Mary DeMuth, a published author who writes the Want To Be Published tutorial blog, and also a daily recipe blog, and a personal blog (Relevant blog), is celebrating the release of her memoir, Thin Places. Please go here to see a trailer. And pass the book to a friend who suffers a difficult past--especially one that includes sexual abuse. Mary is a glowing example of God's mercy and grace. I'm so enjoying her blogs! They're all a ministry!
Mary teaches that to be an expert at something you have to put in 10,000 hours of practice. Humble and very spiritual, she worked hard to achieve her success. I believe this is her eighth published book. I'm sure one of the reasons she maintains so many blogs is so she can add to her 10,000 hours. Of course, she also loves to speak the truth. Her dream is to write a cookbook as well.
Can you believe that even with her books and all her published articles, she still doesn't make a full-time living from writing?
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
pulling the plug
About two years ago I downgraded to basic cable. Time Warner Cable, even after three phone reminders, never changed our service, although they did reduce our bill to $16.00/mo.
The kids watch mostly PBS, with Nick Jr. being used for Dora and Diego programming. I watch Fox News about three nights per week, and my husband tapes sports games, which he then never has time to fully watch.
Last November, Paul, 6, began a passion for football and other sports. He would sit there for a three-hour game (college football--not pros), only getting up to hop around and run through the house periodically, telling us the scores and recapping the best plays. At first I was amused and amazed; understanding football is not easy. Then, as Saturday after Saturday found him sitting there far too long, I knew we had a problem on our hands.
I want my children to have passions and hobbies; these are essential for all of us. Prior to last fall, Paul hadn't developed many interests, besides math and crafts. So part of me was happy for him. Perhaps he would want to coach professionally some day, I surmised. He seemed to fixate on plays and the more technical aspects of the game.
But seeing a 6 year old spend that much time inactive seemed very wrong to me.
Around the same time this began, my Mary began really watching TV, whereas before she simply "checked in" on Dora. Seeing her staring at the TV, rather than getting involved in a myriad of other enriching activities, distressed me.
I knew we needed to make changes. However, all my little tricks failed a good percentage of the time. I'll spare you the various things I implemented, attempting to limit everyone's viewing.
To make a long story short, I called the cable company and told them to shut it all off. Within three days, we'll have no reception at all, and no rabbit ears. And this time, I will continually call them, making sure they actually DO shut it off.
One of the reasons I homeschool is to allow my children time to expand their intellects as their interests dictate. Without reception, I think we'll make leaps and bounds in that direction. Having cable helped me through pregnancy bedrest, the colicky baby months, the more difficult sleep deprivation months, and the initial unemployment-scare months. If you're there, don't take this as any judgement on your life--especially if you have no extended family around.
I just knew that for me, it was time to move on. Time to trust myself. There was never a question about them; they would adjust beautifully, as they had in the past. I knew that. My own adjustment and stress level was the problem.
After I got off the phone with Time Warner, I felt such relief.
My husband was away at school while I made the call. I waited a whole day before telling him. Then, I walked into our bedroom, told him about my deed, and then walked out, so he could process the whole thing alone. March Madness basketball is coming up, and I knew it would be a huge distraction, working to reduce his concentration while studying. You're probably thinking I am hugely flawed in the area of Christian submission. Probably true, but right now, my husband is going through a mini crisis. I think he needs me to pick up some decision-making slack.
In my defense, I can say.......I really felt it was the Holy Spirit putting me through to the cable company.
Ten minutes after hearing the sports-less news, my husband walked up to me, hugged me, and said, "I think it was a good idea."
I was expecting a few days of irritation. Much relief flooded me.
Then I remembered one of the reasons I married that man.
He seemed to have a teachable heart--always open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. It was never "my way or the highway".
Remaining open to the Holy Spirit, through all stages of life, really saves the Christian from self-inflicted angst. My husband continually models this for the rest of us--making him a good leader.
The kids watch mostly PBS, with Nick Jr. being used for Dora and Diego programming. I watch Fox News about three nights per week, and my husband tapes sports games, which he then never has time to fully watch.
Last November, Paul, 6, began a passion for football and other sports. He would sit there for a three-hour game (college football--not pros), only getting up to hop around and run through the house periodically, telling us the scores and recapping the best plays. At first I was amused and amazed; understanding football is not easy. Then, as Saturday after Saturday found him sitting there far too long, I knew we had a problem on our hands.
I want my children to have passions and hobbies; these are essential for all of us. Prior to last fall, Paul hadn't developed many interests, besides math and crafts. So part of me was happy for him. Perhaps he would want to coach professionally some day, I surmised. He seemed to fixate on plays and the more technical aspects of the game.
But seeing a 6 year old spend that much time inactive seemed very wrong to me.
Around the same time this began, my Mary began really watching TV, whereas before she simply "checked in" on Dora. Seeing her staring at the TV, rather than getting involved in a myriad of other enriching activities, distressed me.
I knew we needed to make changes. However, all my little tricks failed a good percentage of the time. I'll spare you the various things I implemented, attempting to limit everyone's viewing.
To make a long story short, I called the cable company and told them to shut it all off. Within three days, we'll have no reception at all, and no rabbit ears. And this time, I will continually call them, making sure they actually DO shut it off.
One of the reasons I homeschool is to allow my children time to expand their intellects as their interests dictate. Without reception, I think we'll make leaps and bounds in that direction. Having cable helped me through pregnancy bedrest, the colicky baby months, the more difficult sleep deprivation months, and the initial unemployment-scare months. If you're there, don't take this as any judgement on your life--especially if you have no extended family around.
I just knew that for me, it was time to move on. Time to trust myself. There was never a question about them; they would adjust beautifully, as they had in the past. I knew that. My own adjustment and stress level was the problem.
After I got off the phone with Time Warner, I felt such relief.
My husband was away at school while I made the call. I waited a whole day before telling him. Then, I walked into our bedroom, told him about my deed, and then walked out, so he could process the whole thing alone. March Madness basketball is coming up, and I knew it would be a huge distraction, working to reduce his concentration while studying. You're probably thinking I am hugely flawed in the area of Christian submission. Probably true, but right now, my husband is going through a mini crisis. I think he needs me to pick up some decision-making slack.
In my defense, I can say.......I really felt it was the Holy Spirit putting me through to the cable company.
Ten minutes after hearing the sports-less news, my husband walked up to me, hugged me, and said, "I think it was a good idea."
I was expecting a few days of irritation. Much relief flooded me.
Then I remembered one of the reasons I married that man.
He seemed to have a teachable heart--always open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. It was never "my way or the highway".
Remaining open to the Holy Spirit, through all stages of life, really saves the Christian from self-inflicted angst. My husband continually models this for the rest of us--making him a good leader.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
positive reception
There's been no time lately to compose a real post. Just wanted to report that the schedule I designed for my husband was well received--thanks to the Holy Spirit! If you prayed, you have my sincere thanks! I think having a daily plan will help with the depression as well. Baby steps.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
a nudge in right direction?
Without a doubt, my husband shares Peter's ADHD diagnosis. Nobody wants to face such a diagnosis--least of all an adult man. I've gently suggested this diagnosis as a possibility, but it isn't well received (quiet irritation).
Nevertheless, I've made a move to help him. This evening I typed up daily schedules for him which include several hours a day at the library for study, job hunting and Bible time. He really needs this nudge, and probably medication as well. A daily schedule REALLY helps our son's ADHD.
Please say a prayer that my efforts are well received. Either he'll realize he needs this level of self-discipline, or he''ll resent me as a meddling wife. Let's hope it's the former.
THANK YOU!
Nevertheless, I've made a move to help him. This evening I typed up daily schedules for him which include several hours a day at the library for study, job hunting and Bible time. He really needs this nudge, and probably medication as well. A daily schedule REALLY helps our son's ADHD.
Please say a prayer that my efforts are well received. Either he'll realize he needs this level of self-discipline, or he''ll resent me as a meddling wife. Let's hope it's the former.
THANK YOU!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Phew!
Scott Brown wins in Massachusetts. Phew! That was certainly a long, kooky victory speech, but at any rate, I'm very relieved.
I do believe we'll be saying goodbye soon to both Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi.
Can I get an Amen?
I do believe we'll be saying goodbye soon to both Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi.
Can I get an Amen?
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