My Journey Toward A Trusting Heart

Another Faithwriters Mag artcle! -- and more!

For what its worth, it HAS been a long time since I have had anything to say.

I've been consumed with several 'projects' in these past weeks, and have had little time for other things...things I really love...but I repeat myself....

We're just back from another jaunt to sunny FL. Mark had biz there and we made a week of it. Were blessed that my folks could join us, too, for a few days. A welcomed respite from the cold temps and ice in the midwest.

Thankfully the weather didn't hinder gettng home, for them or us. We've had that happen before. That is no picnic...trapped in an airport w/ two busy little boys???  I was not looking forward to that happening again. And it was so.

So, we're back in the saddle. There is snow on the ground as I look out our office windows. Its pretty, and I really don't mind it. My coat works well! As does the heater on the car.

BOTH things to be thankful for, eh? How often do we take for granted walking into a heated home? Or slipping on our winter coat (mine is 10 years old!)...blessings, both.

One of my personal goals this year is to be more thankful...to express my gratitude to the Lord first, for His bounty and benevolence. Then to my husband for his commitment to work hard to provide comforts for our family. To my kids...just for being the incredible people they are. To my friends...for BEING. Chances are, if you are reading this, you are a friend...so THANK YOU.

Our friends fill different slots in our lives, yes? And at the risk of repeating Dee Brestin "The Friendships of Women" -- our friendships ARE complicated...but oh so necessary to our growth and strength. I'm going to take more time to celebrate that this year. I hope you will, too.

If you are a man reading this (few of you, I'm guessing), I'd encourage you to do the same. I watch my own husband work hard at his relationships with other men -- Mark is VERY proactive when it comes to staying connected with the men in his life. But I've also seen him just flat give up, when there is no reciprocation. Its really disheartening for me...Mark is a quality guy and is a quality friend. Those who don't recognize that and embrace it....well, its truly their loss.

I know we're all busy...my word, I have a teenage daughter and two small boys (one of which I homeschool); I try to write now and then; I'm working on getting my Book in print (I'll keep you posted!); I like to read; I have a house to take care of...AND we are looking toward moving early this summer...so that means digging and purging, packing, giving away, making repairs and getting this old house ready for the market...I'm busy.

BUT, I hope I slow down enough to connect with those people who are important. AND THIS INCLUDES EMAIL. I don't phone often because I can rarely find a quiet spot that I'm not interrupted...but on email, there is no noise issues...other than the ones that might distract me for a minute....but I can leave it and come back if my boys need me!

SO, here's an admonition for you...MAKE TIME to  connect...express your gratitude for the people in your life who make your life what it is.  If "doing" is not your best thing, then at least acknowledge those others who are good at it.

My friend Julie Nott is one of the most giving people I know...I don't know how she does it, but she does and I'm so grateful...for her, and for her example. I hope to be like her when I grow up!

and, I could really go on and on...friends enrich my life in so many ways. I know they do yours, too. Just make some time to celebrate it, won't you??

“I didn’t find my friends;

God gave them to me.”

–Ralph Waldo Emerson

Oh, I did say something about that f/w article...it will be in the Feb issue of the Faithwriters Magazine online...I think its just www.faithwritersmagazine.com    Look in the "United As One" section. I wrote the article a long while back, but pointed Deb Porter, the mag editor, toward it back in the fall...she fell for it! So, I'm happy to report that she's asked to use it in the February Issue! All Praise to the One Who enables...

ciao!