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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4/30/2020
Music is an International Language April 30th is "International Jazz Day". Although the annual around the world concert is cancelled due to COVID-19, the love and language of music can't be halted. When I think back to Italy's initial days of quarantine, the first video that comes to mind is of two boys playing their instruments. The joy and energy they had in the midst of crisis amazed me and brought me, and others, joy. Today is the day most in the United States looked to in hope. The day President Trump hoped the United States would return to business as usual. We are scheduled to return to school and business as usual but are we? I'm drafting this email before Easter in anticipation of life resuming to the pre-COVID-19 hustle and bustle yet my friends and family encourage me "not to get my hopes up". I'm holding on to my Polyanna attitude as long as possible and hope that while you are reading this email, I'm in school. On the off chance the shelter-in-place was extended, then know I'll spend my afternoon on the back deck listening to some of my favorite Jazz artist. When I write, Sinatra is my jam. To worship, Chiz Rider. To chill on the deck with no purpose, Buble. I've included a few YouTube videos below with each of these gentleman for your listening pleasure. Don't give up, let the encouragement found in music speak your language. It's not just international, it's universal.
Do you have a favorite Jazz artist and/or song?
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 | Do you leave reviews |
Check out my cars. The red convertible at the top is my first car. While cleaning and sorting last week I found this treasure. I remember my father gifting this to me on my 16th birthday. My mom wrapped up a brand new key chain with a car key on it, with a big bow for added effect.
I opened the garage door with gusto and looked "over" my car. I looked back to my Dad and he said, "Look down." through his laughter. I was not laughing.
As a child, our family experiences a bad fire and lost a barn, garage, and part of the house needed an overhaul in the 80's. It was during the clean up after the fire that I found the other car you see in this picture. As the equipment worked to dig and move dirt for clean up and preparing to build the new garage and fix the house, I found this treasure. I remember washing it in a bucket and asking to keep it. I'm not sure why it intrigued me, or why I've kept it into adult hood but here it is. I like the memory and instead of returning these to the back of a drawer, they are on the bookshelf.
What do these have to do with "starting"? I didn't drive this red convertible out of the garage and have yet to own my childhood dream car. Now, as an adult, I don't want a convertible If I had my choice, I'd choose the Chevy Tahoe or a Subaru SUV. I started with the dream and landed with reality. The second car represents a few of the vehicles I owned: they weren't one's I'd choose but they fit in the budget and transported me from point A to point B. Life is about starting and moving forward.
We need to start somewhere, let our kiddos start with dreams and grandiose thoughts. They are our future and better role models of reality than watching other adults.
What are your dreams and desires? What are your goals? Don't be afraid to aim high and take chances. Whether you choose the new convertible or the old race car, the most important thing for your to do is jump in the driver's seat and START.
I opened the garage door with gusto and looked "over" my car. I looked back to my Dad and he said, "Look down." through his laughter. I was not laughing.
As a child, our family experiences a bad fire and lost a barn, garage, and part of the house needed an overhaul in the 80's. It was during the clean up after the fire that I found the other car you see in this picture. As the equipment worked to dig and move dirt for clean up and preparing to build the new garage and fix the house, I found this treasure. I remember washing it in a bucket and asking to keep it. I'm not sure why it intrigued me, or why I've kept it into adult hood but here it is. I like the memory and instead of returning these to the back of a drawer, they are on the bookshelf.
What do these have to do with "starting"? I didn't drive this red convertible out of the garage and have yet to own my childhood dream car. Now, as an adult, I don't want a convertible If I had my choice, I'd choose the Chevy Tahoe or a Subaru SUV. I started with the dream and landed with reality. The second car represents a few of the vehicles I owned: they weren't one's I'd choose but they fit in the budget and transported me from point A to point B. Life is about starting and moving forward.
We need to start somewhere, let our kiddos start with dreams and grandiose thoughts. They are our future and better role models of reality than watching other adults.
What are your dreams and desires? What are your goals? Don't be afraid to aim high and take chances. Whether you choose the new convertible or the old race car, the most important thing for your to do is jump in the driver's seat and START.
What do you plan to start today?
What is holding you back?
Happy Saturday! For Christians around the world, Lenten traditions are very different amidst the COVID-19 safety regulations, restrictions, and challenges. It's during times like this that we are forced to reflect, adjust, and adapt.
A few weeks ago I talked about how I try to not only "give up" something but I try to start something new, or renew a habit that I've let go. Last week was Holy Saturday and instead of gathering for an "upper room" prayer service.
A week later, Easter ham left overs are far and few between but the solitude and new normal continue. While sitting here and reflecting about the differences of this Easter and year's past, I looked down. I contemplated how this year's Lent and Easter, while different for us, are more similar to the first Easter. I wear a few bracelets every day, today, the cross left an impression on my skin. This made me think of the holes in Jesus hands and feet, evidence of God's ultimate sacrifice...His Only Son.
How do others know I believe in Jesus? How would strangers know who my faith is in? Am I witness of Jesus' love and faithfulness? A week after Easter, do you still acknowledge the ultimate sacrifice? What does your life reflect to show this?
A few weeks ago I talked about how I try to not only "give up" something but I try to start something new, or renew a habit that I've let go. Last week was Holy Saturday and instead of gathering for an "upper room" prayer service.
A week later, Easter ham left overs are far and few between but the solitude and new normal continue. While sitting here and reflecting about the differences of this Easter and year's past, I looked down. I contemplated how this year's Lent and Easter, while different for us, are more similar to the first Easter. I wear a few bracelets every day, today, the cross left an impression on my skin. This made me think of the holes in Jesus hands and feet, evidence of God's ultimate sacrifice...His Only Son.
How do others know I believe in Jesus? How would strangers know who my faith is in? Am I witness of Jesus' love and faithfulness? A week after Easter, do you still acknowledge the ultimate sacrifice? What does your life reflect to show this?
As you reflect on Good Friday and anticipate Easter morning, what is the greatest prayer on your heart?
With extra time at home, I'm burning through my to-read-book-pile. Have you watched any of Tiffany Jenkins, Juggling the Jenkins videos on Facebook or YouTube? I have laughed until wetting my pants on more than one occasion because of her true-life humor. I think my favorites thus far are, Meet the Teacher and Understanding Your Wife 101. She is such a hoot. I'm a firm believer that we shouldn't judge because we don't know the other person's story.
As I watched some Juggling the Jenkins videos one day, I came across one of her more serious videos and I learned there is a serious side to this uplifting and humorous woman. I'm not sure how, I think it might have been a pop up add for her book, High Achiever: The Incredible True Story of One Addict's Double Life. I enjoy reading and especially to read someone's testimony or life story, when I looked up her book and read the blurb, I ordered it. I'm thankful I did. Like most people, our lives have been touched by an addict in some way.
I like to learn and expand my knowledge base, while gaining a better understanding for things I don't have personal experience with. My friend, Patrick, has a podcast, We Live on A Planet. Although I've been friends since we were in grade school yet I was unaware of the secret battle he had for years. I felt like a bad friend for not noticing and have apologized to him. After reading this book I learned a valuable lesson, addicts are clever and ingenious at hiding their addiction.
Tiffany Jenkins shares with overwhelming honesty and integrity. I felt as if I sat in the jail cell with her, found myself yelling at the book, as if the other people could hear me. I laughed at times and cried because of her pain, and then for my own reasons - addiction is a beast and disease. It has the ability to transform the most wonderful people into someone they never thought they would be, and worst yet, hold them hostage in this person they don't want to be BUT, they, you, can OVERCOME THE ADDICTION!! IT IS POSSIBLE! DON'T GIVE UP!
When Tiffany Jenkin's world crashed, she didn't run or play games with the courts. She owned up to everything and welcomed help in rehab. She CHOSE TO LIVE free of addiction. My friend chose freedom too and said the intense rehab he went to was worth every minute. I share this with you because I also know a woman who advocates for loved one's of addicts. Michele Weidenbenner, is an author, blogger, and podcaster advocating to help loved one's of addicts to know they aren't alone and how to be there when their addict is ready for help.
I recommend this book as a deep and honest look into one addict's double life and look at how she has used the lessons learned to turn her life around, using her gifts for good and to encourage others. Remember not to judge, we don't know the miles someone else has walked. We all have a story to tell, Tiffany's is worth your time.
As I watched some Juggling the Jenkins videos one day, I came across one of her more serious videos and I learned there is a serious side to this uplifting and humorous woman. I'm not sure how, I think it might have been a pop up add for her book, High Achiever: The Incredible True Story of One Addict's Double Life. I enjoy reading and especially to read someone's testimony or life story, when I looked up her book and read the blurb, I ordered it. I'm thankful I did. Like most people, our lives have been touched by an addict in some way.
I like to learn and expand my knowledge base, while gaining a better understanding for things I don't have personal experience with. My friend, Patrick, has a podcast, We Live on A Planet. Although I've been friends since we were in grade school yet I was unaware of the secret battle he had for years. I felt like a bad friend for not noticing and have apologized to him. After reading this book I learned a valuable lesson, addicts are clever and ingenious at hiding their addiction.
Tiffany Jenkins shares with overwhelming honesty and integrity. I felt as if I sat in the jail cell with her, found myself yelling at the book, as if the other people could hear me. I laughed at times and cried because of her pain, and then for my own reasons - addiction is a beast and disease. It has the ability to transform the most wonderful people into someone they never thought they would be, and worst yet, hold them hostage in this person they don't want to be BUT, they, you, can OVERCOME THE ADDICTION!! IT IS POSSIBLE! DON'T GIVE UP!
When Tiffany Jenkin's world crashed, she didn't run or play games with the courts. She owned up to everything and welcomed help in rehab. She CHOSE TO LIVE free of addiction. My friend chose freedom too and said the intense rehab he went to was worth every minute. I share this with you because I also know a woman who advocates for loved one's of addicts. Michele Weidenbenner, is an author, blogger, and podcaster advocating to help loved one's of addicts to know they aren't alone and how to be there when their addict is ready for help.
I recommend this book as a deep and honest look into one addict's double life and look at how she has used the lessons learned to turn her life around, using her gifts for good and to encourage others. Remember not to judge, we don't know the miles someone else has walked. We all have a story to tell, Tiffany's is worth your time.
Have you enjoyed any Juggling the Jenkins Videos?
Which is your favorite?
I don't know what day of COVID-19 Shelter in Place this is but I'm sure:
- The new normal has grown old
- I need to separate home and school
- My mental state of mind is overwhelmed
- I had to figure out how to separate, improve my mental state, and resume some normalcy within our home
My first question to answer, "Where do I set up school in our small house?" The past couple weeks I had rearranged the living room and claimed a spot at the kitchen table. On the surface this worked but when it came time to relax, since our living room and kitchen are one in the same...I never got away from school.
I could sit in my comfy chair yet when I looked up, I felt smothered. The piles of school work, textbooks, schedules, work, and my school laptop eliminated any relaxation I attempted. I could read my book but each time I looked up, the clutter confined me. Instead of piles of books to read, Bible studies, or writing projects awaiting and enticing me...the never ending school work was stacked on top of the leisure and relaxation. It wasn't until Friday morning that I had an idea of how to create a healthy balance. The cancelled coffee date was a gift of time and energy, I reclaimed my home and created a work space.
I could sit in my comfy chair yet when I looked up, I felt smothered. The piles of school work, textbooks, schedules, work, and my school laptop eliminated any relaxation I attempted. I could read my book but each time I looked up, the clutter confined me. Instead of piles of books to read, Bible studies, or writing projects awaiting and enticing me...the never ending school work was stacked on top of the leisure and relaxation. It wasn't until Friday morning that I had an idea of how to create a healthy balance. The cancelled coffee date was a gift of time and energy, I reclaimed my home and created a work space.
Our front room is now an entry, classroom, and recording studio. Hubby helped me rearrange furniture, clean, and reorganize. The space worked and looked good until I turned on my computer camera. Ugh. Since space is limited and there isn't another location for the office, I hung a table cloth and created a wall. Perfect.
The next project was to clean and reclaim our living room and eating space. My comfy chair is open and a welcoming me again. As I sat in my chair over the weekend, the view was of hope, inspiration, comfort, and relaxation. I spent time reading, writing, blogging, and podcasting. It was wonderful and offered the rejuvination needed. Since we don't know how long we'll be sheltered in place, it's necessary to balance home and work so you are able to maintain recharging when home.
The next project was to clean and reclaim our living room and eating space. My comfy chair is open and a welcoming me again. As I sat in my chair over the weekend, the view was of hope, inspiration, comfort, and relaxation. I spent time reading, writing, blogging, and podcasting. It was wonderful and offered the rejuvination needed. Since we don't know how long we'll be sheltered in place, it's necessary to balance home and work so you are able to maintain recharging when home.
Let me encourage you to figure out how to clean your table off and free the space around you. As you work, teach, and live during COVID-19 will determine your health and wellness in the future.
If you have children and others living with you, they are watching you. Model a healthy and productive life in the midst of crisis.
We are all forced to live in this new normal and we each have the choice in how we respond, model, and live the healthiest lifestyle possible. Every couple weeks I reevaluate what is working and what isn't working. Reassess, make the necessary changes. How are you reaching out to help and encourage others? Have you written a note to someone today? Have you called a loved one? Did you do the laundry and dishes? When is the last time you showered? If you can't remember, take a shower.
Some of the routine things you've let go will uplift you in ways you can't imagine. Spend time reading, playing games, and recreating your space. You deserve it!
If you have children and others living with you, they are watching you. Model a healthy and productive life in the midst of crisis.
We are all forced to live in this new normal and we each have the choice in how we respond, model, and live the healthiest lifestyle possible. Every couple weeks I reevaluate what is working and what isn't working. Reassess, make the necessary changes. How are you reaching out to help and encourage others? Have you written a note to someone today? Have you called a loved one? Did you do the laundry and dishes? When is the last time you showered? If you can't remember, take a shower.
Some of the routine things you've let go will uplift you in ways you can't imagine. Spend time reading, playing games, and recreating your space. You deserve it!
What are you doing or changing to maintain
a healthy mind and body?
Share your tips in a comment below.
4/11/2020
What is Your Heart's Prayer Today?
As you reflect on yesterday's remembrance of Jesus crucifixion and death on the cross...think about the prayers lifted today for Jesus as His followers fell to their knees in anticipation of God's prophecy coming to Light. As you think about this, let Juanita Campbell's beautiful poem, Easter Sunday Prayer, lead you into a time of prayer and thanksgiving.
Easter Sunday Prayer
by Juanita Campbell
Bearer of light and love, open my eyes.
Disappointment has been my companion all along the way.
I have been perplexed, my illusions shattered to death.
Where are you?
Walk with me, Lord.
Don’t you realize what has happened; are you unaware?
Everyone knows what’s been going on.
I know that you are mighty in deed and word; do something!
I had hoped that you would rescue me before now.
Open your word to me.
Speak to me of the prophets and all they have declared.
Show me your long time coming in the word.
Don’t get out ahead of me, stay with me.
Break bread with me for the evening has almost come.
In the blessing and breaking and giving of bread,
I see that it is you.
The light has come; the love has been poured out in me again.
It is you, Beloved, bearer of light and love!
You have opened my eyes.
Permission is granted for use in corporate setting.
Copyright © 2011 The Upper Room. Used with permission.
Juanita Campbell Rasmus partners with her husband Rudy in marriage and ministry at St. John’s United Methodist Church in downtown Houston. They have 2 grown daughters. Juanita developed an innovative, therapeutic art program for the homeless, theartprojecthouston.org.
by Juanita Campbell
Bearer of light and love, open my eyes.
Disappointment has been my companion all along the way.
I have been perplexed, my illusions shattered to death.
Where are you?
Walk with me, Lord.
Don’t you realize what has happened; are you unaware?
Everyone knows what’s been going on.
I know that you are mighty in deed and word; do something!
I had hoped that you would rescue me before now.
Open your word to me.
Speak to me of the prophets and all they have declared.
Show me your long time coming in the word.
Don’t get out ahead of me, stay with me.
Break bread with me for the evening has almost come.
In the blessing and breaking and giving of bread,
I see that it is you.
The light has come; the love has been poured out in me again.
It is you, Beloved, bearer of light and love!
You have opened my eyes.
Permission is granted for use in corporate setting.
Copyright © 2011 The Upper Room. Used with permission.
Juanita Campbell Rasmus partners with her husband Rudy in marriage and ministry at St. John’s United Methodist Church in downtown Houston. They have 2 grown daughters. Juanita developed an innovative, therapeutic art program for the homeless, theartprojecthouston.org.
What is your heart's prayer today?
A friend read this book and passed it along to me. She told me, "You HAVE to read this book. It's so good." She was right. She loaned it to me last Fall and I added it to the books-to-read-pile. During the school year, reading for fun is limited but thanks to our current state of working from home, I'm catching up on my leisure reading. Once I started to read, I knew it was going to be up late.
The main character, Naomi, is a recovered child. She is placed in foster care and adopted by her her Foster Mom, Mrs. Cottle. The book shares Naomi's search for missing children on the surface with a couple different story lines happening at the same time. While Naomi looks for a missing girl, she also searches for herself and love. Does she find it? I'd love to tell you but don't want to be known as a spoiler.
I will say this, as I went to write this review, I learned there is a sequel. I've ordered the book and can't wait for it to arrive as it will answer some of the questions I stayed awake wondering about. This is a well written story with suspense, hope, fear, and love. It will keep you up at night, because you'll say, "Just one more chapter.", until it's 4 a.m. Then you'll want to know more. Rene Denfeld doesn't disappoint. I look forward to reading the next book and will share my review for that one too.
The main character, Naomi, is a recovered child. She is placed in foster care and adopted by her her Foster Mom, Mrs. Cottle. The book shares Naomi's search for missing children on the surface with a couple different story lines happening at the same time. While Naomi looks for a missing girl, she also searches for herself and love. Does she find it? I'd love to tell you but don't want to be known as a spoiler.
I will say this, as I went to write this review, I learned there is a sequel. I've ordered the book and can't wait for it to arrive as it will answer some of the questions I stayed awake wondering about. This is a well written story with suspense, hope, fear, and love. It will keep you up at night, because you'll say, "Just one more chapter.", until it's 4 a.m. Then you'll want to know more. Rene Denfeld doesn't disappoint. I look forward to reading the next book and will share my review for that one too.
Have you read The Child Finder yet?
Do you have a book recommendation to share?
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