25 years ago tomorrow, my younger sister, Heidi M Allen was kidnapped from the D & W Convenience Store located at the intersection of State Routes 104 and 104b in New Haven, New York. In April of 1994 my mother asked, "Where's Heidi?" 

My mom passed away on Heidi's birthday, September 14, 2015, her last thoughts were on her youngest daughter. She wanted to know where she was. Yet God called her home before she would know the answer to this question. One thing I'm thankful for, my mom learned the answer before facing the twenty-fifth anniversary of her youngest daughter's kidnapping and murder. The tenth anniversary was a challenge because it had been a "decade", usually decades are celebrated not memorialized. 

​This year, a quarter of a century later, Heidi remains missing. As Mother's Day approaches, I think of my mom (obviously, right) and share a reminder of her and her last wish...to know where Heidi is.

May this be the year God reveals where Heidi's body is so she can be shown the respect and love she deserves. Love you Mom! Happy Mother's Day in Heaven. You are always near in our thoughts.

Okay, so this is the second blog about my interview with Michelle Weidenbenner. I don't usually post two blogs about one interview but as I went through my blog drafts I found this one and laughed out loud.

I drafted it in December of 2018 after Michelle and I first decided to connect for an interview. Of course I forgot about it and made an all new blog in April after doing the interview. I don't know about you, but it still makes me chuckle.

​I could have deleted it and no one would have known but anyone who blogs know how much time goes into setting up one post, so rather than delete an hour of work...I'm sharing again. 

Happy listening. There must be a reason of person who needs Michelle's message. Happy listening and reading.

WRITE A LITTLE ABOUT OUR INTERVIEW

Website:
​http://michelleweidenbenner.com/

It is a good feeling when you are doing something you love and feel called to do. It's even better when you wake up each day to say "Thank you God" and mean it. I have a career I enjoy and look forward to doing as long as I can. I also have a gift to inspire and encourage others through my words.

This isn't something I do on my own, it is directly tied to my relationship, and faith, with God. He is my foundation, when I take my eyes and focus of of Him, this is when the words and ideas stop. It's taken me a few years to realize I lost focus. Instead of focusing on God's presence, I focused on MY loss. Instead of looking up, I looked at MYSELF. I, I, I, and me, me, me...it isn't about me or you...it's about Him.

Don't get me wrong, it's okay to grieve and work through our losses. We need time to process, heal, and move forward but when we refuse to move forward and only focus on ourselves. Grief and healing are cycles in our life and we need to go through each of them. The tricky part is not to stop in one stage longer than necessary or depression and other illnesses can creep into a productive life. I encourage you to look at your life. Is there something or someone you are missing? It's okay to miss our loved ones but it's not okay to miss our time with God, especially in the midst of our deepest pain.

Let's bring this back to the positive. Look at today's photo one more time. It's taken looking down the pier's rail. This is like life. We can choose to always see it as a straight line and without variation OR we can tilt our head, open our heart, and look at it with new eyes or from a new direction. Life is full of opportunities, don't let life's struggles, challenges, and losses ever take your eyes off your faith in God. You deserve to enjoy life and use the gifts God's given you to help others and also bring joy to yourself. 

This is an enjoyable and detailed read. I enjoy a good memoir because they help me learn about others, their experiences and how they embrace, fight, and handle them. One of my first and favorite memoir, non-fiction, reads was The Diary of Anne Frank. As I read Looking West: The Journey of a Labanese-American Immigrant, I thought about reading Anne Frank's diary. The detail of his surroundings and the emotion comes alive and I felt as if I was traveling with him. I've tried to imagine the difficulty of immigrants, especially during this time period, but I will admit, I underestimated the emotional, physical, and spiritual impact it has them, their families, and friends.

One of my favorite parts of the book is when he describes coming into the New York Harbor and seeing the top of the Statue of Liberty and straining to see the rest amidst all the smog. The love for America was immediate. He loved our country before he arrived yet it was Lady Liberty who hooked him. My heart ached for him when he wasn't allowed to tour the city because they had to catch their train to Albany, New York. The detail and love for his new home inspire me and reminded me of the first time I saw the Statue of Liberty, my journey wasn't life changing yet his description and that feeling in the pit of the stomach when you see her for the first time were spot on.

I recommend this book and encourage you to click on the links to read some of the other reviews. Some bloggers interviewed the author too. I enjoy visiting the other blogs after I write mine to learn more about the book and the author because each person who reads a book takes away a different view. Happy reading!!

About the Author
Albert Nasib Badre is an American author born in Beirut, Lebanon. He immigrated to the United States with his family in 1960 at the age of fourteen. His family made Albany, N.Y. their first home in America where he attended a private Catholic high school through his Junior year. After three years in Albany, the family moved to Iowa City, Iowa, when his father accepted a professor position at the University of Iowa. He finished his senior year at Iowa City High School, then went on to the University of Iowa where he got a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies. After college, he spent a year as a social worker in New York City. Deciding social work was not for him, he went on to pursue graduate studies at the University of Michigan where he got his Ph.D. in 1973.

He spent the next thirty years at the Georgia Institute of Technology, and today he’s Professor Emeritus of Computing. During his tenure at Georgia Tech, he was an international consultant specializing in designing technology to enhance the human experience. Dr. Badre was an early pioneer in the field of human-centric design, with some thirty years of experience in human-computer interaction, learning technologies, and human-centric e-learning. His background combines expertise in the empirical methodologies of the behavioral sciences and the design approaches of the computing sciences. 

Dr. Badre authored numerous technical papers, is co-editor of the book Directions in Human Computer Interaction, and the author of the book, Shaping Web Usability: Interaction Design in Context, which was adopted in several dozen courses worldwide. His memoirs, Looking West, is the story of his coming of age immigration to America and subsequent conversion to the Catholic Church.

Today, Dr. Badre and his wife live in Providence, R.I., near his son and family, where he leads a very active volunteer life, in service to the community. 

Ways to Follow & Connect Dr. Badre:
Website: https://www.badremusings.com

Twitter: @anbadre

Instagram: @anbadre

Goodreads: Albert_N_Badre
​www.goodreads.com/author/show/197752.Albert_N_Badre

Other Blogs on the Tour:
April 8th @ The Muffin
Albert Nasib Badre launches his tour of Looking West; The Journey of a Lebanese-American Immigrant with an interview and giveaway at the Muffin!
http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/

April 11th @ World of My Imagination with Nicole Pyles
Nicole Pyles shares her review of Looking West: The Journey of a Lebanese-American Immigrant with readers at World of My Imagination. Don't miss a chance to learn more about this heroic memoir.
https://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com/

April 12th @ Bring on Lemons with Crystal Otto
Crystal Otto shares a 5 star review or the touching and empowering memoir Looking Westby Albert Nasib Badre.
http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/

April 15th @ Selling Books with Cathy Stucker
Cathy Stucker interview Albert Nasib Badre about his empowering memoir Looking West; The Journey of a Lebanese-American Immigrant. Readers at Selling Books are looking forward to learning more about this touching journey.
https://www.sellingbooks.com/

April 16th @ To Write or Not to Write with Sreevarsha Sreejith 
Sreevarsha Sreejith reviews Looking West by Albert Nasib Badre. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from Sreevarsha and visit To Write or Not to Write.
http://sreevarshasreejith.blogspot.com/

April 16th @ Lisa Haselton Reviews and Interview
Don't miss today's empowering and honest interview between Lisa Haselton and Albert Nasib Badre - you will want to learn more about Looking West; The Journey of a Lebanese-American Immigrant in this touching memoir.
http://lisahaseltonsreviewsandinterviews.blogspot.com/

April 17th @ Linda Appleman Shapiro
Well known book reviewer and fellow memoirist Linda Appleman Shapiro reviews Looking West; The Journey of a Lebanese-American Immigrant by Albert Nasib Badre.
http://applemanshapiro.com/category/book-reviews/

April 19th @ Memoir Revolution with Jerry Waxler
Jerry Waxler thoroughly enjoyed reader Looking West; The Journey of a Lebanese-American Immigrant by Albert Nasib Badre and shares his thoughts with readers at Memoir Revolution. Don't miss this insightful review of Badre's touching memoir.
https://memorywritersnetwork.com/blog/

April 22nd @ Author Anthony Avina
Author Anthony Avina delights readers at his blog as he reviews the moving memoir Looking West by Albert Nasib Badre.
https://authoranthonyavinablog.com/

April 23rd @ Beverley A. Baird
Beverley A. Baird reviews the memoir Looking West: The Journey of a Lebanese-American Immigrant by Albert Nasib Badre.
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

April 25th @ Writing Through Life
Amber interviews Albert Nasib Badre about his moving memoir Looking West - don't miss this opportunity to learn more about the journey of this successful Lebanese-American immigrant.
http://writingthroughlife.com/

April 26th @ Breakeven Books
Today's author spotlight at Breakeven Books is none other than memoirist and immigrant Albert Nasib Badre with his touching story Looking West: The Journey of a Lebanese-American Immigrant. Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about this inspirational coming of age memoir.
https://breakevenbooks.com/

April 29th @ Coffee with Lacey
Lacey reviews "Looking West" by Albert Nasib Badre - readers at Coffee with Lacey will delight in this beautiful coming of age memoir and one man's journey as a Lebanese-American immigrant. 
https://coffeewithlacey.com/

April 30th @ Choices by Madeline Sharples
Today's guest post titled "The Backstory: Letters, Photos, and Conversations" is penned by Albert Nasib Badre. Don't miss this great post and opportunity to learn about Badre's memoir Looking West: The Journey of a Lebanese-American Immigrant.
http://madelinesharples.com/

May 7th @ Bring on Lemons with Karen Levy
Israeli-American author Karen Levy reviews Looking West: The Journey of a Lebanese-American Immigrant by Albert Nasib Badre.
http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/

When the Waves Subside: There is Hope is written by a daughter for her parents out of appreciation for their strength, love, and perseverance since the disappearance of their youngest daughter, Heidi M. Allen.

​My parents started to look for glass rocks while they were dating and after my sister and I joined the family, the tradition continued. "When the Waves Subside" represents the similarities between broken glass and the parent grieving the loss of their child.

Some of you may be surprised to see this as the first book in the spotlight, but it is the first book I published. Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey released on April 3, 2013 but When the Waves Subside: There is Hope released on February 1, 2013. 

My sister, Heidi Allen, kidnapped on Easter Sunday, April 3, 1994, left a forever hole in my parents' hearts. As they looked in the mirror after more than a decade they only say how much they aged. Regardless of how much I tried to encourage them, they only saw the sped-up aging process. What I saw was strength, determination, and beauty.

We aren't a mushy family so instead of shedding tears and still not coming up with the write words to express encouraging words, I went to my pen and paper. I wrote a poem . As I set the poem aside for the night, "to sleep on it", I awoke in the wee hours of the morning with an idea. I developed the poem into this book. An artist I am not, but I do enjoy taking pictures and do a decent job with it.

My idea was to take pictures, use my photo program, and turn them into pencil drawings or a watercolor. The pencil drawings came out the best. A tidbit many don't know is that the pictures in the book are of my daughter and our foreign exchange, French, daughter. I messaged her parents to explain what I'd like to do and sent them the poem. I asked their permission to use the photos. You can't tell who the kids are but I still wanted them to know. They were honored and looked forward to seeing the book.(I sent them one of the first proof books, then a few copies of the book after its release)

My parents were gifted this book for Christmas in 2012. It was still in the publication phase so it was the initial proof, held together in a binder because the publisher's proof hadn't arrived yet. I still remember my parents opening the box and they were silent. They read it together, more silence. neither of them spoke. I'll be honest, I was nervous. I wasn't sure if the lack of words was good or bad. When I couldn't take it any more I asked, "Well?" 

My Mom looked up with tears in her eyes. Dad stood up and said, "I need more coffee" but I noticed dampness in his eyes. It was a proud moment to know they finally understood the strength and beauty I saw in them. No more words were needed.

This book was published but not with an intent to be available to the public. Once the proofing process was complete and the book arrived, my parents started to share the book with their friends. I remember coming home from school and Mom asking me if I would be interested in selling the book. I shrugged my shoulders, "I don't care. It's yours and Dad's book. It's up to you."

I made the available for purchase on Amazon and order 20 copies to have on hand. Within a month, almost 100 copies sold. I was amazed, humbled, and blessed. My gift of encouragement to my parents in the form of a book is now a blessing for other parents who have lost a child. This is something I didn't expect and thank God for. I pray this book of hope encourages grieving parents for generations to come. A special thanks to my parents for sharing the book in those initial days, because of them, you know about the book today.

Since January I've been eating healthier, incorporating exercise, and using positive self-talk through meditation and positive affirmations.

I feel better.

I'm sleeping better.

I've increased my 0 days at the gym to at least 3 -4 times a week. I mix it up between yoga, aerobic classes, and full body workouts in the gym. The last few weeks it has been 4 - 5 times a week and it feels good! 

Over my Spring break a couple weeks ago I finally received new orthodics. Due to my plantar fasciitis and lack of orthodics, to walk for more than ten minutes was too painful. My feet hurt during aerobic classes but since muscles I forgot I had ached too, it was par for the course and I pushed through. Since getting my orthodics I've increased my walking time by 5 minutes each time. This past Friday, and today, I not only added running but was able to run half my cardio workout!! Woot Woot!

I walked for two minutes then ran for two minutes. It was great to speed up the metabolism, raise the heart rate, and have no pain in my feet. I celebrated with a little dance when I jumped off the treadmill, thank goodness there were only a couple people at the gym on a Friday night. This morning I planned to take a Zumba class but it was cancelled so I hit the treadmill before using a few machines. I was able to do the two minute intervals of running two days in a row and the only aching is in my legs, not the feet. 

Thank you Dr. Stanley - both myself and my feet thank you!

Happy Tuesday everyone! In the coming weeks I plan to spotlight each of my books in preparation for upcoming writers' conferences this summer. My hope and plan is attend at least one. As I gear up and plan, one thing I need to improve on is my elevator pitch and "selling myself" to agents and publishers. Like most writers, selling ourselves and our books is the greatest challenge.

I figured the best way to practice this is to dedicate a Tuesday to each of my books and promote it to all of you. Many of you have been following the blog since 2011 before my first book was published. Some of you started to following the blog after reading one of my books, and others, after hearing me speak at your church or event. Regardless of when or how you found this blog, thank you for your encouragement and support.

Over the next few Tuesdays, please share the blogs with your friends and family if you've read the books. If you've read them, would you take a few minutes to leave a review on Amazon and Goodreads? The more reviews an author as, the more Amazon will promote our books. Thank you in advance. 

Spring break is always different, it floats like the Easter holiday does. This year we have the week before Easter off and the Monday after. It has been a wonderful, relaxing, and full week. 

I've taken time to sleep, read, write, and refresh my heart and brain. It has been a much needed break. Maybe it's because I spent my February break horizontal with the flu and strep or maybe it's because this winter has dragged on. The reason doesn't matter, all that is important is that I followed through and took time to refresh and renew myself. 

When is the last time you took time for yourself? As we look ahead to Easter, it's important to remember the Ultimate Sacrifice. God allowed His Only Son to suffer death on the cross for sins He didn't commit. He did this for you and for me.

What does this have to do with taking time for yourself? The way I see it, we aren't supposed to carry the burdens and weight of the world on our shoulders. Instead, we are to give it to God because He 1) already overcame the world and 2) He already won the battle. In preparation for Easter you may have given something up or focused on doing something to draw closer to God. It's through your sacrifice and dedication that you are able to hear from God more.

In order to hear from God, you need to slow down, remove the background noises, and listen. I'm thankful for this week off before Easter...I've taken time to listen. Have you?

I had the pleasure this past week to interview Michelle Weidenbenner on my podcast. To listen to the interview, you can click here or there is a link embedded below the cover art for Michelle's podcast. I've "known" Michelle for a few years now. I say known in quotes because we've yet to physically meet but we've communicated so much via email, social media, and on the phone...it feels as if we have met in person. 

Michelle and I visited for almost an hour doing the podcast interview, you have joy to listen to a little over twenty  minutes of our conversation when you listen to the podcast. Click here to jump to the podcast, or click below this section.

Michelle and I first met because I had the privilege to review one of her books. Michelle's writing talents vary, from adult to children's books. Her faith shines through in her writing and whether you are reading one of her adult books or one of books in the Eclair series. In addition to writing her own books, Michelle is also a writing coach. She shares her gift and knowledge on writing to helps others too. In her free time, she volunteers, speaks, podcasts, and raises her grandchildren.

It's her podcast and grandchildren that bring her to us today, both here on the blog and on my podcast. Michelle's podcast, "HOPE - Support for Parents of Addicted Loved Ones" is a passion and mission for Michelle. She shares the authentic journey of her role as parent, grandparent, and caregiver. She offers support for other parents with ways she and her husband thought they were helping, only to learn they weren't. She keeps it real and her faith in Jesus is the foundation for the success, joy, love, and compassion she has and shares with her listeners. 

In addition to the podcast, Michelle is working on a new website as another resource for her podcast listeners. There is a link listed below but "It's under construction" at the time of this post. Be patient and listen to her podcast to learn when it goes live.

I encourage you to take twenty minutes and listen to Michelle's interview on the podcast. I'm thankful not to be the parent of an addicted loved one. With this being said, I still catch her podcast when I can because I have friends and family who are or have been addicts. Michelle's honest and heartfelt messages encourage me and offer ways to be a better friend and family member. 

Now I understand a nutritious smoothie includes BOTH fruits and vegetables. ​Then there is the quality of the fruits and vegetables, when FRESH isn't in season and an option, then using frozen is the better alternative. And to take it a step further, a road I did not plan to travel is the benefit and nutritional value of eating organic.

Yup, I've gone to the dark side, or I should say the brighter and healthier side...organic and fresh. Guess what, I ENJOY it and feel the difference. Just to make sure I'm not imagining the difference, I bought regular, or "non-organic" vegetables. Here's the real deal, I didn't notice any flavor differences BUT my body's ability to metabolize them was notably different. So organic it is...

Then there is the protein powder. I've been a Young Living Independent Distributor for more than a decade. I enjoy and benefit from their essential oils and up until this past January, their various shakes and protein drinks. In January I was introduced to Thorne's Mediclear - SGS. I noticed the difference right away, then when I started adding organic kale and organic spinach to the smoothies, the benefits only increased. In March I switched back to the ones I used to use and within a week...it was clear (pun intended) not all proteins for a smoothie are not created equal, at least for my system. 

I've given away four containers of protein powders and made the switch to the Mediclear for now on. My digestive system, energy, and sleep quality are worth a healthier and more natural smoothie. 

Why do I share this with you? My simple answer, 1) to keep it real and 2) if a woman like me can make the switch to a healthier life style and eating patterns...you can too. 

As I enjoy smoothies, I'm looking for some new recipes to try. Do you have a favorite to share with me and other smoothie fans?

Okay, so this isn't a recent photo but with snow in the forecast for tomorrow I thought it was fitting. It's common to have snow in April and even on Mother's Day in my neck of the woods. I think this is the reason I'm not as excited on the "First Day of Spring". Why get all hyped up for the notion of warmer weather when we know more snow and cold is around the corner? Right!? 

On the flip side, I think the date of Spring gives hope to people who haven't felt their toes and noses in months. For me, the date reminds me to get my spring cleaning done so when warmer weather and sunshine returns I can be outside raking, digging in the dirt, and reading a good book on the deck. 

As I dropped my aunt off after Bible study tonight, she opened her door and we were serenaded by the peepers!! Peepers...this is a true sign of Spring. It might be snowing tomorrow but for tonight, the peepers are singing. Spring is coming...snow and peepers!

As you take time this Saturday I hope you find time to spend with God and give Him your heart, your life, and time. Time is the most valuable commodity in today's society. Too often we are going, going, going...passed out. We have become so busy that it seems we don't have time for the things that matter.

As a child, our parents only let us participate in one thing at a time. Today it seems kids are involved in at least one, if not two or three different things - sports, scouts, clubs, and such. This doesn't allow time for family when you are running from event to event, especially when your kids are in different sports on different schedules.

I can't change the world with this blog or my post yet I can change my prayers for people to find time with their families, especially their children. I was a "mean mom" when our daughter was younger because she was only allowed to do one thing at a time, often forcing her to make tough choices yet as an adult, she's learned how to prioritize and budget her time. We need to choose what matters the most and make time for that.

If you are already borderline in agreement then my next statement might push you over the edge, there were things my daughter wanted to do as a child that I told her no because it happened on Sunday. We all need a day where there aren't commitments to organizations, others, and teams.

Families shouldn't have to choose between team God and x, y, or z. Sadly, this is where society is. Instead of Sunday being a day of worship, rest, and relaxation...it's become a day to cram in the tings people couldn't fit into the week or one more game or meeting. I want to challenge you...time is valuable. 

Can you carve out time for yourself? Your family? For God? This weekend...you deserve it and God's waiting to hear from you and has your back, even when we are too busy to recognize it. Please take a few minutes to listen to "Here's my Heart" by Casting Crowns after reading this blog, mute your phone, hit the play button, close your eyes and take time for you...for you and God...you deserve it!

Today is a whirlwind of emotions, it feels like only yesterday when the phone rang to say, "Heidi is missing, get to the store." We remember it like yesterday but the weight of 9,131 days or 300 months of not knowing where Heidi is weigh us down.

Each day I put my feet on the floor, there is a prayer and hope for the new day. May this be the day Heidi is returned home. May this be the day my parents, now my dad, can know where there youngest daughter is. Life is full ups and downs.

We have people in our lives that support us and people who attempt to bring us down. The goal and hope is there is a balance with more good than the latter. I encourage you to focus on the good, cherish each moment, and never...never...take a moment for granted. When given the opportunity to make a memory with someone you love, choose the memory making over the mundane. Tomorrow, or a minute from now are not guaranteed BUT this very moment is. It's here.

Thank you for remembering Heidi and all our missing. As you light a candle this evening at 7:42 p.m., say a prayer for Heidi's return and if you will, say a prayer for all our missing and their families. May all the missing be reunited with their families and may their parents not have to close their eyes one more night without knowing where their precious child is. Pray no more children and adults are taken against their will...may this epidemic come to an end.

Tomorrow marks the twenty fifth year since Heidi's disappearance. Heidi Allen went to work on Easter Sunday morning but didn't return home to enjoy dinner or her college graduation the following month.

On one hand it seems like yesterday and on the other...the weight of twenty five years is evident. You wouldn't think both feelings could happen at the same time, yet they do. It's hard to explain unless you've experienced a tragic or unexpected loss. If you understand this, I'm sorry, may The Light encourage you too.

The pain doesn't lessen and our hope doesn't falter...25 years later we still hold out hope for Heidi. To remember Heidi, and all the missing, instead of a public gathering ~ we hope to fill social media with pictures of candles...lighting the way home for Heidi and all our missing. This is one way to spread hope as we remember Heidi on a difficult day. Thank you in advance...there will also be a special blog tomorrow for Heidi.

Have you ever been going through something in your life and keep it to yourself? Can anyone relate? In the midst of chaos, hurts, trials, and challenges you leave the house for work and errands.

You look forward to the routine and being busy? Only a trusted few know how your heart is racing, breaking, and hurting so you're able to face the day and accomplish the list of tasks on the table. It's not that you are devastated or crushed, you just have heavier things weighing on your mind, right? Anyone out there ever feel like this? Maybe I'm alone, but I don't think so.

Have you ever been moving through the day feeling like, "I got this." and then BAM! Someone approaches with encouraging words to help you through a difficult time. You shake your head because you thought you had it together. Guess what, you probably did, or do. BUT God knows what you need, He knows what I need. God brings people into our lives with the words we need to hear, at the moment we need them - if we are open to hearing from Him.

As you go through your day with life's burdens on your shoulders, I pray you know God loves you and holds you in the palm of His hands. You are not alone and don't have to wear a mask. It's okay to put on a smile and not share with everyone yet I encourage you to trust someone with the weight. Most importantly, give it to God. He is faithful and will carry you through it. Notice I said "through it". 

Some of these journeys are necessary in life and we learn from them, grow stronger, and are better able to help someone else down the highway. I pray you know how much you are loved and cared for. Regardless of the mask you put on today, let it me one of joy, love, and hope...you aren't going through this alone.

It's the season of Lent, the weeks leading up to Easter. As a child, growing up in a mostly Catholic family, we "gave up" something for Lent. This includes meat on Friday. As an adult and while attending the New Haven Alliance Church I learned about not just "fasting" something but to maximize the beauty and healing of Lent, we should be "doing something" to draw closer to God. I liked this idea, instead of focusing on what I gave up, when I missed whatever it was I gave up, I'd spend time in The Word or doing something to build my relationship with God. 

I don't attend either of these churches anymore yet the life lessons remain with me. Yesterday, pastor shared this same concept of doing something to draw closer to God and giving up something but using words to make it fun. (This is my take on it anyway, I like words and these spoke to me) Instead of "giving up and doing something", pastor suggested, "Fasting and Feasting"! 

Fasting

Feasting

Fasting and Feasting during Lent...this will stick with me. I love it! It doesn't change the purpose or meaning of Lent or what I already do BUT through these words, it brings a new energy and joy to Lent for me. I've always viewed "fasting" as something difficult and painful yet the way in which pastor explained it, to fast, is a blessing and opportunity to draw closer to God and eliminate the ick keeping me from my relationship with God. 

Okay, so this isn't anything new. It's not even new to my blog BUT as I listened and digested this yesterday, the Holy Spirit nudged me and helped me to change my morning routine and figure out how to get everything in, starting with the most important thing...time with God. Want to hear more, check out today's podcast. Click here.

It's through this time that I connect and find the strength to get through whatever the day might bring my way.

I'm ready, are you?