There are days that I complain ... perhaps you do the same. Yesterday, life was put in perspective, and I realized my complaining, the things that I worry about, the things that I so often spend my time dwelling on are so very trivial. I lead a wonderful small group, and several months ago we prayed for the family of one of our small group member's employees who lost most everything in a house fire. Yesterday, after church, he called to ask for prayers for that same employee ... she has had a recurrence of cancer ... it is in her spine, lymph nodes and lungs, and her brain is swelling ... she has been given 6 to 12 months to live. I have another friend who is going through the adoption process ... has met her twin daughters, but can't bring them home from the hospital ... they aren't fully developed yet, and the birth parents are in a tangled fight, causing additional delays. The cost for the hospital, attorney's fees, driving back and forth to see their precious little ones ... it is all taking a toll on this loving couple ... yet they keep their faith and stand strong! Such examples!Babies still developing ... a woman given 6 to 12 months to live and to spend time with her children, family/friends. It's something to think about ... the gift of life we have each day is not guaranteed ... how are we spending those minutes, hours, days that we've been granted? It's time to re-think, to re-prioritize my bank of hours and spend them more intentionally. This week I will:- do a devotion every day (I did the first this a.m.!)
- journal - get the thoughts from my heart and head to paper
- set a regular writing schedule: 1000 to 1200 words a day on one of the several books I have begun
- prepare client materials: newsletter for one and brochure copy for another
- work on the business plan for PR with Purpose ... continue moving forward ... call SBA!
- count my blessings ... and give thanks for each of them!
How will you spend your bank of time this week?Lisa
My best friend of 34/35 years lost her Mom to a battle with cancer three years ago. Her Dad is in a nursing home and has been for quite sometime. He is still mentally sharp on some days ... and occasionally does something surprisingly positive. When Leslie called me tonight she said "I visited Daddy today." Oftentimes, these visits are filled with dread ... and this one she was sure could go badly ... she had to discuss with him what to do with the house ... his house. The one that where she spent her entire childhood ... the one where so many memories were created ... the one that has been sitting empty for far too long. In their visit today, he told Leslie to go ahead and sell the house. He admitted that he realized he would never get to go home (he is in his 80s). He also said he knew that money was running low, and he didn't want her to have to worry about it any longer. He didn't want her to worry ... praise God!! It's in situations like this that you realize how precious life is. It's in situations like this that you realize how precious your family is, how much of a treasure your friends are. It's in times like these that you let go of pettyness that keeps your heart pinched, that keeps you from actually living your life and loving others in the ways that God has designed you to love and live! Today, I begin to love & live again ... for God!Wishing you roses n rainbows!Lisa
- Watching the Tony awards and remembering my dreams of being on Broadway ... didn't quite make it ... in fact, have yet to go to New York. I do get to sing though ... each week on the praise teams at church! How cool for God to place you where He wants you!! His plans for me continue to include creative communications ... but have been way different than my own.
Currently, I am launching PR with Purpose, and working on the following projects:- Finished editing the text for Golden Heart School of Hypnosis' Catalogue ... has been sent on for graphic design.
- Working on the Spring ConnectED PAIRS newsletter! I so enjoy putting this together each time Marilyn and Matt are ready to have another one produced.They have so much to offer couples ... whether you are just starting out, have been married for years and years, whether or not you have issues. ConnectED PAIRS is a great investment for your marriage!
- Alpha & Omega brochure writing is on the agenda, too!
- Writing 2 profiles and the Business Scene for Springfield Scene magazine
- Finishing book proposal and chapters for Lesson Plans for Life ... a story of a Leukemia survivor!
- Working on Mums, Raspberries, Roses n Rainbows!
Life is good!!
Why is it that when you try to do something good, there is always someone who can turn it around and make it negative? Frankly, it makes me crazy and wears me out!!Have a positive day!Lisa
