So, You Want to be a Writer

Had an interesting week...a very good week, actually. We brought Tiffany, my sister, home with us after Christmas, and we had a great time. Not only did we hit the Chula Vista Resort Indoor Water Park on New Year's Day (awesome place), but Tiff and I also did some of the more touristy things that the Dells offer...like invade all the little shops in the River District and take in an IMAX movie in Madison. It was so nice not to be alone in the house all day...and to share some chic flics with my sis.

Maddie has been a fun addition to the family. I wouldn't call myself an animal lover by any means, but I wouldn't trade our little cutie for the world...she is so feisty and such a "Kitten" in every sense of the word. And she loves to be with people...laying on us, and playing around us whenever we're in the room.

Yesterday, we introduced the concept of donuts and coffee to our congregation...we're calling it the Parkway Refinery. I think it was a hit, as most of the donuts were eaten up, and people seemed to enjoy chatting together before and after service. We moved the back pews around in our sanctuary so that they were against the walls...it made the whole room seem so much larger...and placed our breakfast table in the back there...if we get any complaints, it might be that we allowed food in the sanctuary...but overall, I think it was a good idea.

My dad and mom came up for the weekend to pick up Tiff...it was soo good to be with them. I am understanding just how precious time with my family has become. Mom & Dad sang a duet at the church, and it was really special to sit with my family and listen to my husband preach (a great sermon, by the way). I'm sure he'll post it soon.

We are starting a women's ministry up this week. Hopefully, several of our ladies will join us for a Bible Study on the women in the Bible...we'll be meeting every other Thursday at our house...and then the 3rd Fridays of each month we'll be having a Girls Night Out, with opportunities to just have fun. I hope these events are well-received...and I'm very thankful to have been on the women's committee at Brookhaven for a few years...I still need to learn so much as I try to lead these women in Bible Study and and fellowship. Ya'll know I am not an initiator and definitely not vocal in big groups, so tackling & leading this project has been a huge prayer request of mine.

Today, I also took a stroll out of my comfort zone and attended the Sauk County Writers' Meeting. I found an ad for it in the newspaper this morning, and I think I was desperate enough to get out of the house and be with people that I jumped on it. I even took some writing to share ("Firefly Parade"...about single motherhood, a creative non-fiction essay I'd written in college). Lo and behold, I was the youngest person there (again!), as every other member had gray hair. :) I had a good time, and heard some very nice pieces, and I'm pretty sure I'll attend again, maybe even join. I definitely need some sort of discipline to get me writing. I guess that is my resolution for this year: to actually sit down and write--consistently. And perhaps even submit some of my pieces for publication. We'll see where that goes.

Hope you all have had a good start to this new year...I am finding over and over that I need more of the Holy Spirit in my life, not just a sprinkling of Him, but an overflowing waterfall. Perhaps you've found the same too?

Love and miss you all,
Jamie