Life is a Play

Life is a play, scripted by the hand of God. Given the chance to start again, would I dare to change a single line of something written so masterfully? No. But I would play the role quite differently.

Walk for Breast Cancer

I'm so proud of my niece. After being overweight for most of her life, she managed to take off 90 pounds by changing her eating habits--that's about three chins and four bra sizes!

Many of you may know her from her old blog "Steff's Secrets" or the joint blog we used to have "2 fat chicks." She is also a former contributor to Steff's Poetry Corner at CWO.

She's recently decided to get active in addition to eating well, and as part of this new leaf she's turned over in life, she's walking for breast cancer. Steph says,

"I think just about everyone including myself has in someway had their life impacted by cancer, be it a spouse, a friend, a family member, or even fighting it themselves. I haven't directly been impacted by the effects of breast cancer and my hope is through raising money toward the cause maybe I wont have to. The statistics now say that one in 9 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime are not just scary- it's terrifying. On average, 415 Canadian women are being diagnosed with breast cancer every week (that's over 21500 a year) and 102 Canadian women are taken by the disease each week. And these number are on the rise. In Manitoba alone, the incidences of breast cancer-and all cancer-is growing by 3% annually.
If the incidences of breast cancer continue to rise at this rate in Manitoba, by the time I reach the age of 40, (forgive me if my math is wrong) there will be on average almost 1400 Manitobans being diagnosed with breast cancer each year compared to the average 810 in Manitoba at present. That's almost DOUBLE."

If you'd like to know more about the walk, or if you'd like to sponsor Steph, you can visit her page for the cause here: End Breast Cancer

Steph needs to raise $2,000.00 in order to enter the walk. Go Steph!!

Please Pray

I received this letter this morning. Please pray for her and her daughter:

Darlene,

I heard about your website on KCIS - Christian Living - today and
thought that you said there was a place that a mother had requested
prayer for her daughter. I need to have prayer for my daughter. She
is a struggling single mom, and is addicted to alcohol. She has
consented tonight to go to a recovery program in Illinois, Reformer
Unanimous School of Discipleship. She does not feel that God can
possibly love her anymore and is afraid of the change and
commitment. She is very confused and scared. Please pray that God
will give her the courage to make this commitment and follow
through. She wants a new life but sees no hope for herself. I know
that God can and will change that but she needs help to find her way
out of her situation.

Thanks for your prayers,

Cheryl

3rd Posts a Charm

Ok, third post today, but I had a lot to say. :)

Everyday Mommy is hosting a contest called "Hidden Treasure Blog Awards."

Mom, Dad, here's how it works: On or shortly after January 29th, I'll post my finest story ever written. On February 1st, you nominate me--February 8th, go back and vote for me--simple! I'm sure you want to see your adorable grandchildren again...

Everyday Mommy's version of the rules are listed below.



Step 1: For Your Consideration. Anyone who wishes to participate in the Hidden Treasure blog awards may re-post what they feel is their finest post beginning January 29th, 2007. The categories are: Children & Family, Faith, Marriage, Motherhood, Homemaking, Humor, Current Events and Life. No profanity or offensive material is permitted. Please note in your re-posting that it is your entry for consideration as a nominee for the Hidden Treasure Blog Awards.

Step 2: Nominations. Nominations will open on February 1st, 2007. Everyone may nominate a single post in each category. Nominations are not limited to posts which have been submitted. Any favorite post is eligible. The three posts with the most nominations will advance to voting. Nominations will close on February 7th, 2007. Nominations may be submitted to EverydayMommy@gmail.com.

Step 3: Voting. Voting will open on February 8th, 2007. One vote per category. Voting will close on February 13th, 2007. Winners will be announced on February 14th, 2007 The nominated post with the most votes overall will be awarded Best In Show.

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Pray for Emma

Please pray for Heather's daughter Emma today, she's sick in hospital with severe heart problems.



I hope to write more later about an online contest, but for now I have an appointment to get to.

The Writing Life

Dear Diary,

I thought I'd have a little more time for blogging, but life is busy both with CWO, making time for God, and the family. But I'll still be popping in here to say "hi" because I like being connected to the blogging world, and I missed it too much when I was absent.

I've been writing a new book. And I'm very excited about this one. It's a real departure from my first book, and I'm loving it just the same. I feel that God's hand is really in it and He's been blessing me daily with inspiration. I'm led by the scripture page by page. I won't say too much about the book yet until I'm further down the road with it, but hopefully that won't be too long.

I'll be in an upcoming book called Grace Givers published by Thomas Nelson. Thanks to Heather Ivester who encouraged me to send my story in. I received a check in the mail just before Christmas, and it was just as exciting as I had dreamed it would be.

Writing is a funny thing After writing for a few years already, I still procrastinate thinking that I don't have anything in my head to put down on paper. But then when I do force myself to sit down and do nothing but write, I feel so exhilarated (probably can't spell it, but I feel it). Tonight I said "I'm going upstairs to write!" Well then I had to check my email first, reply to email, and peek at CWO, then phone my sister, then I search for images... Oh, I'm bad for that. I search images online for hours on end looking for just the right logo or just the right image for a cover that I might not even design, but I feel like I just got to do it or I can't settle down.

Ok, I should get some sleep, it's 10:34 and I slept in this morning. We usually leave the house at 8:15, and I woke up at 8:22. What kind of mom does that? Oh, I know--a writer!

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Wrapping Things Up

Technically my family is still on vacation. There's only one day left and then we all get back to some serious work. We managed to find a few days during the holidays to go to our favorite hotel, which was nice.

My schedule has been all thrown off once again. I am such a night owl that I just can't fall asleep at night, so I read and computer and watch TV until my eyes get heavy, but only on holidays. As soon as the kids get back to school it's early to bed and early to rise once again.

I still have the tree to take down. Argh! I think that I've taken it down by myself every single year thus far, so this year I'm hoping to get the whole family in on the act before they all take off in different directions.

My dad just popped in for a visit with his little dog Scottie, so I should get off the computer.

I read a quote last night that I just love. Francine Rivers says, "I want what shapes me and my writing to be Scripture." Those are words that have nestled into my soul and are powering my brain today--inspiring me to press on.

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