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I want to write a series of blog posts that address ways to make healthier choices so we can have a healthier tomorrow. A few of the topics I will address include:
If you struggle in specific areas, I welcome your comments. After all, I want this to be a two way communication tool and not a lecture. Let's make the choice to take better care of ourselves, which impacts body, mind and even spirit.
I'm thankful that some of my earliest memories consisted of sitting on my mom's lap as she read to me. I loved to look at the pictures and often closed my eyes as I imagined myself in the scene with Alice in Wonderland. I'm so thankful that my love for reading developed in this way. What a great way to bond with a child and instill in them a love for reading. I laughed when my friend sent me this picture of her youngest daughter Karli and her attempts at reading.
As I consider the choices we make that impact our future, reading quality books is a no brainer. Last year, I subscribed to a monthly reading program that I learned about on Chuck Colson's Breakpoint website. Each month you read a different classic and you receive a CD by Dr. Ken Boa who is a wonderful teacher. He tells you about the life of the author and some relevant information about the times the books were written. He includes insights and ways to relate in the current times in which we live. I found it so helpful as many of the classics included books I've always wanted to read such as East of Eden by John Steinbeck and City of God by St. Augustine.
I enjoy reading historical fiction books by Robert Michener or sometimes a lighter book such as Bella Tuscany by Frances Mayes. In a moment, I can imagine myself living in Italy. Jan Karon writes wonderful fiction books that allow this city dweller to imagine living in the small town of Mitford as I follow the lovable characters including Father Tim. Books on tape can be a perfect way to have time pass quickly and yet productively on a long road trip.
Books allow us to use our imagination. Instead of always watching television and movies, why not take the time to develop a love for reading? Start with a subject that you have an interest in.
How about you? Do you struggle to sit and read or do you love to spend hours reading? What kinds of books do you enjoy? I'd love to hear about some of your favorites.
Since family and friends are so important to me, photographs hold such special meaning to me. Whenever I've been asked what I would grab if my house was on fire, my immediate answer is my pictures (and of course, any people). Now I don't have to worry because I have a backup online.
I've also enjoyed making cards for occasions such as birthdays and graduations. The cost is comparable to buying a Hallmark card but this is much more personal since I can choose the picture(s) and write my own saying inside. And it only costs about $3 each. Not bad!
So, if you choose to spend time making photo memories, consider going online. Believe me, it will save you time, energy, money and mess. Being more organized has been one of my goals. So thank you Shutterfly.
This morning award winning Christian musician Steven Curtis Chapman and his family were interviewed at their home in Nashville, Tennessee by Robin Roberts of Good Morning America. The Chapman's adopted daughter Maria died in a tragic accident on May 21 when her brother was backing out of the driveway in the family car.
When I first heard the shocking and sad news, I remember feeling so badly for the family but my heart especially went out to the 17 year old boy Will Franklin. How would he deal with this tragedy and how would this impact his life? It was an accident and he loved his sister. In the interview, Steven related how his uncle told him that he had called out to his son as he was in the car to go to the hospital. He yelled out to Will that he loved him.
The Chapman's are going through their grieving process and they said that it is their steadfast faith that keeps them going. They have many questions but they choose to live by faith despite the questions. They are grieving, forgiving and living. I cried as I listened to Mary Beth Chapman, Steven's wife speak about how she wants her Maria back but that she must go on living for her other children. They both live with the faith and hope that they will see their daughter again, which helps them go forward and live each day.
Steven's latest song is Cinderella and he wrote this as he was putting his daughters to bed one night. He didn't know if he'd be able to sing it after Maria's death but he does and he says it has more meaning for him. He believes he will dance with his daughter again one day.
I was so touched and thankful for a Christian family who was willing to talk about their grieving and their questions, but that their faith in God is the anchor for their life. They've chosen to live each day by faith.
Larry King will be interviewing the Chapman family on Thursday night on CNN.