You may be wondering about that title about now. Yesterday I was listening to John Hagee on television. He gave an interesting example in his sermon that I will paraphrase here. He said that in the eastern United States when the cod fish industry was just beginning to get orders for their product in distant areas, they began by freezing the cod fish and sending them. The fish did not taste very good when the consumers prepared them so they went with plan B. They shipped them alive in water. If anything, they tasted worse. One of the men came up with an idea to try. He put a catfish in the water with the vat of cod fish. Catfish are natural enemies to cod fish. When they arrived they were better than fresh caught! The catfish kept them active and fresh.
His point was that God gives us conflict to keep us fresh and alive. When I told Terry this story I informed him that I was changing his nickname to Catfish! He didn't say it but I think he was thinking the same thing about me.
I have wondered why there is always some conflict whether large or small and nagging in my life. I guess it keeps me on my toes and on my knees. There is nothing like a crises to increase your prayer life. That is for sure. It shouldn't be that way, but let's face it; it is.
Next time someone gets on your nerves just smile and think..."catfish".
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
A Review of "In a Pit With a Lian on a Snowy Day" by Mark Batterson
I highly recommend "In a Pit With a Lion On a Snowy Day" by Mark Batterson. There were statements made in the book that answered some questions that have always nagged at me. One of them being how to deal with being fearful. He states in this book: "The cure for fear of failure is not success. Its failure. The cure for the fear of rejection is not acceptance. It is rejection." The thought behind these statements comes from how we deal with allergies. We can either avoid the allergen or we get injections which are small doses of the allergen that causes us to build up immunity. "What are you afraid of? What allergens trigger a fear reaction? Those are the very things you need to expose yourself to. If fear become reality you could discover that its not the end of the world. Your fear is worse than the actual thing you're afraid of. If you learn from every mistake, then there is no such thing as failure anyway."
Even this observation was worth the purchase price. There are many other "nuggets of truth" in the book. Let me know what you think of it.
Even this observation was worth the purchase price. There are many other "nuggets of truth" in the book. Let me know what you think of it.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Tomorrow by Jeral Davis
Never trust appearances.
Juliana DeLauer, clothed by trendy designers, awakes beside the blood-drenched, silent body of her best friend, Tomorrow. Benjamin Powers, box-office sensation, seeks the privacy only the common man can afford.
When the destinies of these two powerful people collide, both are left contemplating the purpose of their lives. And both are left with remorse—hopeless as they replay events, wondering if they could have made bigger differences.
Someone is always watching, threatening their future. And both of them know it. Their lives depend on what happens Tomorrow.
This gripping page-turner is part romance, part suspense and the author rivets the reader from the breathtaking opening scene to its shocking climax.
Endorsements
“Tomorrow is a powerful story that grabs your attention from the very first page! The gentle message of God's love flows throughout this book, and the characters’ struggles and triumphs will touch your heart. This beautifully written book will stay in your thoughts long after you finish it.” —Sheri Martin
“Jeral Davis does everything right in her debut novel, Tomorrow. It’s wonderfully romantic and always surprising; yet at its tantalizing core, Tomorrow is an enduring testament of God’s redeeming love that will prove to be a landmark contribution to Christian literature.” —Marcus Folmar
“I am not an avid fiction reader. Yet, once I picked up Jeral Davis’ debut novel, Tomorrow, I simply could not put it down. Once you delve into the lives of Ben and Juliana, it will be hard to turn away.” – Judith Nelson
Author Bio
Author Jeral Davis actively ministers at Victory Praise Christian Center, a ministry she and her husband founded in 2006. She has also served as a small group leader through Life Exchange Group Ministries. Jeral believes everyone is created to fulfill a divine ambition and is passionate to assist others to discover their gifts and encourage them to fulfill their God-given purpose. Jeral and her husband, Richard, reside in Colorado with their two sons.
Juliana DeLauer, clothed by trendy designers, awakes beside the blood-drenched, silent body of her best friend, Tomorrow. Benjamin Powers, box-office sensation, seeks the privacy only the common man can afford.
When the destinies of these two powerful people collide, both are left contemplating the purpose of their lives. And both are left with remorse—hopeless as they replay events, wondering if they could have made bigger differences.
Someone is always watching, threatening their future. And both of them know it. Their lives depend on what happens Tomorrow.
This gripping page-turner is part romance, part suspense and the author rivets the reader from the breathtaking opening scene to its shocking climax.
Endorsements
“Tomorrow is a powerful story that grabs your attention from the very first page! The gentle message of God's love flows throughout this book, and the characters’ struggles and triumphs will touch your heart. This beautifully written book will stay in your thoughts long after you finish it.” —Sheri Martin
“Jeral Davis does everything right in her debut novel, Tomorrow. It’s wonderfully romantic and always surprising; yet at its tantalizing core, Tomorrow is an enduring testament of God’s redeeming love that will prove to be a landmark contribution to Christian literature.” —Marcus Folmar
“I am not an avid fiction reader. Yet, once I picked up Jeral Davis’ debut novel, Tomorrow, I simply could not put it down. Once you delve into the lives of Ben and Juliana, it will be hard to turn away.” – Judith Nelson
Author Bio
Author Jeral Davis actively ministers at Victory Praise Christian Center, a ministry she and her husband founded in 2006. She has also served as a small group leader through Life Exchange Group Ministries. Jeral believes everyone is created to fulfill a divine ambition and is passionate to assist others to discover their gifts and encourage them to fulfill their God-given purpose. Jeral and her husband, Richard, reside in Colorado with their two sons.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Update on Getting Fit
As promised, I am checking in. I may be a little late with this, but here I am. For the past 11 days I have been building up the time I spend on the elliptical. I was so pitiful that I could only exercise on it 3 minutes. Each day I added a minute or two. I am now up to 17 minutes at a pretty fair clip. That is great for me.
As far as measurements...I lost 1 inch in my waist and 1 1/2 inches in my hips. As far as weight loss...none yet, but I will take the inches lost.
I tried on a formal type dress that I wore 2 1/2 years ago in hopes that it would fit me for this author cruise/seminar we are leaving on next week. I procrastinated because I was afraid. When I put it on I was blown away. It was very big on me!!! yay! I think it will still work, but I am so pleased.
I urge you to start where you are at and build up. Be consistent. You will be pleased with the results.
As far as measurements...I lost 1 inch in my waist and 1 1/2 inches in my hips. As far as weight loss...none yet, but I will take the inches lost.
I tried on a formal type dress that I wore 2 1/2 years ago in hopes that it would fit me for this author cruise/seminar we are leaving on next week. I procrastinated because I was afraid. When I put it on I was blown away. It was very big on me!!! yay! I think it will still work, but I am so pleased.
I urge you to start where you are at and build up. Be consistent. You will be pleased with the results.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Meeting Authors Online
This year I have had the joy of meeting other authors online. (A few in person) I love to hear about the passion each of us have for our books. As a reader I didn't really think of the tender loving care each author puts into a book until I was published. For me the story was my baby. When people held "my baby" in their hands and read it, I felt nervous and excited to see their reaction. (I appreciate all the encouraging letters and emails. Each one came at a time I really needed it.)
If you are reading this and are an author or a writer who is yet to be published, I would like to hear from you. I want to encourage you to keep your dreams alive. When I think about how many times I was embarrassed to be "writing a book" without a clue as to how proceed, it makes me mad. I felt that it was a stupid dream to think that anything that special could ever happen to me. I pushed through in writing just so I could know that I finished something that I started. A miracle happened when I finished. A friend asked me which publishers I was submitting my manuscript to. I told her that I didn't know how to go about the process. She gave me direction. Her niece is in the publishing business and with her help I was published in 2008. My second book will be released this year, 2009. I wrote a third book and can hardly wait to submit it to my publisher.
Realize this, I am so ordinary. If this could happen to me. It can happen to you. Keep writing and keep your chin up. Even after you have your book in your hands there are a few people who want to make sure that you keep your feet on the ground and may say unkind things. Don't let that get to you. Keep on writing and dreaming.
If you have been published already...I rejoice with you! There is no place for jealousy. Every story is different. Every book is unique. If you love books like I do, there is never enough! If you want to send me a comment with the description of your book and a photo of your cover, I will post it. (Christian or G rated books) God bless you!
If you are reading this and are an author or a writer who is yet to be published, I would like to hear from you. I want to encourage you to keep your dreams alive. When I think about how many times I was embarrassed to be "writing a book" without a clue as to how proceed, it makes me mad. I felt that it was a stupid dream to think that anything that special could ever happen to me. I pushed through in writing just so I could know that I finished something that I started. A miracle happened when I finished. A friend asked me which publishers I was submitting my manuscript to. I told her that I didn't know how to go about the process. She gave me direction. Her niece is in the publishing business and with her help I was published in 2008. My second book will be released this year, 2009. I wrote a third book and can hardly wait to submit it to my publisher.
Realize this, I am so ordinary. If this could happen to me. It can happen to you. Keep writing and keep your chin up. Even after you have your book in your hands there are a few people who want to make sure that you keep your feet on the ground and may say unkind things. Don't let that get to you. Keep on writing and dreaming.
If you have been published already...I rejoice with you! There is no place for jealousy. Every story is different. Every book is unique. If you love books like I do, there is never enough! If you want to send me a comment with the description of your book and a photo of your cover, I will post it. (Christian or G rated books) God bless you!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
The Biggest Loser
One of my favorite reality shows is "The Biggest Loser". Last night I watched the first episode of the new season. Some of the things the trainers said at the very beginning of the show really struck home with me. Things like: Don't just watch this while you are stuffing your face. You can do this too.
Then they showed the participants at the doctor's office. The MRI images (or whatever they were) showed how cramped up the lungs can get from belly fat. Also they showed how fat begins to infiltrate the liver and other organs. It really isn't about looks. It is about health.
I have been like so many other "loser want to be's" and thought mostly about the physical attractiveness of a fit body. I still want to look better, but now I want to be stronger and be fit. I want to have stamina and strength. I want to grow to be a healthy woman until the day I die.
I got an eliptical for Christmas and have begun using it. My sweet daughter-in-law encouraged me to go ahead and do what I can even if it is only 3 minutes at a time at first. I took her advice and began with 3 minutes. The next time I did 4 minutes. Yesterday I was up to 8 minutes and did 8 minutes in the a.m. and p.m. Most people can do more than I can right now, but that is ok. I am making progress and I won't be stopping any time soon.
At first I was upset that I couldn't do any more than 3 minutes but I am so out of shape that is where I have to start. I will not be out of shape for long!
The Biggest Loser is an inspirational show that has really shown me that I can do this. I am going to stick my plump neck out here and tell you that every Monday I will give you a progress report. Hopefully each week I can tell you about minutes added to the eliptical workout, pounds and inches lost, and encourage you to do the same. Tell me your stuff too!
Then they showed the participants at the doctor's office. The MRI images (or whatever they were) showed how cramped up the lungs can get from belly fat. Also they showed how fat begins to infiltrate the liver and other organs. It really isn't about looks. It is about health.
I have been like so many other "loser want to be's" and thought mostly about the physical attractiveness of a fit body. I still want to look better, but now I want to be stronger and be fit. I want to have stamina and strength. I want to grow to be a healthy woman until the day I die.
I got an eliptical for Christmas and have begun using it. My sweet daughter-in-law encouraged me to go ahead and do what I can even if it is only 3 minutes at a time at first. I took her advice and began with 3 minutes. The next time I did 4 minutes. Yesterday I was up to 8 minutes and did 8 minutes in the a.m. and p.m. Most people can do more than I can right now, but that is ok. I am making progress and I won't be stopping any time soon.
At first I was upset that I couldn't do any more than 3 minutes but I am so out of shape that is where I have to start. I will not be out of shape for long!
The Biggest Loser is an inspirational show that has really shown me that I can do this. I am going to stick my plump neck out here and tell you that every Monday I will give you a progress report. Hopefully each week I can tell you about minutes added to the eliptical workout, pounds and inches lost, and encourage you to do the same. Tell me your stuff too!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Resolution/Resolve
Happy New Year 2009! Yep, it's that time again. New Year's resolutions. For the first time in my life I finally looked up what the word "resolution" is defined as in the dictionary. Webster's New World College dictionary says:
resolution 1. a)the act or process of resolving something or breaking it up into its constituent parts or elements.
2. a) resolving or determining; deciding b) the thing determined upon; decision as to future action; resolve
3. a resolute quality of mind
4. a formal statement of opinion or determination adopted by an assembly or other formal group 5. a solving, as of a puzzle, or answering, as of a question; solution
6. that part of a play, novel, etc. in which the plot is explained or made clear
7. Med. the subsidence or disapperance of swelling, fever, or other manifestation of disease.
8. Music the passing of a dissonant chord or tone in a cord to a consonant cord or tone
9. Physics te capability of an optical system or other imaging system, of making clear and distinguishable the separate parts or components of an object.
If you are like me, that is a bit much! I suppose the New Year's Resolution falls under the #2 catagory, but it takes the resolute quality of mind to follow through along with the answering of a question. "What exactly am I resolving to do?" To follow through with a resolution you have to break it up into doable parts...and it helps to have and "assembly" of people to help you stay with it.
My new book's name is "Elk's Resolve". Elk had to make a decision to overcome his circumstances and become his own man. He determined to not let the negative events in his life define him. Resolve is defined as fixed in purpose or intention. Sometimes it takes that kind of grit to step away from the knee jerk reactions and take the high road. In my experience that is easier said than done. Reactive words seem to hover at the tip of the tongue. Noble words seem to have to be sought out in the far recesses of the mind. (Am I alone here?)
What are my goals or resolutions for 2009? That is tough but I will make a stab at it.
1. I desire to grow closer to the Lord.
2. I desire to be a sweeter wife and mother...grandmother...sister...friend..etc
3. I want to improve my writing and marketing skills.
4. I want to reach 5000 books sold for "Nan's Journey" and at least 2000 for "Elk's Resolve" by 2010.
5. I want to submit Book III of Nan's Heritage Series to the publisher for consideration to the publisher before 2010.
6. I want to do more speaking events and meet more readers this year.
7. I want to get physically fit, thus, lose weight so that I can be stronger.
8. I want to read 25 books this year.
9. I want to finish book #4 and #5 before 2010.
10. I want to open for whatever the Lord has in mind for me.
How did I do with my goals for 2008?
1. I sold 1119 copies of "Nan's Journey"
2. I maintained my weight loss from the summer before although I did not lose the pounds I wanted to.
3. Get out of debt...nope, still in there! That is something we are gaining on, but still have to work on.
4. Read 24 books! Yea! I still have a stack of about 20 that I can't wait to get to.
5. Write more. Yep, I was much more disciplined with that.
How did you do?
resolution 1. a)the act or process of resolving something or breaking it up into its constituent parts or elements.
2. a) resolving or determining; deciding b) the thing determined upon; decision as to future action; resolve
3. a resolute quality of mind
4. a formal statement of opinion or determination adopted by an assembly or other formal group 5. a solving, as of a puzzle, or answering, as of a question; solution
6. that part of a play, novel, etc. in which the plot is explained or made clear
7. Med. the subsidence or disapperance of swelling, fever, or other manifestation of disease.
8. Music the passing of a dissonant chord or tone in a cord to a consonant cord or tone
9. Physics te capability of an optical system or other imaging system, of making clear and distinguishable the separate parts or components of an object.
If you are like me, that is a bit much! I suppose the New Year's Resolution falls under the #2 catagory, but it takes the resolute quality of mind to follow through along with the answering of a question. "What exactly am I resolving to do?" To follow through with a resolution you have to break it up into doable parts...and it helps to have and "assembly" of people to help you stay with it.
My new book's name is "Elk's Resolve". Elk had to make a decision to overcome his circumstances and become his own man. He determined to not let the negative events in his life define him. Resolve is defined as fixed in purpose or intention. Sometimes it takes that kind of grit to step away from the knee jerk reactions and take the high road. In my experience that is easier said than done. Reactive words seem to hover at the tip of the tongue. Noble words seem to have to be sought out in the far recesses of the mind. (Am I alone here?)
What are my goals or resolutions for 2009? That is tough but I will make a stab at it.
1. I desire to grow closer to the Lord.
2. I desire to be a sweeter wife and mother...grandmother...sister...friend..etc
3. I want to improve my writing and marketing skills.
4. I want to reach 5000 books sold for "Nan's Journey" and at least 2000 for "Elk's Resolve" by 2010.
5. I want to submit Book III of Nan's Heritage Series to the publisher for consideration to the publisher before 2010.
6. I want to do more speaking events and meet more readers this year.
7. I want to get physically fit, thus, lose weight so that I can be stronger.
8. I want to read 25 books this year.
9. I want to finish book #4 and #5 before 2010.
10. I want to open for whatever the Lord has in mind for me.
How did I do with my goals for 2008?
1. I sold 1119 copies of "Nan's Journey"
2. I maintained my weight loss from the summer before although I did not lose the pounds I wanted to.
3. Get out of debt...nope, still in there! That is something we are gaining on, but still have to work on.
4. Read 24 books! Yea! I still have a stack of about 20 that I can't wait to get to.
5. Write more. Yep, I was much more disciplined with that.
How did you do?
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Today's Wild Card author is:
and the book:
100 Ways to Simplify Your Life
Publisher: FaithWords; Lrg edition (November 12, 2008)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
JOYCE MEYER is one of the world's leading practical Bible teachers. A #1 New York Times bestselling author, she has written more than seventy inspirational books, including The Confident Woman, Look Great, Feel Great, and the entire Battlefield of the Mindfamily of books. She has also released thousands of audio teachings as well as a complete video library. Joyce's Enjoying Everyday Life® radio and television programs are broadcast around the world, and she travels extensively conducting conferences. Joyce and her husband, Dave, are the parents of four grown children and make their home in St. Louis, Missouri.Visit the author's website.
Product Details:
List Price: $16.99
Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: FaithWords; Lrg edition (November 12, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0446509396
ISBN-13: 978-0446509398
AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:
Introduction
Everyone has them: those days where nothing seems to get done, except maybe what you’ve added to your already lengthy to-do list. Are you tired most of the time? Are you spent? Do you find yourself wish- ing for a better day—a simpler day? Too many things compete for your limited resources of attention, energy, and time. You may be suffocat- ing and not even know it. If you feel like this, you’re not alone.
Most people today live complicated lives that leave them frustrated and confused, weary and worn out. But I have good news: your life does not have to be that way. You can choose a life of simplicity, fruitfulness, fulfillment, peace, and joy. I want to warn you, however, unless you are determined not to, you will do what everyone else does. You will get sucked up in the system and spend your life wishing things were different, never realizing you are, in fact, the only one who can change things. Unless we are resolute and remain undaunted in our quest for simplicity, we are destined for complication and frustration.
I recall a time when I was complaining to God about my schedule being absolutely insane. How could anyone be expected to do all I had in front of me? Then the realization hit me that I was the one who made my schedule and nobody could change it but me. You can spend your lives wishing things were different, but wishing won’t change anything. Smart decision making and decisive action is what changes things. If you picked up this book looking for change, are you willing to make a decision and follow it up with action?
I wasted many years hoping life would change and things would calm down until I finally realized life itself doesn’t change; in fact, it has the potential to get worse. I understood my only real option was to change my approach to life. I had to say no to another day of rushing around and feeling frustrated. I didn’t want the doctor giving me another pre- scription to mask another symptom of the real problem—stress.
In my search for simplicity, I have come to believe life can never be simple unless I learn to approach all things simply. It is my attitude toward each event in life that determines how easy or complex each situation will be. Perhaps life is complicated because people are compli- cated. Is it possible that life is not complicated, but rather, individuals complicate life in the way they approach it?
I discovered it wasn’t really life or circumstances or other people as much as it was me that needed to change. My problem wasn’t the problem—I was the problem! When you spend your life in frustration trying to change the world and everyone in it, you fail to realize it could be you just need to change your approach to life. It can be very easy for someone to live an entire lifetime and never entertain the notion that the way they do things is the real problem.
Have you ever attempted to have friends over for what you initially intended to be a simple afternoon of food, fellowship, and fun, but somehow, it turned into a complicated nightmare? I remember those days vividly. I’d be at church on Sunday and, without much forethought, invite three couples over for the following Sunday to a barbecue. My initial thought was hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill, baked beans, potato chips, and iced tea. My motive was fellowship and fun, but by the time the guests arrived, I didn’t even want them there. Fun was not going to happen, at least not for me. Why? I turned my simple get- together into a nightmare of preparation, expensive food, and fourteen people instead of the original six. My complicated approach to life and my complicated thought process convinced me hot dogs and hamburg- ers weren’t nice enough so I bought steaks we could not afford. My potato chips turned into a huge bowl of homemade potato salad. The simple baked beans became four side dishes I labored over.
Insecure and wanting to impress everyone, I had to spend the week cleaning and getting everything in the house to the point where I thought it would be impressive. Of course, the lawn chairs were old, so I bought new ones. I got angry at Dave because I thought he wasn’t help- ing me enough, and by the time our friends arrived, I resented them, wished they hadn’t come, and had a miserable day of pretending to be the happy hostess when in reality I was frustrated and miserable.
I could not figure out why I wasn’t able to enjoy much of anything in life until God revealed to me I was killing my joy with complication. For years, I prayed God would change the people and circumstances around me when, in reality, He wanted to change me and my approach to life. He wanted me to simplify so, ultimately, He could be glorified.
Let me share with you 100 ways to approach living that can simplify your life and, in turn, release and increase your joy. I believe they will dramatically improve the quality of your everyday experience if you incorporate them into the way you do things. Jesus said He came so we might have and enjoy our life in abundance (see John 10:10). His prin- ciples are simple. Faith is simple! Trusting God is simple! A childlike approach to Him is simple! The plan of salvation is simple!
Jesus offers us a “new way of living,” and I believe it is a simple, yet powerful way that enables us to enjoy everyday life. Are you ready to simplify your life? Are you ready to say good-bye to the complexities you’ve allowed to take over? Let’s get started.
Do One Thing at a Time
When we do things without truly focusing our minds on them, we immediately decrease our strength to do the work before us and do it well. By putting our hands to one thing and our mind to another, we divide the muscle behind our abilities and we make the task much more difficult. It’s like removing an egg yolk from the egg white—both can be used separately but the result isn’t as effective (or tasty) as it would be if we leave the egg whole. However, by directing all of our faculties to the one thing we are doing on a particular day, at that hour, at that moment, we find it much easier to do. The ability to concentrate and stay focused can only come from discipline.
The apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 4:6 to be anxious for nothing. Anxious people are always trying to live ahead of where they currently are. They spend today trying to figure out tomorrow and the result is the loss of simplicity. God expects us to trust Him with tomorrow just as He instructed the Israelites to do when they crossed the barren wil- derness, pressing toward the Promised Land.
Practice living one day at a time; give yourself—your thoughts, your conversation, your energies, every part of you—to the day at hand.
100 Ways to Simplify Your Life
1. Develop an ability to give yourself to what you are doing. You will sense an awareness enabling you to enjoy the current activity, instead of going through each day in a blur of activity and confusing thoughts which leave you drained and exhausted.
Do you fear you will not accomplish as much if you try to live this way? It’s true you may not do as much, but you will also enjoy what you do a whole lot more. One key to simplicity is realizing that quality is far superior to quantity.
Everyone has them: those days where nothing seems to get done, except maybe what you’ve added to your already lengthy to-do list. Are you tired most of the time? Are you spent? Do you find yourself wish- ing for a better day—a simpler day? Too many things compete for your limited resources of attention, energy, and time. You may be suffocat- ing and not even know it. If you feel like this, you’re not alone.
Most people today live complicated lives that leave them frustrated and confused, weary and worn out. But I have good news: your life does not have to be that way. You can choose a life of simplicity, fruitfulness, fulfillment, peace, and joy. I want to warn you, however, unless you are determined not to, you will do what everyone else does. You will get sucked up in the system and spend your life wishing things were different, never realizing you are, in fact, the only one who can change things. Unless we are resolute and remain undaunted in our quest for simplicity, we are destined for complication and frustration.
I recall a time when I was complaining to God about my schedule being absolutely insane. How could anyone be expected to do all I had in front of me? Then the realization hit me that I was the one who made my schedule and nobody could change it but me. You can spend your lives wishing things were different, but wishing won’t change anything. Smart decision making and decisive action is what changes things. If you picked up this book looking for change, are you willing to make a decision and follow it up with action?
I wasted many years hoping life would change and things would calm down until I finally realized life itself doesn’t change; in fact, it has the potential to get worse. I understood my only real option was to change my approach to life. I had to say no to another day of rushing around and feeling frustrated. I didn’t want the doctor giving me another pre- scription to mask another symptom of the real problem—stress.
In my search for simplicity, I have come to believe life can never be simple unless I learn to approach all things simply. It is my attitude toward each event in life that determines how easy or complex each situation will be. Perhaps life is complicated because people are compli- cated. Is it possible that life is not complicated, but rather, individuals complicate life in the way they approach it?
I discovered it wasn’t really life or circumstances or other people as much as it was me that needed to change. My problem wasn’t the problem—I was the problem! When you spend your life in frustration trying to change the world and everyone in it, you fail to realize it could be you just need to change your approach to life. It can be very easy for someone to live an entire lifetime and never entertain the notion that the way they do things is the real problem.
Have you ever attempted to have friends over for what you initially intended to be a simple afternoon of food, fellowship, and fun, but somehow, it turned into a complicated nightmare? I remember those days vividly. I’d be at church on Sunday and, without much forethought, invite three couples over for the following Sunday to a barbecue. My initial thought was hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill, baked beans, potato chips, and iced tea. My motive was fellowship and fun, but by the time the guests arrived, I didn’t even want them there. Fun was not going to happen, at least not for me. Why? I turned my simple get- together into a nightmare of preparation, expensive food, and fourteen people instead of the original six. My complicated approach to life and my complicated thought process convinced me hot dogs and hamburg- ers weren’t nice enough so I bought steaks we could not afford. My potato chips turned into a huge bowl of homemade potato salad. The simple baked beans became four side dishes I labored over.
Insecure and wanting to impress everyone, I had to spend the week cleaning and getting everything in the house to the point where I thought it would be impressive. Of course, the lawn chairs were old, so I bought new ones. I got angry at Dave because I thought he wasn’t help- ing me enough, and by the time our friends arrived, I resented them, wished they hadn’t come, and had a miserable day of pretending to be the happy hostess when in reality I was frustrated and miserable.
I could not figure out why I wasn’t able to enjoy much of anything in life until God revealed to me I was killing my joy with complication. For years, I prayed God would change the people and circumstances around me when, in reality, He wanted to change me and my approach to life. He wanted me to simplify so, ultimately, He could be glorified.
Let me share with you 100 ways to approach living that can simplify your life and, in turn, release and increase your joy. I believe they will dramatically improve the quality of your everyday experience if you incorporate them into the way you do things. Jesus said He came so we might have and enjoy our life in abundance (see John 10:10). His prin- ciples are simple. Faith is simple! Trusting God is simple! A childlike approach to Him is simple! The plan of salvation is simple!
Jesus offers us a “new way of living,” and I believe it is a simple, yet powerful way that enables us to enjoy everyday life. Are you ready to simplify your life? Are you ready to say good-bye to the complexities you’ve allowed to take over? Let’s get started.
Do One Thing at a Time
The feeling of being hurried is not usually the result of living a full life and having no time. It is, on the contrary, born of a vague fear that we are wasting our life. When we do not do the one thing we ought to do, we have no time for anything elseówe are the busiest people in the world.
ÓERIC HOFFER
Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection].
—Hebrews 12:2
When we do things without truly focusing our minds on them, we immediately decrease our strength to do the work before us and do it well. By putting our hands to one thing and our mind to another, we divide the muscle behind our abilities and we make the task much more difficult. It’s like removing an egg yolk from the egg white—both can be used separately but the result isn’t as effective (or tasty) as it would be if we leave the egg whole. However, by directing all of our faculties to the one thing we are doing on a particular day, at that hour, at that moment, we find it much easier to do. The ability to concentrate and stay focused can only come from discipline.
The apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 4:6 to be anxious for nothing. Anxious people are always trying to live ahead of where they currently are. They spend today trying to figure out tomorrow and the result is the loss of simplicity. God expects us to trust Him with tomorrow just as He instructed the Israelites to do when they crossed the barren wil- derness, pressing toward the Promised Land.
Practice living one day at a time; give yourself—your thoughts, your conversation, your energies, every part of you—to the day at hand.
100 Ways to Simplify Your Life
1. Develop an ability to give yourself to what you are doing. You will sense an awareness enabling you to enjoy the current activity, instead of going through each day in a blur of activity and confusing thoughts which leave you drained and exhausted.
Do you fear you will not accomplish as much if you try to live this way? It’s true you may not do as much, but you will also enjoy what you do a whole lot more. One key to simplicity is realizing that quality is far superior to quantity.
The Blog Tour for "Nan's Journey" Begins July 23
It is time to play a Wild Card! Every now and then, a book that I have chosen to read is going to pop up as a FIRST Wild Card Tour. Get dealt into the game! (Just click the button!) Wild Card Tours feature an author and his/her book's FIRST chapter!
You never know when I might play a wild card on you!
Today's Wild Card author is:
and his/her book:
Tate Publishing & Enterprises (January 2, 2008)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Littau is a life-long resident of Perryton, TX. She met husband, Terry at the Apostolic Faith Bible College in Baxter Springs, Kansas in 1974. They married March 1, 1975 and reside on a small acreage near Perryton where they enjoy spending time with their family and friends. They raised three sons and now have three daughters-in-law and four grandchildren added to their family. They also enjoy visiting with their extended family located in Perryton, Clear Lake, Laverne, and Amarillo.
Author Elaine Littau is a busy woman who by profession is the church secretary for Harvest Time First Assembly of God Church in Perryton. Among other things she has led women’s groups and taught preschool, and was a mentor for the M.O.P.S. (Mothers of Preschoolers) group in her community. She has been active in Toastmasters and enjoys painting, crafts, and playing piano and organ. She was recently appointed to the Campus Education Improvement Committee for Wright Elementary in Perryton. She belongs to Christian Storytellers and Faith Writers writing groups.
“Nan’s Journey” was written over the course of several years. “A salvation message is at the core of the book.” Littau says. “If it weren’t for the Lord, I wouldn’t have been able to do this. I truly enjoy meeting new people.”
Littau is currently working on two other books that are continuations of “Nan’s Journey.” Book signings and speaking engagements are currently set up for venues in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, and Oregon.
Visit the author's website.
Product Details:
List Price: $12.99
Paperback: 188 pages
Publisher: Tate Publishing & Enterprises (January 2, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1602478325
ISBN-13: 978-1602478329
AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:
Chapter One
It was late. The moon had risen and the night symphony was in full force. Crickets chirped at their rivals, the frogs, and dominated the night chorus. Only one sound in the forest was foreign—a whimper from under the ferns. At the base of the largest pine in the woods was a small form crying, moaning, and whimpering. Black hair, matted and dirty, hung in long ropes down the front of the tiny girl. She had been in this spot for hours. At least that is what it felt like to her. Stretching, she cried out in pain. The blood-covered welts burst open to bleed again. Her back was wet with blood, and her dress was torn and useless.
Why had she dared to speak to the woman that she was obliged to call mother in that way? She knew that talking was not allowed from children before chores were finished. The accusations being made by “Ma” were totally false and she could not let Elmer take the blame for something she herself had forgotten to do. She shut her eyes tight against the memory, but it intruded anyway.
She had just gotten up to take the water off the stove to make up dishwater for the supper dishes. Ma had stepped outside the room to turn down her bed and prepare for sleep. When she reappeared in the kitchen, she realized that the wood supply next to the stove was low. Elmer was standing next to the table gathering the plates for washing. “Elmer, where is the wood you were supposed to bring up to the house?” Before he could answer, a hand had slapped him across his face. Getting back onto his feet and standing as tall as a five year old can stand, he looked her in the eye and said, “Ma, I was sick today, ‘member?”
“So, Elmer, you’re going to play up that headache trick again. Nan, didn’t your good for nothing Mama teach you people how to work, or are you just lazy?”
“Our Mama was good! Don’t you say mean things about her!” Nan yelled as her heart raced at the assault against her real Mama’s character.
“What about it, Elmer, are you like your weakling Mama or what?” Elmer’s eyes became very large and filled with tears. He could barely remember his real Mama, but when he did, he remembered soft kisses and sweet singing and a beautiful face. “I’m sorry; I’ll get the wood now.”
“No, Elmer, don’t. I promised you I’d do it today when your head was hurting, but I forgot. I’ll get it after I do these dishes.”
“Listen here, Nan, I’m the boss around here and Elmer will do what I say, when I say, and you will respect me.”
Nan’s eyes widened.
“Don’t look at me like that, little girl.”
Nan held her breath.
“Well, I guess you will be making a trip to the wood shed…with me!” Ma had grabbed her by the arm and jerked her along behind the shed. The strap was hanging there, waiting. Whippings were becoming more and more frequent. After Ma’s husband left, they had taken on a more cruel form. The last whipping was more like a beating. It took days for the marks to scab over and heal. Little Elmer had come in that night and brought some horse medicine from the barn and applied it to the oozing marks.
The next afternoon when the schoolteacher came over, Ma had already formulated a story. “Mrs. Dewey, we missed Nan and Elmer today at school. Are they sick?” Ma lied the first time in her life and said, “Well Miss Sergeant, since Mr. Dewey is going to be gone for another four weeks, I need more help around here to get things done. I’m holding the kids out until he gets back.” Week after week went by, and Mr. Dewey still hadn’t come home. Everyday Ma grew more and more angry. It became more and more impossible to please her. When she began hitting Elmer, it was too much. Nan had to do something— right or wrong; things couldn’t stay the way they were.
The coolness of the earth had settled into Nan’s bones. She stood silently for a minute and carefully crept up to the farmhouse. As she opened the door, she saw that Elmer was in the pallet at the foot of the stove next to her bedroll. Ma was asleep in her room. The door held open with a rock. Slowly she began peeling off the dress and the dried blood stuck to it. She reached for the old shirt she normally wore over her wounds and under her dress. She had washed it today. It had bloodstains on it, but it would keep her from ruining another dress. She retrieved the old work dress that she wore when chores were messier than usual; it was the only one left. She put it on swiftly and shook Elmer awake with her hand over his mouth. “Baby, we must leave. Do you understand? Stay quiet and I will get some stuff to take with us.”
She found large old handkerchief and began looking for food supplies. There was one sourdough biscuit and about a cup of cold brown beans. She located her tin cup and another rag. She would probably need that. Three matches were in the cup on the stove. She would just take two. Suddenly she heard a sound from Ma’s room. A scampering sound… just a rat. Ma turned over. Her breathing became deep and regular. For once Nan wished that Ma snored. She tied the handkerchief in a knot over the meager food supplies, grabbed their bedrolls, and slowly opened the door.
“Come on, Elmer. Can you carry this food? I’ll get your bedding. That’s a good boy. We must hurry!”
The cold air bit at their faces, but they walked bravely on.
“Elmer, we must go tonight so we can get as far away as we can before Ma wakes up and sees that we are gone.”
For the next half hour the pair walked in silence through the familiar woods past the graves on the hill. In one, a mother dearly loved, in another, an infant who had died the same day as his mother, and the third, a father that only Nan had memory of. Elmer was only two years old when Pa died in the logging accident. Nan snapped out of her reverie and urged Elmer on. Molasses, Pa’s good old workhorse, stood in the pasture. He skidded the logs Pa cut with his axe. His legs hadn’t healed quite right, but Mama hadn’t let Mr. Dewey kill him because he was all she had left of the husband of her youth. Molasses was a faithful friend to Nan and Elmer. He stood there and waited for them to mount him.
“Molasses, take us to…” Nan realized then that they had nowhere to go. Mrs. Dewey had said that they were ungrateful little imps who didn’t realize she and Mr. Dewey were taking care of them out of kindness, and they could easily be put into an orphanage. Nan didn’t know anything about orphanages except what Mrs. Dewey…uh, Ma had told her. “Molasses, just take us out of here.”
Why had she dared to speak to the woman that she was obliged to call mother in that way? She knew that talking was not allowed from children before chores were finished. The accusations being made by “Ma” were totally false and she could not let Elmer take the blame for something she herself had forgotten to do. She shut her eyes tight against the memory, but it intruded anyway.
She had just gotten up to take the water off the stove to make up dishwater for the supper dishes. Ma had stepped outside the room to turn down her bed and prepare for sleep. When she reappeared in the kitchen, she realized that the wood supply next to the stove was low. Elmer was standing next to the table gathering the plates for washing. “Elmer, where is the wood you were supposed to bring up to the house?” Before he could answer, a hand had slapped him across his face. Getting back onto his feet and standing as tall as a five year old can stand, he looked her in the eye and said, “Ma, I was sick today, ‘member?”
“So, Elmer, you’re going to play up that headache trick again. Nan, didn’t your good for nothing Mama teach you people how to work, or are you just lazy?”
“Our Mama was good! Don’t you say mean things about her!” Nan yelled as her heart raced at the assault against her real Mama’s character.
“What about it, Elmer, are you like your weakling Mama or what?” Elmer’s eyes became very large and filled with tears. He could barely remember his real Mama, but when he did, he remembered soft kisses and sweet singing and a beautiful face. “I’m sorry; I’ll get the wood now.”
“No, Elmer, don’t. I promised you I’d do it today when your head was hurting, but I forgot. I’ll get it after I do these dishes.”
“Listen here, Nan, I’m the boss around here and Elmer will do what I say, when I say, and you will respect me.”
Nan’s eyes widened.
“Don’t look at me like that, little girl.”
Nan held her breath.
“Well, I guess you will be making a trip to the wood shed…with me!” Ma had grabbed her by the arm and jerked her along behind the shed. The strap was hanging there, waiting. Whippings were becoming more and more frequent. After Ma’s husband left, they had taken on a more cruel form. The last whipping was more like a beating. It took days for the marks to scab over and heal. Little Elmer had come in that night and brought some horse medicine from the barn and applied it to the oozing marks.
The next afternoon when the schoolteacher came over, Ma had already formulated a story. “Mrs. Dewey, we missed Nan and Elmer today at school. Are they sick?” Ma lied the first time in her life and said, “Well Miss Sergeant, since Mr. Dewey is going to be gone for another four weeks, I need more help around here to get things done. I’m holding the kids out until he gets back.” Week after week went by, and Mr. Dewey still hadn’t come home. Everyday Ma grew more and more angry. It became more and more impossible to please her. When she began hitting Elmer, it was too much. Nan had to do something— right or wrong; things couldn’t stay the way they were.
The coolness of the earth had settled into Nan’s bones. She stood silently for a minute and carefully crept up to the farmhouse. As she opened the door, she saw that Elmer was in the pallet at the foot of the stove next to her bedroll. Ma was asleep in her room. The door held open with a rock. Slowly she began peeling off the dress and the dried blood stuck to it. She reached for the old shirt she normally wore over her wounds and under her dress. She had washed it today. It had bloodstains on it, but it would keep her from ruining another dress. She retrieved the old work dress that she wore when chores were messier than usual; it was the only one left. She put it on swiftly and shook Elmer awake with her hand over his mouth. “Baby, we must leave. Do you understand? Stay quiet and I will get some stuff to take with us.”
She found large old handkerchief and began looking for food supplies. There was one sourdough biscuit and about a cup of cold brown beans. She located her tin cup and another rag. She would probably need that. Three matches were in the cup on the stove. She would just take two. Suddenly she heard a sound from Ma’s room. A scampering sound… just a rat. Ma turned over. Her breathing became deep and regular. For once Nan wished that Ma snored. She tied the handkerchief in a knot over the meager food supplies, grabbed their bedrolls, and slowly opened the door.
“Come on, Elmer. Can you carry this food? I’ll get your bedding. That’s a good boy. We must hurry!”
The cold air bit at their faces, but they walked bravely on.
“Elmer, we must go tonight so we can get as far away as we can before Ma wakes up and sees that we are gone.”
For the next half hour the pair walked in silence through the familiar woods past the graves on the hill. In one, a mother dearly loved, in another, an infant who had died the same day as his mother, and the third, a father that only Nan had memory of. Elmer was only two years old when Pa died in the logging accident. Nan snapped out of her reverie and urged Elmer on. Molasses, Pa’s good old workhorse, stood in the pasture. He skidded the logs Pa cut with his axe. His legs hadn’t healed quite right, but Mama hadn’t let Mr. Dewey kill him because he was all she had left of the husband of her youth. Molasses was a faithful friend to Nan and Elmer. He stood there and waited for them to mount him.
“Molasses, take us to…” Nan realized then that they had nowhere to go. Mrs. Dewey had said that they were ungrateful little imps who didn’t realize she and Mr. Dewey were taking care of them out of kindness, and they could easily be put into an orphanage. Nan didn’t know anything about orphanages except what Mrs. Dewey…uh, Ma had told her. “Molasses, just take us out of here.”
Barnes & Noble Booksellers in Westminster CO
Great book signing in Colorado!
Mardel Bookstore in Littleton, CO
Booksigning - Elaine