Mid-Week Motivation

Starting Your Day Out Right

Scripture/Devotion 

Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

~Galatians 6:9 

“Time to make the donuts.” Remember the commercial where the bleary-eyed donut man had to drag himself out of bed and do the same thing again and again? (I’m showing my age now!) Sometimes real life can be like that too—repetitive and exhausting. 

It’s not time to lose heart, but time to press forward and take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of you (Philippians 3:12.) Take your concerns to God and ask for a refreshing touch. Yes, we may face the same overflowing laundry basket and the bottomless sink of dishes, but with God’s perspective we can see the long-term benefits of “doing good.” Hang on, the harvest is coming! 

Is Your House In Order?

Cleaning/Parenting/Marriage/Organization 

Passing on love of the written word to our children is the one of the greatest gifts we can give them. Here are some tips for encouraging early readers: 

*Develop vocabulary by speaking to your children early and often. Identify objects and answer all the “why” questions you can.

*Make books available to babies. Board books are great until they learn to handle paper pages. My one year old is learning to flip pages gently, but even when she tears through a few books it’s worth it if she learns to love “reading” time.

*Read together every day. Even babies can learn that English is read left to right, top to bottom. Ask toddlers and preschoolers about the book or magazine, and give them time to answer.

*Point out words and letters everywhere you go—stores, streets, signs.

*Be a good example. Children pick up what we do, not what we say. 

Afternoon Pick Me Up

Writing Inspiration 

Before I had the privilege of staying home with my children, I was an investment representative. I was one of those annoying people who went door to door, and made those phone calls that people with caller ID ignore. The point, you ask? The position prepared me for writing in a way that nothing else could—it desensitized me to rejection. (Mostly.) 

I am an unpublished writer, and I’ve racked up my fair share of rejections. Discouraging? Sometimes. But let me share a secret with you: the more I practice and send out my work, the better chance I have of reaching an audience. Of course the final result is in God’s hands, and let’s face it, if the work isn’t good it’s not going anywhere. But making it a goal to produce and submit is integral to success. So is developing thick skin. 

So put your thick skin on and write! Keep your bottom in the chair until you’ve reached your daily word count, and then prepare to submit. Don’t have a daily/weekly/monthly goal? It’s a good time to make a game plan, and stick to it. 

What’s for Dinner?

Quick Dinners 

You’ll never guess what our favorite dinner is…breakfast! My husband came up with the most delicious way to prepare eggs, and it makes for a quick fix in a time crunch. Pull up a spatula and great ready for a treat! 

Troy’s Famous Cheesy Eggs 

6 eggs (feeds about 4 people)

½ (small) carton cream cheese

3 thin slices of ham

1 Tbsp brown sugar 

Spread brown sugar on the ham. Beat eggs and begin to scramble in pan. When eggs are almost finished, add ham to heat. Add cream cheese last because it melts quickly. Cheddar along with the cream cheese is a good option too. Mix together and serve with toast.  

  

A Restful Night’s Sleep

Scripture for a Restful Night’s Sleep 

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most Highwill rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

~Psalm 91:1 

Where are you dwelling? Are you part of the Father’s household? Peace and safety come from sticking close to our Lord and following His ways. Only with Him can we have true rest. And with the hectic schedules we keep, we need it! Good night, all.