Mona Hodgson's Blog, page 3
June 1, 2020
New Book Release Day
Book #43 for me was released today!
Friends, it feels fantastic to be back writing books, sending out e-newsletters, posting on my Facebook Author Page, and connecting with you through my blog.
When the brain fog from the surgery and anesthesia started to clear and my ability to focus returned, I knew what I wanted to do with my extra time at home. Clean out kitchen drawers, organize my office closet shelves, and revisit a picture book I’d written in 2003. A book about prayer–timely for all ages.
I gave the book a new title, freshened up the concept and the text, and spent several weeks working virtually with Patrick Carlson, a gifted cartoonist and picture book illustrator.
My newest book is not Mountain Whispers, the historical romance sequel to Prairie Song that some of you are waiting for. Sorry, not yet. Instead it is a picture book that supports your desire to encourage your child, grandchild, or student in the spiritual discipline of prayer.
The spiritual development of the kiddos in your life is a privilege and sometimes a daunting responsibility. I’m thrilled to come alongside you with this new resource. I packed I Can Talk to God full of poignant and teachable moments.
The spiritual development of the kiddos in your life is a privilege and sometimes a daunting responsibility. I'm thrilled to come alongside you with this new resource.
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I’m celebrating with a Book Package Giveaway!
Enter the Giveaway for a chance to win all five of these children’s books!
A copy of The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones, I Can Talk to God, The Princess Twins and the Tea Party, The Best Breakfast, and Hide and Seek devotional.
ENTER HERE
RELATED POSTS:
Picture Book Illustrator Spills Secrets and Shares Tips
New Picture Book and Printable Activity Pages
A Prayer in Motion for Your Kiddos
The post New Book Release Day appeared first on Mona Hodgson.
May 30, 2020
Picture Book Illustrator Spills Secrets and Offers Tips
My newest picture book releases Monday! Yep. June 1st. Can’t wait! In the meantime, I thought it might be fun for you to meet the illustrator for I Can Talk to God .
As the writer, I provide the text and set the tone for the book. It’s the illustrator who brings my words to life on the page. For my 31st children’s book, that artist is Patrick Carlson.
Patrick Carlson shares his story and some tips for those dreaming of being cartoonists and illustrators . . .
In 1981 I was featured in my local paper with my first comic strip. It was a terrible piece of art about a bird named Bingo.
That one strip was the spark that ignited my love for cartooning. From that day on, I knew what I wanted to be: a cartoonist. I fell in love with the work of Walt Disney, Charles Shultz, Jim Davis, and Dik Browne.
I spent hours drawing my favorite characters and creating my own comic strips. I studied the tools of the trade and the methods of career cartoonists.
Decades later, I am sitting in my own office with my own tools of the trade, which have changed dramatically from the studios of my childhood.
I don’t use paper or pencil, ink or paint, but a 24-inch Wacom tablet to draw directly on the screen.
I don't use paper or pencil, ink or paint, but a 24-inch Wacom tablet to draw directly on the screen.
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I still study the art of fellow cartoonists and have learned some valuable lessons over the years. One of the most important (and hardest to accept) lessons is not to compare yourself to other artists. My style is MY style. My art is uniquely MINE.
One of the most important (and hardest) lessons is not to compare yourself to other artists.
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My process begins, I would imagine like most artists, with a sketch.
For this, I use Photoshop. It’s rough, with not a lot of detail, just to give an idea of what the basic layout will be.
After a back and forth with the client for any revisions, I will take my sketch into Adobe Illustrator, where I will use a variety of tools to create line art. Then, I add color, shading and any special effects in Adobe Illustrator.
Over the years, my work and style have been refined. An artist’s work never stays the same. I learn new styles, new techniques to apply, and figure out what an unused button in my drawing program can do!
I learn new styles, new techniques to apply, and figure out what an unused button in my drawing program can do!
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I also become more thankful for the gift I have been given and do my best to use it for the purpose God has for my life.
For the new artist out there, my message would be to . . .
Keep learning.
Never settle on what your talents can do now. Learn. Improve.
Don’t compare yourself to other artists.
Your art is your art. Your style is your style.
Always use your talent for the building up of people and the glorification of God.
Many thanks to Patrick for his jaw-dropping illustrations in I Can Talk to God and for his willingness to join us here for a peek behind-the-pages and for some tips for those interested in being a cartoonist or a picture book illustrator.
Patrick Carlson is a cartoonist and illustrator from Valdosta, GA. He has had a love of art since he was a child and has illustrated dozens of children’s books over his 30 years of cartooning. He uses his experience as a teacher and youth minister to create characters and illustrations that appeal tochildren of all ages. He lives with his wife, ennifer, and twin sons, Alex and Ben.
RELATED POSTS:
NEW PICTURE BOOK AND PRINTABLE ACTIVITY PAGES
A PRAYER IN MOTION FOR YOUR KIDDOS
ORDER YOUR COPIES OF I CAN TALK TO GOD NOW!
The post Picture Book Illustrator Spills Secrets and Offers Tips appeared first on Mona Hodgson.
May 29, 2020
Children’s Book Giveaway
My NEWEST PICTURE BOOK releases this Monday, June 1! WOOHOO!!!
I’m celebrating with an I Can Talk to God Children’s Book Giveaway. ENTER NOW! Enter before Friday, June 5 at 12:00 am.
HERE’S WHAT I’M GIVING AWAY: A copy of The Princess Twins and the Tea Party, The Best Breakfast, Hide and Seek devotional, I Can Talk to God, and the Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones.
CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY!
I’d love it if you’d share this post with friends and family who might enjoy I Can Talk to God and the Giveaway!
The post Children’s Book Giveaway appeared first on Mona Hodgson.
May 18, 2020
New Picture Book and Printable Activity Pages
My 43rd book releases June 1st. I Can Talk to God is a 24-page paperback picture book for age 2 to 8.
This book is not the next long-awaited novel in my Hearts Seeking Home historical romance series (watch for Mountain Whispers to land here this autumn), but this picture book is a project from deep in my heart.
Sometimes God seems far away because you can’t see or feel Him. But He is right there, ready to listen to you. I want to help kids know and embrace that truth.
Sometimes God seems far away because you can't see or feel Him. But He is right there, ready to listen to you.
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In 2004, a publisher published an earlier version of I Can Talk to God under a different title. My heart sank when just a few years later the publisher decided to no longer print the book. I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to update it and add to it.
What is prayer? Who can pray?
Where can I talk to God? How do I talk to God?
The concept of prayer can puzzle children. It can also pique their curiosity.
What is prayer? How do I talk to God? The concept of prayer can puzzle children.
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Showing the prayer practices and postures of some of our most loved Bible heroes, I Can Talk to God will help your children, grandchildren, or students develop their personal prayer lives. Children learn they can pray anytime and anywhere.
Pre-order I Can Talk to God.
While you wait for your copy of the new book, I have some free printable coloring pages and other resources for you and your kiddos. Here’s a peek!
I’d love it if you’d share the news about the new book and the free resources available to parents, grandparents, and teachers.
The post New Picture Book and Printable Activity Pages appeared first on Mona Hodgson.
May 11, 2020
5 Strategies to Help You Crush Stress
The Covid-19 global crisis will likely sit at or near the top of your list of the most stressful seasons ever.
There isn’t one area of our lives not affected by the social distancing and shelter in place orders, closed school and church buildings, offices going online, cancelled travel plans, delayed medical appointments and procedures, and the constant stream of devastating news related to the pandemic.
Even with some states, cities, businesses, and medical services starting to open up some, life is far from normal.
And all of that on top of the usual stresses of everyday life. While you and I can find much to be grateful for in every season, the stresses of change and uncertainty are real.
While you and I can find much to be grateful for in every season, the stresses of change and uncertainty are real.
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Friend, I’m in this chaotic and wonderful life with you, and I’m hoping these five suggestions help you lighten the load.
1 Get real with yourself
Be honest with yourself in regard to your limitations. Are you expecting too much of yourself during this topsy-turvy time? Give yourself some grace, along with permission to say “no” when it’s the best answer.
2 Engage in artistic expression
Draw. Write in your journal. Play the piano, the guitar, a flute. Paint a rock. Create a found object sculpture. Give yourself a creativity break.
Give yourself a creativity break.
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3 Do something fun
Childlike play can press your reset button. Color outside the lines. Blow bubbles. Hopscotch. Schedule a dance party for yourself. Include your family, or not. You decide what you’d consider a fun break in your routine.
4 Head out on a Prayer Walk
This one sits at the top of my personal go-to list. You change your surroundings. Engage in exercise. Drink in some Vitamin D. All this while you’re expressing your gratitude and petition to God. Doesn’t this one feel especially satisfying to us multi-taskers?
5 Seek out support
Don’t do life alone. Ask a friend, family member, or mental health professional for help.
Don't do life alone.
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I’d love to hear from you. How are you managing your stress? Any of these strategies appeal to you?
Related Posts:
7 Habits of a (Mostly) Sane Mom
9 Psalms to Bolster You on a Bad Day
The post 5 Strategies to Help You Crush Stress appeared first on Mona Hodgson.
May 4, 2020
7 Habits of a (Mostly) Sane Mom
I see you, friend!
You are in my heart as you navigate this crazy new normal.
I’m counting the days with you as we try to see beyond Covid-19. Social distancing. No school—the kids are home. So are you. Always. And if you’re married, your spouse is too. Home schooling or navigating online schooling. Working from home. Cooking. Cleaning. Missing your MOPS group, Bible study sisters. And having a moment to yourself.
Sanity for moms and grandmothers in this chaos? It’s a stretch even on the good days.
I hear you. And I want to help!
So … I’m sharing some habits that I hope will help you find a road map for this topsy-turvy time (whatever that looks like for you).
Here are 7 habits to help you with a road map for this topsy-turvy time.
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1 Break Up with Perfect
The perfect mom, perfect child, perfect house, perfect meal, perfect anything is a Pinterest and Instagram illusion. Perhaps it can be true for one moment in time, but it’s certainly not the norm. For any of us. Free yourself, your kids, and your spouse from the power struggle with perfection.
~~~
2 Let Go of Guilt
Guilt is a steel trap that grabs hold of your heart and head space then keeps you from moving forward.
Guilt is a steel trap that grabs hold of your heart and head space then keeps you from moving forward.
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If you did make a mistake . . . repent, apologize, seek forgiveness. Move on.
Mom Guilt is infrequently founded in actual mistakes or fails. More often, it is something we burden ourselves with because we’re not looking at our reality. Instead, we’re looking through the fence of self-condemnation where the grass is always greener.
~~~
3 Quit Comparison
Comparing ourselves to others is like drinking poison. Contrasting your reality with a snapshot of someone else’s life is not the same as looking to a mentor, a role model, or a trusted friend for the sake of gaining information or wisdom.
Picture the difference between drinking a shot of sriracha chili sauce and sipping a mango smoothie. One is self-destructive. The other is yummy. The first practice isn’t going to end well. Neither is comparison.
~~~
4 Be Self-Aware
Feeling a little off? Are you irritated over something small? Do tears sting your eyes every time you turn around? Is anger simmering just below the surface of your last nerve? Or maybe it’s no longer simmering at all, but boiling over.
Pay attention. Those emotions are like the wobble of the washing machine when the load is out of balance.
Those emotions are like the wobble of the washing machine when the load is out of balance.
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The goings-on in your life are out of balance. You need a break. Space to breath, assess, regroup. Find a way to take care of yourself too. A walk. A nap. A chat with a friend. A nap. A bubble bath. A nap. Time with a good book. A nap. A date with the hubby. A nap. Sister or brother time. A nap.
~~~
5 Make Sure Prayer Partners are Voice Activated Calls
Don’t do momming alone! Seek out women who are in your corner and ask them to pray for you. Break up with perfection, let go of guilt, quit comparison, ask for help and embrace it like you would welcome a sabbatical on a secluded island.
~~~
6 Celebrate Less as More
You don’t have to chase every opportunity or lasso every shiny thing or shimmering experience for your kiddos. Nope. Not every meal has to be special. Not every request has to be answered with a Yes. Not every moment needs to be filled with jaw-dropping DIY projects. Seek after the special moments instead of the illusive Super Mom cape.
Seek after the special moments instead of the illusive Super Mom Cape.
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Pass up some of the good and better stuff for what’s best. The list of really good stuff is endless. Sometimes doing less and allowing your kids the same luxury makes room for more of what really matters.
~~~
7 Embrace Soul Care
Faith plays a big role in our well-being. At our core, You and I crave unconditional love and connection. God designed us for relationship with our Creator. Whether you believe in God or not, like Him or not, prayer and reading the Bible can bring you comfort and restore your joy. Try it. Make a habit of it. You’ll see.
Related: 9 Psalms to Bolster You on a Bad Day and 12 Verses to Pray Over a Hurting Friend.
~~~
Friend, I’d love to hear from you.
Which of these habits do you struggle with most? Or which of these habits or others are helping to keep you sane? Is there a habit you’re going to adopt to make a positive change in your life?
~~~
Looking for a prayer activity to share with your kiddos? Check out this post.
Thanks so much for joining me here. I’d love it if you’d share today’s post with a friend or family member you think might be encouraged.
The post 7 Habits of a (Mostly) Sane Mom appeared first on Mona Hodgson.
April 27, 2020
A Prayer in Motion for Your Kiddos
Hi, friend!
What a crazy time, right? But also an amazing opportunity for parents and grandparents (in person or on Facetime, WhatsApp, or Zoom)!
With all this extra time with your kids and grandkids, you might be looking for ways to encourage their Spiritual Formation.
I want to come alongside you and offer some ideas and resources. Later this week, on my website on the Free Resources page, I’ll have some printable fun for you to use with your kiddos. In the meantime, how about an idea for a prayer that affirms God’s presence in their lives while helping them get the wiggles out?
A prayer that affirms God's presence in your kiddos lives while helping them get the wiggle out.
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Prayer in motion
God created our bodies, and we can use them in communicating with Him and praising Him. Here’s a simple prayer, especially for the kinesthetic learner who craves movement.
Here's a simple prayer, especially for the kinesthetic learner who craves movement.
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Take in a deep breath, and then another.
God,
You reign over everything
(move your hands from your sides up to the sky)
above
(swirl your hands in the air)
and below;
(bend over and touch your toes)
everything inside
(stack your hands on your heart)
and everything outside.
(extend your arms and twist from left to right, pointing at various items as you turn)
I praise You!
(stretch your neck as you look up and reach for the sky)
I love You!
(draw a heart in the air with your hands)
Amen.
(clap your hands)
Take in a deep breath, and then another.
By the way, I enjoy this prayer exercise as well. Reminders are always a good thing.
Do you have a faith-building idea you can pass along to us in the comments?
Available June 2020
The post A Prayer in Motion for Your Kiddos appeared first on Mona Hodgson.
February 29, 2020
When a Zebra Becomes Your Medical Mascot
When my hubby and I made our first trip to Tanzania in East Africa to see our daughter and her family, it was the giraffes that captured my attention.
Fifteen years later, it’s the zebra that seized my attention.
A giraffe is unlike any other animal. The zebra however could be mistaken for a small horse that paused too long in front of a graffiti artist. That’s why the zebra became the mascot for rare diseases.
A giraffe is unlike any other animal. The zebra however could be mistaken for a petite horse that paused too long in front of a graffiti artist. That's why the zebra became the mascot for rare diseases.
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The rare disease might look similar to one or more medical conditions or diseases, but doesn’t match any of the molds.
Some symptoms of a rare disease may present like the features of a horse—for example, common conditions like shortness of breath, fatigue, diarrhea, heart palpitations, rashes, nausea, and facial flushing. But all or most of the symptoms together might actually be zebra stripes pointing to a real and rare disease.
Rare diseases haven’t earned a cancer ribbon color of their own. In fact, many are so rare the average specialist may never have seen it. And if they did, they were likely too far out from medical school to know what they were looking at. Consequently, zebra stripes have become the mascot for rare diseases like Neuroendocrine Cancer.
Rare diseases haven't earned a cancer ribbon color of their own. Consequently, zebra stripes have become the mascot for rare diseases like Neuroendocrine Cancer.
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Neuroendocrine tumors are what turned my head toward the zebra.
In May 2018, a local gastroenterologist removed a polyp from my small intestine that turned out to be a carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor.
In October 2019, I had surgery to remove a second neuroendocrine tumor and the lymph node where the cancerous tumor camped just outside my pancreas.
Two years ago, I hadn’t heard the word carcinoid and couldn’t have told you what my neuroendocrine system was or does. My local doctors and I had to Google those types of tumors to gain even a baseline for what we were dealing with.
Thankfully, I am currently tumor free and on surveillance with a scanning schedule. But this isn’t a post about a chronic illness or even about my journey with a rare and wily disease, although I do want to help raise awareness (especially in the medical community).
This conversation is more specifically about gaining perspective in the wake of any given wave that rocks your boat.
This isn't a post about a chronic illness or even about my journey with a rare and wily disease. This conversation is more specifically about gaining perspective in the wake of any given wave that rocks your boat.
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For me, the zebra represents a change of plans and a new direction. You can relate to a detour that wasn’t on your original course map or even on your radar, right? Your zebra might be a divorce, the loss of a child, a financial setback, a different illness (chronic or terminal or both), long-term care-giving, a business betrayal, widowhood. You name it, we all face sinister circumstances now and again.
For me the zebra represents a change of plans and a new direction You can relate to a detour that wasn't on your original course map or even on your radar, right?
Click To Tweet
Riding a zebra with grace and peace, whether it represents a rare disease or something else unpredictable in your life, requires space to process the dizzy-making stripes and gain perspective.
7 THINGS I’M LEARNING ABOUT RIDING A ZEBRA
Prepare for a bumpy ride. Expect to be jerked around by circumstances and your emotions. You’ll regain your equilibrium. Give yourself some time.
You’re going to fall off. Surprises happen. Sadness comes. Take a deep breath and get up.
Don’t ride alone. A journey by nature can be lonely. Call a friend. Engage a prayer partner. Consider joining a support group. Maybe a GriefShare group. Reach out.
Riding a zebra requires space–physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual space. Give yourself permission to take a break, change your pace, and reprioritize.
Go toward light. Open the shades. Sit near a window that’s streaming natural light. Get outdoors. Go for a walk.
Get physical. Riding a zebra is stressful. Physical movement can help combat the effects of stress. So to the extent that you can, get physical.
Faith matters. My faith in God, reading the Bible, and talking to God in prayer is the foundation that gives me the strength to face the zebra and ride on.
Hang on, friends. I’m riding with you. We’re in this together.
Click here to see my Pinterest board on Neuroendocrine Cancer.
Click here to check out what the Mayo Clinic has to say about Neuroendocrine Tumors.
Click here to read what The Carcinoid Cancer Foundation says about Neuroendocrine Cancer.
The post When a Zebra Becomes Your Medical Mascot appeared first on Mona Hodgson.
When a Zebra Becomes Your Mascot
Even in a smaller, off-the-beaten-path town like ours you’re likely to see at least one leopard or zebra print shirt, cardigan, or Bible bag on a Sunday morning. Safari animal prints are back in fashion.
When my hubby and I made our first trip to Tanzania in East Africa to see our daughter and her family, it was the giraffes that captured my attention. Maybe it was because of their other-worldly camo coloration. Or that they’re easier to spot with their heads held high in the tree branches.
Perhaps the appeal was something more symbolic: Giraffes stick their necks out. Definitely something this writer does with every word she dares to tap out through her fingertips.
Whatever the reason, giraffes became my thing and I began collecting them.
Fifteen years later, it’s the zebra that has my attention.
A giraffe is unlike any other animal. The zebra however could be mistaken for a small horse that paused too long in front of a graffiti artist. That’s why the zebra became the mascot for rare diseases.
A giraffe is unlike any other animal. The zebra however could be mistaken for a petite horse that paused too long in front of a graffiti artist. That's why the zebra became the mascot for rare diseases.
Click To Tweet
The rare disease might look similar to one or more medical conditions or diseases, but doesn’t match any of the molds.
Some symptoms of a rare disease may present like the features of a horse—for example, common conditions like shortness of breath, fatigue, diarrhea, heart palpitations, rashes, nausea, and facial flushing. But all or most of the symptoms together might actually be zebra stripes pointing to a real and rare disease.
Rare diseases haven’t earned a cancer ribbon color of their own. In fact, many are so rare the average specialist may never have seen it. And if they did, they were likely too far out from medical school to know what they were looking at. Consequently, zebra stripes have become the mascot for rare diseases like Neuroendocrine Cancer.
Rare diseases haven't earned a cancer ribbon color of their own. Consequently, zebra stripes have become the mascot for rare diseases like Neuroendocrine Cancer.
Click To Tweet
Neuroendocrine tumors are what turned my head toward the zebra.
In May 2018, a local gastroenterologist removed a polyp from my small intestine that turned out to be a carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor.
In October 2019, I had surgery to remove a second neuroendocrine tumor and the lymph node where the tumor camped just outside my pancreas.
Two years ago, I hadn’t heard the word carcinoid and couldn’t have told you what my neuroendocrine system was or does. My local doctors and I had to Google those types of tumors to gain even a baseline for what we were dealing with.
Thankfully, I am currently tumor free and on surveillance with a scanning schedule. But this isn’t a post about a chronic illness or even about my journey with a rare and wily disease, although I do want to help raise awareness (especially in the medical community).
This conversation is more specifically about gaining perspective in the wake of any given wave that rocks your boat.
This isn't a post about a chronic illness or even about my journey with a rare and wily disease. This conversation is more specifically about gaining perspective in the wake of any given wave that rocks your boat.
Click To Tweet
For me, the zebra represents a change of plans and a new direction. You can relate to a detour that wasn’t on your original course map or even on your radar, right? Your zebra might be a divorce, the loss of a child, a financial setback, a different illness (chronic or terminal or both), long-term care-giving, a business betrayal, widowhood. You name it, we all face sinister circumstances now and again.
For me the zebra represents a change of plans and a new direction You can relate to a detour that wasn't on your original course map or even on your radar, right?
Click To Tweet
Riding a zebra with grace and peace, whether it represents a rare disease or something else unpredictable in your life, requires space to process the dizzy-making stripes and gain perspective.
7 THINGS I’M LEARNING ABOUT RIDING A ZEBRA
Prepare for a bumpy ride. Expect to be jerked around by circumstances and your emotions. You’ll regain your equilibrium. Give yourself some time.
You’re going to fall off. Surprises happen. Sadness comes. Take a deep breath and get up.
Don’t ride alone. A journey by nature can be lonely. Call a friend. Engage a prayer partner. Consider joining a support group. Maybe a GriefShare group. Reach out.
Riding a zebra requires space–physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual space. Give yourself permission to take a break, change your pace, and reprioritize.
Go toward light. Open the shades. Sit near a window that’s streaming natural light. Get outdoors. Go for a walk.
Get physical. Riding a zebra is stressful. Physical movement can help combat the effects of stress. So to the extent that you can, get physical.
Faith matters. My faith in God, reading the Bible, and talking to God in prayer is the foundation that gives me the strength to face the zebra and ride on.
Hang on, friends. I’m riding with you. We’re in this together.
Click here to see my Pinterest board on Neuroendocrine Cancer.
Click here to check out what the Mayo Clinic has to say about Neuroendocrine Tumors.
Click here to read what The Carcinoid Cancer Foundation says about Neuroendocrine Cancer.
The post When a Zebra Becomes Your Mascot appeared first on Mona Hodgson.
February 18, 2020
A Ready to Roll Checklist
I was ready to roll. To the gym.
Workout clothes. Check.
Nylon backpack. Check.
Membership card. Check.
Off I went.
Upon arrival, I parked in a space close to the glass door so as to guard against over-exercising before I ever reached the treadmill or the mat. I dug my key fob, membership card, and phone from my purse and dropped them all into the side-pocket on my backpack.
Ready!
I popped the car door open then turned to step out onto the asphalt. That’s when my feet came into view.
Slippers. I saw slippers. Not the “gym shoes” I had carefully coordinated with my fitness gear. The shoes I’d left behind, on my bedroom floor.
Now before you fall on the tile laughing at my faux pas, you might want to fess up. You may not have arrived at the gym or workplace or dentist’s office slapping your slippers on the pavement, but you can’t tell me you’ve never blundered; never embarrassed yourself with a mistaken word or a committed or omitted action. Can you?
Please tell me you have a story. I hate to think I’m the only one out there generating embarrassing moments.
Note to self: 1) Keep an extra pair of tennis shoes in the tote bag. 2) Mind the checklist, after adding shoes to it.
Distraction happens, right? At our hurried and harried pace, it’s easy to forget what’s important. That’s true in our daily tasks and routines, and in the relationship at the center of our well-being, the One that matters most.
Distractions happen, right? At our hurried and harried pace, it's easy to forget what's important.
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If I haven’t done first things first and tended to my spiritually ready to roll checklist, I’m not truly ready for my next step. With or without shoes.
I’m talking here about the emotional, mental, and spiritual readiness that comes from the roots I have put down and tended in my relationship with my heavenly Father, Lord and Savior, and the Holy Spirit.
“He says, ‘Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’” Psalm 46:10 NIV
Being still before my heavenly Father and surrendering to His leading doesn’t mean that I won’t forget to pull off my slippers and sink my feet into my gym shoes before I leave the house, but it does reset my heart and mind on the One who is for me and has the power to guide me and transform me.
Before I roll out of bed, interact with family members, head to my desk, or drive to the grocery store, I need to consider my first things first ready to roll checklist.
Go to God in prayer.
2. Anchor my heart and mind in His Word, the Bible.
3. Surrender my agenda and agree to be open to His plan and leading. Sometimes for me, that involves driving back home for the shoes giving myself time to take a phone call from a friend in need of prayer.
Any time is a good time for a checklist check-up!
If you have a faux pas you’d like to get off your conscience, please share it with us in the comments. Laughter is good for us. And no sense any of going through life thinking we’re the only ones embarrassing ourselves.
The post A Ready to Roll Checklist appeared first on Mona Hodgson.
