 Goals--A Dirty Word or a Big Help? For years I avoided writing down my goals, figuring I knew them in my head and didn't need to. That was fine at the time, as my life was relatively organized and not overly busy. Now however, things have changed. Five years ago I started writing Christian fiction and three years ago my first book released, with three more following and another coming next February. What has that meant in my life? Unorganized chaos. Don't get me wrong. I LOVE writing, but the entire package takes a lot of work. You write, you edit, you rewrite, you market your books, attend book signings, speak occasionally, keep active on social networking sites, answering an increasingly heavy load of email, all while still trying to maintain a life outside of writing. I'm often up till midnight working and tired the next morning. Almost like when I had little ones at home, LOL! So what's a gal to do? See the picture above of my flower bed last year? Well, this year it needs weeding and bedding put down, my lawn needs mowed (hubby will probably take care of that, thankfully) and I have a huge garden to tend. I also have two dogs that need walked, a horse that I LOVE to ride on the trails with my grown daughter and her horse, and I must get some exercise or all this sitting at the computer will make me a blimp. Sigh. So, I decided it's time to set goals and WRITE them down. I also contacted a friend & asked if I could give her my weekly goals. She agreed to hold me accountable each week and she does. She calls me twice weekly to see how I'm doing and encourage me to keep going. As a result, I'm staying close to my daily writing goals, have cut Pepsi consumption by 75%, am walking/jogging with my dog 3-4 days a wk, and have lost 7 lbs. How about you? Are you a goal setter or like I used to be, just hoping I'd get it all done. I'd love to hear from you. Has setting goals made a difference in your life?
 Current Day Tombstone, AZIsn't this cool! It looks like a picture from an old west movie set, doesn't it? Well, it's not. This is the actual main street of Tombstone today. The only main street....they don't have one lined with modern shops, don't have a grocery store. One or two gas stations with a mini mart, and a small market where you can pick up the basics, but otherwise all businesses are located on the old frontier style Allen Street. Many of them were operating back in the early 1800's and still are today. I'm posting a few pictures from our trip there last week.  The original County Courthouse that served the town and county for many years is now an operating museum. The interior of the courtroom is just as it was over one-hundred years ago.We watched a video about a trial that took place here in the mid 1880's with a reenactment. It dealt with a dispute over water rights, and a rancher who blew the dam that was placed on another ranchers property for watering his stock. The water rushed downstream and two little girls were drowned as they played in the  stream. So much tragedy during this time period. We visited Boot Hill cemetery and about 70% of the people buried there were shot, hanged, killed by Indians, stabbed, or otherwise murdered. A few said they died of an accident or illness, but it was amazing the number of violent deaths during that time period. Several of the original buildings from the early 1880's are still standing, besides the courthouse. Others are, in order as shown below: The Bird Cage Theater where many musicals, theater productions and rowdy comic actors and singers performed. There are said to be at least 140 bullet holes in the interior walls of the building. Doc Holliday got into a shooting scrape with another man, along with many others. The original piano (brought in by mule team) is still where it was placed when it arrived, as well as the Faro table, the gallery boxes on the second floor, and the dance hall girls' rooms below.  
In Honor of Celebrating Friendship Month By Frankie Sherman I live in a sleepy little town in the Deep South. Sometimes after my morning workout I’ll have breakfast at our local restaurant with some of my girlfriends. These women are diverse in age and background, but as southern as sweet tea. Over cups of hot coffee, we share things that only women can appreciate, and men would never understand. It’s times like these I am extremely grateful for this wonderful gift of friendship. No wonder our Creator designed us for fellowship. In between bites of a wholegrain muffin, my dear friend, Martha, told us about putting her mother in a nursing home and how difficult it had been. Yet in the next breath she reminded us of God’s incredible sense of humor. It seems her mother hasn’t a clue that she’s a patient there, but firmly believes she’s on staff as an employee. In addition, she had been complaining to management because they weren’t paying her, and had threatened to walk out. Martha is now bringing her mother money in a bank envelope and telling her that the nursing home is doing a direct deposit, and she’s cashed her check. So far Mrs. Floyd continues to see herself as a valued employee and is very helpful. Martha’s just praying her mother won’t ask for a pay raise! We laughed with Martha till our sides hurt as she told that story. Our laughter made the truth of the situation easier. That’s “why we need girlfriends!” Anyone who has put a parent in a nursing home realizes how heart wrenching that is. Something precious has ended. Roles have reversed and it hurts like a piercing knife. This will be a hard journey for Martha, she’ll certainly need her girlfriends, and we’ll be there for her. I am so glad God gave us a sense of humor and laced it with laughter. When utilized for goodness it will restore a hurting soul. Who’s hurting in your circle of friends today? Now, go share some laughter. Both of you will feel better. “He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy,” Job 8:21 NKJV. Frankie Sherman is a national speaker, comedian, and Bible teacher for conferences, retreats, and women's events. She fell in love with Jesus at Vacation Bible School and takes every opportunity to tell others about the joy of being alive in Christ. She is a former choreographer for the Georgia Peach Bowl and the Florida Citrus Bowl Halftime Show. Her specialty is in theater musical/productions. Her first Bible Study, Why We Need Girlfriends is based on the relationship of Mary and Elizabeth, from Luke's gospel. Two women brought together by extraordinary circumstances by an extraordinary God. Frankie is from South Carolina—loves sweet tea, BIG hair and her grand-girls. She believes there will never be another Elvis. And knows that her Jesus will return for her soon.
God is My Stimulus Package
by DiAnn Mills
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
I remember the bleak day I realized I had enough food for two more days. I had no money and no job. How would I take care of my four young sons? I tried to pray, but fear hung suspended in my mind and choked any semblance of words. I wanted to cry, but realized that once I started, the tears might never end. Single parenting and children who had more needs than I could fill, paralyzed my thoughts.
Swallowing my pride, I phoned my parents in another state. Perhaps they'd take the boys until I got on my feet. The thought of parting with them made me physically ill. They had already dealt with abandonment issues from their father's recent departure, and I knew being separated from me would increase their insecurities-and mine.
After the phone call and the news that they felt something good would happen soon, I painted a smile on my face and went through the motions of preparing the boys' dinner. The doorbell rang, interrupting my silent prayer for faith. A middle-aged woman stood there, looking somewhat perplexed and nervous.
"Can I help you?" My voice released staggering emotions.
She nodded and gave me a faint smile. "I think so. God told me that the family living here needs food. I have my station wagon full of groceries."
My boys rushed to her vehicle and helped carry in bag after bag. Not since Christmas had they been so excited. Me either, for that matter.
God had sent an angel to feed my family! The food in those grocery bags fed us for a long time. Every item was something I would have purchased, even special treats. This blessing marked the beginning of many. Within a week I found a job directing a day care center, and my children never went hungry or without care. The true treasure was the provision of our faithful Father who ensured that our family never had to be separated.
 DiAnn Mills has over forty books in print and has sold a million and a half copies. DiAnn believes her readers should "Expect an Adventure."Six of her anthologies have appeared on the CBA Best Seller List. Three of her books have won the distinction of Best Historical of the Year by Heartsong Presents. Five of her books have won placements through American Christian Fiction Writer's Book of the Year Awards 2003 - 2008, and she is the recipient of the Inspirational Reader's Choice award for 2005 and 2007. She was a Christy Awards finalist in 2008. DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, Romance Writers of America's Faith, Hope and Love, and Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn is also a mentor for Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writer's Guild. She lives in sunny Houston, Texas. DiAnn and she and her husband have four adult sons.
My back is aching, my bottom is sore, my brain feels useless and I've eaten too much sugar today. When does life start getting simpler? Have you ever said.... Once Christmas is over, things will slow down. Or.... Once it freezes and I don't have to work in the yard and garden, I'll get more rest. Or... Once spring comes, I'll get outside and exercise more....Or When I'm finished with school, and start a REAL job, things will get easier. Or... After I eat this big bowl of ice cream, I'll feel so much better.... You get the picture. I think I've said all of those, and so many more. Always looking to tomorrow, and not focusing on what God's given us today. I want to change that. How about you? Are you ready to embrace what God's given you TODAY? After all, do we have any guarantee spring will come, or we'll see another Christmas? No. We only know we have the NOW...Today. Let's start using it, embracing it, and finding what God's will and purpose is for us today.
 My Hubby's Dream.....
And mine too....to a much smaller degree...
See that gorgeous boat in the foreground, with the double wooden masts? That's my husbands baby. He's been working on it for 5 yrs now and it's almost ready to go. We've sailed it a few times on the Columbia River where it resides, but never taken any extended trips...but that might be coming in our near future.
The Lord has impressed on my heart lately, that Allen has continually put his dream of spending a year or two on a sailboat, cruising the Inland Passage in the summer and Mexico in the winter, on hold for years. First, because we had kids to raise, then a business to run, and later due to our building a home. I've been feeling like it's time for him to realize his dream. I'm not sure exactly how the Lord is going to work that out....it may entail Him blessing the socks off our business (which we could put in the hands of a manager while we're gone) or me being willing to sell our new home...and yes, I'll do that if that's what it takes.
I know the Lord will bless my willingness, and I'm giving it to Him. I can still pursue my writing while sailing, and we don't have grandbabies yet, so this seems like a logical time to go. So....one of these days, Lord Willing, you might be seeing these blogs posted from some exotic location, with pictures sprinkled along the way!!
This episode isn't quite as scary as my shuttle ride (see post below), but it left me shaking my head while it was happening. Let me start from the beginning..... I met fellow author Ginny Aiken on the shuttle back to the Denver airport after the ACFW conference. Her plane left an hour after mine from the same gate so we decided to hang out together. We grabbed a bite to eat, chatted enroute with Cara Putman, and eventually made our way to our gate, a full hour before my flight was due to leave. We found seats (there was still plenty of room, but starting to fill up) and I set my carry-on bags in the empty seat next to mine, then headed to the restroom. When I returned, I found them repositioned in my seat and a duffel bag in the adjoining seat...with an empty seat just beyond. Ginny leaned close and whispered. "A man moved them. He wasn't too happy that we were taking three seats for two people." "Where is he?" She nodded toward a desj where the man bent over his work. "He's kind of grumpy." I set my bags on the floor and moved them slightly to the side so they weren't right under my feet. A few minutes later the man approached. "I need to move this." He bent over and picked up my bag containing my purse and other items, and plopped it against my feet. I looked at him, raised my brows and simply said, "okay...?" He proceeded to rummage in his duffel bag then went back to the small table where he'd been working. Ginny and I simply looked at each other, trying not to laugh. He'd had all sorts of room to reach his duffel, without bothering my items, and they weren't in his way. We talked for a few minutes in a low voice, wondering what his problem might be, then changed the subject and began to chat about other things. A few minutes later, he returned. He leaned close to my face, about 12" away and hissed. "I was simply moving your bag so I wouldn't step on it. You didn't have to act snooty and make a big deal out of it." Honestly, I don't remember his exact words, as I was so shocked to have him in my face and even commenting on my simple "okay". I guess it really bothered him, and it's possible he thought we were laughing at him, when we got the giggles a little later remembering a disembodied voice in the airport train, warning everyone that they were delaying the departure of the train by standing too close to the door. Whatever his problem, it took me aback. I looked him directly in the eyes. "You don't need to be rude." He moved back a few inches and glared. "I'm simply responding to you in the same manner you offered to me." He picked up his duffel bag and stalked two steps across the way to a seat facing us and a little off to the side. Ginny and I sat stunned, wondering what just happened. We offered each other a small smile and tried some small talk. Finally, she leaned over and told me not to worry, it would be one more story to add to my growing list of airport adventures I could use in a book someday. We both agreed that most people would be nervous or a bit irritated if a strange man approached a woman in an airport and grabbed her personal belongings rather than asking her to move them, if they were in the way. We changed the subject and decided to try to forget it...although I did whisper that I hoped my seat wouldn't be next to his. The man had ear buds in and seemed to be listening to something, so we assumed he'd settled into his new seat and we wouldn't be bothered again. About twenty minutes later he stood and walked directly to me, leaning over again. I cringed, wondering what was coming next. "Excuse me?" He waited until I looked up. "I'd like to apologize. I've had a really bad day and I didn't think about the fact that I was moving your purse or personal belongings and it might make you nervous. I shouldn't have acted that way." It surprised me and I stumbled an acceptance. He went back to his seat and settled in. A few minutes later, I nodded and smiled at him, and he returned the gesture. I was one of the last to board and I passed down the crowded aisle in the airliner, looking for a seat. There sat the man from the terminal near the front. No, there wasn't an empty seat next to him, but he did sit in an aisle seat and traffic was moving at a crawl. I could have avoided eye contact and pretended I didn't see him, but instead I met his gaze. "I hope you have a good flight, and a wonderful rest of the day. And I wanted to thank you for apologizing...that meant a lot." He smiled, his face falling into relieved lines and nodded. "Thanks. You too." I moved on down the aisle, praising God that He'd turned what could have been an ugly situation around. We never know what a cranky, seemingly mean person has been through, what kind of loss they've suffered, or what pain they might be carrying. That man had the courage to stuff his pride and apologize, and I'm so thankful God gave me the grace to keep my mouth shut, when it would have been so easy to snipe back at him. Looking back now, I wonder if the ear buds were actually some type of device to increase his hearing...you know...like you see advertised on TV, when people want to listen to conversations a distance away? He may have heard us comment that we were concerned when he picked up my bag, and felt ashamed that he's touched another person's possessions with permission...or the Lord might simply have moved on his heart. Whatever it was, I'm thankful. God is Good.
 This is the second part of this true experience I had a few days ago....but it won't make sense if you read it first. Scroll down to the older blog entry and start there, then come back and finish with this one. “It's kind of late now.” Lisa nodded at the driver snapping his seat belt and inserting his key in the ignition. He reached for his radio and spoke to whoever dispatched him to the airport. I only heard one side of the conversation. “Yes. We picked up two women. No. No one else wanted to go.” We looked at each other, and I saw the same concern I felt, mirrored on her face. I made a decision. “Driver?” He turned around. “Yes?” “I'd like to see your license, please.” He just stared at me, and the man in the back sat unmoving, but clearly listening. The driver looked surprised, but didn't produce the requested document. I tried again. “We don't know you, or the company you work for. I want to see your license, please.” He grabbed the badge hanging around his neck. “This is my badge. No one can drive down here without a security check.” I told him that was good, but I still wanted to see the company information and license, not just his badge. He unrolled his window and called to a security officer patrolling the sidewalk and beckoned the man over. “You want to see my badge?” He held it up to the open window and shoved it toward the officer. The man raised his brows and shook his head. “No. And you don't need to offer to show it to me, unless I ask for it.” I leaned forward and explained that he'd solicited us to ride with him, and we weren't familiar with his company....and that I wanted to be sure he was legit. The officer assured us NO ONE could get down into that area without a full security clearance, so we had nothing to worry about. Huh. Right. We sat back in our seats and allowed him to drive off the airport property, although part of me still wanted to bolt from the van and make a beeline back to the Super Shuttle line, but off we went. Yes, we arrived safely, with Lisa and I praying much of the way. Then two days later Lisa arrived breathless at my table in the conference dining room. “Did you hear the news about the shuttle driver?” My mind immediately flew to OUR shuttle driver. “No. What's up?” She leaned over my chair, her eyes wide. “It's on the news. The Feds just arrested terrorists posing as shuttle drivers here at the Denver airport. Wouldn't that be something if it was OUR driver?” Yep. There's absolutely no need to worry, because NO ONE can get onto the airport pick up area without security clearance.
It started innocently enough. I booked a Super Shuttle trip from the Denver airport to the hotel where our ACFW writer's conference would take place, not realizing I'd be imagining myself kidnapped before the end of the day. I know it sounds funny, but have you ever been in a situation where you truly thought your life could be in danger? Here's how it happened.... I arrived at the Denver airport and bumped into another ACFW conference attendee, Lisa Buffalo. Lisa and I made our way to the baggage claim area, then tootled on out to wait for our ride to the hotel. We passed the long line at the Super Shuttle desk, congratulating ourselves that we'd been smart enough to book our ride in advance. We confidently dug out our receipts and stood with the gathering crowd of women waiting outside. One of the gals was moaning about having to wait in the long line inside, and we suggested she might want to book online after this, and save the wait. She turned with snort of disgust. “I did. They made me go back in and get a ticket. The online receipt isn't good enough.” No way. We couldn't believe it. I got right on the phone with the main office and they confirmed our fear....we had to go brave the line and miss this shuttle. We'd probably not arrive at the hotel for another hour, and we were both already tired from our early start and long day. A shuttle driver who was clearly from a mid-eastern country (and had the accent that went along with it) from another company sidled over while I was talking on the phone I heard him urging Lisa to ride with him instead. “Only ten dollars each,” he insisted. She politely told him we'd already paid our fare, but thank you anyway. Five minutes later he was back. “Five dollars each.” She and I looked at each other and from the look on her face I knew what she was thinking. I nodded and proceeded to cancel our reservation. By the time I hung up, our bags were in the van and the smiling driver was holding the door open. “Only twenty dollars and I take you right to your hotel.” I help up my hand and shook my head. “Hold it. You said ten dollars, then five. What's with the change?” He proceeded to explain that he'd thought the entire group would be coming and he couldn't take only two people clear across Denver for $5. each. The rest of the gals had already climbed on the Shuttle and it had driven off into the sunset.....er....bright, sunny sky....so we were stuck. We climbed into the van and only then noticed a VERY scruffy man in unkempt clothes with at least two days growth of beard, was climbing in, as well. He slid into the seat directly behind us, and the driver slammed the door shut. I started thinking about the appearance of the van, and realized I'd only notice a small decal on the side, and the vehicle had seen better days. The locks clicked down and the driver walked around the van, heading for his seat. Something in my spirit rose up and waved a red flag, and dread clamped onto my stomach. Get out of here. Now. I didn't know if it was the Lord speaking a warning, or just the over active imagination of a writer, but I knew I wanted out of that van. I turned to Lisa and whispered. “I have a very bad feeling about this. I don't think we should go.” Continued tomorrow.......
  Nope, not a grandchild, as much as I wish that were true...although in a way, I guess I added a "grandchild" and a "daughter" all in the same day. Now hold on...you may be rolling your eyes and shaking your head. No. I'm not one of those women who pack their poodles around in their purse, dress their little Maltese in clothing, and baby talk to their dogs. Nope. Not me. But hey...my daughter got a puppy on the same day I did, so that comes close to being a grandchild, since she and her husband (my daughter, not the puppy, LOL!) have no intention of ever supplying said grandchild. Lacey is my pup and she's the one on the left with her ears up...her sister Bella is very possessive of the stick (on the right) and got it first, but Lacey wanted to hold it too. All right, enough goofing off. I'm tired, it's time for bed, but I really want to brag on our two little girls. Sisters they are...and a breed I NEVER thought I'd ever own...same with my daughter and her husband. In fact, both our husbands have been just a bit horrified...no, that's too strong...shocked. You see, we've always owned big dogs...German Shepherds, Labs, a big mutt, and the smallest we've ever owned is my current dog, a Border Collie (shown above checking out the competition). I've never considered a little dog, but we saw these puppies and couldn't resist. Actually, I was shopping for a small breed, as our old guy is getting up in age, and I decided it would be fun to have a dog I could cuddle, as I spend so much time at my computer. My daughter went along for the ride, and fell in love with one of the little girls I'd gone to see. We made the owner a 'two for one' offer, and she agreed. Admit it, Chihuahua or not, they're darling!!! (and of course, all you Chihuahua lovers will be saying Of course they are!) 
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Goals--A Dirty Word or a Big Help?
