Contemplations of a Mommy "Monk"

I've just returned from a week away from all that is familiar. No kids, no home, no friends, no computer, no telephone, no electricity. I was lucky to have well water and a tent to cover my head. And it was wonderful! My lifetime lover and I celebrated our 10 th anniversary in the Black Hills of South Dakota. We camped in the shadow of towering cliffs with the sounds of a rushing creek just feet away. The birds woke us each morning and the golden eagles soared overhead majestically. We went hiking and fishing, breathing in the fresh air and enjoying God's handiwork all around us. It seemed there was something new and delightful around each corner. Wildflowers were abundant and little creatures were friendly. A short hike down into a little canyon led us to this discovery. Spearfish falls was only one discovery in a week filled with similar experiences. Of course, we also experienced thunderstorms all night long, while we sat in a soggy tent. This trip could be labeled, "...

Can a single word contain life-changing power? Come read my devotion at Laced with Grace today:

I've come down from a mountain high into the chaos of real life. Conferences and retreats always do that to me. I get so pumped up being around other women with similar passions and struggles and I wish I could stay in that place forever. But the dishes and laundry call. And the kids tug or climb up my leg for attention. And hungry stomachs growl while I type away at writing projects, VBS work, Children's Ministry vision and planning and entertaining company. I've been a little overwhelmed over the past few weeks. I went from a quiet stay at home mom lifestyle to a crazy busy summer mom. I love every single thing I'm doing, but One thing has not remained at top priority. And that's got to change. So, I'm off to the wilderness to soak up God's presence, unhindered by any plugs, paper or telephones. I'll be hiking, fishing, and resting in the splendor of GOd's creation. And, as a major bonus, I'll get to spend uninterupted time with my lif...

Outside my window this morning, the birds sing praise and the sun shines in worship to God most high. I join with them in praising my Creator today. Thank you Father for blue clear skies, gentle breezes and cool lake waters. Thank you Father for family and friends. I'm so thankful I live in this century where I can see my Mom and Dad even though they live across the country (even if it is only once or twice a year). I'm thankful for days at the park, for firecrackers and fresh fried fish together. Thank you Father for the many new friends I've made recently at Write to publish. What a gift - to meet people and make such deep connections immediately. I'm thankful for a job interview this morning and for peace about it too. And finally, I'm thankful for all of the ladies heading off to She Speaks this weekend. I'm praying for you - that this would be a great time of learning and growing and that God would speak to each person's heart. What are you thankful for...

Joanna Weaver has captured the attention of many women with her book, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World . Her book has been re-released in a beautiful hardback format in celebration of its tenth anniversary. Here's a synopsis of this powerful book: An invitation for every woman who’s ever felt she isn’t godly enough, isn’t loving enough, isn’t doing enough. The life of a woman today isn’t really all that different from that of Mary and Martha in the New Testament. Like Mary, you long to sit at the Lord’s feet…but the daily demands of a busy world just won’t leave you alone. Like Martha, you love Jesus and really want to serve him…yet you struggle with weariness, resentment, and feelings of inadequacy. Then comes Jesus, into the midst of your busy life, to extend the same invitation he issued long ago to the two sisters from Bethany. Tenderly, he invites you to choose “the better part”–a joyful life of intimacy with him that flows naturally into loving service. With her fresh ap...

I've been thinking all week about Psalm 46: 1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Selah 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. 5 God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. 6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. 7 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah 8 Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolations he has brought on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields [b] with fire. 10 "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalt...

Over and over again, we hear Paul mention his gratitude for the prayers of others. He believed in the power of prayer and he was thankful for his prayer supporters. I recently sent out a prayer request for my week at Write to Publish. I was overwhelmed with the response. Every one of the fourteen people I emailed sent back a prayer for me. Thank you ladies from Laced with Grace ! I felt your prayer support surrounding me and lifting me up. God directed me to just the right editors as He was clarifying my vision. I felt lost at the beginning of the week, but He immediately reassured me that I was following Him on this journey. I couldn't have done it without your prayers. THANK YOU! God works through our prayers and He hears our cries. Would you join me today in praying with Tracy for the people in her area who are dealing with heavy flooding?

Suzanne Woods Fisher’s just-released historical novel Copper Fire , is the sequel to the three-time award-winning Copper Star, a World War II love story inspired by true events. A wife and mother, Fisher lives in the San Francisco Bay Area and raises puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. The best thing about being a writer, she feels, is that all of life becomes material for writing. It’s all grit for the oyster. Here's a little interview with the author, Suzanne: Q: Tell us about Copper Fire. SWF: Copper Fire is the sequel to Copper Star, picking right up at the very end of World War II. On a summer day in 1945, my main character, Louisa, receives a telegram from the International Red Cross Tracing Service. She discovers that her cousin, Elisabeth, has just been released from Dachau. Louisa is determined to go to Germany to get Elisabeth…and that’s where the story begins. (Tell me your interest isn't piqued??? I can't wait to read it!) Q: Tell us a little about you! SWF: ...

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8 It was Mother’s Day 2006. I woke up around 5:00 to a crying baby. There is no rest on Mother’s day for the nursing mom! My sweet Katie thought she would make me breakfast first. She ripped open an oatmeal packet, spilling most of the contents on the floor. Then, she filled the bowl with an excess of milk which ended up all over the microwave. The oatmeal itself was not edible after being cooked for five minutes more than necessary. Then, Katie and Mikayla decided to start a bubble bath. The shower head was dangling down into the tub (from rinsing off the kids the night before), so when the shower was turned on, the showerhead was pouring water randomly like a wild snake all over the bath...

A few weeks ago, when my husband returned from his fishing outing, he realized he kept one fish that was much too small to eat. So, it became another pet (as if we needed any more!) The tiny crappie had a white bucket for a home although he rarely could be found there. The little man (3 years old), enthralled by having his very own fish, carried the fish with him to and fro. He came into the house with fishy in his hands, dripping stinky fish water all over my house I might add. He wandered around the yard with his fishy clasped tightly to his chest. Oh, how he loved that fish! He couldn't part with it. When at last the sky turned dark, I made the little man say good-night to his fish. The fish received a sloppy little boy kiss good-night. I'm really not making this up! As you can imagine, the sweet fish did not last long. I kept reminding my boy to return the fish to his home. No amount of scientific explanations could overcome such great love though! Sometimes I feel a littl...

I have to pack up my suitcase, make sure my shirt is ironed, wash one last item...don't forget toothpaste and shampoo. Tuesday morning, I'll be on the road to Illinois. I'm heading off to a wonderful writer's conference for the week. I'm a little nervous. About meeting with editors. And leaving the kids for so long. My better half can handle everything while I'm gone, but I'm not sure if I can handle being away so long. *Insert pitiful sigh * Preparing for the conference would be enough to make my mind race, but there's a few other things racing around up there too. Children's Ministry visions, brochures, re-decorating....VBS planning, recruiting, organizing...End of school year parties, birthdays, cleaning up the house, sending off papers for my license, paying bills... And, I almost forgot, I have a job interview tomorrow too! So, if you think of me, pray for me this week. There will most likely be silence from this mumbling mommymonk (for a...