Mid-Week Motivation

Starting Your Day Out Right

Scripture/Devotion

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart,

as working for the Lord,not for men.

~Colossians 3:23

No matter what we’re called to do—work a 9 to 5 job, be a housewife, write full time—there are bound to be tasks that crop up that we either dread, or that seem to have little relevance to our desires and long-term goals. But the Bible tells us that whatever we’re doing should be done with all our heart. Another translation says “heartily.”

Oftentimes I feel stuck doing repetitive tasks—laundry comes to mind—when I’d much rather be writing (remember last week’s donut analogy?) But would I have the same attitude if it were Jesus’ socks in the hamper? Probably not! And that’s where this scripture comes into play.

Today is a fresh chance to do whatever it is we’re called to do with gusto and joyful energy, as though we’re performing the tasks for Jesus himself. Let’s get to it!

Is Your House In Order?

Cleaning/Parenting/Marriage/Organization

One of the best ways to simplify your life, which affords you more time and energy down the road, is to de-clutter. I’m not talking about a quick run through the top drawer of your desk, but some serious “letting go.” Not only will your home look cleaner, and dare I say larger, but a weight will lift off your soul. De-cluttering is our opportunity to give, and to share all things in common (Acts 2:44.) Here are some ideas to get you started:

*clothes—I’ve had tons of clothing saved, but am I really going to be that size again?

*books—is that a shriek I hear? It’s okay to let some of them go.

*food—how many cans of tomato sauce and chicken broth do I really need?

*electronics—surprise someone, and you’ll be blessed too.

Afternoon Pick Me Up

Writing Inspiration

Lots of people want to have written; they don’t want to write. In other words, they want to see their name on the front cover of a book and their grinning picture on the back. But this is what comes at the end of the job, not at the beginning. To reach that end, you have to be willing just to set it aside, knowing that it may never happen at all but not much caring because it’s the writing that matters to you; it’s the mystery and the magic of putting words on paper that are truly important. If you don’t feel this way, then you want to be an author, not a writer.

~Elizabeth George, Write Away

This quote hit me where it hurts. There are some days when I want what’s at the end, instead of trudging through the work that leads up to it. Why did you start writing in the first place? For me, I love the act of crafting stories and making them real, and that’s a huge thing to remember on those days when the outcome is uncertain. Wherever you are on your writing journey, don’t forget to enjoy the trip.

What’s for Dinner?

Quick Meals

Easy Chicken
Dijon and Rice

4 chicken breasts, cooked and diced (I used Schwan’s to make it easy)

2 cans cream of celery soup

1 ½ cups water

3 T Dijon mustard

1 box Rice-O-Roni

Cook Rice-O-Roni per directions, set aside. Heat soup, water, and
Dijon in pot, bring to boil then reduce. Add cooked/diced chicken and stir. Pour over Rice-O-Roni and serve.

A Restful Night’s Sleep

Scripture for a Restful Night’s Sleep

The Lord your God is with you,

He is mighty to save.

He will take great delight in you,

He will quiet you with His love,

He will rejoice over you with singing.

~Zephaniah 3:17

Fall asleep to the heavenly lullaby your Father is singing over you tonight.God bless!