Soften The Faces Upon Whom You Look

Next phrase of the poem is a nod to my Mary Kay business. I don't do very much anymore, but I try to stay active. I still think it's the best home business ever. A double meaning is just to try and be an encouragement and comfort to those around me. 

Here's a link to my Mary Kay Facebook page, where I post specials, etc. Happy Day Mary Kay

She doesn't hear from me much, but I love my director, Kim Campbell Holtzclaw.

Spin Pretty Yarns

The next part of my goal poem is "Spin pretty yarns with pen and with hook." Spinning yarns is another way to say "tell a story". This is an encouragement for me to write every day, thus the pen. 
I'm currently finishing a total rewrite of the sequel to my debut novel, Washout Express:

Pattern: Sandy's Cape Cod Originals

I love to crochet and try to donate to several charities. A little time with yarn every day keeps my projects going and is a good time for relaxing. "Two peas in a pod" cocoon is my current project for my daughter who is expecting twins.

Sing Every Verse

Sing Every Verse....this concept has become a very important one in my life. Before I tell you what it means to me, here's a link to a funny blog I found that posted Singing the 1st and 3rd Verses of Hymns.

This idea came to me from an experience my Worship Leader husband had. A deacon logged a serious complaint against my husband because he sometimes led the congregation in the 3rd verse of the hymns, instead of just 1st, 2nd, and 4th. Seriously? You can't do 1st and 3rd? or some other combination? Maybe even...A CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP CHORUS?? Have you ever read some of the 3rd verse lyrics?

 It is an edifying experience to read through the hymnal and discover some unknown third verses. But singing the third verse has come to mean more than hymns. To me, it means living an abundant life, looking for miracles in every experience, stepping out of my comfort zone. I try to "sing the third verse" every day in some way, even if it is only a different route to the post office. I try to go where I've never gone before, try new things, be open to new territory where God might lead me. It's liberating.

I thought it would be fun for us to post unknown or little known third verses....or...you could shock me with some totally out of the box thing you've done. Go!

Dance in the Moonlight

 ...or the dawn light. Just get moving. I try to go the gym during the week and/or take a walk in the sunshine. I work at a desk most the day, so I try to remember to get up and move around. Movement and fresh air lighten my mood. My body needs the exercise. 

I'd like to take Hula dancing lessons. There's a cute little group of girls in our town called the Little Sunbursts. I love their beautiful and modest costumes, and the history they are learning and teaching with their dance. Their teacher mentioned that she might start a group for adults. That's movement that might be fun, and not just mindless calisthenics. I'm not a fan of exercise. (I do have a third place track ribbon from 3rd grade. OK, I was last, but I have a ribbon!) I know it's important to my overall health and longevity, so I try to make movement a priority.                                                                       

Eat From the Earth

Here's the updated version of the blog this morning. New job responsibilities made me forget that I'd scheduled the post, and hadn't written this section of the goal poem.

Eat from the earth simply means eating healthy. It can be a tremendous struggle, but so worth it. Healthy food choices make a difference in how I feel, think, and get along in my day.

My daughter, Rachel, is getting to be an expert on gluten free eating since several of her children need the special diet. She's taught me alot.

I've been reading Grain Brain: The Surprising Truth About Wheat, Carbs, and Sugar, Your Brain's Silent Killers. Some compelling information there.

Grain Brain

Speaking of brains, we all know it's a no brainer that we should major on fruits, vegetables, whole grain and lean meat. We know this, but we (I) are lame brains sometimes.

So that's the next phrase in my nerdy goal poem. Have you changed your eating habits this year? How?

Drink Only Diamonds

I mentioned a few weeks ago about my nerdy little goal poem. I promised to let you know what it means to me and how it keeps me on track.  

I've always been surprised that the awesome album, Roar of Love by Second Chapter of Acts, didn't make a comeback with the new Narnia movies.  Here's one of the songs that inspired me.

Are You Going to Narnia 

 "you can drink diamonds, I've been told"

Water - liquid diamonds. At least I think of it that way. I lost 23 pounds last year almost solely from drinking only water. ( I do have my cup of coffee in the morning. I am a writer, after all.) The benefits of drinking more water are shouted far and wide, but if you need a reminder, here's a Lifehack link: 
10 Reasons to Drink More Water


Almost all of these little phrases have double meanings. Jesus offered the woman at the well (John 1:1-40) "living water" so that she would never thirst again. Jesus used the words living water to refer to eternal life, the gift that would satisfy her soul's desire only available through him.

So, "drink only diamonds" is a reminder to me to put my health first by drinking more water. Also, and more importantly, to remember that my only true source of life is from the "living water" that only Christ can give me.

How much water are you drinking every day?

I Fell Down

...and it wasn't pretty. I have lunch with my prayer group every Wednesday. My parking space was a gift, right by the restaurant door. I stepped out of my car and took a step, tripped, and crashed down on my bad knee, then sprawled prostrate on the concrete.Slow motion, surreal, floating. On my way down I saw two grown men come out of the restaurant, look right at me, and then they turned and walked...away. No, it was more of a saunter, toothpicks protruding from their mouths.

Not me...google free image, lol

The disbelief, hurt and anger actually helped me get myself up. A kind woman rushed over and picked up my purse that went one way, and papers that went another. I'm afraid I did call in the direction of the two men, "Thanks for your help." I don't know if they heard me, but they just kept on keepin' on.

Oh, well, I was fine. I went in to the comfort of my friends.  Knee hurt the next day, but I got over it. When I finally got home that night, I cried about it. I had to sit down and figure out why.

I've heard of this happening before. We've all seen Facebook videos of people being beaten to a pulp while others walked by without rendering aid. The value of human life has diminished to a great degree. I know there are all kinds of reasons for that. But what I want to talk about today is this:

The feeling that came over me as I lay on the ground and watched those two men walk away was shocking to my system. I felt completely worthless, abandoned, afraid, just down right hurt. Angry too. Prayer helped me forgive those two guys, but there was more working in my spirit. What could I learn from this?

I sensed the Father telling me that

1. There are people all around me feeling abandoned and worthless.

2. Many can't pick themselves up and enter the comfort of friends and family.

3. They need the love of Jesus, and I am to be a vessel for that.

So, I'm not quitting my job and joining the Peace Corp or anything, but I am motivated to try and be aware of the those around me needing to be "picked up off the ground."  Father, open my eyes:)

Nerdy Inspiration

Here's a little poem I wrote for myself several years ago. It keeps me on track with my goals (not in the order of importance). I was inspired by the Narnia, Prince Caspian movie. I'll be sharing in weeks to come what each of these phrases mean, and why they help keep me on track. I know, I'm weird:)

Drink only diamonds
Eat from the earth
Dance in the moonlight
Sing every verse

Spin pretty yarns
With pen and with hook
Soften the faces
Upon whom you look

The Word of the Lion
Hide in your heart
In all your connections
Do more than your part.

©Jody Bailey Day

What do YOU think some of these phrases mean?

Surprised by Fear

I'm turning 57 on Sunday (19th). Those numbers have never bothered me. Strangely, though, I didn't expect this about getting older. Didn't see it coming. Fear. Yes, I'm a person of faith,. I know we're not supposed to be afraid and I do know where it comes from. Still, I struggle with it sometimes. Just being honest here.

Health issues, finance issues, the state of our country, our children, our spouse, the future. The list is infinite if I let myself think about it. Am I the only baby boomer struggling with fear? I doubt it. I just don't hear anyone saying so. 

It's my thinking that's the problem. I have to remember that the same thing is true now that was true when I was young and strong.

1. God is in control. He's got my back.

2. His steadfast love never ceases, never comes to an end.

3. He has a plan for my life. Random is not in His vocabulary.

I wonder if this struggle is why dear old Prue Benson always sang the same song when it was his turn for a solo at church. "His Eye is on the Sparrow, and I KNOW He watches me." Praise God!

Are you ever afraid?

Embracing the Uncomfortable

So we've got our goals written down, our mind pumped up, and the new year looks victorious! Then...we get leg cramps from going to the gym after a 5 month break, we come home from work exhausted and would rather drive through than eat the salad we diligently prepared ahead of time, and our word count is lacking for the day. The recliner looks better than the computer chair. UNCOMFORTABLE = QUIT!

Somebody posted a cute, and very true, snippet on Facebook last week. "It's time for my traditional January 1 through January 3rd diet." Something like that. I don't want to give up this year on my goals. I know you don't either. We have to face the fact that our pumped up drive and resolve will face the Enemy. 

Maybe we could look at UNCOMFORTABLE as our friend. He (let's make him a 'he', good looking, and our cheerleader, lol) gets us there, teaches us discipline, wants the best for us. Wait, that's Jesus! He's beautiful, encourages us with His Word, so wants the best for us. 

So I'm wrapping my arms around Uncomfortable. Are you with me? Normally I try to write about encouraging things, life through Love Colored Glasses. This is maybe a negative take on it, but it's where I am now.

Where are you? How do you fight the Uncomfortable?

"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." Mark 12:29-31

Go ahead, say it:)

Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas! I've said it as many times as I possibly can to any and all. What a joy! 

"For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord."

Luke 2:11

Go ahead and say "Happy Holidays" if you want. It means "Holy" day, anyway, so you can't keep Christ out of Christmas if you wanted to. But why would you want to? He loves you, offers you freedom and eternity and you're gonna say, "Uh, no thanks." Really?

Well, yeah, really. I, for one, say 'no' to him often in my choices, attitudes, lack of gratitude. Still He loves me, knew me from my mother's womb, knew how I'd fail Him, knew all that but still made my salvation possible. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him, will not perish, but have everlasting life." Reallly? YES!!

 

God Bless YOU! 

Easy Peasy

Tomorrow's the big day. I'm looking forward to being with my family. We've grown so much that this year we're all pitching in to rent a place so that we can celebrate comfortably together. The older I get, the more simplicity becomes my mantra. This year I ordered our dinner. It seemed extravagant until I added it up. The cost of purchasing all the ingredients for our traditional meal was way more than what I paid the restaurant.  Less expensive and easy peasy is always a good thing. We'll still make some of our extra favorites, but the lionshare of the time will be spent loving on my family.

May your day be filled with grateful worship and love, full hearts and stomachs. From our home to yours, a most blessed thanksgiving. God Bless you:)

Fights Like a Girl

Met a terrific lady today!
Jamie Batson dropped by to check out the library meeting room and make plans for her book signing on November 25th. Don't you love her pink boxing gloves?


 This is an irreverent, often humorous look at breast cancer through Jamie's eyes as she progresses through this life-changing disease. It is brutally honest and frankly describes the events and processes faced by a survivor.

I'm halfway through this awesome read and am mesmerized by the ordeal she went through, and the humor and insight with which she deals with it. I'm glad I met this wonderful woman. Her book signing will be at Fort Stockton Public Library, Monday, November 25th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.