Keeping it Real...Welcome! No matter how you found this, God knew you'd be here today. May you absorb the message He has for you. In 2011 I shared through my writing, today I've learned there is more to me than just writing. I have the energy and passion to share with others. Sometimes through Facebook live and others with my blog and most importantly, I've learned my passion to cook and bake is a vessel to share my writing and live presentations, while glorifying God in the process. I just needed to let go, and follow His lead.
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2/29/2020
How Big is Your Brain? While driving onto Kent University's campus this past week we were greeted by one big brain. With my desire to know more, I looked it up. This brain is located on the Roadside America Website as a place to visit. According to an online article, by Samantah Worgull, titled, "The Brain", states: "Meet me at the brain. A common landmark for students at Kent State, the 13-foot statue made of red sandstone sits outside of Merrill Hall. The statue was designed by Professor Emeritus of Art Brinsley Tyrrell and has been talked about since its placement in 2001. Admirers can follow the stem of the brain to a small plaza containing a smaller brain, a fountain and benches with sculpted books as the backrest. The statue and its surrounding parts are a symbol of knowledge, so take a walk by the brain; maybe you’ll learn something." Did you find any of this interesting? I hope, I know I did. It's the little, or not so little in this case, things that can inspire and motivate us. This statue is a reminder to me, and you, to use your brain for all it's designed and empowered to do. We each have a choice, we can use this power for good or for not-so-good. I choose the positive and good. “If you realized how powerful your thoughts are, What positive thoughts are you thinking? Oh happy day! This picture is from a couple weeks ago when I was on vacation. Life is about choices. I could have said I was on vacation and skipped exercising but instead, I packed my gym bag and made sure to get my workouts in. Instead of the elevator, I took the stairs. I brought my water bottle so I didn't buy soda. I brought my Bible and used it. I made a conscience choice prior to leaving the house. Vacations are supposed to recharge us. They are supposed to help us relax and return us home with a calmer outlook, ready to conquer the daily tasks associated with work, raising a family, and being a member of the busy society we live in. Yet it seems that most people plan vacations so full of "things to do" that we've forgotten to relax. When our daughter shared her invitation to interview at three graduate colleges out of state and we realized it lined up with my February break. Yoo Hoo! Not only would our daughter not have to travel alone during the winter, I had the opportunity to relax for a change. Not only did we have a great time of bonding but while she was at the colleges and I was at the hotel alone for days at a time...relaxation was the mission. It was a win-win for everyone involved. Our daughter experienced bigger universities and I learned it was okay to relax and take time alone. Most importantly, I now understand the importance of making time for yourself. Ladies, you need to take time for yourself. You'll be a better daughter, wife, mother, and friend. When is the last time you relaxed?
2/25/2020
T.O.P.'s Tuesday: Pen or Keyboard I know I've asked this question before yet I also know there are many new followers on the blog and this question is one discussed often at writers' conferences and writers' groups so it's worth posing again. Personally, I still prefer to sit and write with pen and paper, or should I say pencil? I have a favorite type of paper to use for the "type" of writing I'm doing. If I'm sitting to write then I also have a favorite pencil and pen type I like to use. If I don't have these then it's a mental block in my writing process. It's silly yet when I think about athletes and their must haves, I figure it's just a writer's crutch or is it a cushion? Hmm... While I strive to write every day, some is on the computer and others are by hand with a pen or pencil on my yellow steno pad. Sometimes which I choose depends on my mood, or the weather, or the topic. Of course there are the days when the notes are written on a napkin, sticky note, or delivery bag because it's all I have to write on. I keep soap crayons in the bathroom so if inspiration hits while in the shower. Just like a a singer is meant to sing, a writer is meant to write. What are you called to do? If you are a writer, which do you prefer?"Give it Up and Draw In"...A Lenten Devotional This book is a surprise to many, actually, everyone. A few people knew I was writing while traveling with my daughter yet they didn't know I was working on a book. To be honest, neither did I. The weeks leading up to our road trip I prayed for God to give me the words He wanted me to write. I felt the Holy Spirit telling me to write a devotional but thought this wasn't my thing. The first few days of the trip I dove into my concordance and Bible, looking up different verses. By the end of the second day I saw a theme, a pattern, and a devotional. I spent the next day diving into my Bible more and reading more verses than could be used in one devotional yet each one offered message from God. When I research Bible verses for a book or a speaking engagement, my routine is the same. First, I write down the address of as many verses as possible about the subject I'm researching and learning about. Next, I look up all the verses, hand writing each verse that speaks to my heart. After this, I go back and read all the verses I've looked up and written. I ask God to direct me to the verses He has for me to share. It was through this last process that I heard, felt, the Holy Spirit, direct me to a Lenten devotional. I was shocked and nervous, but obedient. The days that followed were spent organizing and laying out the devotional. I start the Tuesday prior to Ash Wednesday, known as "Fat Tuesday" or "Shrove Tuesday" and it concludes the Monday after Easter. Each day has a key Bible verse with an "Additional Bible Reading" after the devotional. If you've never read a devotional, they are short and sweet, similar to my blog. A quick message but with a Bible verse to get you thinking and more verses to help you dig deeper.  This won't be available for you this year, at least not during Lent but there are ARC (Advanced Reader Copies) in the hands of a few people for this year. I'm grateful for their willingness to read my unedited Lenten devotional. In order to have it in their hands for Lent, the ARC readers only have the first twenty days. I look forward to hearing their feedback about the physical appeal of the book and if the devotionals speak to their heart and help to draw them closer to God during their Lenten journey. I extend a special thanks to those taking time to read my new devotional, starting tomorrow. May God use this as a tool to draw you closer to Him and find a new nugget of truth in the Bible as you read each day. If you are interested in learning when this is available for sale, leave a comment below and continue to follow the blog. I'd love for it to be available to everyone this year, but I don't want to make a promise I can't keep. My hope and prayer for you and this devotional, may it release in God's timing and may it touch many hearts and lives, drawing more to Him and growing His kingdom. Is a Lenten Devotional something
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What goals do you have & what are you doing to reach them? Will you share in a comment below?
2/16/2020
Not My Average Sunday Drive
It has been a wonderful, relaxing, and exciting few days as I travel with my daughter for her assistantship interviews at a couple schools out of state. We live in a beautiful country and I'm thankful for this opportunity. I'm grateful for the invite from my daughter and for the means for both of us to do so.
As we left one University and headed to the next, we drove around in the wee hours so I could see some of the city and college. I found the brick structures, walkways and roads breathtaking. I felt as if I stepped back in time and to a quieter time. Of course we took our drive at 7 a.m. on a Sunday morning so it was easy to get swept up in the serenity of the moment.
Once we arrived at the next university, I spent time checking out the area. We went from a serenity to a bigger city, more cars, highways, and busy. In spite of the increase of traffic and roadways, the people I've met are just as friendly and wonderful. The front desk attendant is a student at the university my daughter is interviewing at, and recently visited the other. When my daughter gets here, the clerk offered to answer any questions my daughter has. I love the way God works and makes connections.
Although I couldn't attend church this morning physically, thanks to our church's live stream, I was able to be there for the start of church and will finish it this afternoon. Modern technology has some cool benefits, doesn't it? With that, it's time for me to chill out next to the pool and get some more writing done.
As we left one University and headed to the next, we drove around in the wee hours so I could see some of the city and college. I found the brick structures, walkways and roads breathtaking. I felt as if I stepped back in time and to a quieter time. Of course we took our drive at 7 a.m. on a Sunday morning so it was easy to get swept up in the serenity of the moment.
Once we arrived at the next university, I spent time checking out the area. We went from a serenity to a bigger city, more cars, highways, and busy. In spite of the increase of traffic and roadways, the people I've met are just as friendly and wonderful. The front desk attendant is a student at the university my daughter is interviewing at, and recently visited the other. When my daughter gets here, the clerk offered to answer any questions my daughter has. I love the way God works and makes connections.
Although I couldn't attend church this morning physically, thanks to our church's live stream, I was able to be there for the start of church and will finish it this afternoon. Modern technology has some cool benefits, doesn't it? With that, it's time for me to chill out next to the pool and get some more writing done.
How did you, or are you, spending your Sunday?
2/6/2020
An Unproductive & Restful Day
For years I have jumped out of bed when the "Snow Day" phone call came through. Once I finished the happy dance, I made way to the kitchen and started cinnamon roll dough so when my daughter woke up, warm cinnamon rolls were coming out of the oven and cooled just enough for the icing. Well, the daughter isn't five anymore and my need and ambition aren't as high either. This morning I read the "Snow Day" text, shut off my alarms, and rolled over and returned to a deep slumber.
Yup, times are a changing. Last year I still jumped out of bed but today, the idea of an extra hour of sleep sounded way better. I did make homemade waffles when I finally got out of bed. I read for a bit but struggled to keep my eyes open. After a couple minutes I thought to myself, Why am I struggling to stay awake? I can take a nap, and that is exactly what I did. Back to bed I went for an hour nap. I woke up to my Dad calling to say he made his delicious Swedish meatballs for dinner. After I got out of bed, hubby and I went to Dad's for supper and back to chill-axin.
I was bummed to use the snow day yet thrilled to catch up on sleep and this unplanned day of rest and relaxation. I hope you enjoyed your Thursday too!
Yup, times are a changing. Last year I still jumped out of bed but today, the idea of an extra hour of sleep sounded way better. I did make homemade waffles when I finally got out of bed. I read for a bit but struggled to keep my eyes open. After a couple minutes I thought to myself, Why am I struggling to stay awake? I can take a nap, and that is exactly what I did. Back to bed I went for an hour nap. I woke up to my Dad calling to say he made his delicious Swedish meatballs for dinner. After I got out of bed, hubby and I went to Dad's for supper and back to chill-axin.
I was bummed to use the snow day yet thrilled to catch up on sleep and this unplanned day of rest and relaxation. I hope you enjoyed your Thursday too!
If you had a snow day,
how did you spend the day?
"I am stressed!"
Have you ever found yourself saying this? I know I have. In the past (and in past, I mean a year ago) I didn't have healthy habits to handle stress or challenges. These unhealthy habits drove me to overeating, overworking, and insomnia. As you know, this combination develops into exhaustion, moodiness, and obesity. Well, at least for me it did. Maybe you've had more luck but I'm guessing if you're habits for dealing with the tough times are similar to mine then you understand all too well.
Here's the deal, we NEED HEALTHY HABITS to deal with our stress. Last January when I started working with Dr. Jack Kunkel to adjust my eating habits, one of the first lessons I learned is how important our mental thoughts were to our success. This isn't just our mental health but also our physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being. I started a daily affirmation statement and meditation, along with daily tapping. I shared links about each, these aren't the ones Dr. Jack Kunkel used yet I believe they will help you have a better understanding. My affirmation and meditation are Scripture. My connection and foundation lie in my faith so I spent time choosing verses to help me grow stronger on all levels. If Scripture isn't your thing, then there are many affirmations and meditations out there, ready to go, just use your search engine.
Another healthy habit I use now is to exercise instead of eat. This past December someone close to me had a health scare and spent days on the ventilator. This was a challenging time for all who care for her. I had to make a conscience decision each day to choose exercise, prayer, and healthier habits to combat my stress. It would have been easy to get soda from the vending machine and eat hospital cafeteria food each day but I chose to bring my water bottle, healthy snacks, and something to keep my fingers busy. My weight loss stalled BUT I didn't gain weight so I count this as a win. In life, we must celebrate the successes. On a bigger level, celebrate life in general because tomorrow may not come.
I share this with you today because we all, even our dogs, need to get rid of the excess or nervous energy. We may not use a "dog park" to deal with our stress BUT we need to have healthy options for when the need to burn off energy happens. What are you doing?
Have you ever found yourself saying this? I know I have. In the past (and in past, I mean a year ago) I didn't have healthy habits to handle stress or challenges. These unhealthy habits drove me to overeating, overworking, and insomnia. As you know, this combination develops into exhaustion, moodiness, and obesity. Well, at least for me it did. Maybe you've had more luck but I'm guessing if you're habits for dealing with the tough times are similar to mine then you understand all too well.
Here's the deal, we NEED HEALTHY HABITS to deal with our stress. Last January when I started working with Dr. Jack Kunkel to adjust my eating habits, one of the first lessons I learned is how important our mental thoughts were to our success. This isn't just our mental health but also our physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being. I started a daily affirmation statement and meditation, along with daily tapping. I shared links about each, these aren't the ones Dr. Jack Kunkel used yet I believe they will help you have a better understanding. My affirmation and meditation are Scripture. My connection and foundation lie in my faith so I spent time choosing verses to help me grow stronger on all levels. If Scripture isn't your thing, then there are many affirmations and meditations out there, ready to go, just use your search engine.
Another healthy habit I use now is to exercise instead of eat. This past December someone close to me had a health scare and spent days on the ventilator. This was a challenging time for all who care for her. I had to make a conscience decision each day to choose exercise, prayer, and healthier habits to combat my stress. It would have been easy to get soda from the vending machine and eat hospital cafeteria food each day but I chose to bring my water bottle, healthy snacks, and something to keep my fingers busy. My weight loss stalled BUT I didn't gain weight so I count this as a win. In life, we must celebrate the successes. On a bigger level, celebrate life in general because tomorrow may not come.
I share this with you today because we all, even our dogs, need to get rid of the excess or nervous energy. We may not use a "dog park" to deal with our stress BUT we need to have healthy options for when the need to burn off energy happens. What are you doing?
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen."
1 Peter 5:-11 NIV
What do you do to relieve stress and unwind?
2/1/2020
When was your last good sweat?
Before you start reading, go down and click on today's Youtube video so you have background music playing while you read. It's one of my favorite 80's hits, it'll make you sweat! Go hit the play button.
Welcome back, is your body moving to the music? Mine is jamming. One of my favorite ways to sweat it out in college was dancing. There used to be a couple bars in my hometown that played the best dance music and I looked forward to heading out on the weekends to burn some calories. My friends and I met and danced until the bars closed, over the past couple decades though, the city of Oswego has eliminated all the good dance places. It's a bummer.
Now if I want to dance, I go to a Zumba class. I'm so TERRIBLE at Zumba BUT I have a ton of fun while laughing and attempting to dance. Last week I went to a Zumba class with my daughter and a friend from work. My daughter can dance, she should look into becoming an instructor so she can earn some extra money while getting her workout in. My friend and I on the other hand, we laughed A LOT! Between the laughter and dancing, I logged over 7,000 steps and burned some calories.
Another way I like to sweat is doing a good cardio and weights workout. The sweat lets me know I'm working and making my heart, mind, and body happy. Sweat is a good thing. According to an article in Men's Health, there are five reasons you'll want to get a good sweat on. Check them out below:
Welcome back, is your body moving to the music? Mine is jamming. One of my favorite ways to sweat it out in college was dancing. There used to be a couple bars in my hometown that played the best dance music and I looked forward to heading out on the weekends to burn some calories. My friends and I met and danced until the bars closed, over the past couple decades though, the city of Oswego has eliminated all the good dance places. It's a bummer.
Now if I want to dance, I go to a Zumba class. I'm so TERRIBLE at Zumba BUT I have a ton of fun while laughing and attempting to dance. Last week I went to a Zumba class with my daughter and a friend from work. My daughter can dance, she should look into becoming an instructor so she can earn some extra money while getting her workout in. My friend and I on the other hand, we laughed A LOT! Between the laughter and dancing, I logged over 7,000 steps and burned some calories.
Another way I like to sweat is doing a good cardio and weights workout. The sweat lets me know I'm working and making my heart, mind, and body happy. Sweat is a good thing. According to an article in Men's Health, there are five reasons you'll want to get a good sweat on. Check them out below:
5 Benefits of Sweating
(Click here to read full article)
1. Boosts Immunity
2. Clears Your Skin
3. Body Detox
4. Releases Feel good Hormones
5.Boosts Sexual Attraction
(Click here to read full article)
1. Boosts Immunity
2. Clears Your Skin
3. Body Detox
4. Releases Feel good Hormones
5.Boosts Sexual Attraction
How awesome is this? Just by doing something you love, you can boost your immunity, clear your skin, detox your body, release happy hormones, and boost your attraction! What are you waiting for? It's time for me to hit the gym, have fun getting your sweat on.
What is your favorite SWEATING activity? Why?
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