Guess what I'm doing this weekend? The title gave you a clue, I'm on the road. It's been awhile since I spoke or did a book signing. God's nudges are becoming more prevalent and I need to be obedient and can't live in fear. Some of you might be shocked that it's fear that kept me distant the past year or so but it's true. A blessing I count this week is our pastor's message on fear and being obedient to God's calling on our life.

This weekend isn't a huge lunge forward BUT it is a forward motion and one I look forward to. I'm thankful a friend encouraged me to not only attend the retreat but to also bring my books again. I have two new ones since the last time I was there, this is exciting stuff.  Many things are floating through my brain and I look forward to sharing them with you, so keep reading.

Last Wednesday was Heidi's birthday and the one year anniversary of my Mom's passing. I did something I haven't done before, I put on my big girl panties and went to work! Go figure. 2016 is about moving forward, trusting God, releasing the fear, and being obedient. I sound like I have it all together but if you think about it, it took me until the second half of September to figure this out. This just means 2017 will have nothing but goals to strive for and more things to focus on. 

This is the first book I didn't plan until the moment God placed it on my heart to organize it. This isn't a book to read but instead,  journal for you to fill with YOUR writing. A few weeks ago I started a new weekly blog on Wednesdays, Writer's Wednesday. So far only one person has braved posting her writing in the comments but I've heard others are writing and letting their creative juices flow. Kudos to all of you, keep it up. Tomorrow a new writing prompt will be posted, they are scheduled for 4:30 a.m. on Wednesdays, so be sure to visit the blog on Hump Days.

This book release was bittersweet because I couldn't give my Mom the first copy BUT I as able to give it to my Dad, so this was very cool. It's only $4 and offers you forty pages to get your ideas onto paper. Who knows, one of these ideas might be the next best seller. Have fun and keep writing!

from years ago, and one I thought I'd overcome. Not so much, but now that I'm aware, my hope is to take some time in the near future for the needed time of relaxation. 

Jesus invites us,
"Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."
Matthew 11:28 NLT 

With my Mom's smile and memory as a reminder, I plan to put first things first - I need to take care of me so I can take care of others. My drive to work is only about five minutes, imagine how God would have spoken to me if I had a longer commute. Have a great week, catch ya tomorrow.

Good morning everyone! It is an exciting day in our house, the first day of school, for staff anyway. Our kiddos come tomorrow and I can't wait. I'm thankful for my career, my peeps, the kids, and the opportunity each day offers to invest in the lives of a child. This is a blessing to count.

Since I started school, a long, long, time ago...my Gram and Aunt Nancy would call our house and sing a ditty to wake us up and encourage us to have a great day. My Mom and Auntie M carried on the tradition after Gram and Aunt Nancy passed away. Last year, Mom was sick but still found the strength to call and wish me a good first day, with the help of Dad. I laughed because I was stopping at her house before I went to school but she said "I always call you on the first day." This year she isn't able to but thankfully Auntie M carries on the tradition with multiple calls until I answered. For the record, I was awake and in the shower. Traditions are a blessing I count.

Tomorrow will be an interesting day though, no Mags to wake up. When my parents and aunts told me the day she started Kindergarten, "Enjoy every moment, she'll be graduating before you know it.", they weren't kidding. I'm thankful I took their advice and have a treasure trove of memories to look back on, with new ones beginning as she transitions into college. I wonder, do the college years go as quickly as the previous thirteen years of education?

I decided to be silly rather than weepy this morning. I hope you enjoy this video. I enjoy the song, "Baby Got Back". If you are familiar with this song, you'll enjoy this parody of "Baby Got Class" song.