“See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come…” Song of Songs 2:11-12
I’m in the home stretch: One more week to finish the second book in the What Women Should Know series and send it off to my publisher — and then you’ll see me here a lot more often! I also got the all-clear from my doctor this week. My stress fracture has finally healed and I can slowly start putting weight on my right leg again, walking with one crutch or a cane. I’ve still got a journey ahead of me, with the added complication of a new diagnosis: tendonopathy. But the getting-back-on-my-feet thing is huge!
Today I’ve got a couple special announcements for you and some “make it a spectacular summer” suggestions!
For years my family and friends, my agent, and my publishers told me I should be blogging… but it wasn’t until early 2013 that God gave me a vision for it, a passion for it. And this time last year, What Women Should Know was launched! I’m so very grateful — for the learning process, for the adventure, for the opportunity to connect with you — my readers — more often and more personally than ever before. I’ve made lots of wonderful new friends and we’ve all had a fabulous time together, sharing together, laughing together, crying together, praying together, encouraging each other in the Lord! A big hug to each and every one of you! I can’t wait to see what this next year holds…
Can you believe it’s June 1st already? Pull out your calendar and your journal or a sheet of note paper and let’s take fifteen minutes to plan for a spectacular summer! Start with a quick prayer — asking God for inspiration and guidance.
1) Look over your calendar for June / July / August. Make a note of any upcoming events, concerts, celebrations, vacations… refresh your memory by reviewing all the big picture stuff.
2) Make a list of 5 special things that make it feel like summer to you — and plan for them, too! Summer foods, summer places, summer projects and activities. You may have more than five and that’s fine, but I’m keeping it simple for those of us (myself included) who tend to make things a little too complicated. Think things that are fun and fulfilling — that make you glad to be alive and grateful for all of God’s good gifts!
3) List three books you’d really like to read. And two movies you’d really like to see.
4) Set a few simple goals:
A physical goal: Something you want to do for your overall health. A spiritual goal: Something you want to do to grow spiritually. A ministry goal — something others-oriented: It could be a service project or some kind or volunteering in your church or community, or it could be very intentionally investing your relationships with friends and family, your children or grandchildren.
5) Look at your calendar and your list and ask yourself: Are these things truly enjoyable? (You already have enough things you HAVE to do — these are things you want to do.) Are your goals realistic? Are they doable? When? How? Either come up with plan to make them happen, or revise them.
And while you’ve got your calendar out, please save the date…
From July 7th – August 10th, we’ll be having our second annual VBS (Vacation Bible School) for GrownUp Girls!!! It’s a virtual VBS — we’ll meet here to do a special summer Bible study together… lots of fun and fellowship. Please help me spread the word — get a group of girlfriends to join you! Last year, we even had one group that decided to meet weekly in person.
It’s going to be great! I’m so excited! More details coming soon!
