Friendship in Print

One of my challenges this year is to take more time out for friendship. I think the Internet is an absolutely wonderful way of locating old friends, renewing past friendships, staying in touch, and making new friends. But, one of the big dangers I have seen and experienced with "friendship via the Internet" is how easily it is to misinterpret what is said in print. What can appear to be a rather terse note might just be a few words written in a hurry. What can appear to lack compassion or connection might be the result of fatigue on the part of the writer. It is just so hard to tell!

Another danger, I have found is how people often distance themselves from their words when they send emails or texts. That is good when the writer needs the distance to get more in touch with how he or she is really feeling. However, it is not good when people feel free to share things they would never feel comfortable saying to someone in person. I can't tell you how many people I have talked to who have seen friendships dissolve through insensitive posts on Facebook or quickly dashed off emails.

I find myself often trying to clarify what I mean through those ever prevalent emoticons or through an explanation of my tone in brackets "(sarcasm)," or "(I'm smiling while I type this)". But often, that kind of spelling out of emotions breaks the flow of what I am saying - and often just seems silly.

What ways have you found to use the Internet to strengthen these ties - and not harm them? What have you experienced in staying in touch via the Internet?

Warmly, and in friendship :)
Lisa

Snow on the Prairie....

I know it's coming and yet, somehow, I am always surprised and unprepared... snow? SNOW! This time, three-to-four inches of it, with drifts twice that depth.

When the first snow hits, it always reminds me of Christmas in Connecticut - that scene, when Bing Crosby and the two blond leads sing" Snow, snow, snow, snow, snoooow". Of course, they are all indoors looking out the window when they burst out into song. Somehow, I don't think they would have that same gusto if they were outside, with wind gusts of 40 miles an hour and a wind chill of minus 5 degrees, as we were last night when we came home to "snow".

But, just as I was getting caught up in my middle aged grumpiness about shoveling and salt and brrrr.... my dog caught the spirit of new fallen snow - she jumped out of the car and tore through the drifts, zigging and zagging as she went - snow crystals flying in the air as she "led" me up the drifted walk. As I slugged along, snow up to my knees as times, I couldn't help but laugh. 

But, I didn't sing....

Lisa

Plan your work, and work that plan...

...and yes, exercise is part of my plan!


Am I batting a 100% with my resolutions?  No. But, I am moving forward on them, checking them off. For the first time in 27 years, my husband is participating in two of my goals with me: exercise and Bible study. And, it is nice to have a partner.


Speaking of having a partner, I have found that that is one of the secrets of achieving goals and of moving ahead with dreams. What are some other techniques that work for me? 

I find that it is important for me to write down my goals, breaking them into achievable small pieces, and then scheduling the completion of each of those pieces. I have them in my task list in my IPad but I also write them down and check them off. Lastly, I review my goals for the next day each evening so I know what I want to accomplish for the day the moment I wake up.


This mild prairie winter certainly helps! It bolsters my mood and makes spring feel that much closer.


What do you do to achieve your goals? Jump in here and share! I'd love more tips!
Lisa

Energized!!!

Friends - 
Have you ever been ready for a new year? I mean sooooo ready? Emotionally, that is where I am. I am soooo ready to begin again - and grateful for the opportunity!

2011 was an amazingly wonderful year, as most years are. Highlights of the year include: the marriage of my daughter, my daughter's college graduation, turning 50 on Sanibel Island with my whole family there with me, starting college visits with my son, completing the Bible studies I had set out to finish, finding two new authors whose work I love, visiting college campuses with my son, breaking ground on a new community services building at work, attending a writers' workshop, starting new mission projects at church... I could go on and on.


Yet, there are times when I want to start again, reassess my goals, write new ones, and move ahead. What has really energized me this year is that for the first time in 27 years, my husband is excited about the new year and writing his list of goals.  Maybe its catchy?


So here we go: what do I want to accomplish this year and what are my big dreams?

Here are the more routine resolutions - changes/ refinements to my daily routine:


1.  On the heals of my 8 lbs loss last year, I want to reach my goal weight by losing 11 lbs. more.
2.  I want to exercise at least 5 days each week.
3.  I plan to study scripture at least 5 days each week.


My "midsized" goals are:


1.  To redo my vegetable garden, trying new heirloom varieties of plants
2.  To finish editing my book
3.  To develop a new blog - and to do a better job of maintaining this one


My big dream goals are:


1.  To find a publisher for my book
2.  To launch my nonprofit dedicated to helping no kill shelters
3.  To begin a new ministry


... and I am so excited! Big dreams are alive and well in this prairie!


How about you? Send me your goals - your big dreams. Write them down and pledge to achieve them in 2012!

This Christmas...

...may you find Jesus in life changing ways and may his presence restore you!
Blessings!
Lisa

She's making a list and checking it twice....

Cookies are baked, out-of-town gifts mailed, Sunday school lesson is ready, trees are up and decorated, shopping is 95% completed. So what is left on my list?

1. Clean house

2. Wrap gifts

3. Schedule delivery of a large-sized gift

4. Get clothes ready for the week ahead

5. Check stocking stuffers

6. Double check list for missed gifts

7. Serve at the school Christmas banquet

8. Touch up paint in guest bedroom

9. Make meal list

10. Remember whose birthday this is and get into the Word.

What is on your list for this week?

Blessings!

Lisa

'Tis the season...

...for trying new recipes!

When the weather gets colder and the sun sets early, I move my creative urges indoors. One of the easiest ways to warm the house, the tummy, and feel like a darn successful is to pull out the stored recipes and try something new.

Today, I let my husband pick the two new recipes I will make this weekend from the stack of clippings and recipes I printed from favorite sites on the Internet.

The two he selected?

Tomato and Cheddar Pie 

Ham, Spinach, and Mushroom Pasta with Walnut Pesto

Will let you know how they turn out!

Stay warm!