used to starting.” Darrent Williams
When he was able to get one of his pupils into the University of Chicago -- contributing a few dollars and a lot of encouragement and special tutoring -- he was as pleased as if he had been promoted to an engineer's job.” David Loth
How To Eat An Elephant including Scripture Quotes
But in answer to the question, “How To Eat An Elephant?”
There's really only one answer:
ONE BITE AT A TIME
“The people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits (for God.) Daniel 11:32
“I have finished my course.” II Timothy 4:7
Linda Culbreth, “the writer,” has authored a number of books, articles, stories, and plays. She teaches a creative writing class in Jackson, Missouri that also includes book design, publishing a book, and self publishing a book. She brings out “the writer” in her students with a heavy dose of encouragement.
She does book design and specializes in book design for those who are self publishing a book, either in print or as an e-book. She will help you reach your goal of publishing a book. Are you ready with your children’s picture book (contact her before you do the illustrations -she will save you much frustration and time!)? Is your fiction or nonfiction for adults ready for book design? Email her right now to get started.
By the way, there are a number of short creative writing tip videos that you can watch for free at http://www.bookdesignbylinda.com
Some are over creative writing tips, some over book design, publishing a book, and others on marketing your book. These are exactly what you need as you go about the business of self publishing a book. YOUR BOOK!
Connect with Linda Online:
http://www.bookdesignbylinda.com
Linda at bookdesignbylinda dot com (Be sure to put in the right email format before you email me.)
Soon to be updated, How To Talk To Your Teen About Date Abuse Before Friday Night, is over at Smashwords:
http://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=Linda+Culbreth
Other books will be there soon.