Chris Loehmer Kincaid's Blog, page 109
August 6, 2017
Leaving My Heart at Green Lake
I’ve written about this place before.
And the reasons why it means so much to me.
And how it was because of this place and the writers’ conference held there each year that my first book was published.
The Green Lake Christian Writers Conference on the beautiful grounds of the Green Lake Conference Center had been held for 68 years. I attended in one form or another for five years. I made some cherished friends, shared lots of laughs, embraced the peace of the conference grounds, learned a lot about the craft of writing. And as already mentioned, was given the opportunity to have my memoir published.
At the conference one year, my project for the week was to work on the opening scene of my first novel. As you already know, “Where the Sky Meets the Sand” is finally ready for publication.
Also, on my way home from the conference another year, I met the inspiration for the novel I’m currently working on.
This year’s conference was scheduled to start today and even though I wasn’t planning on attending, I was crushed when I found out last week that it was cancelled due to low registration.
I know that things change, and time marches on. Maybe 69 years is too long a time for an event to continue to be held. How many marriages have lasted that long? I hope though that next year the writers’ conference will be resurrected, that new blood will take over and young blood will be drawn to attend. And if it be God’s will, I’ll return as well.
And the reasons why it means so much to me.
And how it was because of this place and the writers’ conference held there each year that my first book was published.
The Green Lake Christian Writers Conference on the beautiful grounds of the Green Lake Conference Center had been held for 68 years. I attended in one form or another for five years. I made some cherished friends, shared lots of laughs, embraced the peace of the conference grounds, learned a lot about the craft of writing. And as already mentioned, was given the opportunity to have my memoir published.At the conference one year, my project for the week was to work on the opening scene of my first novel. As you already know, “Where the Sky Meets the Sand” is finally ready for publication.
Also, on my way home from the conference another year, I met the inspiration for the novel I’m currently working on.
This year’s conference was scheduled to start today and even though I wasn’t planning on attending, I was crushed when I found out last week that it was cancelled due to low registration.I know that things change, and time marches on. Maybe 69 years is too long a time for an event to continue to be held. How many marriages have lasted that long? I hope though that next year the writers’ conference will be resurrected, that new blood will take over and young blood will be drawn to attend. And if it be God’s will, I’ll return as well.
Published on August 06, 2017 04:40
August 4, 2017
When You Need a Miracle
When I was living in Colorado, I was on my way to work one morning, when I came upon an accident. A semi-truck at the side of the road, a smashed pickup nearby. The car of the physician’s assistant I worked with parked next to the fire truck that had just arrived.
When I got to work, I told our receptionist that Randy was going to be late as it looked like he was assisting at the scene of an accident. Turns out, he was not only there, trying to save the life of the driver of the pickup, but he had seen it happen.
Randy had pulled up to the stop sign on the busy highway and looked across the intersection to the pickup at the stop sign opposite. He looked straight into the driver’s face, watched him look both ways and then saw him pull out right in front of the semi-truck.
We found out later that he was on his way to traffic court and would probably have lost his license. If he wasn't able to drive, he'd probably lose his job. His girlfriend was pregnant. It seemed he felt he was at the end of his rope. Randy was sure he had pulled out in front of the semi on purpose. He was declared dead at the scene.
Every time I hear this song, watch this video, I think of that incident. I wonder what would have made that young man change his mind, realize that no matter what was going on in his life, it really wasn’t that bad.
I’ve been going to share this story for a long time. I don’t know what I was waiting for.
No matter what is going on in your life, no matter how grim things seem, no matter how desperate, there is always a reason to live.
When I got to work, I told our receptionist that Randy was going to be late as it looked like he was assisting at the scene of an accident. Turns out, he was not only there, trying to save the life of the driver of the pickup, but he had seen it happen.
Randy had pulled up to the stop sign on the busy highway and looked across the intersection to the pickup at the stop sign opposite. He looked straight into the driver’s face, watched him look both ways and then saw him pull out right in front of the semi-truck.
We found out later that he was on his way to traffic court and would probably have lost his license. If he wasn't able to drive, he'd probably lose his job. His girlfriend was pregnant. It seemed he felt he was at the end of his rope. Randy was sure he had pulled out in front of the semi on purpose. He was declared dead at the scene.
Every time I hear this song, watch this video, I think of that incident. I wonder what would have made that young man change his mind, realize that no matter what was going on in his life, it really wasn’t that bad.
I’ve been going to share this story for a long time. I don’t know what I was waiting for.
No matter what is going on in your life, no matter how grim things seem, no matter how desperate, there is always a reason to live.
Published on August 04, 2017 04:21
August 2, 2017
Making a List
Yesterday afternoon an idea came into my head of what I wanted to blog about today. That idea was followed by about three more. And now that it’s time to sit down and actually write this post, I pretty much have nothin’ in my head. Or maybe I have too much in my head and none of those thoughts are coming together. Or duking it out to declare a definitive victor.
What I need to do is make a list of all the things I still need to blog about, put it on a schedule and then do it. Here’s a start:
1) Finish journaling about our trip to Kenya in April. You may find it hard to believe, but no, I have not shared all the details of the trip. There are actually a lot of recent, much shorter trips which I have taken and not told you much about either.2) I still have all those old pictures of my mom’s to scan into the computer and then I’d love to keep sharing some of those each week. 3) Along with those really old pictures, I want to scan the pictures which I took back in the 80s and 90s, mostly of me and my sister Pat camping. And compare them to some of those same places which I have been to more recently. 4) The middle of July, when I found out the release date for my novel, I said I was going to start posting some of the “lost files”, the scenes which I had to delete from the finished book because I was bogged down with too many points of view. 5) Then wouldn’t it be nice to share something informational? I love researching random stuff on-line and writing my own little mini research papers. Aren’t I a weirdo?
As you can tell, I have a hard time staying focused on one thing. The experts tell me that a person’s blog needs to concentrate on one thing – either you write book reviews or travel blogs or research the history of your state or whatever grabs you that you want to write about and your readers want to read about.
I don’t know. I’ve published one memoir, two devotionals and a novel now. Floating around in my laptop are three more memoirs, two more devotionals, a novel and a novella. You don’t even want to know what’s floating around in my head!
So, I guess if any of my faithful followers have a problem with my lack of specialty, let me know. I probably won’t change how I do things, but I still value your opinions. I’d also love to hear of any other subjects you’d like me to write about, as if I need more ideas!
Finally, a few pictures of the things I still need to blog about.
Have a great day!!!
What I need to do is make a list of all the things I still need to blog about, put it on a schedule and then do it. Here’s a start:
1) Finish journaling about our trip to Kenya in April. You may find it hard to believe, but no, I have not shared all the details of the trip. There are actually a lot of recent, much shorter trips which I have taken and not told you much about either.2) I still have all those old pictures of my mom’s to scan into the computer and then I’d love to keep sharing some of those each week. 3) Along with those really old pictures, I want to scan the pictures which I took back in the 80s and 90s, mostly of me and my sister Pat camping. And compare them to some of those same places which I have been to more recently. 4) The middle of July, when I found out the release date for my novel, I said I was going to start posting some of the “lost files”, the scenes which I had to delete from the finished book because I was bogged down with too many points of view. 5) Then wouldn’t it be nice to share something informational? I love researching random stuff on-line and writing my own little mini research papers. Aren’t I a weirdo?
As you can tell, I have a hard time staying focused on one thing. The experts tell me that a person’s blog needs to concentrate on one thing – either you write book reviews or travel blogs or research the history of your state or whatever grabs you that you want to write about and your readers want to read about.
I don’t know. I’ve published one memoir, two devotionals and a novel now. Floating around in my laptop are three more memoirs, two more devotionals, a novel and a novella. You don’t even want to know what’s floating around in my head!
So, I guess if any of my faithful followers have a problem with my lack of specialty, let me know. I probably won’t change how I do things, but I still value your opinions. I’d also love to hear of any other subjects you’d like me to write about, as if I need more ideas!
Finally, a few pictures of the things I still need to blog about.
Have a great day!!!
Published on August 02, 2017 03:58
July 30, 2017
When One Can't Sleep
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:6-7 (New Living Translation)
As my husband was leaving for work this morning at 5:30, and I was in bed reading, he admonished me to go back to sleep. But as all of us know who suffer from insomnia, that is not a command we can obey. We can’t just shut off our brains, or the pain, or whatever it is that’s keeping us awake. It’s better to get up and face the day and fight through the fatigue. Okay, that’s probably not the best way to do it, but that’s what I end up having to do.
Yes, I know that God has granted me His peace, I know that Jesus Christ guards my every moment, both waking and sleeping. But sometimes, a person still just cannot sleep. To which all I can say is, this too shall pass.
Lord, Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Faithfulness. Thank You for sending Your Son to be by my side in every trial. And Lord, if it be Your will, let me get a good night’s sleep tonight. Amen.
One of the most peaceful places I've been to. The Baltimore River in Michigan's UP.
As my husband was leaving for work this morning at 5:30, and I was in bed reading, he admonished me to go back to sleep. But as all of us know who suffer from insomnia, that is not a command we can obey. We can’t just shut off our brains, or the pain, or whatever it is that’s keeping us awake. It’s better to get up and face the day and fight through the fatigue. Okay, that’s probably not the best way to do it, but that’s what I end up having to do.
Yes, I know that God has granted me His peace, I know that Jesus Christ guards my every moment, both waking and sleeping. But sometimes, a person still just cannot sleep. To which all I can say is, this too shall pass.
Lord, Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Faithfulness. Thank You for sending Your Son to be by my side in every trial. And Lord, if it be Your will, let me get a good night’s sleep tonight. Amen.
One of the most peaceful places I've been to. The Baltimore River in Michigan's UP.
Published on July 30, 2017 04:23
July 28, 2017
On my writing
I’ve been reading “On Writing” by Stephen King. The book opens with not one, not two, but three forewords. I think that only a writer of King’s caliber can get away with that. Most articles on writing which I’ve read suggest you jump right into chapter 1, skipping a foreword or a prologue or anything else which slows down the beginning of the action. I would tend to agree, often skipping the five pages of acknowledgements until after I’ve read the book (even though my new novel begins with a prologue, but it couldn’t be helped). I do however want to know what’s in the author’s head, what or who inspired them and where this story came.
Which is why I ended my novel with “Why I wrote this book”. Here is an edited excerpt from it.
“The first time I traveled to Africa was on a mission trip with my daughter in 2006. Neither one of us ever imagined we would return. Yet, in 2010, my daughter, trying to find her role in life, volunteered in Kenya for six months, traveling throughout the country and working in a variety of capacities. It was while she was gone, that Kenya resurfaced in my mind and I started writing a memoir of our first trip. It was also during that time that I dreamed about a young boy living in the bush of Kenya. That dream would become the opening scene of this book.
“In my multiple travels to Kenya, I’ve been to the magnificent Rift Valley and have met various Maasai people living there. The adults have all been gracious and hospitable, and the children ridiculously friendly.
“It is my wish that in reading this book you not only grow closer to God, but that you are inspired to make a difference either at home or in a third world country.”
This picture is from our first trip to Kenya and one of these boys is who I see when I think of the boy in my novel. The picture’s not included in the book, but I hope that from my description of him, this is who you see in your head.
“Where the Sky Meets the Sand” is available as an ebook and as a paperback for preorder. I’ll let you know when I get my own supply if you want a signed copy.
Which is why I ended my novel with “Why I wrote this book”. Here is an edited excerpt from it.
“The first time I traveled to Africa was on a mission trip with my daughter in 2006. Neither one of us ever imagined we would return. Yet, in 2010, my daughter, trying to find her role in life, volunteered in Kenya for six months, traveling throughout the country and working in a variety of capacities. It was while she was gone, that Kenya resurfaced in my mind and I started writing a memoir of our first trip. It was also during that time that I dreamed about a young boy living in the bush of Kenya. That dream would become the opening scene of this book.
“In my multiple travels to Kenya, I’ve been to the magnificent Rift Valley and have met various Maasai people living there. The adults have all been gracious and hospitable, and the children ridiculously friendly.
“It is my wish that in reading this book you not only grow closer to God, but that you are inspired to make a difference either at home or in a third world country.”
This picture is from our first trip to Kenya and one of these boys is who I see when I think of the boy in my novel. The picture’s not included in the book, but I hope that from my description of him, this is who you see in your head. “Where the Sky Meets the Sand” is available as an ebook and as a paperback for preorder. I’ll let you know when I get my own supply if you want a signed copy.
Published on July 28, 2017 04:53
July 26, 2017
Waterfalling
A week ago, I shared pictures and memories of a day outside exploring with my brother and sister. Today, you get to hear about another such day, only this time with two old friends. We only get together a couple times a year, but have been doing it for 20 years. A third friend was supposed to join us but something came up. Next time, Barb.
Linda wanted to see waterfalls, and since I knew where some were that she had never been to, I volunteered to play tour guide. And Joy was just along for the ride.
First up was Bond Falls. An easy walk from the parking lot. Beautiful. But every time I’ve been there, there have been too many other people around. Same thing this time. But I was still able to get lots of pictures without people in the way.
At least the wildlife wasn’t bothered by the people.
We swung around to Agate Falls. I wanted to scale the fence and crawl on the rocks and get closer, but Joy wouldn’t let me
Finally we stopped at my favorite waterfalls. Haven’t been there in many years, coz it is a bit of a hike into it.
Linda was game for the trail, though we didn’t realize how muddy it was going to be.
Maybe not the biggest waterfall in the UP, but to me, the most peaceful. I’ve blogged about it before. O-Kun-De-Kun falls fills me with memories. Good times.
Last stop was Old Victoria, but it is getting late. I have to get going, but I promise to fill in the details another time.
Linda wanted to see waterfalls, and since I knew where some were that she had never been to, I volunteered to play tour guide. And Joy was just along for the ride.
First up was Bond Falls. An easy walk from the parking lot. Beautiful. But every time I’ve been there, there have been too many other people around. Same thing this time. But I was still able to get lots of pictures without people in the way.
At least the wildlife wasn’t bothered by the people.
We swung around to Agate Falls. I wanted to scale the fence and crawl on the rocks and get closer, but Joy wouldn’t let me
Finally we stopped at my favorite waterfalls. Haven’t been there in many years, coz it is a bit of a hike into it.
Linda was game for the trail, though we didn’t realize how muddy it was going to be.
Maybe not the biggest waterfall in the UP, but to me, the most peaceful. I’ve blogged about it before. O-Kun-De-Kun falls fills me with memories. Good times.
Last stop was Old Victoria, but it is getting late. I have to get going, but I promise to fill in the details another time.
Published on July 26, 2017 04:54
July 23, 2017
Marching On
Betty had asked Jenny if she attended a local church. “No, why?” Jenny had answered before giving it any thought. “Sometimes it helps make things easier. Gives you a direction, a place to turn when you are hurting.” Betty rested her hand on Jenny’s arm. “I can suggest a few, if you have a preference of denomination.” “No … um … there’s definitely no denomination.” “You could come with me some Sunday. I could pick you up.” Jenny’s eyes narrowed. “Is this part of your job? Are you supposed to convert me or something?” Betty had been so upfront with her so far and Jenny felt she could trust her. Why was she pulling the whole church thing now? “It’s not part of my job.” The woman laughed. “It’s part of me. I couldn’t say I was a Christian if I didn’t reach out to nonbelievers. At least try to reach them.”
My novel, “Where the Sky Meets the Sand”, was released in ebook version last week and will be available in paperback after September 1. This is a short excerpt from chapter 14. When I write a scene like that, I feel like a hypocrite. Have I shared my faith with others? Have I tried to reach out to the lost? A loud “no” reverberates in my head when I ask myself that.
Yet, people tell me that I reach others with my writing. I suppose that is true, to a certain extent at least, but I always feel that I should be doing more.
What I have to remember though, what I have to tell myself, is that God made me the way I am for a reason. Yes, sometimes I need to get out of my comfort zone and actually talk to people, which is a struggle because I’m very shy, insecure, and introverted. I think that’s why I’ve always wanted to be a writer, so I can live like a hermit and not leave my house.
I seem to have gotten off track.
What I really mean to say is that God grants us each gifts, whether it is healing the sick, feeding the homeless or preaching the gospel. Our job is to share those gifts with others, with those in need. Once in a while, though, we will be asked to stretch ourselves, to offer to others things which cost us something, whether monetarily, physically or emotionally. At those times, all we can do is ask for God’s guidance and strength, and then march on to do what we have to do.
Heavenly Father, thank you for granting me so many gifts and I pray for your guidance in using these gifts to benefit others. Amen
Sometimes we have to march through the mud, whether it's comfortable or not.
My novel, “Where the Sky Meets the Sand”, was released in ebook version last week and will be available in paperback after September 1. This is a short excerpt from chapter 14. When I write a scene like that, I feel like a hypocrite. Have I shared my faith with others? Have I tried to reach out to the lost? A loud “no” reverberates in my head when I ask myself that.
Yet, people tell me that I reach others with my writing. I suppose that is true, to a certain extent at least, but I always feel that I should be doing more.
What I have to remember though, what I have to tell myself, is that God made me the way I am for a reason. Yes, sometimes I need to get out of my comfort zone and actually talk to people, which is a struggle because I’m very shy, insecure, and introverted. I think that’s why I’ve always wanted to be a writer, so I can live like a hermit and not leave my house.
I seem to have gotten off track.
What I really mean to say is that God grants us each gifts, whether it is healing the sick, feeding the homeless or preaching the gospel. Our job is to share those gifts with others, with those in need. Once in a while, though, we will be asked to stretch ourselves, to offer to others things which cost us something, whether monetarily, physically or emotionally. At those times, all we can do is ask for God’s guidance and strength, and then march on to do what we have to do.
Heavenly Father, thank you for granting me so many gifts and I pray for your guidance in using these gifts to benefit others. Amen
Sometimes we have to march through the mud, whether it's comfortable or not.
Published on July 23, 2017 07:33
July 21, 2017
Here's a sad fact
This is going to be another, short quick post, with more pictures than anything else. This is my Uncle Robert and Aunt Helen (my mom's brother and sister), taken around 1920.
My Aunt Helen marrying Uncle Bob in 1942. His brother was their best man and her cousin was their maid of honor. The best man and maid of honor had gotten married in 1939. So brothers married cousins. Right?
My Aunt Helen's kids in 1955.
My Uncle Robert with his wife and kids also in 1955.
This is my family, in 1959, before I was born.
I don't want to go into lengthy detail, but I've lost four of the relatives in these pictures in the last five months. As I post this, I am heading off to the funeral of one of them. One of my favorite cousins, Gail. Here she is at her wedding in 1970. Have you ever seen a happier bride?
Holy cow, and here's a really sad fact, if I 'm counting right, out of all these pictures, only six of these people are left. I think I'll quit going through the old family photos for a while.
My Aunt Helen marrying Uncle Bob in 1942. His brother was their best man and her cousin was their maid of honor. The best man and maid of honor had gotten married in 1939. So brothers married cousins. Right?
My Aunt Helen's kids in 1955.
My Uncle Robert with his wife and kids also in 1955.
This is my family, in 1959, before I was born.
I don't want to go into lengthy detail, but I've lost four of the relatives in these pictures in the last five months. As I post this, I am heading off to the funeral of one of them. One of my favorite cousins, Gail. Here she is at her wedding in 1970. Have you ever seen a happier bride?
Holy cow, and here's a really sad fact, if I 'm counting right, out of all these pictures, only six of these people are left. I think I'll quit going through the old family photos for a while.
Published on July 21, 2017 04:28
July 19, 2017
A Day on the Land
I spent a couple hours on Saturday with my brother and sister on our mom’s property. It brought back a lot of memories, but the best part was creating new memories with my surviving siblings, who I don’t spent nearly enough time with.
This twenty acres was once an open field. My brother says he remembers the last time Dad hayed it, then they planted the Norway in about 1962.
All the spruce trees have come up on their own.
When they were farming it, as in most farms in Wisconsin, all the largest rocks were gathered together in one pile.
My sister Pat and I spent hours as kids just sitting on our rock pile, me on the round rock to the right and Pat somehow perched on the pointy rock on the left. I’ve always told my husband that I want to bring those two rocks home with me, but he just gives me a scathing look.
At the very back of the property grow some beautiful maples.
The grave of our dad’s dog Mac. Very sad, huh?
Last we hunted down the famous Big Rock. I scared up a deer on the way there.
Can you spot my brother photo-bombing me in the upper right corner?
Good memories – both old and new.
This twenty acres was once an open field. My brother says he remembers the last time Dad hayed it, then they planted the Norway in about 1962.
All the spruce trees have come up on their own.
When they were farming it, as in most farms in Wisconsin, all the largest rocks were gathered together in one pile.
My sister Pat and I spent hours as kids just sitting on our rock pile, me on the round rock to the right and Pat somehow perched on the pointy rock on the left. I’ve always told my husband that I want to bring those two rocks home with me, but he just gives me a scathing look.
At the very back of the property grow some beautiful maples.
The grave of our dad’s dog Mac. Very sad, huh?
Last we hunted down the famous Big Rock. I scared up a deer on the way there.
Can you spot my brother photo-bombing me in the upper right corner?
Good memories – both old and new.
Published on July 19, 2017 04:11
July 16, 2017
Do Not Worry
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Matthew 6:25-27 (New International Version)
I was going over some of the notes I took at Lifest last week. Yes, I carry a small notebook with me and write down things that people say which inspire me. Or that was the idea.
Tiffany Thompson, one of my favorite speakers at Lifest each year, talked about what psychologists claim makes people happy. Number one thing was gratitude, and not necessarily just feeling grateful, but the actual act of searching (and hopefully finding) things which you are grateful for.
Next was sleep, but it’s not about getting enough sleep; it’s about not worrying about it. A lot of people (ok, always me) get to bed late, and right away are thinking “I have to get up early in the morning and now I’m not going to get enough sleep and I’m going to be shot all day.” Instead of thinking, “oh, well, I’ll get whatever sleep I can tonight and tomorrow is going to be just fine”.
Third was decision-making. And again (maybe you are starting to see a trend), it’s not about making the right decision; it’s about just making it. Another huge stumbling block for me. I will obsess for days before I am able to make the tiniest, inconsequential decision. “I need a new pair of work shoes, but I really need to wait until they go on sale, but when will that be? And am I going to get to the store while the sale is still on? What if they go on sale right after I buy them? Do you think the store would refund the difference if I took them back when they did go on sale? I’ve always worn white shoes to work, but everyone else is wearing colored ones? Think it would be okay if I wore colored ones too, or would I just be following the pack by doing what they do?” And it goes on and on. Holy cow! Just buy the stupid shoes. Who cares if they cost ten dollars more this week. The amount of stress you are causing yourself is costing your mental health way more than ten bucks!
The last thing which I wrote down was exercise. And you guessed it. It’s not about getting in those 30 minutes four days a week, it’s about doing whatever you can do that makes you feel good. I still wish I could start running again, but my Achilles tendon is still killing me. I need to get over that and accept the fact that I’m not meant to run and just do exercises which make me feel good.
Or that’s what I got out of what Tiffany had to say.
It seems to me, then, that the number one key to finding happiness is to keep it simple, do the best you can, then move on and be thankful for what you have. And in the end, remember that God’s got it covered.
I was going over some of the notes I took at Lifest last week. Yes, I carry a small notebook with me and write down things that people say which inspire me. Or that was the idea. Tiffany Thompson, one of my favorite speakers at Lifest each year, talked about what psychologists claim makes people happy. Number one thing was gratitude, and not necessarily just feeling grateful, but the actual act of searching (and hopefully finding) things which you are grateful for.
Next was sleep, but it’s not about getting enough sleep; it’s about not worrying about it. A lot of people (ok, always me) get to bed late, and right away are thinking “I have to get up early in the morning and now I’m not going to get enough sleep and I’m going to be shot all day.” Instead of thinking, “oh, well, I’ll get whatever sleep I can tonight and tomorrow is going to be just fine”.
Third was decision-making. And again (maybe you are starting to see a trend), it’s not about making the right decision; it’s about just making it. Another huge stumbling block for me. I will obsess for days before I am able to make the tiniest, inconsequential decision. “I need a new pair of work shoes, but I really need to wait until they go on sale, but when will that be? And am I going to get to the store while the sale is still on? What if they go on sale right after I buy them? Do you think the store would refund the difference if I took them back when they did go on sale? I’ve always worn white shoes to work, but everyone else is wearing colored ones? Think it would be okay if I wore colored ones too, or would I just be following the pack by doing what they do?” And it goes on and on. Holy cow! Just buy the stupid shoes. Who cares if they cost ten dollars more this week. The amount of stress you are causing yourself is costing your mental health way more than ten bucks!
The last thing which I wrote down was exercise. And you guessed it. It’s not about getting in those 30 minutes four days a week, it’s about doing whatever you can do that makes you feel good. I still wish I could start running again, but my Achilles tendon is still killing me. I need to get over that and accept the fact that I’m not meant to run and just do exercises which make me feel good.
Or that’s what I got out of what Tiffany had to say.
It seems to me, then, that the number one key to finding happiness is to keep it simple, do the best you can, then move on and be thankful for what you have. And in the end, remember that God’s got it covered.
Published on July 16, 2017 04:25


