Things I Learned On My Extended Break

Hello friends! I’m back! I know I was really back a couple weeks ago when I wrote this post, but since that one was tied to my post at (in)courage, this is my official back back post.

Now, y’all just simmer down your excitement. Heh.

At the beginning of February, I intended to take a much needed, month-long writing break. After my busy, exhausting season of launching a book, I enjoyed a few weeks with no impending deadlines on the calendar. In light of this, I had all kinds of grand plans to do not-so-grand things, things like taking walks, scheduling much missed coffee dates with friends, and reading fiction. What I didn’t plan on was a dreadful, 4-weeks-and-counting case of bronchitis taking up residence in my lungs. I don’t know if you’ve ever had a bad cold or bronchitis at 6,500 feet above sea level, but let me tell you it ain’t a party. We are already low on oxygen ’round these parts. So while I feel much better now than I did, my lungs still wave white flags every time I climb a flight of stairs.

Last time I was this sick, we lived in Hawaii and I was in charge of 2 eight year olds and a five year old while my man was out of the country. I’m thankful that is not the case now.

During these last few weeks, I only had energy to do what I needed to do to care for the people under my roof. But on the bright side, while my husband and kids were at work and school, I did things that required zero energy: reading to my heart’s content, watching netflix, and learning a few other things here and there. And all my down time during the day lent itself to thinking about very important things (she said with sarcasm). Here’s a small sampling of what I learned on my extended break:

1. Friday Night Lights has dethroned Parenthood as my favorite drama ever. (Speaking of which, these two shows must have set a record for the number of actors shared.). Ohmahstars. Friday Night Lights!  I can’t believe I didn’t watch it when it originally aired–what was I doing that was so important? Anyway, I’m one of those girls who likes to watch football–as long as the teams playing are teams I care about. (Oklahoma State Cowboys! Denver Broncos!) So I almost always enjoy a show or movie played against the backdrop of football. And while Coach Taylor is such a beloved character, he has nothing on his wife Tami. I’d happily be her BFF4Life.

In related news, since I watched both the final episodes of Friday Night Lights and Downton Abbey this week, I’ve basically lost the will to live.

2. I’m not the only lonely mama of teens. 

3. Speaking of teens, the schedules and work load they keep is insane. The further my kids get through high school, the more this fact becomes ever clearer. When I was in high school, I remember my parents saying I had a lot more homework than they did, and I’ve said the same thing to my kiddos. I mean, there is a lot given to them and required of them. Having said that, however, my boys are thriving at their public high school. As a family who’s made several different schooling choices through the years (private, public, homeschool), we’re so thankful for a high school that’s a great fit for them.

4. These cough drops have been my throat’s salvation. Their fizzy insides makes everything better.

5. Holley Gerth released a new book! If you’ve read Holley’s You’re Already Amazing, then you’ll want to double time it to your favorite bookseller and pick up its companion Life Growth Guide and video. Holley is absolutely our No. 1 cheerleader and Encourager-in-Chief, and this series is like having Life Coach Holley herself sitting smack-dab next to you. Visit Holley’s blog here to learn more and order. You can read more about You’re Already Amazing right here where I wrote about it too.

photo from Crystal Stine’s instagram page

6. Crystal Stine, a delightful woman dedicated to helping folks develop an all-around healthy lifestyle, is hosting a “22 Minute Hard Corps Challenge” starting March 14th. For every challenge pack purchased, she will donate $10 to TAPS, an organization that provides support to families who have lost a loved one in military service to the United States. Getting healthy while supporting military families is an easy win-win.

7. I *love* Edie Wadsworth’s Lenten Study. Edie’s a soulful person and a beautiful writer, so when I learned she had written a lenten study, I immediately signed up to receive it (you can do so here too). I know we are a good deal through the lenten season already, but the devos are short and easy to read at your own pace. Also, Edie has a memoir releasing in September, and I can’t wait to get my hands on it as well.

 

8. I will never get my fill of the woods.

photo from Danielle Marie Smith’s instagram page

9. I continue to get such kind notes about how Girl Meets Change is helping women see the change in their lives in a more hopeful light. I’m so thankful this little green book is still chugging along doing its thing. As I wrote it, I prayed constantly its pages would hold a specific change message from God’s heart for the hearts of women. I believe that is what’s happened, and again, I’m grateful.

If you would like to purchase your own copy of Girl Meets Change  for you and/or a friend, you can get free stuff! Depending on the number of copies purchased, you can receive custom art prints, the small group companion guide, as well as a skype session with me for FREE. Simply purchase the book from your favorite bookseller and send an email with your proof of purchase (i.e. a photo of your receipt, a forwarded copy of your receipt) to girlmeetschange (at) gmail (dot) com. We’ll send you the appropriate gifts in pdf format. Click here to read all the details. 

That’s all for now, friends. Great day, how I missed y’all. Here’s to spring’s arrival, open windows, and eventually kicking leftover winter illness out the front door!

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