Just Do It!

You’re invited to read the following notes I wrote to myself. If anything hits home, I’d love to hear about it. (And thanks again to Nike for the inspiration for the theme.)

Don’t feel like bundling up and going out in the snow to church?

Just do it!

Don’t feel like doing today’s scripture reading?

Just do it!

Don’t feel like conversing with God in prayer?

Just do it!

Don’t feel like writing an old-fashioned letter?

Just do it!

Don’t feel like pushing through until the certification requirements are complete?

Just do it!

Don’t feel like doing the research and prepping manuscripts for submissions – and sending them off?

Just do it!

Don’t feel like humbling yourself, admitting you were wrong, and facing up to things?

Just do it!

Don’t feel like doing what you know is right?

Just do it!

January 29 ROW Check-in

Happy Sunday, my fellow ROWers.

So, here it is…

Job Applications

My mother used to say, “If in doubt, don’t.” I found myself applying that principle this past week. I did get a nibble from one of my job apps, but I just wasn’t settled about pursuing it for a number of reasons.

Editing

Deb is looking over the complete manuscript. I will make whatever changes she indicates, and then we will be sending it off to a well-known personality. Deb would like her to write the endorsement, and her assistant requested the manuscript: a good sign, I’d say. Plus, we will be meeting with a publisher late February/early March. Since he has requested a sit-down, face-to-face, we are encouraged.

Laura has sent off her manuscript to the publisher and was very pleased with my edit. Yay!

Write! On – I’m glad I read this. I might have forgotten to send it off today. Whew! Thank goodness for ROW.

I’m awaiting word on a very big job. It would require several months of work. Here’s hoping.

Writing

I wrote my blog posts and a picture book manuscript this week. I hope to get some more writing done today.

Submissions

I have three days to get something fired off. I, for sure, want to make this at least a monthly occurrence.

Reading

I’ve started a new book for Blogging for Books and another for Booksneeze: From Blah to Awe and A Sound Among the Trees . I’m enjoying them both.

I downloaded six free chapters from Frank Peretti’s newest book, due out in March. The first chapter is incredibly compelling. By the looks of it, I’ll be adding this book to my 2012 To Be Read list.

I’m poking away at Shadowed in Silk. It’s one of those tragic love stories I want to set aside, but feel compelled to continue reading. I haven’t gotten this emotional about a book in quite a while.

I’m also reading unEmployed Faith. The author makes some great points, and I’m looking forward to reviewing this book later this week.

I’ve also agreed to read and review The Other Baby Book. The author is in the process of doing the final edit and formatting it. I love getting in on the ground floor.

I’m thinking I should get a paying job reading. I could live with that.

Volunteer Work

I’m on top of things for the time being.

Exercise & Fitness

No matter what else I skip, I’m keeping up with the Push Up Challenge. It was one of the last things I did before bed last night.

I have to find the balance between easing up on the numbers thing while still getting adequate exercise.

I have two workouts scheduled with my w/o buddy again for this coming week. We missed one this past week because the door wasn’t open and I didn’t want to knock and risk waking her hubby.

ROW Specific Goals

Check in twice per week. on target

Stop by fellow ROWers’ sites every Monday or Thursday. Good intentions and all…I must do better. I must do better.

Continue connecting with my writing buddy regularly. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JULIE.

Housekeeping

<twiddling thumbs and averting eyes>

Bad Habit

Could be better. Could be worse. How non-committal is that?

Today’s Thought…

To quote my mother, “If in doubt, don’t.”

Childbirth Questions Answered

How is a doula different from a doctor or midwife?

A doula doesn’t make medical decisions or perform medical procedures.

Isn’t it enough to have my partner with me during labour and childbirth?

Though the best doulas care deeply for their clients, there is not the same kind of emotional attachment. It is easier for them to remain objective.

Your doula is familiar with the different ways labour progresses and can offer various comfort measures without becoming overwhelmed by what you’re going through.

I’m a private person and anticipate wanting to be alone for much of my labour.

The wonderful thing about a sensitive and skilled doula is that she will give you your space. If you need her, it’s nice to know she’s there. And those comfort measures might be more helpful than you imagine.

My mom and my partner will be there. Surely I don’t need a doula. Do I?

Again, a doula doesn’t have the same emotional connection as your loved ones do. Your doula will help you stick with your birth plan – when it’s in your best interests and that of the baby.

If you want to continue, but are finding it a challenge, your loved ones might recommend interventions you would rather avoid. At that point, you might not have the determination to argue with them.

If, however, you want to make a change to your birth plan, your doula will not stand in your way. It is her responsibility to support you in whatever decisions you make.

I plan to have my baby in the hospital. Why would I consider hiring a doula?

A doula is there to support you at all times. Nurses are in an out, and there may be a shift change during your labour. Your midwife might also be in and out, tending to more than one labouring mom at a time. If you have an OB, he or she will only be there toward the end of your labour.

These individuals will not provide the uninterrupted care and encouragement your doula will give.

Plus, if you have a doula, your partner is free to grab a snack or a nap as needed.

Why wouldn’t I just go ahead and follow my doctor’s instructions without question?

A doula will provide you with resources for you to explore your options, many of which you might never have considered. In the end, it is up to you to make the decisions about your pregnancy, childbirth, and how you will raise your children. However, it is best to make educated choices and give informed consent to any procedure you undergo.

Many, if not most, doctors view labour and childbirth as medical occurrences. They view you and your baby as patients. While there are times their training and expertise are needed, in many cases, labour and childbirth can proceed without medical intervention.

Plus, there are drawbacks to ever medical intervention and procedure. It is up to you to determine if the benefits outweigh the risks.

If you have questions about pregnancy, childbirth, and/or if hiring a labour doula is right for you, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Simplifying Life

I’m excited. It’s only January 28, and I’ve already learned some important lessons about simplifying my life.

I was very concerned about my three grown kids. And then one day in church, it hit me: I had to recommit them to the Lord. The most important thing is that they live their lives in such a way that God is honoured and glorified. And that’s so much more than simply how they behave. It’s about their relationships with Him and the condition of their hearts and how their lives fit with His overall plan. As their mother, I will never stop praying for them. However, after taking my hands off, as it were, I experienced peace like never before.

It’s much simpler when I remember God must have the #1 place in my life.

I also had to face the fact that I don’t share my faith more deliberately because 1) I don’t want to get the timing wrong or fumble the words and 2) I don’t want others to think less of me. That second one is incredibly embarrassing. If I truly care about my family and friends, I should want to share the best news ever with them.

It simplifies that big question when I realize this is the most important thing I will ever accomplish. The Question: What is my purpose?

I’ve dealt with a bad habit for decades. It isn’t as dramatic or dangerous as smoking or using drugs, but it has all the earmarks of an addiction. And as long as I downplayed and denied it, it had power over me. Well, as crazy as it seems, I listed overcoming this habit in my list of goals over at A Round of Words in 80 Days. Putting it out there was a very good thing. It’s still not a thing of the past, but at least it’s out in the open.

It simplifies life when we don’t hide our weaknesses. Knowing that others know about them makes us face them head-on, at least it does me.

And speaking of things I’ve been hiding…

I’ve never been good with money. Our finances are testimony to that. However, over the course of the last year, I’ve been learning some important lessons. It feels good not to spend what I don’t have. I get a sense of satisfaction walking through the stores without feeling compelled to buy anything. No matter how pretty or shiny or delicious something looks, I’ve learned to say no – especially when I have something that will serve the same function at home.

It is still an uphill battle, but learning not only to say no, but finding great satisfaction in doing so, is very liberating.

I’ve learned other lessons as well, but these are some of the highlights, and hey, it isn’t even February yet.

Soil Types

As always, I find reading Luke 8:4-15 very sobering.

Let’s look at the highlights.

When sown, some seed falls…

- on the path

- on rocky soil

- among thorns

- on good soil

As you probably know, the seed refers to the Word of God; the soil, our hearts.

In my life, did the Word fall upon the path? No, I believe the Scriptures are true. One down; three to go.

Is my heart filled with rocky soil? Well, at times I would have said yes. The times of testing – though, if I’m honest, haven’t been anything like what others face – tripped me up a little. Even during my darkest times, I knew there really was nowhere else to go. I might not understand the Lord or His ways, but I know I can count on them.

The next type of soil I’d rather not discuss. This is the part that always trips me up. Listen to it from the ESV. “And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life…” (v. 14).

Ew, yuck!

How will I pay my bills?

Should I find a job flipping burgers?

Should we move into a smaller place?

How can we help our kids when we have debt to pay off?

And on it goes.

What do I want?

I want a heart of good soil. I want to hear the Word, hold fast, and bear much fruit.

What can I do about it?

I can read the Scriptures and meditate on them. I can pray. I can fellowship with believers.

And…

I can trust Him to provide for our needs and show me what steps to take.

Mostly…

I have to count on him to work up the soil and bring forth an abundant harvest for His honour and His glory.

Confessions…Let’s Begin

Dishes

Laundry

Meals to cook

Papers

Folders

Take a look

Vaccuum

Scrubbing

Windows too

Boxes

Tin cans

Lots to do

Sorting

Tossing

Get ahead

Resting

Napping

Calling – bed

Wake up

Perk up

Shake your head

Sunshine

Bright light

Overhead

Study

Writing

Reading lots

Blogging

Chatting

Story plots

Come on

Let’s go

You can win

Can do

Do it

Let’s begin

Tooth for Tooth

As a parent, how would you feel if you discovered your child had been abused? What would you do? How would you cope? Could you ever forgive while still holding the abuser accountable? In Tooth for Tooth, the author (and my friend), Kimberley Payne addresses these issues.

In the book, I found…

Characters I care about.

Others I want to clobber.

Growth, change, and development of the key characters.

Emotions I can relate to.

Situations that matter to me.

Big themes – especially forgiveness.

Matters of faith organically woven into the story.

A hope-filled, cathartic ending that isn’t “perfect.”

These are all reasons I recommend reading Tooth for Tooth.

You can hear Kimberley reading an excerpt from her story here.

You can visit her site here.

Writing Prompts

If you would like a springboard for your writing, I invite you to check out Monday Motivation here.

January 23 – Ephiphanies

January 30 – Fears and Apprehensions

February 6 – I’m not sure yet, but it will likely be something along the lines of The Joys of Getting Older.

Hope you can pop by often.

Rebellious Fitness Goals

I’ve heard far too much talk about what is now considered “overweight” and “plus sizes.” For just a minute, I was going to buy into it – ever so slightly.

Now, I was not aiming to be a Size 6. That would be crazy. However, I set an unrealistic goal based on numbers, as if achieving those numbers would make me more valuable – or more valued.

Not gonna happen!

My new goals for 2012…

1. Exercise for at least one half hour six times per week.

2. Drink more water.

3. Eat more vegetables.

4. Eat more fruit.

5. Eat less processed food.

6. Eat fewer unhealthy snacks.

7. Eat fewer desserts.

8. Make healthier choices when I eat out.

9. Eat more regularly.

12. Seek to encourage others to exercise and eat well for what I believe are the right reasons.

Here’s to your health!

Hooray for Dentists

And now for another Dr. Seuss-esque poem…

Ow! That hurt

I had to say,

Ignore it,

It will go away.

Now that’s a plan

I like a lot,

As long as I

Eat nothing hot,

And I don’t chew

Upon that side,

Nothing baked

Or mashed or fried.

And then they call,

Imagine that,

To see my kid,

Oh goodness…Drat!

They found me out,

They always do,

So now today

I’m feeling blue.

My dentist’s nice,

My dentist’s kind,

Let’s go for coffee,

I don’t mind.

I’d rather that

Than open wide,

But that won’t fix

What’s wrong inside.

So off I go

To see the doc,

She’ll fix me up

At 10 o’clock.

And then I’ll say,

That’s not so bad,

Great, it’s done,

And I am glad.

So, yay for dentists

And their crew

They fixed me up

As good as new.