Mid-Week Motivation
Starting Your Day out Right
Who will rise up for me against the wicked?
Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?
Unless the Lord had given me help,
I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.
Psalm 94:16-17
The world is still in shock, as we grieve over the terrible tragedy that occurred Monday at Virginia Tech. A raging 23-year-old student went on a shooting spree and brought a violent end to 32 lives in addition to his own.
In South Korea, officials sift through the pieces of the killer’s home of origin, looking for clues to his family’s past, and fearing acts of revenge. In India, a mother weeps publicly over the loss of her brilliant son, a professor who died that morning at the university. Teachers and fellow students who knew the gunman continue to come forward with testimonies of what they knew about the killer.
As I read through the stories, I’m most amazed by his former English teacher who was concerned about the violent, angry writings of her former student. She had taken him out of her classroom and taught him one-on-one, even notifying authorities that this man needed some help. His writing was a window to his tormented soul.
The very fact that you’re reading here today shows that God is calling you to rise up against the wickedness in this world through sharing the love and peace that can only be found in Jesus Christ. As writers, we must reach out to bring healing and hope through our words. God may also have great plans for you as a teacher, as you encourage others to search within and reveal their hearts on paper.
Is Your House in Order?
Cleaning, parenting, marriage, organization tips, etc.
We may not be able to single-handedly bring peace to the world, but we can certainly help bring peace under our own roofs. One way to do this is to establish orderly routines that give us a sense of structure and calm.
Post these routines in a place where you can easily see them. I use FlyLady’s morning and evening routines. This is what I have posted to my refrigerator (embellished a bit here):
Morning Routine:
1. Get up and weigh. (You may choose to weigh only once a week, but you must keep track of your weight somehow or you’ll be shocked one day to discover you’ve gained 40 pounds).
2. Shower and get dressed. Fix your hair and face (even if you only work at home. Just do it! You’ll feel a lot better about yourself if you don’t feel like a grunge).
3. While you’re in the bathroom, swish and swipe (this means keep your bathroom clean daily).
4. Grab a load of laundry and start the washer.
5. Check your calendar for today’s activities.
6. Empty dishwasher to start your day.
7. Eat something good for you and take your medicine and vitamins.
8. Drink your water.
** I’d also add to read at least one Scripture verse or passage that you can dwell on all day.
Evening Routine:
1. Pick out your clothes for tomorrow (this includes your children’s clothes, down to their socks and shoes!).
2. Take a few minutes for yourself.
3. Check your calendar for tomorrow’s events.
4. Spend two minutes clearing off your Hot Spots (clear countertops and tables to make your home more peaceful. Hide the clutter if you have to in baskets until you can get it deep-cleaned).
5. SHINE YOUR SINK (FlyLady’s #1 Most Important Point! Don’t go to bed with a sink piled with dishes!).
6. Wash your face, moisturize, brush your teeth, and floss.
7. Go to bed at a decent hour.
**Be sure to talk to God about your day a few minutes before sleeping.
P.S. Remember, you’re a busy parent. Give yourself lots of GRACE in establishing these routines!
Afternoon Pick-Me-Up
Writing Inspiration
If you’re struggling to find time to write, my “Parent Muse” column in this month’s Spirit-Led Writer offers three tips for parents who long to write between the interruptions:
- Make Space for Your Writing.
- Savor the Pleasures of Parenting.
- Seek Mentors who Integrate Writing and Family Life.
I hope you can click over and read the whole issue — it’s full of practical and inspiring articles for Christian writers. My column focuses specifically on parents who are trying to carve out a writing career in the midst of raising a family.
What’s For Dinner?
Easy Chicken Manicotti
I found these delightful recipes on Amy’s Humble Musings blog.
- 1 jar (30 oz.) spaghetti sauce
- 1 tsp. garlic salt
- 1 1/2 lbs. chicken breasts or tenders
- 14 uncooked manicotti shells
- 1 can (2 1/2 oz.) sliced ripe olives, drained
- 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
1. Spread about 1/3 of the spaghetti sauce in ungreased rectangular baking dish, 13×9×2 inches.
2. Sprinkle garlic salt on chicken. Insert chicken into uncooked manicotti shells, stuffing from each end of shell to fill if necessary. Place shells on spaghetti sauce in dish.
3. Pour remaining spaghetti sauce evenly over shells, covering completely. Sprinkle with olives and cheese.
4. Bake 50-60 minutes at 350, until shells are tender.
And for dessert…
Easy, Tasty Pumpkin Squares
- 1 box of spice cake mix
- 1 15-oz. can of pureed pumpkin
Mix the 2 ingredients. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes. That’s it. (The author of this recipe wrote, “This also helps your house smell great if you’re having last minute company.”)
A Restful Night’s Sleep
Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.
Jeremiah 6:16
You’re a busy parent, and you’re a writer. Every day you “stand at the crossroads.” Your words will either lead your children and your readers into a relationship with Christ, or you’ll lead them further away. This includes both your spoken and written words.
No one can go back in time and change the past. You can’t take back the words you said yesterday or even five minutes ago that brought damage to someone’s heart, but you CAN ask the Lord to help you be more like Him tomorrow.
Ask God where the “good way” is in your life. When you acknowledge Him and walk down the path He’s chosen for you, you’ll find rest for your soul. And help bring more peace to the world.
