Healthy Changes

Over the past few months I've transformed our family's diet. For years I've wanted to make a change, but it takes a lot of willpower and determination to make it happen--and sadly, I didn't have either. I also had a ton of excuses. It's too expensive, it's too time consuming, it's too confusing...and on and on.

I recently read a devotional on the Proverbs 31 Ministries website about the God moment that changes everything--the moment when you're woken up and you immediately jump out of the bed you've made and change it. For me, the bed I made, and that my entire family was sleeping in, was poor eating habits.

We weren't terrible eaters--we just weren't good eaters. I was being lazy. I made meals that were "quick & easy" like frozen pizzas, lots of canned and boxed foods, and processed, processed, processed. We went out to eat far too often, and we snacked on ready-made foods. A lot.

But the alarm clock went off and I jumped out of that bed as fast as I could.

What was the alarm? My health.

I've been dealing with some health issues for the past nine years. I've seen at least half a dozen doctors and I've had a plethora of tests, but they couldn't figure out what was wrong. I eventually stopped looking for the answer and just dealt with the symptoms by ignoring them. Every time the alarm went off, I just hit the snooze button and kept sleeping.

But the alarm clack went off again in September--and this time I couldn't ignore it. The symptoms didn't go away when I hit snooze this time.

I went back to my doctor and she referred me to a specialist...who referred me to another specialist. At this point, I still don't have any answers, but I do have a new direction.

It's called a lifestyle change.

I spoke with a nutritional doctor and have learned a lot about the consequences of the Standard American Diet, better known for its acronym SAD. Over the past three months I've recognized the hazards of poor eating habits, and I've made a dramatic change in the way we eat.

I've taken sugar out of our diets 100%*. Seriously. It was really hard in the first couple of weeks (especially over the holidays!), but we've all adapted and I've discovered some great recipes for healthy alternatives (like a smoothie made from avocados that my children call "ice cream"!). My children actually call fruit a "treat" now! You have no idea what kind of an improvement this is.

I now make meals from scratch--scratch I tell you! When you don't eat sugar, you'd be surprised at what you can, and cannot, pull off the shelves at the grocery store. I've learned how to use Stevia and Xylitol as our sweetners of choice.

We now eat two vegetables with supper (and very little starches like potatoes and pastas). I've actually cooked veggies I couldn't even pronounce before--and we like them! It's amazing how many great recipes you can find to heighten the natural flavors of God's creation.

I buy organic as often as possible. There's a helpful list called The Dirty Dozen and the Clean Fifteen that tells you which fruits and veggies you should buy organic (based on their pesticide levels) and which ones are "safer" to buy non-organic.

I also try to buy non-GMO products whenever I can. Visit this website to learn more. I always look for this seal when buying my food:

We've also started buying healthier meats. Last month we purchased half of a grass-fed cow (for about $4 less a pound than we would have paid for the same amount of meat in a grocery store) and I now buy organic, free range chickens and eggs.

I could go on and on about the changes we've made (like the fact that we now use coconut oil, flaxseeds, and almond milk), but that's not the point of this post. My greatest desire is for my children to learn how to eat healthy and take care of their bodies. I don't want a rude wake-up call for them someday. I know I can't prevent everything, but science has proven over and over that we can prevent many diseases with our diets. I've read some statistics that suggest we can prevent 87-95% of modern diseases with healthy lifestyle choices.

This change is hard--but when you don't feel good, you find the willpower and determination to say no to unhealthy choices. When you look at your children and know that you're making a positive change in their lives, you can do almost anything.

I no longer have any excuses. The money we spent to go out to eat before (we used to eat out several times a week, now we eat out about once a month) is now used to buy organic foods. It is a bit more time consuming to eat this way, but I've learned how to reduce time and stress by being prepared in advance. And I've taken things a step at a time, so it's not as confusing as I thought it would be. Next Friday I'll share some tips I've learned to make the transition smoother.

I have been feeling better, little by little. Each time I eat, I know I'm taking a healthy step in the right direction. If I could have my wish, I'd wish that everyone would wake up before their personal alarm goes off.

Your Turn: Are you a healthy eater? What prevents you from changing? If you are a healthy eater, what made you change? Do you have any advice?

*I should clarify that we do allow for special occasions. The kids have enjoyed birthday cake at friends' parties, a sweet or two over the holidays, and a little soda pop to ring in the new year. It's now legitimately a "treat" for our family.

When Being a Mommy is Tough

It's tough being a mommy, especially when you have to discipline. It can break your heart.

At the age of three, one of our boys is our "spirited" child. He's not naughty, or even high energy, he's just very curious, strong-willed, and non-conforming. He reminds us a little of Dennis the Menace. In one day, he gets into more trouble than most kids get in a month. Usually it's innocent trouble.

He's curious, and often asks himself questions like: what will happen if I flush my brother's underwear down the toilet? What will happen when I put a cookie in the microwave and turn it on for five minutes? What will happen when I empty a bottle full of glue on the floor (in a corner where mom won't see it until it dries)? What will happen when I bring a fist full of frogs into the house, and don't tell mom for an hour?

We have more rules in this house than ever before. Rules that we never had to even consider before our little turkey was born. Each rule was put in place after an incident occurred.

We now have rules like:

1. You may not take all your clothes off and run through a restaurant toward the bathroom.
2. You may not push open random doors in the library (especially an emergency exit that will sound an alarm).
3. You may not climb into the bin of toys at Wal Mart when mom is price comparing five feet away.
4. You may not squeeze into the museum exhibit and wave at mom from behind the plexi-glass.*
5. And, under NO circumstances, can you throw anything in the house--especially a toy car at the plasma television, simply because you don't like the cartoon on the screen. The last rule was put in place just a week ago after our television had to be replaced.

And lest you're concerned, I do keep a close eye on my children--and, given his track record, I'm even more diligent about watching this one in particular. The other three seem to stay out of trouble. My little turkey, on the other hand, is quick. Very quick.

The other problem is that he has a twin brother, and he tends to treat his brother with the attitude of: "You're either with me--or I'm against you." This often leaves his brother in tears.

This past week, after a series of mishaps, including the plasma television, we decided it was time to buckle down on discipline.

One of his worst punishments is being put in his room on a time out. On Monday he had five timeouts before lunch. After lunch he bit his sister in the leg (this one surprised us, because he's usually not hurtful and has never been a biter). When his sister came to me crying, I called for our little turkey and he came into the room with big green eyes saying: "But I don't want a time out!"

After apologizing, that's exactly where he went. As I ushered him into his room he said: "But I'll listen and obey! I'll listen and obey."

I said: "You'll have to listen and obey the next time, buddy."

All the hard work of disciplining has started to pay off. We took an uneventful trip to Wal Mart, where he agreed to stay in the cart--and actually did it! No bin diving this time!

But last night, disciplining him broke my heart...

He and his twin brother don't like their door to be closed at bedtime. I've told them that if they stay in their room, then I won't have to close the door. So we went through their nightly routine. We brushed teeth, put on pajamas, read two books, and said prayers. I told them goodnight and then went downstairs to work.

Ten minutes later I was back upstairs checking on everyone...and I found the little turkey with his feet in the bathroom sink! He said he was washing the toothpaste off his feet...and the toothpaste wasn't in the bathroom.

I put him in his room, found the toothpaste in his brother's hands, and removed the toothbrushes from their floor.

That's when I told them they had lost their privilege and I had to close the bedroom door. They cried and begged, but I had to hold my ground.

I closed the door and immediately heard the little turkey say: "Let's throw toys at the door!" Followed by a bang.

Remember, one of the rules is no throwing in the house.

I popped open the door (my mommy face in place) and my little turkey's eyes grew large. I reminded him of the rule, put him in his bed, and gave a stern lecture about listening and obeying. His brother huddled under the covers, big blue eyes blinking away tears, and said: "Mommy, I scared with the door closed."

First crack in my heart.

But as much as I hated to hear him say that, I said: "I have to close the door. You have to learn."

I closed the door and waited for a moment. There was a slight rustle and then I heard my little turkey say to his twin brother: "Don't be scared. I'll stay with you."

That's when my heart broke all the way. I peeked back into their room and sure enough, my little turkey was comforting his brother. I looked at him and said: "Tomorrow you can try again."

And he said: "I know. I listen and obey later."

Being a mommy is tough. Really tough. But if I've learned anything, I've learned that if I can follow through on the discipline now, the rewards will come later. My little turkey needs to learn how to be disciplined in the small battles now, because when he's older, the battles he'll face will only get harder.

Today is a new day, with no mistakes in it. I'm cheering my little turkey on to great things.

Your turn: Do you have any fun parenting stories? If you're not a parent, what kind of trouble did you get into as a child? Any "spirited" children out there?

*The museum escapade just happened last week. I'll share the story on an upcoming blog. Needless to say, it was interesting...

A Little Kindness Goes a Long Way: Part Two

A few months ago I wrote about a disappointing experience I had at one of our local Subway stores. I won't go into great detail about it, because you can read about it here. An employee had treated me poorly, which could have affected my mood if I had let it--but I didn't. In my blog post I said a little kindness goes a long way, but sadly anger and selfishness can go further.

Yesterday I returned to that same Subway (I've been there many times since then). I brought with my daughter and niece. We ordered our food and my daughter asked if she could get chips and a soda pop. I said yes and the lady at the cash register rang up our food.

I was $1.68 short. My daughter looked up at me with her big green eyes, but I told her we had to put her chips and pop back. I didn't have enough money with me.

The lady at the register paused for a second and then handed the bag of chips to my daughter and said: "This one is on me."

My daughter's face lit up and she said thank you.

Who wouldn't want to make this face light up? :)

When we got back to our vehicle I found a couple of dollars and told my daughter to run the money into the lady. My daughter came back with the money and a toothy grin. "She said I should keep it!"

We pulled out of the parking lot with smiles on our faces. It feels so good to be the object of someone's random act of kindness. Everywhere we went for the rest of the day my daughter told me to tell the story about the Subway lady's kindness. And each time I told the story, she grinned all over again.

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31. 

I'm so thankful my daughter saw generosity and love in action. I was able to talk to her about the importance of doing kind things for people, without getting anything in return, other than joy--but isn't joy one of the greatest payments we can receive?

What about you? When have you been the object of a random act of kindness? What have you done for someone else?

Clothed With Strength & Dignity

Four weeks ago I started facilitating a small group Bible Study at my home. Five ladies have joined me to study So Long, Insecurity: Group Experience, by Beth Moore. It's been an excellent study, one I highly recommend to every woman who draws breath.

The study has been eye-opening at times. Not only because it's made me aware of areas in my life where I deal with insecurity, but also because it's made me aware of how prevalent and debilitating insecurity is in women. It makes me sad and angry at the same time.

The beautiful thing about the study is that it sheds light on insecurity and gives amazing tools to deal with it. The study has been a life-changing experience.

Last week Beth Moore highlighted Proverbs 31:25: "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come." She spoke about how we are clothed in dignity, wrapped up in the love of Christ and strengthened by His power. Ponder that for a while. It's an amazing truth that we don't consider as much as we should.

During discussion Beth asked us to share a time when we had strength, might and power.

As we sat quietly, each person contemplating the question, I realized something. Most of us are quick to point out our flaws and weaknesses. We speak in great length about the areas in our lives where we struggle and we've made mistakes. But when we're asked to talk about our strengths...we hesitate.

Please don't misunderstand me. I believe it's important and vital that we have friends we can be real with. Friends who carry our burdens and listen as we share our pain and weaknesses. But I also think it's just as important to recognize our strengths, talents and gifts.

I believe we'd be a lot more secure if we acknowledged how strong Christ has made us.

I think we hesitate to talk about our strengths because we don't want to sound prideful or arrogant. But there is a way to be confident--yet humble. When we recognize that our best qualities come from God, and God alone, we can walk with our shoulders lifted and our heads high. We should be able to recognize those gifts and be quick to give God credit.

When our group had a few moments to ponder the question, I was overjoyed to listen as my friends shared their areas of strength. It was also fun to point out the strengths we see in each other.

Today I want to hear your strengths. Please don't be shy. I'd love to hear your heart. I'd love to celebrate the gifts and talents God has given you. I'd love to see where He strengthens you and clothes you in dignity.

Your turn: What do you think are your strengths? In what ways has God blessed you with talents and gifts?

200 Blog Posts & 40,000 Page Views!

                       

It occurred to me this week that I've hit two milestones on my blog. In seventeen months, I've published over two hundred blog posts and I've had over forty-thousand page views! That's amazing to me--and worthy of celebrating!

 

When I started this blog, I had no idea where it would take me. In seventeen months I've made hundreds of new friends, hosted amazing authors and been strengthened and encouraged by your support. Some of the coolest moments have been when someone in my community approaches me and tells me my blog has touched them in a special way.

 

A couple months ago I was feeling especially bogged down with the responsibility of my blogging schedule. I was feeling discouraged and disheartened--wondering how many people actually care about what I'm saying here. It was at that time that I ran into an acquaintance and she told me she doesn't miss a single post I write. I was blown away! It was exactly what I needed to hear to keep going.

 

I've also had people stop me in church, the grocery store, at my children's school and other places to let me know something I wrote affected them. I've received emails and phone calls, as well. I'm honored, and beyond thankful, for each person who takes time out of their busy lives to read my blog.

 

My greatest prayer is that I can share a bit of hope, faith and love here. I want to offer a glimpse into my writing journey, but more importantly, I want to share my passion for following a dream. God has blessed my life abundantly, and it's from that abundance that I offer my words and my heart.

 

What about you? If you're a blogger, how many post have you published? How long have you been blogging? If you're a reader, why do you enjoy following blogs?

Addicted to Hurrying

© Velkol | Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images

Last night my oldest came to me and said: "Mom, I was just watching Joyce Meyer and you need to listen to her show today."

First, if you don't know who Joyce Meyer is, she is a preacher on television. I am a big fan of Joyce. I've seen her in person twice and we DVR her program. She's an amazing teacher with a no-nonsense approach to Christianity.

Second, I love that my eight-year-old daughter chooses to watch a preacher on television! Of all the things she could choose, it makes me smile each time she tells me she's going to watch Joyce.

And third, I asked what Joyce said that I needed to hear. My oldest said: "She's talking about being addicted to hurrying."

Hmmm...if your eight-year-old told you that you have an addiction to being in a hurry--you'd stop and think. A lot.

Why am I in such a hurry all the time? Is it because I'm trying to accomplish too much? Is it because I give myself X amount of time to get things done, but inevitably my plans are changed by a dirty diaper, a sick dog, a spilled bowl of cereal, a phone call, a broken wash machine, a (fill in the blank). Is it because I expect too much? Want too much? Say yes too much?

Yes.

"Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10.

 

Be still. Why is it so hard to be still?

I never do one thing at a time. I'm ALWAYS multi-tasking. Even when I'm doing morning devotions, the time I'm supposed to be focused on God, I'm thinking about a hundred other things that need to be done.

I have an excuse. I really do. I'm a busy mom, wife, daughter, friend, sister, cousin, aunt, writer, volunteer, etc. I don't want to give any of those roles up. So how do I balance it all out?

I believe the answer comes by sacrificing in these areas:

1. I'm called to offer God a sacrifice of my time. When I take time in the morning to seek His face, and set all my other responsibilities aside, I'm giving God the first fruit of my day. It truly is a sacrifice...but God delights in our sacrifices. It's amazing how much I can get done when I've devoted that first part of my day to Him.

2. I need to be disciplined. I can't flit from one project to the next, not getting anything done. I need to stick to one thing at a time and accomplish it. I know I'll feel less hurried. I also need to give myself more time to accomplish my tasks--allowing room for the unexpected.

3. I need to recognize that I can't have everything I want, when I want it. I have to practice the fine art of patience.

4. I have to learn how to say no more often. What's up with saying no, anyway? That's a whole other blog post, but it's a serious problem for a lot of us.

5. I need to be more realistic. I need to look at my schedule and recognize that there are few people in the world who could accomplish all the things I have on my to-do list. God only gives me grace for the things He desires me to do...the rest of the things I "want" to do, I won't do well.

With all that said, I've decided to take a little blogging break. This next week my family will be leaving our electronic devices at home and heading to a fishing cabin further north. It's a rare summer vacation--but we've decided to sacrifice some time and devote it to being still--well, as still as you can be with three-year-old twins.

I'm also on a deadline for my book, so when we come home from fishing, I will be working on the last round of edits before handing it in to my agent. I plan to be back on Monday, June 10th with Minnesota Monday pictures from our fishing trip.

It's your turn. Are you addicted to being in a hurry? How do you break the addiction?

A Little Kindness Goes a Long Way...

© Ryzhkov | Dreamstime Stock Photos
& Stock Free Images

Today my mom watched my three-year-old twin boys while I had a doctor's appointment. As a treat, I decided to bring her lunch from Subway--a chopped salad with chicken.

I ordered my sub, and one for the boys to share, and then I ordered my mom's salad. She usually requests that they lay down a piece of parchment paper under the chicken breast before they cut it. She's very conscious of bacteria and feels more comfortable when they don't put the chicken right on the cutting board. I expressed this request to the lady behind the counter.

And I was given one of "those" looks. She said: "The cutting board is clean."

"Yes, I know," I said kindly, "but she'd feel more comfortable if you used a piece of parchment."

She frowned at me. "I don't like cutting meat on the parchment. It rips and chunks get in the meat."

I smiled, trying to be as nice as possible. "I'd appreciate if you could try."

She picked up the chicken, plopped it down on the parchment and then literally began to SAW the chicken, tearing up the parchment on purpose! She cocked her head at me, lifted her brows and said: "See?"

At that point I was too flabbergasted to know what to do. The only thing I could think to say was: "I don't appreciate that!"

She just stared at me.

I almost had to pick my jaw off the floor. I said: "Fine, forget about the salad."

I moved down the line, totally at a loss at the woman's behavior. To see a grown woman act so childish was shocking.

There was a bit of a commotion behind the counter when a second lady came up. I didn't listen as the first lady complained...I just told the next employee down the line what I wanted on my sub.

A couple minutes later the second lady came down the line, a smooth parchment in front of her, filled with perfectly sliced chicken. She said (very kindly, I might add): "What did you want with this chicken?"

I smiled. "I wanted a chopped salad."

She closed her eyes briefly, nodded her head and communicated her apology with her eyes. She made a beautiful salad, which I was able to take to my mom.

As I drove away, contemplating why I was almost in tears, it dawned on me. My heart hurts when I see people acting so terrible. It should be our great pleasure to go out of our way to serve others. I wasn't upset because she had treated me that way, it was because there are far too many people who act this way in our world.

Kindness goes a long way, but sadly, anger and selfishness can go further. Had I not been aware of the need to forgive, I could have frowned my way through Subway, spoke rudely to the cashier, got in my car and been rude in traffic, walked into my mom's house and been in a bad mood with her (making my gift to her a waste), treated my children poorly and ultimately had a bad day...but I didn't. Because I understand that everyday we're given the choice to respond to both the good and the bad. And I chose to not let the Subway lady ruin my day--or my attitude.

If she would have done what I asked, with a smile on her face, even if it was difficult, the blessing would have followed me through the day. I've had many people do kind things for me, and I feel so good afterward. The reverse is also true. When I go out of my way for someone, whether they know it or not, it feels wonderful. Everyone benefits from kindness.

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31. 

I pray my actions will propel people to peace, kindness and joy, giving God all the glory when others feel blessed. I don't want people to experience strife, anger or pain because of me. I want them to walk away from me with a smile on their face.

What about you? Don't be bashful, share a time when you've gone out of your way to help someone--doesn't it feel good?

*By the way, I love Subway--just to make that clear. :)

A Lesson for My Oldest

Last night I heard my oldest daughter say something that shocked me. We were at church and it was the last night of AWANA.

My oldest is like any other little girl her age. She's sweet, charming and extremely goofy when she's with her friends. Sometimes her goofiness can go a little too far and she can become rude. When I see this behavior, I'm always quick to remind her to be respectful.

Last night I came around the corner and heard her being goofy, but it was at the point where it went too far. I heard her talking to a little girl we'll call Lexie. She said: "Your name is Lexie, right? I've never liked the name Lexie."

My eyes almost popped out of my head--and she saw me at that exact moment. I could see the terror on her face. Poor little Lexie looked crestfallen. I immediately made my daughter apologize and I told her we'd have a talk later.

When we were home, and all the other kiddos had been put in bed, I took my oldest to the couch and I said: "You know what we're going to talk about, don't you?"

She nodded and sat down facing me. Her big green eyes stared at me as I talked. I asked God to direct my thoughts and my words, because I want to teach my children lasting lessons that they will take to heart. I don't want my words to go in one ear and out the other.

God gave me a message for her and this is what I said: When she asked God into her heart, He planted a seed there--a seed of the Holy Spirit. When the seed grows, it gets stronger and stronger, until it's like a beautiful tree with branches and leaves. When it is fully matured, it begins to grow fruit. And inside the fruit, are more seeds.

The Bible tells us in Galatians 5:22-23 that the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. When we operate in these character qualities, we are giving that fruit away to other people, and the seed inside the fruit is being planted into their hearts and minds.

Mark 4:3-8 tells us that we sow the seed, but some seed falls on the path, where the birds come and eat it up, some falls on rocky soil, some on thorny soil, and some on good soil. It's not up to us to decide where to sow the seed, we just need to keep sending it out there.

I told my daughter that when she is kind to Lexie, she is planting God's seed in Lexie's heart, but when she is unkind, she is planting weeds in Lexie's heart, which will choke out the beautiful plants God desires to grow.

As I talked with my daughter, I could see in her eyes that she understood. We prayed together and I reminded her that she is a beautiful young lady. I also told her God allowed me to see this behavior, because He loves her too much to let it continue.

Today, as she was walking out the door to school I said: "Don't forget to bear some Fruit today!" She smiled and nodded. And when she came home from school, I asked her what Fruit she bore and she was quick to tell me how she had been patient and kind with a friend.

I love how God uses created things to show us His eternal characteristics. And I love that He planted His seed inside our hearts and He desires for us to bear His Fruit. It's a great honor and privilege.

What about you? Have you ever come across your child saying, or doing, something when they thought you couldn't see? What aspects of the Fruit are harder for you to bear? What aspects are easier?

*Photo Credit. © Mauhorng | http://www.dreamstime.com/">Dreamstime Stock Photos http://www.stockfreeimages.com/">Stock

Zumba and Writing

I love Zumba. Actually, I love dancing in general. So when Zumba came along, I had to try it.

For those who don't know, here's the definition of Zumba from Wikipedia: "Zumba is a dance fitness program created by Colombian dancer and choreographer Alberto "Beto" Perez during the 1990s. Zumba involves dance and aerobic elements. Zumba's choreography incorporates hip-hop, soca, samba, salsa, merengue, mambo, martial arts, and some Bollywood and belly dance moves. Squats and lunges are also included." It also says approximately 14 million people take a regular weekly Zumba class in the United States alone.

As I dance each week, I'm reminded how Zumba is like writing. And here's why:

1. When you first start out, you have to learn the basic moves. When I first started Zumba, my instructor had to show me each move, one by one, and then she showed me how to string all the moves together in a dance. The same is true for writing. When we first start out, we have to learn all the basic elements of a plot, one by one, before we can string them together into a story.

2. You don't get an optimum workout until you know the dances well. When you first start Zumba, it takes quite a few classes before you have the dance figured out and you don't flail around like a windmill (or, as my sister-in-law says: an epileptic monkey). In those first few (or dozen) classes, you aren't getting an optimum workout, because you haven't mastered the moves. The same is true for writing. Until you have the "moves" mastered, or have a complete understanding of the elements of a story, you aren't going to write at your optimum skill level.

3. It takes a little while to find your "flavor." You have to learn the steps, and then master them, before you can add some "flavor" to your moves. That's when Zumba gets really fun! The same is true for writing. After you learn the elements, and then master them, you find your "flavor" or your "voice" and that's when writing becomes fun!

4. Each dancer has a different "flavor." I always laugh when I watch my instructor and think to myself: "I finally have this dance figured out! I bet I look as good as her!" And then I look at myself in the mirror and think: "Darn it, I don't look anything like my instructor." She has style and a flavor all her own--and because of her skill level, she can really showcase that "flavor" well. I might watch her and follow her movements, but I definitely have my own "flavor"!

5. When you're having fun, it doesn't feel like a workout. Zumba is popular, because it's fun. Who wouldn't have fun dancing to Latin music for an hour? The same is true for writing. I have so much fun with my characters and plot! Some days I look at the clock and I'm shocked that four hours have passed and it felt more like thirty minutes. It's amazing! Now that I know the story elements, and I've found my "voice," writing a 100,000 word manuscript is a ton of fun. Yes, it's still work, and yes, sometimes I have to wipe my figurative brow, but at the end of the day, I've had fun and I've produced something tangible.

What about you? Have you ever done Zumba? If you have, what did you think? If you haven't, what holds you back?

Birthday Celebrations!

I was overwhelmed with birthday wishes on Facebook yesterday. Seriously, birthdays weren't half as fun before Facebook was invented!

I always feel especially blessed on my birthday. When I was in grade school, middle school and high school my mom would have a rose and a balloon sent to school on my birthday. I love when people take the time to wish me well and help me celebrate.

This year my mother-in-law invited me to go to a community-wide garage sale in a neighboring town. We took the boys and I found some good deals. Afterward, we met my hubby for lunch at my favorite Mexican Restaurant.

I was treated to fried ice cream! Mmmm...

I came home and played outside in the sunshine with my children and then we went to supper at one of our favorite pizza places with my parents, my brother and his family.

After the kids had their baths, and I read to my girls from my favorite book (Betsy-Tacy Go Downtown, by Maud Hart Lovelace, who also happened to be born on April 25th), I took three hours and worked on my current story. It's almost ready for my Beta Readers!

Tomorrow my hubby and I will continue the celebration by going out with friends to dinner. My parents and Dave's parents will take the children for the evening and maybe we'll get to sit out near the campfire along the river (the snow is FINALLY melting!).

All in all, it's been a fantastic birthday, and an even better year. I can't wait to see what blessings God has in store for our family this year.

And today is my sister's birthday! Happy birthday, Andrea! She was born the day after my second birthday--which has always been a special bond we've shared.

What about you? What makes you feel special on your birthday? What are your plans for the weekend?

**By the way, my blog passed 30,000 hits this past week! Thank you for taking the time to visit.

A Birthday Times Two!

Today we're celebrating a major milestone in our family!

Our twin boys turn three years old! One of my favorite questions is: "Where did the time go?!?!"

Well, let me show you...


March 29, 2010





We're planning a special birthday party for the boys on Saturday! And next week I have some fun blogs planned in honor of twins.

What about you? Do you have any twins in your family? If you had one question for a mom of twins, what would it be?

Despite Your Best Intentions...

This has been a crazy week! I feel bad when I don't post on my regular schedule, but I have to allow myself grace and move on.

I usually don't plan my posts in advance, so on Sunday nights, Tuesday nights and Thursday nights I sit down and write whatever comes to mind. Sometimes I mull a post over for a few days, hoping to get it just right. Occasionally, I write a bunch of posts in advance and schedule them to publish at the right time (if I know I'm going to be out of town, or something else will be taking place to distract me). But, usually, I write my posts the night before.

Then there are those days (and weeks) when, despite my best intentions, I just can't put up a blog post because of unforeseen circumstances.

This week I was able to post before and after pictures of our basement remodel on Monday, but Tuesday was crazy and I crashed on Tuesday night without thinking about my blog for Wednesday!

Last night, I was ready to go. I was going to write my blog post for today and be very clever. ;)

But then my husband came hobbling into the house after basketball...with a significantly sprained ankle...and all my plans for this blog went out the door.

I feel so bad for him. His ankle is swollen and he didn't sleep last night from the pain. This morning his dad is going to take a look at it to make sure it's not broken (his dad is an orthopedic surgeon).

The trouble is, today he and I had a big date planned. We had a babysitter all lined up and he was taking me shopping and out to dinner. I think we can still go eat, which I'm thankful for, but we probably won't get any shopping done.

But, there's always a silver lining - and it's the fact that at this time last year he was busy working. As a landscaper, you learn how to make hay when the sun is shining. It's a good thing we still have about three feet of snow out there - and it's not melting anytime soon. It's also a good thing that our basement remodel was finished last week! At least Dave can keep his ankle up and not have to worry about missing anything important.

What about you? What kind of a week have you had? Any fun plans for the weekend?

Ideas, Testing and Adjustments

© Lksstock | Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images

A little over a year ago I decided it was time to stop dreaming about writing a book and actually do it!

For over ten years I had my first story, Forgiveness Falls, rolling around in my mind. I knew the characters, I knew the plot and I knew my setting.

But I continued to let life get in the way. I didn't adjust my schedule to make time for writing - I didn't even know that I could. I told myself, over and over, that I'd get to it one day.

Last year I picked up The Colonel's Lady, by Laura Frantz. As I read her work, my writer's heart responded to her breathtaking prose, and I thought: "Why am I not writing?" Laura's wonderful story was the proverbial "Straw that broke the camel's back."

I decided "one day" needed to be "today," and I've been on the journey to publication since then.

I sat down and wrote the first draft of Forgiveness Falls in just a couple of months. It poured out of me like water over a waterfall. I couldn't dam it up, even if I wanted to! I edited it, polished it and pitched it at the ACFW Conference in September.

Then I laid it to rest. I don't know what will happen with Forgiveness Falls, but I truly hope it will be published one day.

I took November and December off from writing, but used that time to read through craft books and plot my second story, Redemption Falls, set in 1862. I planned to start working on it after January 1st.

The trouble was, right before I started writing Redemption Falls, an editor suggested I work on a different story idea, one set in 1898.

Since I hadn't started Redemption Falls, I thought it wouldn't be a big deal to set it aside and plot the 1898 book. So that's what I did - I plotted it in three weeks. And, with giddy anticipation, I started writing Enticing Julia Morgan at the end of January.

The first chapter rolled off the tips of my fingers with ease, and then I started chapter two and ..., ..., ..., where was the rest of it?!?!

The fast draft was not going as fast as I'd anticipated, based on how quickly I wrote Forgiveness Falls.

I was so frustrated.

I plugged away at the story, adding three more chapters in about a month, but it was like pulling teeth.

I started to question everything about my dream to write. I found I had no desire to write this story, because I had no idea what to write next. I had the main plot outlined, I knew the beginning, the end, and a few key scenes in the middle. I also knew the characters really well, but other than that, I was clueless!

How was I going to write 100,000 words, when I only had 15,000 in me? And, on top of that, where did my drive go? Where was the excitement I felt when I wrote Forgiveness Falls? Where was the energy and passion? Was this it? Had I hit the end of my writing journey? So soon?

Now you may be smarter than me, and you probably already figured out what I couldn't see. It took my husband to finally point out the obvious.

One day, when I was lamenting all these things, he said: "You had Forgiveness Falls in your head for over ten years when you sat down to write it. You've only had Enticing Julia Morgan in your head for three weeks. It's going to be a whole different process."

*Palm to forehead* Why hadn't I realized that? There was only one Forgiveness Falls in me - one story I had percolating for ten years...from here on out, all my stories are going to be written like Enticing Julia Morgan, as brand new ideas! I had to learn how to approach writing in a whole different way.

Once I realized this, I turned a corner. This is a whole new challenge, one I'm excited to tackle. Just like learning about POV, RUE and Black Moments, I had to learn how to brainstorm and write from a fresh idea.

I also needed to make some adjustments to keep me focused and on task. The most important thing I've done is set a realistic goal. I have decided to write one scene a day, five days a week. That's about 1,500 words a day - or 7,500 a week. It's given me a new drive to finish this book (which I'm getting so excited about)!! At this rate, I will have my fast draft written in about three months. And at this stage in my life, with a busy household, that is a perfect amount of time.

On this road to publication, I'm learning something new every day. It's a constant ebb and flow of ideas, testing and adjustments. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

What about you? What have you learned about writing that second, third or fourth book?

Faith-Filled Friday Question

 

I just read Crazy Love, by Francis Chan. The book challenges the current Church in America - and all believers - and poses some tough questions.

I'm still digesting the book, mulling things over and asking the Lord for wisdom, discernment and courage to live out His Love.

I'd love to hear from you today! What books are you reading right now? Any good recommendations - fiction or non-fiction?

The Legacy of Writing

Today I'm a guest on Jessica Patch's Blog. I'm talking about my first kiss and all things romance.

~ ~ ~ ~

 

I've wanted to be a writer since I was about ten years old.

My oldest daughter discovered her desire to be a writer at an even younger age of seven. She's now eight and has more completed stories than I do!

Last week we found a box of stories from when I was young. I pulled a random one out of the pile. There is no date, but judging from my spelling and grammar, I imagine I was about twelve when I wrote it.

I read it out loud to my daughter as she silently listened.

In the midst of the story, it came to an abrupt end - I must have forgotten to finish it! I jokingly said: "Oh, no! What happens next?!?!"

She looked up at me with her great big green eyes and said in a hushed tone: "Can I finish it?"

I didn't even hesitate, but handed her the story. She ran off to her room as fast as her feet could carry her. Thirty minutes later she handed me back the story, with an ending.

At the risk of sharing a story with a thousand mistakes, on my twelve-year-old part, I thought I'd present this combined story.

It took twenty-one years to finish - at the hands of two child authors. I can't wait to see where my daughter's dream will take her.

Graveyard Confessions
By Gabrielle VanRisseghem (1992) & E. Meyer (2013)

The figure sat in the corner of the lonely graveyard. The night was dark and cold. And the moon gave a good light.

A widow got up from her dead husband’s grave. Just as she turned to leave her eye caught sight of the dark figure. She noticed the figure was shaking. The widow felt sad for the person.

Hesitantly leaving her spot, she walked over. She could see it was a young woman. Her knees to her chest and her head hung just enough so you could see her lower chin quivering. The girl was dressed in rags, from her worn soles on her feet to the ripped brim of her hat. Her jacket was brown with torn pockets and ripped sleeves. Her dress was of a deep green velvet, but the hem was torn and the dress was stained with mud and whatever else the young girl had managed to get into.

“Child, child?” The widow said in a wee whisper. She slowly lifted her head. Her deep green eyes shining up at the lady. Her long brown, fluffy hair pulled back into a loose twist.

“Yes,” she managed between sobs.

“I was wondering. Would you care to come to the restaurant around the corner?” The widow asked.

The girl nodded and stood up to leave.

The two women walked on in silence. The widow felt small compared to the girl.

Coming into the busy street, lights were everywhere. The widow could see the lovely features of the girl. She had high cheek bones and her lips were of a perfect shape. They were parted, slightly. The girl had beautiful green eyes, which were very large and round. Her hair was brunette and she was at least five foot seven. She didn’t even have a handkerchief to blow on. She walked like a proper young woman, but still her frame was shaking with sobs.

“Here it is. By the way, my name is Mrs. Anna Crasing.”

“My name is Amanda Lawrence.” The girl spoke in a thick English accent.

The two picked a spot by a big window.

Now it was time for Amanda to look over Mrs. Crasing. She was small. With deep brown eyes and dark brown hair. Her nose was sharp and her lips narrow and small.

Mrs. Crasing ordered coffee for them both. “Now dear, Amanda, start from the beginning.”

Amanda wiped her eyes and nose a few more times.

“It all started back in 1898 when my father and mother both died in a bad accident. My brothers, Benjamin and Samuel, they talked me into coming to America. We went to New York…”

I walked off the plat form and Sam, only eighteen, and Benny, only seventeen, know how to take care of me of sixteen.

“Benny, where is Sammy taking us to live?” I asked Benny.

“He said he had written to a man, Karl, Karl something. He said Sammy and I could work in the thread mill. He asked if there was a job for you. Said he’d talk to his wife. Never wrote back.”

As we came off the ship, all the sounds and looks were different. I could see people everywhere I looked. Since we came from a high society family, each of us had saved a large amount of money to start us off. We were set.

A man met us at the gates of the harbor. He brought s to a large building with many windows. From there we were set up in a large room. It had three beds. It was large all wood floors, white walls and a new electrical light was hanging from the ceiling. I was amazed at the light, for England didn’t have electric lights, yet.

The following day my brothers left for their work at 6:00 a.m. I got up, put on my dress of blue cameo. I walked down to the main floor and I found Mrs. Nowlwide. She was the wife of the man who found my brothers a job.

“Mrs. Nowlwide?” I called into her office.

“Yes.” An older woman with gray hair stepped out of a back room.

“Hello, I’m Amanda Lawrence. I’m living upstairs, your husband said I could find a job here.”

The lady gave me a warm smile.

“I just put a sign in the window for a waitress for the restaurant.” She was talking of a restaurant in the hotel I was living in.

“Could I apply for it?” I asked her. She nodded and handed me a form and a pen. I filled it out. She looked it over.

“Yes,” she nodded. “This will work. Do you know where the kitchen is?”

I nodded.

“Good, go there and ask the head cook, Miss Solonal, for an apron and tell her you’ll be the new waitress. She’ll show you what to do.” The woman smiled and I left.

(My story ends)

 

*************************************

(My daughter's new ending)

“I did not notice I’ve seen her in the jailhouse when I was 6 years old. My dad said that she was a robber then. I went to do my job. A couple hours later I was robbed, my brothers were kept as slaves and that’s why I was in the graveyard. They got killed. I thought I could not make it and that’s where you come in.”

The widow said, “I lost family, too. Do you want to be my daughter?”

Amanda didn’t hesitate. She said yes.

A few months later, Amanda had everything her heart could desire.

The End.

What about you? If you're a writer, when did you know you wanted to write? If you're not a writer, how old were you when you knew what you wanted to do in life?

~ ~ ~ ~

 

Next week I'll be at the My Book Therapy Deep Thinkers Retreat in Florida, so I'm taking a blogging break! I'll be back to the blogosphere next Friday. Happy Blogging.

The Sunshine Award

 

 

I was given the Sunshine Award from the lovely Gwendolyn Gage. Gwen has a wonderful blog where I've enjoyed getting to know her.

The Rules Are:

1. Answer the eight questions asked by the person who gave you the award.
2. Nominate eight new people (no tag-backs) and notify them on their blog.
3. Ask eight new questions (or re-use the ones you were asked) for your nominees to answer.

Gwen's Questions:

1. What is your favorite TV show?

I don't watch a lot of television, especially since having children. When I get a spare minute I prefer to write. But - I do have a DVR and when I can sit down to watch a show I almost always choose The Cosby Show! I know, I know...but it's just plain old good TV and it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. :)

2. Have you ever read a book based on a friend's recommendation alone? If so, what was it and did you like it?

I'm not much of a pop culture kind of person, so I've never been a big fan of popular fiction, but two years ago my friend Beka recommended The Help. Four of us read the book and then went to see the movie. I really enjoyed it and I'm happy she recommended it.

3. What is your favorite Bible verse?

This is a hard one! I have so many that mean a lot to me. One of the very first that comes to mind is Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." I love scriptures that give me a clear call to action, because I know God would not command me to do something I'm incapable of doing. If he says to trust Him, then I know I can.

4. What is your least favorite food?

The older I get, the more I'm enjoying foods I didn't like as a child - like onions and sauerkraut! But, there is one food I've never liked, and don't imagine I ever will: green peppers!

5. Who is your favorite professional sports team?

I have to admit, I'm a big fan of Minnesota sports teams. I love watching Kevin Love & Ricky Rubio shoots some hoops for the Timberwolves and Adrian Peterson make a touchdown for the Vikings - but one of my very favorites is watching Joe Mauer catch a mean fast pitch for the Twins!

6. What is your favorite part about blogging?

I love meeting new people and having a place to share my heart three times a week. I love the comments and discussion on my blog. But more than that, I love when someone comes up to me, or emails me, to let me know how one of my blog posts impacted them. There's really nothing better than that.

7. What is your favorite song(s) and why?

I love On the Street Where You Live from My Fair Lady. When my husband was in high school he sang that song for his Senior Independent Study in music. Whenever he came to my house, on Third Street, he would sing it for me. Four years later, when we bought our first house, it was on the same street I had live on in high school, Third Street. The day we moved in, David sang the song for me again. It was like coming home.

8. What are five of your all-time favorite books?

A Voice in the Wind and Echo in the Darkness by Francine Rivers, Heaven to Betsy by Maud Hart Lovelace, The Colonel's Lady by Laura Frantz, and A Proper Pursuit by Lynn Austin.

The Eight People I Nominate:

I know this is terrible, but I'm not going to tag anyone - everyone who reads my blog is tagged! All of you deserve the Sunshine Award. You each bring sunshine into my life every time you visit. :)

What about you? Choose one of these questions and let me know how you'd answer.