October is nearly over. Only TWO months left in 2017. This year has flown by.
I’ve been thinking about my health a lot lately. I need to lose a fair number of pounds. I weigh considerably more than I did when I was nine months pregnant with any of my children. I hate the way the extra pounds make me feel. But apparently I don’t hate it enough to stop drinking sodas or eating sweets. That is something I plan to change.
And then I found out that a friend of mine, someone I consider a close friend though she lives a number of miles from me, had a medical emergency last night and has been hospitalized. It has affected me more than I would have imagined. As I ended my Saturday on the computer, I read that another acquaintance/writing friend had passed away. It reiterates my need to take care of the temple that God has given me to use for the years I’m on earth.
We each have seasons in our lives. I was talking to someone about that at church just last week. Sometimes the seasons are dry, and we feel like God has forgotten us. At other times, we can see His touch in everything and feel Him everywhere we go. And then there are the in between times of normalcy (if there even is such a thing).
One thing that stands out more than any other today, and I’m sure it’s not anything new to you. LIFE is SHORT. Every moment we have must be used wisely.
Have you ever had a light-bulb moment about your days on earth? Maybe after a car accident or the death of a friend or loved one? What did you learn? Have you continued to apply it to your life? I know these are deep questions for a Sunday Edition. Usually, I try to keep it light-hearted and fun, but I feel like I can’t be the only one who wonders these things. I can’t be the only one struggling.
And please, if you think of my friend, keep her and her family in your prayers.
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Last Week:
Monday: Melanie Snitker – Fall Creativity and a Giveaway
Tuesday: Ginger Solomon – Love is… Part 8
Wednesday: Kimberly Rose Johnson – The Journey of a Story
Thursday: Brenda S. Anderson – Ten Favorite Things + #Giveaway!
Friday: Lindi Peterson – New Stories and Series Chat
Saturday: Staci Stallings – The Myth of Easy Romance
Coming up this week:
Monday: Krista Phillips
Tuesday: Annalisa Daughety
Wednesday: Roxanne Rustand
Thursday: Marion Ueckermann
Friday: Heather Gray
Saturday: Alexa Verde
New Releases:
October 2017
Wise at Heart (Romance from the Heart 2) (Arcadia Valley Romance 10) by Lee Tobin McClain
A Tidbit of Trust (Taste of Romance 5) by Elizabeth Maddrey
A Waltz for Amber (Melodies of Love 3) by Kimberly Rose Johnson
Candy Lane Christmas (Madison Creek novella 2) by Jackie Castle
November 2017
Rooted in Love (Garden Grown Romance 2) (Arcadia Valley Romance 11) by Valerie Comer
A Time to Love (Hope Series 2) by Staci Stallings
Love’s Choice (First Street Church Romances) by Liwen Y. Ho
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Wemble says
Hi GInger, I pray God’s comfort and peace for you and those close to your friend (s). Since going back to work full time, I have found it difficult to balance exercise, family, work etc. with exercise being the loser, so I resonate with what you are saying. Over the last 2 years, we have had a number of work colleagues and close friends afflicted with cancer. That can only be a reminder of how fleeting our time here on earth is, and to make each moment count. You are definitely not alone in pondering deep thoughts. I just have to keep Solomon’s words “a time for everything” in mind and know that God sees the big picture.
Blessings:)
Renate says
Hi Ginger! Praying for your friends and their family. Our family also has friends and family afflicted with cancer. My husband is leaving Thursday to visit his high school friend with reoccurring cancer. I am also finding it difficult to loose weight. Even though now retired, as Wemble stated difficult to find balance, especially when working full time and caring for family. Menopause didn’t help. Best wishes and happy writing.
Gingers219 says
So true. There is a time for everything. And sometimes we try to put it off (can we say procrastination?). But eventually it needs to be dealt with. That’s where I am right now. Dealing.
Ginger Solomon says
Cancer is far too prevalent these days. It makes my heart sad to hear of so many living with or dying from this disease. Prayers for your husband as he travels to visit his friend.
Balance is the key, but it is often elusive. The scales used to measure gold nuggets (and other things I’m sure) comes to mind — just a little more, just a little more, no that’s too much. LOL
Lori Smanski says
So sorry for your loss. I pray that God will keep his hand of peace and comfort over you.
Yes I know what you mean. Just this last Wednesday, my sister in law died. Not expected. She was a special lady with a fierce love of family and practical wisdom. She was the families delight.
Her father had Osler-Weber-Rendu Disease. The information for this disease is just starting to gain momentum in the medical field. Turns out at 59 they found out she had it also. No symptoms.
Tracey Hagwood says
So sorry for your loss, Ginger. I just found out a relative has the C word (I don’t even like to say it) and I know many others with it too. Such an evil disease. Praying for all who are affected by it.
I’m right there with you on the weight thing. You had my sympathy with the weighing more than when pregnant comment, me too. It hurts to admit that, ouch! I’ve been working on it for 6 weeks now and am down 12 lbs. but need to keep going and get some of the pressure off my bad knee.
I’m probably on the line between the 3rd and 4th season of my life (as statistics go). God and I have been having regular discussions about finishing well in all areas, what that looks like in health and life, and what I can do to improve them.
I know you like to keep it light, but at times it’s good to take inventory of where we are, where we are headed and how we are going to get there. Sunday, the Lord’s day is a perfect day to pause and reflect on these things.
Walter Daniels says
A few years back, I asked God. “Why me?” (I’ve had 4 serious knee injuries, and a crippling back injury, between 1973 and today.) A still, small voice said. “Who else would you have it happen to?” I realized it “happened” to me, so I could be an example to others.
Jackie Smith says
I will be praying for your friend! A friend of mine died last week, and another friend is in the last stages of her cancer. Only God can get us through these things!
Blessings on you, Ginger!
MFLiteraryWorks says
Ginger,
I’m sorry to hear about your friends and your loss. But I need to say, Thank You for the wake up call! I need to remember this now that I’ve become a grandma. I need to take better care of my temple.
Gingers219 says
I’m sorry for your loss, Lori. May his peace and comfort cover you and your family as well.
Ginger Solomon says
Congrats on the weight loss. And thanks for the encouragement. It is a good day to review and evaluate life. ;)
Ginger Solomon says
What a good way to look at things – as examples to others. When I was praying a few months after my chronic back pain started, He told me that my pain was for His glory not because of anything “I” had done. I didn’t understand then how it would bring Him glory, and six years later, I still don’t understand, but those words reminds me that it’s NOT all about ME. Our stories should line up with His story to bring people to truth.
Let’s all go forth and be examples.
Ginger Solomon says
That is so true, Jackie. Thank you.
Ginger Solomon says
I’m not a grandma yet, but I’m old enough. I want to be around and healthy to enjoy the grandbabies when they come. :o
Lucy Reynolds says
Praying for your friend. I lost my best friends hubby to Alzheimer’s a few months ago. It was the first time I ever actually saw someone pass on to heaven. Watching my parents age and their health issues all combined make me wonder about my health and how to better care for myself. Blessings
Gingers219 says
I’m sure my friend appreciates the prayers. I’ve never seen anyone pass. I was not present when either of my parents or my brother passed. Thankfully.
Now is the time to take action. There’s no better time than right now. :D I’m talking to myself, too.
Paula Shreckhise says
I can relate to being heavier now than when pregnant with my kids! I need to start excercising again. My Mother is soon to be 101 years old. It’s really hard to talk to her on the phone. She can’t understand me and it’s getting harder for her to get her words out. She’s too far away for a visit. It’s hard not being there.
We each have difficulty in our lives. We just need to rely on the One who is in control!
Blessings o you. Thanks for the post.
Alexa Verde says
Praying for your friend! And you’re so right, life is short, though sometimes we don’t realize it. We need to appreciate every moment!
Trixi says
Happy SONday Ginger!
As I get older, I am starting to realize more and more how short life is becoming. I want to treasure every moment I have here with things that matter most; family, friends, church family & etc.Too many things we take for granted, me included, so I pray that God will help me be more grateful in the coming days & years.
Congrats winners and here’s to another great week at Inspy Romance!