It might not technically be a syndrome, but I go through periods where I'm too productive. Sounds, weird, I know, but it's true.
I get so wrapped up in meeting goals that my mind is pinging off in sixty directions. I love cooking, but I'll forget to savor the joy of making a good meal. The thought of reading an entire novel in one sitting seems ludicrous. Putter around, listening to music? Who has time for that? And let's not go into the ungroomed eyebrow situation I became aware of in an unfortunate glance in the passenger mirror of my car.
*Sigh*
Sometimes I'm too busy. And it's all my fault.
Sure, my kids are in sports. My nights truly are NOT my own. But I could reduce my word goals. I could schedule half an hour a day for nothing. Nothing? Hmm...
Truth is, I feel icky when I'm too busy and too productive. I might be meeting goals, but I have no time or energy for simple things.
Last week I spent thirty minutes every morning just straightening up and doing basic cleaning. It renewed my love for my home. Twice I brought the novel I'm reading to baseball and I read before the game started. Reminded me I can find time for things I love. Yesterday I spent fifteen minutes planning meals and forty-five more reading a magazine. Ahhh....
If you are in that icky too-productive cycle, hop off for a few minutes each day. Get renewed!
What little things do you do to relax?
Have a wonderful day!!
Monday, May 6, 2013
Friday, May 3, 2013
My Author Crush: Becky Wade!!
Last September I picked up a book I'd been hearing about, My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade. Well, I got sucked in--I'm talking Dyson vacuum suction levels--and couldn't put it down! To say I loved it would be a massive understatement. When I finished, I clasped it to my chest, and thought I want to meet this author.
Little did I know, God was listening!
A few weeks later, I perched on my chair in the first-timer's orientation at the 2012 ACFW conference in Dallas. Yeah, I chatted with the fabulous Jon and Tom Hopkins (twins!) a bit, oogled Cara Putman's adorable outfit, and then I drifted off to my own thoughts.
How cool would it be if Becky Wade--the Becky Wade--was here? But what are the odds that I would run into her even if she did show up? I mean, there are like 700 people here. Still...
Cara divided us into groups by genre. I kind of wanted to sprint out of the room, but I figured that would be immature, so I gamely headed to the "contemporary romance" section where one person stood.
And that's when I heard it.
My name.
Southern accent.
It was--Becky Wade!! In the flesh!!
What happened next? I hugged her. Practically jumped up and down. Okay, I did jump up and down. I hugged her again. Maybe once more. I'm sure she felt molested. But I was riding high! I couldn't control myself!!
The best part? She was cool! She didn't give me the weird look or the am-I-dealing-with-a-stalker? step backward. We chatted. I gushed. And I said a thank you prayer to God for making one of my dreams come true.
Since we've met, Becky has become a huge influence in my life--she answered God's call to a prayer I hadn't been brave enough to utter. I hope I can be half as generous to others as she's been to me.
Becky's second inspirational romance, Undeniably Yours, released this week. I was blessed to receive an advanced reader copy, and her amazing talent did it again. What a superb book! I hope you buy it and like it as much as I did!
Little did I know, God was listening!
A few weeks later, I perched on my chair in the first-timer's orientation at the 2012 ACFW conference in Dallas. Yeah, I chatted with the fabulous Jon and Tom Hopkins (twins!) a bit, oogled Cara Putman's adorable outfit, and then I drifted off to my own thoughts.
How cool would it be if Becky Wade--the Becky Wade--was here? But what are the odds that I would run into her even if she did show up? I mean, there are like 700 people here. Still...
Cara divided us into groups by genre. I kind of wanted to sprint out of the room, but I figured that would be immature, so I gamely headed to the "contemporary romance" section where one person stood.
And that's when I heard it.
My name.
Southern accent.
It was--Becky Wade!! In the flesh!!
What happened next? I hugged her. Practically jumped up and down. Okay, I did jump up and down. I hugged her again. Maybe once more. I'm sure she felt molested. But I was riding high! I couldn't control myself!!
The best part? She was cool! She didn't give me the weird look or the am-I-dealing-with-a-stalker? step backward. We chatted. I gushed. And I said a thank you prayer to God for making one of my dreams come true.
Since we've met, Becky has become a huge influence in my life--she answered God's call to a prayer I hadn't been brave enough to utter. I hope I can be half as generous to others as she's been to me.
Becky's second inspirational romance, Undeniably Yours, released this week. I was blessed to receive an advanced reader copy, and her amazing talent did it again. What a superb book! I hope you buy it and like it as much as I did!
***
Undeniably Yours
When Meg Cole’s father dies unexpectedly, she becomes the majority shareholder of his oil company and the single inheritor of his fortune. Though Meg is soft-spoken and tenderhearted -- more interested in art than in oil -- she’s forced to return home to Texas and to Whispering Creek Ranch to take up the reins of her father’s empire.
The last thing she has the patience or the sanity to deal with? Her father’s thoroughbred racehorse farm. She gives its manager, Bo Porter, six months to close the place down.
Bo’s determined to resent the woman who’s decided to rob him of his dream. But instead of anger, Meg evokes within him a profound desire to protect. The more time he spends with her, the more he longs to overcome every obstacle that separates them -- her wealth, his unworthiness, her family’s outrage -- and earn the right to love her.
But just when Meg begins to realize that Bo might be the one thing on the ranch worth keeping, their fragile bond is viciously broken by a force from Meg’s past. Can their love, and their belief that God can work through every circumstance, survive?
Becky Wade delivers another compelling inspirational contemporary romance. She writes such rich, memorable, relatable characters. Meg, the heroine, was sympathetic, funny, and with believable thoughts to contrast her play-by-the rules actions. I could spend a day shopping with Meg, no problem!
***
My Favorite Lines (This book is full of them! I have many, many more!)
"She wanted to drop-kick her Cole Oil job..."
"She didn't personally care for the 'I can kill deer!' decorating style..."
(Meg imagining a horse, Silver Leaf, thinking,) "I have benevolence on you, small human."
***
About Becky Wade
Undeniably Yours is available for purchase now! Head to Becky Wade's Books for links!
It's the first Friday of the month, so my latest 2 Minute Resolution Webisode is up on YouTube! Click here for My Hall Closet: 2 Minute Resolution!!
Thank you SO much for stopping by! What author do YOU have a crush on?
Have a wonderful weekend!
***
My Review--5 Stars!!!
Becky Wade delivers another compelling inspirational contemporary romance. She writes such rich, memorable, relatable characters. Meg, the heroine, was sympathetic, funny, and with believable thoughts to contrast her play-by-the rules actions. I could spend a day shopping with Meg, no problem!
The
hero, Bo, made me swoon multiple times. I love a rugged cowboy with a
protective streak and oozing with integrity. He was fabulous, and he provided
Meg with the calm security her money had never been able to give her.
Meg’s
spiritual journey tugged at my heart. Even strong Christians underestimate
God’s plans for our lives. I really related to the fears, prayers, and
decisions the characters had to make.
Fantastic
book! I hope we’ll be reading future books based on other characters—I would
love to see Jake get his happily-ever-after!
**I
received an advanced reader copy of this book with no obligation to review it.
All opinions are my own.**
"She wanted to drop-kick her Cole Oil job..."
"She didn't personally care for the 'I can kill deer!' decorating style..."
(Meg imagining a horse, Silver Leaf, thinking,) "I have benevolence on you, small human."
Becky's a California native who attended Baylor University, met a Texas boy, and settled in Dallas. She published historical romances for the ABA, then put her career on hold for several years to care for her three children. When God called her back to writing, Becky knew He meant for her to turn her attention to Christian fiction. She loves the kind of books she's writing now! Her CBA debut, My Stubborn Heart, has been named a finalist for Romance Writers of America's RITA Award. Her new contemporary romance, Undeniably Yours, is available now.
Undeniably Yours is available for purchase now! Head to Becky Wade's Books for links!
It's the first Friday of the month, so my latest 2 Minute Resolution Webisode is up on YouTube! Click here for My Hall Closet: 2 Minute Resolution!!
Thank you SO much for stopping by! What author do YOU have a crush on?
Have a wonderful weekend!
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Enrich Your Faith by Chatting with God
I remember as a child swinging on the swingset in our backyard just singing my heart out. I would belt out, "I Am Jesus' Little Lamb" over and over, as my legs kicked higher and higher.
I felt like I was flying. I felt like I was loved. I couldn't have been more than six or seven years old.
At that time in life, my prayers usually revolved around praying for my family's safety. I really worried about losing my mom, dad, sister, or--just as bad--one of our beloved pets.
I knew God was with me all the time.
As I grew older, that faith didn't waver, but my prayers changed. Friend troubles brought me to my knees many times, and God came through for me, sometimes immediately, giving me peace in my heart and with my friends. My prayers still tended to be when I needed something or at ritual times, like meals and church, but I still knew God was with me all the time.
It wasn't until about seven or eight years ago that a new concept was introduced to me--chatting with God.
What? Chat with God? Wasn't that a little too...informal? Disrespectful, even?
But the book I'd been reading made a good case for daily conversations with our Lord, and I decided to try it. Even if it made me uneasy.
I brewed some tea, headed to my comfy chair, closed the door, and sat there, paralyzed. How does one go about chatting with the Lord? The Almighty? Maker of heaven and earth?
If I was going to have a chance, I was going to have to throw my intimidation to the side and Just. Do. It.
I did. I told God everything on my mind. How my breakfast probably wasn't very healthy. How I worried that living in a new state would negatively affect our children. I told Him about the writing piece I was working on--and I joked with Him--joked!! Then, it just flowed. I felt comfortable. I felt myself. I felt more than myself--I felt accepted. Loved.
Sitting in my bedroom, sipping tea, and mentally sharing my life--all of it--with God brought me to a peaceful place I hadn't known in years. It was like sitting with the worlds' best friend (probably because I was, duh!) Nothing I said was too intimate. I wasn't judged. In fact, I felt precious, better, special.
Every weekday I had "chat-time" with God, until we moved again. I kept up with it for a while, but you know how life is. My comfy chair didn't make the move. The time I always reserved? Was spent carpooling. My soul missed our daily chats, until I found a new routine--a routine that included chatting with God.
Over the years, I find I spend time all day bringing my life to Him. I ask questions, I consult Him, I listen, and yes, I hear answers. For a long time I questioned that--could I really trust that the Holy Spirit was syncing with my spirit to give me answers? Yes. When in doubt, I pray, and I believe I'm always divinely guided.
Chatting with God continues to bring me peace even in difficult circumstances. When you truly believe that everything works for the good of those who love Him, it's easier to get through the dry spells and the tough times.
God wants us to talk to Him. He flat out tells us in Matthew 7:7 (NIV), "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."
Psalm 34:4 (NIV) "I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears."
The Bible is filled with references urging us to ask God, seek Him, pray to God.
Never be intimidated to chat with Him. May your faith be enriched! Blessings to you!
Do you have a close relationship with the Lord, one where you're comfortable chatting with Him?
Have a wonderful Wednesday!
I felt like I was flying. I felt like I was loved. I couldn't have been more than six or seven years old.
At that time in life, my prayers usually revolved around praying for my family's safety. I really worried about losing my mom, dad, sister, or--just as bad--one of our beloved pets.
I knew God was with me all the time.
As I grew older, that faith didn't waver, but my prayers changed. Friend troubles brought me to my knees many times, and God came through for me, sometimes immediately, giving me peace in my heart and with my friends. My prayers still tended to be when I needed something or at ritual times, like meals and church, but I still knew God was with me all the time.
It wasn't until about seven or eight years ago that a new concept was introduced to me--chatting with God.
What? Chat with God? Wasn't that a little too...informal? Disrespectful, even?
But the book I'd been reading made a good case for daily conversations with our Lord, and I decided to try it. Even if it made me uneasy.
I brewed some tea, headed to my comfy chair, closed the door, and sat there, paralyzed. How does one go about chatting with the Lord? The Almighty? Maker of heaven and earth?
If I was going to have a chance, I was going to have to throw my intimidation to the side and Just. Do. It.
I did. I told God everything on my mind. How my breakfast probably wasn't very healthy. How I worried that living in a new state would negatively affect our children. I told Him about the writing piece I was working on--and I joked with Him--joked!! Then, it just flowed. I felt comfortable. I felt myself. I felt more than myself--I felt accepted. Loved.
Sitting in my bedroom, sipping tea, and mentally sharing my life--all of it--with God brought me to a peaceful place I hadn't known in years. It was like sitting with the worlds' best friend (probably because I was, duh!) Nothing I said was too intimate. I wasn't judged. In fact, I felt precious, better, special.
Every weekday I had "chat-time" with God, until we moved again. I kept up with it for a while, but you know how life is. My comfy chair didn't make the move. The time I always reserved? Was spent carpooling. My soul missed our daily chats, until I found a new routine--a routine that included chatting with God.
Over the years, I find I spend time all day bringing my life to Him. I ask questions, I consult Him, I listen, and yes, I hear answers. For a long time I questioned that--could I really trust that the Holy Spirit was syncing with my spirit to give me answers? Yes. When in doubt, I pray, and I believe I'm always divinely guided.
Chatting with God continues to bring me peace even in difficult circumstances. When you truly believe that everything works for the good of those who love Him, it's easier to get through the dry spells and the tough times.
God wants us to talk to Him. He flat out tells us in Matthew 7:7 (NIV), "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."
Psalm 34:4 (NIV) "I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears."
The Bible is filled with references urging us to ask God, seek Him, pray to God.
Never be intimidated to chat with Him. May your faith be enriched! Blessings to you!
Do you have a close relationship with the Lord, one where you're comfortable chatting with Him?
Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Monday, April 29, 2013
How Long Will It Take Me To Hang These Curtains?
I'm playing a little game today. It's called, "How long will it take me to hang these curtains?"
My hubby and I bought curtains for our bedroom. We purchased them on March 16, 2013. Yes, your math is write--that was six weeks ago.
Have I bought curtain rods?
No.
Have I taken the curtains out of the packages to iron them?
No.
Where are the curtains now, you ask?
On the floor of my bedroom closet. In their packages. In a plastic bag.
I'm sure if I
a. bought curtain rods,
b. asked my husband to install them,
and c. ironed the curtains,
the process of hanging them would take roughly fifteen minutes.
But...
It will probably take me four months, thirteen days, seven hours, and fifty-three minutes to actually get them hung. It's called procrastination, folks, and I'm good at it!
Have you purchased something for the home only to let it languish unused for months on end?
(Happy birthday, Mom!! Love you!!)
Have a wonderful Monday!
My hubby and I bought curtains for our bedroom. We purchased them on March 16, 2013. Yes, your math is write--that was six weeks ago.
Have I bought curtain rods?
No.
Have I taken the curtains out of the packages to iron them?
No.
Where are the curtains now, you ask?
On the floor of my bedroom closet. In their packages. In a plastic bag.
I'm sure if I
a. bought curtain rods,
b. asked my husband to install them,
and c. ironed the curtains,
the process of hanging them would take roughly fifteen minutes.
But...
It will probably take me four months, thirteen days, seven hours, and fifty-three minutes to actually get them hung. It's called procrastination, folks, and I'm good at it!
Have you purchased something for the home only to let it languish unused for months on end?
(Happy birthday, Mom!! Love you!!)
Have a wonderful Monday!
Friday, April 26, 2013
Why April Messes with My Head
April in northern Ohio (or Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin--any state experiencing 6 months of winter) can really mess with your head.
Sure, snow seems fun and pretty when Christmas is around the corner, but by mid-January, I can't help wondering how much longer I'll have to wear my sweaters. I'm not talking about the cute, light sweaters with an open neck or anything, either. I'm talking layers, heavy sweaters, and a blanket on my lap.
By February, my skin becomes translucent. I could star in a vampire movie, and no, I wouldn't be the human heroine. I'd be the almost dead victim or the vampire.
March comes along and a tidbit of hope arises. Maybe we'll have a few nice days. Maybe spring will chug, chug through by the end of the month. Dare we put away our winter coats?
Of course not, silly!
Winter is not over. It's a practical joker, a teaser, the annoying kid on the bus who won't stop mocking you. You will want to slap it.
It's now April 26 and we haven't had two nice days in a row all year. Every day this week it has either rained, snowed, or rained and snowed. On Tuesday, we had a beautiful, sunshine-filled day only to get drenched in a relentless downpour at baseball that night.
The weather makes me want to pull out my hair--and not because the barometer rising and falling has given me a headache, although that happens all the time too.
I stared at my closet this morning. Dare I hang up my T-shirts? Should I unpack my Capri's?
It's the middle of the afternoon and 47 degrees. I will wait on that. I'm still wearing that winter coat, and I predict my boots aren't heading into storage any time soon.
Is your weather driving you to madness, too?
Have a terrific weekend!
Sure, snow seems fun and pretty when Christmas is around the corner, but by mid-January, I can't help wondering how much longer I'll have to wear my sweaters. I'm not talking about the cute, light sweaters with an open neck or anything, either. I'm talking layers, heavy sweaters, and a blanket on my lap.
By February, my skin becomes translucent. I could star in a vampire movie, and no, I wouldn't be the human heroine. I'd be the almost dead victim or the vampire.
March comes along and a tidbit of hope arises. Maybe we'll have a few nice days. Maybe spring will chug, chug through by the end of the month. Dare we put away our winter coats?
Of course not, silly!
Winter is not over. It's a practical joker, a teaser, the annoying kid on the bus who won't stop mocking you. You will want to slap it.
It's now April 26 and we haven't had two nice days in a row all year. Every day this week it has either rained, snowed, or rained and snowed. On Tuesday, we had a beautiful, sunshine-filled day only to get drenched in a relentless downpour at baseball that night.
The weather makes me want to pull out my hair--and not because the barometer rising and falling has given me a headache, although that happens all the time too.
I stared at my closet this morning. Dare I hang up my T-shirts? Should I unpack my Capri's?
It's the middle of the afternoon and 47 degrees. I will wait on that. I'm still wearing that winter coat, and I predict my boots aren't heading into storage any time soon.
Is your weather driving you to madness, too?
Have a terrific weekend!
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Addicted to Reading
I'll admit it. I have a problem. It's called addicted to reading. I can usually keep up with my magazine subscriptions, must-read romances, and various non-fiction and fiction from the library, but April and May aren't conducive for reading in my world. I have to squeeze in a chapter here and an article there. Do you see my pouty lip? I don't like this.
Another problem with this time of year is that I pile things. Then maybe--let's just say this could happen--I accidentally hit the ottoman and the piles tumble. And let's imagine that I toss a few more publications on top.
What you end up with is pictured below.
(Yes, that's my ottoman. With the scattered piles.)
I'm dying--dying!!--to read the two contemporary Christian romances that arrived in my mailbox this week, Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade and Catch a Falling Star by Beth Vogt. Mm, mm! You will be hearing about them later this month on my blog.
Oh, and I got a free subscription to a new magazine, Modern Farmer. (Free!!) No, I'm not a farmer, but I garden, like looking at chickens, and I have cousins who farm, so I figure that's good enough. It's full of interesting information about global farming, organic solutions, and it has tons of pretty pictures. Try it! You might like it!
You'll also see the array of UsWeekly's--I'll share my lil' nugget about that later--Midwest Living, RWR, Everyday with Rachael Ray, Woman's Day, Redbook, and a book about baseball by Yogi Berra.
So the UsWeekly thing. Recently I sat on the bleachers with one other mom, waiting for our sons' baseball game to start. The other team's coach came up to me and asked, "Are you the bookkeeper?" I replied, "Not unless the book is an UsWeekly." Then I chuckled to myself. It's good to make yourself laugh now and then.
Okay, what was the last thing you said that cracked you up? And what are you reading?
Have a great Wednesday!!
Another problem with this time of year is that I pile things. Then maybe--let's just say this could happen--I accidentally hit the ottoman and the piles tumble. And let's imagine that I toss a few more publications on top.
What you end up with is pictured below.
(Yes, that's my ottoman. With the scattered piles.)
I'm dying--dying!!--to read the two contemporary Christian romances that arrived in my mailbox this week, Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade and Catch a Falling Star by Beth Vogt. Mm, mm! You will be hearing about them later this month on my blog.
Oh, and I got a free subscription to a new magazine, Modern Farmer. (Free!!) No, I'm not a farmer, but I garden, like looking at chickens, and I have cousins who farm, so I figure that's good enough. It's full of interesting information about global farming, organic solutions, and it has tons of pretty pictures. Try it! You might like it!
You'll also see the array of UsWeekly's--I'll share my lil' nugget about that later--Midwest Living, RWR, Everyday with Rachael Ray, Woman's Day, Redbook, and a book about baseball by Yogi Berra.
So the UsWeekly thing. Recently I sat on the bleachers with one other mom, waiting for our sons' baseball game to start. The other team's coach came up to me and asked, "Are you the bookkeeper?" I replied, "Not unless the book is an UsWeekly." Then I chuckled to myself. It's good to make yourself laugh now and then.
Okay, what was the last thing you said that cracked you up? And what are you reading?
Have a great Wednesday!!
Monday, April 22, 2013
Things I Need to Google Today
The past three weeks have been crazy busy. C.R.A.Z.Y. We spent the weekend at a baseball tournament in a little town in southern Ohio where I lived for a few months when I was nine years old. Although we didn't have time to see the town, driving through the hills brought back fond memories.
My son might have pulled a muscle while pitching. I need to Google how to treat it.
Also, the weather here is driving me nuts. 30's and 40's aren't cutting it in my world for the end of April! (I AM thankful we aren't experiencing the snow of MN or the flooding of surrounding states.) I need to Google the weather. Sometimes a good forecast brightens my mood!
Um, the piles of library books around the house? I really need to Google my library to find out when they are due. Pretty sure the due date is soon. Whoops!
This week my daughter has a track meet at a school I'm unfamiliar with. I need to Google a map and directions.
By the end of the day I'll have done half a dozen Google searches, and that's normal for me. It's so easy to take the Internet for granted, but it enhances my life all the time! I'm grateful to get answers without having to leave the house or make phone calls.
What is on your agenda today?
Have a great Monday!
My son might have pulled a muscle while pitching. I need to Google how to treat it.
Also, the weather here is driving me nuts. 30's and 40's aren't cutting it in my world for the end of April! (I AM thankful we aren't experiencing the snow of MN or the flooding of surrounding states.) I need to Google the weather. Sometimes a good forecast brightens my mood!
Um, the piles of library books around the house? I really need to Google my library to find out when they are due. Pretty sure the due date is soon. Whoops!
This week my daughter has a track meet at a school I'm unfamiliar with. I need to Google a map and directions.
By the end of the day I'll have done half a dozen Google searches, and that's normal for me. It's so easy to take the Internet for granted, but it enhances my life all the time! I'm grateful to get answers without having to leave the house or make phone calls.
What is on your agenda today?
Have a great Monday!
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