Rambling Friday: One Step at a Time

 As those who read my blog have learned, I had covid this winter. 

Hubby and I talked about many things on the phone before I could have visitors in the hospital, and we came to some decisions that we've needed to make for a while. 

One of the decisions we made was to slow down. And when I say that, I mean Hubby wants to semi-retire. Along with that decision comes this one: we want to pick up on our traveling. 

Now what I want you to know, we've traveled a LOT in our marriage, what with ministry and fun vacations, especially with family. But we've allowed ourselves to slow down on the fun things in life because of work. We forgot that all work and little play make the Browns dull people. We were drowning in all work and little play. 

But in the midst of that decision, I also made my own personal decisions. 

* I wanted to downsize, and what I mean by that: I have too much stuff! In storage, I have dish sets I've never used. Etc. Etc. I have things that I've thought about for years: someday I might use these. Really? Why do I have these? Why am I keeping all this stuff? So my family will be burdened with getting rid of it or deciding who wants it? I already know the answer. Sell, give away or trash. Now. I can see myself dusting my hands now...

* Another decision I made was to create heritage books for my two sons. I've wanted to do this for a while, but was always too busy with other things. This year is the year to do it...I made notes once I was able to do so in bed. I talked with hubby asking him questions about his ancestors. Since I've always wanted to do more family research (and I LOVE research), this is one I believe I will enjoy! 

*  One other decision I will list today is stop allowing myself to be stressed over my writing. My style is my style. I don't have to do everything, be involved in everything. So prioritizing is a priority for me. I need to remember that I don't have to write a book (and mine are not novellas) in a month. I can take my time, enjoy the research and the writing and feel fully satisfied when it's ready for publication. I can pick and choose what activities I want to participate in, that pertain to writing. 

 

I can enjoy my talent, my heart's desire, and my very favorite "job" that I've ever had. 

Of course, our decisions may adjust or change. Life happens. But in my heart, I know that we've made some great decisions. For now, that's good enough for me. 

Have you made changes in your life? 

Yap! Yap! Yap!

How much do you talk in a day? Here's one of my fellow-writer's comments on her day's worth of words. See how much you identify:

Words spent on phone with elderly mother: 1000 (mostly repetition of some form of "it's going to be okay, Mom.")

Words spent with five-year-old granddaughter: 10,000 (all worth keeping--"Did God have a mother? "No, honey. He was the first thing ever, so He didn't need a mother. Neither did Adam and Eve. When God created them, He made them grown-ups already." "I'm glad God didn't make me a grown-up. I'd be so confused!")

Words heard from heaven during quiet time: 3 ("Do not fear.")

Words shared with husband returning from fishing trip: 2000 (all his).

Words successfully committed to computer on WIP: 6 (sigh).

Day spent doing what God wanted me to do: priceless!

How many times do we think about what we're saying throughout a day's time? The Bible talks about our speech and being accountable for what we "let lose between our lips." (My translation--grin).

Are we careful to not offend?
Are we free with compliments?
Do we talk to fill the "emptiness?"

My hubby is more apt to listen than to speak. Thus, he catches many things (nuances and aims) people are saying (or not) than someone (me?) who may be more anxious to get across. You've heard of the old-timers who spoke little but understood a lot.

Maybe we should role-model our lives more after someone like that! Could be there would be lots less trouble in this ole world!



Those of us who love to garden are anxious (or already starting) to get started. Here's a few ideas that could serve you well. Try them!

*Roses love crushed egg shells. They help keep snails out of the garden.

*Save money growing your own food. Get a jump on the gardening seasons by starting your plants indoors in potting soil placed in empty egg cartons.

*Use old garden hoses to drip irrigate your garden. Cut holes along the length of the hose, and lay along plants.

*Be creative when it comes to containers. Some possibilities:
-Egg cartons; use to start plants.
-Old shoes, cute for ornamentals.



Quote:
Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable. --Kenyan proverb


Blessings.