Emily Post Would Be Proud

Handling Mistakes: Though it may be embarrassing to get a name wrong or draw a complete blank, such lapses aren't rude—just very human! -excerpt from Emily Post's Etiquette 18th Edition

Emily's book goes on to share the protocol for those of us who draw more blanks than Vanna White turns on Wheel-of-Fortune.

This updated version of Emily's classic (done so by her great-great-grandchildren) is drawing rave reviews - and rightfully so with its relevant chapters on communication, technology, social life, and much more.

The book itself is crisp with plenty of white space, allowing the reader to breathe between tidbits of advice, but what makes my personal copy special is my mom's handwritten inscription. No wonder it was one of our favorite Christmas gifts!

Let's face it, prim and proper comes and goes, but learning how to be courteous and prepared for life's situations benefit both our personal and professional lives.

Thank you Mom and Steve.

-photo courtesy of The Style Umbrella

Ladies' Study in Jonah Begins February 21

What do we do when God interrupts our lives? Many times, like Jonah, we run! In this 7-session Bible study, Priscilla redefines interruption and shows that interruption is actually God's invitation to do something beyond our wildest dreams. When Jonah was willing to allow God to interrupt his life, the result was revival in an entire city. -Jonah, Navigating a Life Interrupted, by Priscilla Shirer

How do you suppose our lives would change if we chose to see daily interruptions as divine opportunities?

I look forward to finding out, beginning Tuesday, February 21st, as the Ladies' Community Bible study group gathers in a beautiful turn-of-the-century home in downtown Simpsonville to study the book of Jonah over a hot cup of coffee and sweet fellowship.

Throughout the week, participants will have a small amount of daily study time in the workbooks. On Tuesday nights, 6:30-7:45 p.m., we'll come together to discuss the truths we've learned (no one is put on the spot to share). Lifeway has plenty of workbooks in stock ($11.95). You'll want to have the first week completed prior to our first gathering on February 21st. The study will be completed by the end of March.

Becky Kirby and I will be co-leading this session and we invite ladies of all ages to come join us!

We'd love to see you there!

Surrounded

During Brandon's CD Release Party last night, I enjoyed:

• the worship -- especially how Brandon ended our evening together. Powerful!
  
• laughter with friends of almost twenty years. The husband braved many a day on the b-ball courts mentoring Brandon as a teen.
  
• sitting next to my cousin, who's always been more like a sister, and watching her hubby post B's pics on Facebook. The fact they drove from Spartanburg meant even more.
  
• peering over to see the blossoming "friendship" between two young people. He's been a tremendous friend to Brandon over the years and she's the daughter to two special friends of ours.
  
• meeting the wife of an amazing young man, who lost both parents by the time he was in his early twenties.
• a sweet time of fellowship with my mom and her incredi-hubby, Steve, who could be the poster-child for step-parenting.
  
• observing a local FCA group worship -- and chatting with one of their leaders, the daughter of a dear friend. She didn't realize that Brandon was in fact "my" Brandon.
  
• hanging out with two great friends, who just happen to be Piper's other grandparents. :)

As Brandon played my favorite song from his CD, Surrounded, I marveled at the relationships and connections represented in the room, very much aware of God's abiding presence surrounding us as one—and grateful for every moment.

My Friday Fave - Psalm 139

Warning! Adorable (Grand)Baby On Board

It's been ten weeks of pure bliss watching Piper's expressions change, listening to her coos, and enjoying her sweet smiles.

How could anyone not believe in God when a baby is nearby?

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Psalm 139: 13, 14

Bang The First Key

The dreaded blank page.

When attempting to bang the first key, excuses invade my brain like blood rushes to an open wound.

Perhaps your blank page appears more like uncharted territory—a new job or opportunity, a redesigned eating or exercise plan, or dealing with circumstances not of your choosing—all requiring a “bang of the first key” to move forward.

Enter Jeff Goins’ pithy post Get Over It.

If, like me, you find yourself making excuses to begin whatever process lies before you, I encourage you to read Jeff’s post, to pray for strength (after all, no amount of willpower trumps the Spirit’s) and then bang the first key.

Excuses, begone!

A Hidden Necessity

It was there all along.

A handcrafted built-in cabinet, having worn the disguise of a teacup collector’s dream for seven years, emerged with greater purpose this weekend as a book-nook for current reads.

Early on, it was difficult to deny the cabinet its teacups. Lined up just beneath each shelf were hundred-year-old hooks, hungry to hold the delicate stems of teacups ready for display. And so it sat for 7 years.

This weekend, however, this recovering book-clutterer-upper reached her limit. I considered storing my current reads on a small book shelf near my red reading chair, but where would it go? If only the built-in cabinet with all its fancy teacups were located elsewhere...[non-incandescent light bulb flashes!] Bye bye, teacups. Hello, books.

The solution to my problem was there all along, but I'd become so accustomed to seeing the teacups that I was blinded to the cabinet's true potential.


Father, I pray for fresh eyes, awakened senses, and a stirred up Spirit, refusing to allow me to settle for the obvious, the expected, and the "what-has-always-been-is-good-enough-for-me" kind of attitude. Open my eyes to see circumstances, myself, and others through Your eyes, confident of Your desire to bring everything to its truest potential.

Coming Up This Friday Night...

May I say it again? So proud.

My Friday Fave - Take Them A Meal

Thanks to Pinterest, I discovered today's Friday Fave—Take Them A Meal.

If you enjoy ministering to others through the gift of food, this site is for you! It's stocked with ideas on recipes, cooking the meal itself, and tips on how to best transport the meals.

Although I've often considered my not cooking for someone a gift in itself, I now have renewed hope, thanks to these ladies.

Who can we serve today?

Three Lessons Learned While Blogging

Four years and nearly 800 posts ago, I dove into the blogosphere head first and have yet to come up for air. I surface today to simply share that changes are on the way! A fresh title and blog design, along with updated content, are all headed down the proverbial pike.

Looking back to my first post in February 2008 and moving forward into 2012, I'm reminded of three things:

• I learn, grow, and yes, marvel a bit at other bloggers, but I must remain true to who I am and to what I sense God would have me share in this space.

• Blogging has become a fine-tune button on the pulse of my life, raising awareness to my daily surroundings, thereby upping my praise/prayer opportunities.

• Your time is of tremendous value to me. As a result, I try to keep my posts concise. After all, meaning is discovered in haiku (3 lines) as well as sonnets (14 lines).

Is there one specific way blogging has affected you, either as a reader or blogger?

Wordless Wednesday: Love at First Sight

(Granddaughter, Piper and her Daddy)

Our Son to Lead Worship at The Channel

This mom beams with pride in announcing that our oldest son, Brandon, will lead worship at The Channel in downtown Greenville SC January 27th, 8:00 p.m. (221 N Main Street, Greenville SC 29615)

Brandon's most recent CD, A Love Better Than Life, is receiving great reviews and we look forward to hearing songs from the CD that evening.

This is an exciting journey, no doubt. I tend to see Brandon as a bit of an introvert like me, but when he leads worship, something happens—or should I say Someone? The Holy Spirit prompts and presides during the worship time via Brandon's willing heart and God-given talent.

If you're in the Greenville SC area, we'd love to see you there! Bring your youth groups, friends, and family. It's sure to be an exciting night of praise.

If you live near the Waynesville area, he will also be playing at Antioch Baptist Church on Sunday, January 29th, 6:30 p.m.

To God be the glory for all the things He has done...is doing...and will do.

The Burly Bully at Target

“Get out of my way!” the burly bully shouted, while shoving his young son into the end-cap at Target. I paused to pay the clerk until I was certain he’d caught a glimpse of the righteous anger welling up within me. He had been seen and I wanted him to know it.

The little boy regained his balance and cowered behind his mother, who looked to be as terrified as he was, if not more. If this man abuses his family in public what must he do behind closed doors?

Pushing my buggy back into place, a woman approached me. “I know exactly how you feel.” Her head lowered as she sauntered slowly back to her mini-van.

Should I call the police? Did I even have the right to do so? I didn't know, but this brief encounter with domestic abuse jolted the rosy-colored glasses clean off my head.

The incident was very unfortunate, but no coincidence. The terrified woman now has at least one person standing in the gap for her.

Will you join me in praying for this family? I sense it may be an expansive gap in need of prayer warriors—especially on behalf of the burly bully.

Jesus looked at them and said,
"With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
Matthew 19:26

My Friday Fave - Southern Writers Magazine

A subscription to Southern Writers Magazine neared the top of my Christmas list this past year and it's since proven to be one gift that keeps on giving.

Every issue includes information on critiquing, blogging, building your brand, and other relevant helps for writers of all levels and genres. Featured articles are simply superb!

One such article is by Tracy Crump entitled The Golden Rule of Critiquing. I plan to share her invaluable insights with my own critique group next month. Tracy also contributes to one of my favorite writing blogs The Write Life.

Although the feel of slick paper between my fingers tends to make me a bit giddy, I chose to subscribe to the Southern Writers Magazine's digital issues. (And my heavy laden bookshelves heave a collective sigh of relief.)

I encourage you to stop by, take your shoes off, pour a cup of sweet tea, and enjoy these two favorite places of mine on the way to wherever you're going today.

Perfectionism Stifled by a Cheap Spiral Notebook

Natalie Goldberg’s Writing Down the Bones is a new favorite. I slurped it down quicker than the cream-laden coffee nearby.

Simple advice, yes. But who knew a cheap spiral notebook would set me free?

“Think, too, about your notebook. It is important. This is your equipment, like hammer and nails to a carpenter. Sometimes people buy expensive hardcover journals. They are bulky and heavy, and because they are fancy, you are compelled to write something good. Instead you should feel that you have permission to write the worst junk in the world and it would be okay. Give yourself a lot of space in which to explore writing. A cheap spiral notebook lets you feel that you can fill it quickly and afford another.”

Bound pages, devoid of ink, line my bookshelves anticipating “just the right words” to one day be written upon them. How had I missed such an obvious sign of perfectionistic emptiness? So freeing was this revelation that I immediately hopped in my car and headed to Target for...you guessed it, cheap spiral notebooks.

A different color notebook for each genre now awaits my writing time each day. It’s amazing how one simple change can be so freeing.

Perfectionism, whether it be in the sphere of writing, organization, appearance, or a particular skill can stifle God’s best for us. A cheap spiral notebook may not be everyone’s answer to stifling perfectionism, but pinpointing our area of vulnerability is the first step in making that one change that may just set us free.

Wordless Wednesday - Flying High for Fallen Soldier

The story behind the flag...

If You Write for God...

If you write for God you will reach many men and bring them joy. If you write for men—you may make some money and you may give someone a little joy and you may make a noise in the world, for a little while. If you write for yourself, you can read what you yourself have written and after ten minutes you will be so disgusted that you will wish that you were dead. - Thomas Merton, from New Seeds of Contemplation

My Friday Fave - The Literary Ladies'

Brian collects pocket change throughout the year in a pink and teal container (the colors were not of his choosing). Come December, the money is carted off to the local Coin-Star where it’s exchanged for an Amazon gift certificate, which is then tucked into my Christmas stocking. This past year, a record breaking balance of $67.81 yielded a bundle of literary delight--one being The Literary Ladies' Guide to the Writing Life by Nava Atlas.

Inspiration and advice from twelve celebrated women authors cover 180 sleek pages. Jane Austen, Louisa May Alcott and Madeleine L’Engle just to name a few.

Chapter topics include:

• Becoming a Writer

• Developing a Voice

• Conquering Inner Demons

• Rejection and Acceptance

Excerpts from personal writing journals, literary work, and interviews provide “a treasury of intimate glimpses into the unfolding creative process across twelve brilliant careers.” Illustrations and rare photographs bring each author to life.

Lift those couch cushions and turn your pockets inside out. The Literary Ladies' Guide to the Writing Life is worth every penny!

Old Friend from Far Away

Natalie Goldberg’s Old Friend From Far Away, The Practice of Writing Memoir grabbed me from the get-go.

You may never aspire to write a memoir, but recalling the details of our lives is a worthy endeavor—for ourselves as well as future generations.

Snippets from today’s prompts (go ahead, give it a try!):

• Begin with the words “I Remember...”, writing 10 minutes without pause. Be specific. Do not correct grammar. Just write.
  
• Write a memory of your mother, aunt, or grandmother for 2-3 minutes without pause. Be specific. What color lipstick did she wear? Did she have an interesting habit?
• Share about a meal you loved. Where were you when you ate it? What was the weather like out the window? Who were you with? How old were you?
  

Pithy writing prompts interspersed with practical advice earns this old friend a place on my bookshelf for years to come.

Wordless Wednesday - Farewell for Now, Shiny Brites...

Murder by Clutter

clut·ter: A confused or disordered state or collection; a jumble

One episode of Hoarders leaves me feeling like Martha Stewart on a bad hair day -- while you won't find feline skeletal remains buried beneath half-drained paper cups in my house, I doubt Martha would stack her books to the point of toppling as I sometimes do.

Let's face it. House clutter kills more than cats, including:

• spontaneity (sure, drop by any time! not.)
  
• energy (does anything sap it quicker than disorder?)
• beauty (even one who beholds would have to agree with me on this one)
  
• peace (there's always something to move, clean, or peep over)
  

Did you know it can also kill your creativity? Check out Jeff Goin's post Your Clutter is Killing Your Creativity (And What to Do About It). His blog is one of my most recent and favorite finds.

In the meantime, if you could use a boost of decluttering confidence despite your own toppling towers (am I alone here?), tune into an episode of Hoarders. You'll be tweeting your own organizational tips in no time!

Top 10 Favorite Posts of 2011

Asking a blogger to choose their ten favorite blog posts of the year is like asking a parent to choose a favorite child, but here goes (in no particular order):

Beauty in the Mundane
Flash Poetry
A Temporary Tug
A Story Board for Inspiration
Reflections from My Word Pool
The Battle for a Five-and-a-Half-Inch Space
No Tissues Necessary!
Brokenness in the Sand
Sandy Patterned Snapshots
God is the God of Open Doors. Or Is He?


Two Sentimental Favorites:

Proud Parent Alert!
No Hoops Required


Thank you for sharing the two most precious commodities with me -- your time and your thoughts.

God bless you! I look forward to our 2012 journey.

- image courtesy of IHRG