Wow, life continues to serve up a full plate. I recently finished writing forty devos for Mornings with Jesus 2014, a yearly project I love because the process keeps me constantly inspired, always discovering new insights into who Jesus was and is and how he speaks so presently to us today. Right now I'm working out the kinks in this new site before turning my focus to an editing project, praying about a possible writing opportunity, and following the plan of The 90-Day Novel by Alan Watt. Wonderful book that's meeting me directly at my points of frustration.

Other tidbits:

Hosted a Narimon jewelry party. Loving this organization that sells beautiful jewelry handmade by women and girls who have been rescued from Thailand's sex-trade industry.

Wrote a guest blog post for NWAMotherlode.com highlighting easy ways busy moms can reach out to hurting kids who need a warm dose of a mother's care. 

Took my turn posting about feeling off track and derailed on my church's women's ministry blog. "Look and see" another favorite post from that blog.

God invented the giving heart, and I'm so thankful he did! The world is chocked full of needs waiting to be met, treasured people aching to be rescued. Narimon is an organization that I recently discovered, and it's got my heart! I hosted a jewelry party and got hooked, as did my guests. The products are unique and beautiful, and each one is tagged and signed by the woman who crafted it. Each necklace or bracelet or card I picked up had me praying for the sweet sister across the globe whose life is being transformed.

From the website: "Narimon jewelry and other products are handmade by women and girls in Thailand who either once were forced to sell their dignity, or by their situation were at high risk to do so. Now they not only have work, but they make something they can be proud of. They begin to understand, some for the first time, that they are valuable beyond measure.

"Narimon products are made with quality in mind, not charity. Each product is personally signed by its creator. When you buy a Narimon product, you know that you have helped a woman find her dignity."
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Things that make my heart smile . . .

Giving: Narimon and New Beginning Children's Homes. Love, love, love both these organizations that reach out to hearts and souls in desperate need of attention and healing.

Growing: I'm discovering a deeper heart for the depths of others' hearts. "Am I willing to pause in my busyness long enough to honor them for what they deal with, and maybe even feel a bit of it along with them?" See this quote source.

Shopping: I'm all over the treasure hunt of shoe sales here!

Setting: My current novel-in-progress is set in the Hudson Valley. So much fun discovering the gold mine of treasures there. Here's a bit of history from there. Discover more»