Female in Motion

I've done a lot of traveling so far this year and thus, a lot of packing. While I am great at organizing what to pack, it seems that I always put way too much in the old suitcase. What if it rains? I'll need a jacket. What if it gets cool in the evening? I'll need a sweater. What if the Queen of England stops by the hotel to invite us to tea? Better take a ballgown and tiara! When returning from a mother/daughter trip to Savannah, GA this spring, I twisted my wrist and dropped a heavy bag on my toe. At the same time. Yes, grace and beauty in motion! I still have the bruise to prove it. This special event made me re-prioritize my packing strategy. Maybe I don't need to pack everything in my closet after all. 1 Timothy 6:7 (KJV) 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. The Lord's disciples were instructed to carry "neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes" on their journeys. With all the new TSA regulations, and airli...

I admit it. Even though I just had surgery, and it will take a while to recover, I just can't get over the feeling that I am currently...useless. I Peter 4:9-10 KJV "Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." So many people have been so gracious to me this week. My mom and The Hubster stayed with me before, during and after the surgery. My daughter, Sarah, and her husband, Derek, skipped their dinner plans to stay with me in the hospital while The Hubster ran home to tend "the livestock." The night nurse at Cypress Surgical Center in Wichita, Rita, talked books with me when I couldn't sleep on Tuesday night. When we arrived home on Wednesday morning, there was a pile of get well cards in the mail, get well wishes on the answering machine and thoughtful emails and Facebook messages. Then the food started to arrive. Wow. Just wo...

It happens to the best of us. No matter how healthy you are and how well you take care of your body, sometimes things break down. I am having a laparoscopic hysterectomy tomorrow. Following some rather unpleasant symptoms and a whole lot of research, I've decided that this is the best option for me at this point in my life. This is not something I am rushing into, I've been experiencing symptoms for about a year. Also, I am not taking this operation lightly. After six months of research and second, third and fourth opinions, this surgery is right for me. I went to the best in the state and am happy with my decision. My friend and writing mentor, Curtis Dean Hall, has provided me with a great resource, "Psalms for Surgery." His CD of soothing music, scripture, prayers and meditation is helping me prepare for my hospital stay. I listen to the 25-minute segment once a day leading up to the surgery, then twice a day after. I will also have it playing during my procedure, ...

1 Peter 2:9 (KJV) But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: I am probably never going to be asked to be a commencement speaker at a graduation ceremony, but all these graduation announcements that I am receiving in the mail got me to thinking. What words of wisdom would I impart on a young person facing the new challenge of college or career? Be peculiar! While high school and college are great for some, there are kids who have trouble in school. Maybe they don't quite fit in like others do. Lots of teens do everything they can to blend in. Some can't, or won't. High school only lasts four years, although it seems like an eternity, at times. Go ahead, be unusual! I was a weird kid. As a youngster, I lived my life through books. Doing my best to blend in, I passed through the high school years as a choir and drama nerd. I be...

Philippians 1:6 (KJV) Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: I have a unique voice. No, I'm not talking about how I talk...I'm talking about how I write. Since beginning this blog in August 2007, God has been talking to me about what I write. Okay, not out loud. I'm saying that God has been speaking to my heart with His heart. He's been placing words on my heart that I need to write, to share with all of you. Not because I'm special; because I'm not special. I'm just like you. I don't have all the answers. Probably never will. But I have a responsibility to share these words with you; to be obedient to my Savior. That's all He asks. Obedience. So what? What does that have to do with you? Well, maybe your thing isn't writing. Whatever your talent is, God has a plan for you. He has a plan for all of us, right where we are. Too young, too old, too busy, not read...