The View From My Window

Winter 2011

I was recently asked to write about my New Year’s resolutions. And normally I don’t think much about resolutions. Oh, I always wish to automatically start eating healthier and exercising more in January. Who doesn’t? But I don’t usually write anything down because it can feel so self defeating when February arrives and you realize you’re right back where you left off in December. But this year as I considered 2012, three things came to mind—all starting with the letter S. I suppose that’s to help me to remember them. Anyway, I thought I’d share them here.

1. Slow down. I really want to intentionally slow down. I tend to do almost everything fast. Too fast sometimes. My goal is to be more thoughtful and careful about how I live my life, how much work I commit to, and how much I try to pack into each day.


2. Simplify. This actually goes hand in hand with slowing down. I want to eliminate some of the clutter in my life. Not necessarily things, although that’s probably part of it. But I want to streamline my life, do more with less, live more simply.


3. Smell the roses. Now maybe this will be the natural result of working on the first two resolutions. If I slow down and simplify, I should have more time to smell the roses. And isn’t that what we all want in our lives—to enjoy the moment at hand.

Of course, even as I write this I’m mindful of how our plans aren’t always God’s plans and it’s possible he has an entirely different course laid out for me. And that’s great. Because more than anything I want God to lead me—and I’m willing to take whichever route he takes me. But I do believe it’s easier for God to direct us when we’re actually moving—going in some direction. So for now, I’m focusing on slowing down, simplifying, and smelling the roses. Sounds good to me!

And whether or not you make new year’s resolutions, I wish you a happy 2012. Hopefully this will be a year of fresh beginnings and renewed hope and unexpected blessings for everyone!

P.S. – if you joined me for the Live Chat on Facebook in December, I thank you! And if you want to read more about the topic (related to my book Damaged and date rape) click here for more information and resources.

NEW BOOK

The Christmas Shoppe

The small town of Parrish Springs is not ready for Matilda Honeycutt. A strange older woman with scraggly gray hair and jewelry that jangles as she walks, Matilda is certainly not the most likely person to buy the old Barton Building on the town's quaint main street. When it becomes apparent that her new shop doesn't fit the expectations of Parrish Springs residents, a brouhaha erupts. After all, Christmas is approaching, and the last thing the town needs is a junky shop run by someone who looks and acts like a gypsy. But as townsfolk venture into the strange store, they discover that old memories can bring new life and healing.

Goodnight Angels

Goodnight, rubber duckie. Thank you for the scrub. Goodnight to the bubbles, Sliding down the tub. As a little boy says goodnight to the things and people in his world, he remembers to offer a thankful nighttime prayer to God. Goodnight Angels gently draws children to sleep as it reminds them that God is watching over them. It's a sweet bedtime story told in the classic tradition and filled with a spiritual heart.