Blogging A To Z Challenge "Never Run Out"

"Never Run Out!"
by Shelly Burke

(Adapted from Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom’s Guide to Caring for Herself, Her Family, and Her Home. See the http://achristianmomsguide.blogspot.com/p/table-of-contents.html 

to see what else is covered in the book!)

 It happened again as I was preparing homemade pizza for Saturday supper. I was out of tomato sauce. As I searched the grocery story for that crucial ingredient my cart magically filled…and 45 minutes and $45 later I was back home wondering how “just one thing” had taken so long and cost so much.

As well as being inconvenient (my sister had to go to three all-night gas stations when she ran out of children’s cold medicine in the middle of the night) and expensive (the medicine she found was VERY overpriced) running out of anything can be very frustrating.

Through trial and error I found a way to “never run out” again. I hope the tips will help you too.

1. Make a meal list. List about 20 meals that you like to cook and your family likes to eat. List all of the ingredients needed to prepare each meal. 

2. Make Master Shopping Lists 

Master Grocery List. Include all of the items for your favorite meals, plus staples like margarine, canned products, and other things your family uses on a regular basis. List everything you use on a regular basis as well as what you use occasionally. Print out several copies of the list and post it on your refrigerator. Ask your family to circle an item if they use the last one (I circle peanut butter, vegetable oil, etc. when I open the last container in the cupboard).

Discount Store List. List pet food, paper items like paper towels, toilet paper and tissues, cleaning items (including dish and laundry soap), over-the-counter medications your family uses regularly, office supplies, and so on. Again, print out a list and post it in a central area.

3. Prepare for shopping trips. Before you shop, check the lists for items you’re low on. Also check your pantry, laundry room, etc. for items you’ll run out of before your next shopping trip. By shopping for items proactively, before you’re all the way out, you won’t have to buy items when you’re completely out, in a panic, and will pay way more than necessary. 

Before you grocery shop, plan meals for the next week or so and check to make sure you have all of the ingredients on hand. (I didn’t realize how quick and easy it is to plan meals ahead…and it makes the days and weeks run so much easier!) On your master list, circle the items you’re out of.

When you have just two or three containers of frequently used items left (in our house that includes catsup and BBQ sauce) or open the last of a less-frequently used item (like lemon juice), circle it on your list and mark it with an “*”. That means you don’t need it immediately but will soon; but several if the item happens to be on sale. If you have a coupon for a circled item, put a “C” by it so you don’t forget to use the coupon.

4. The shopping trip. Your goal is to gradually build up a stock supply of items your family frequently uses—when they are on sale. For example, when BBQ sauce is on sale I buy 10-12 bottles—enough to last until the next time it’s on sale. Even if your budget only allows you to purchase 1-2 extras, do so! You’ll gradually build up your supply and eventually only have to buy those things when they’re on sale. And if you’re just starting to buy ahead, consider buying two of everything, even if it’s not on sale. An extra jar of mayonnaise or can of soup in your cupboard can still save you a last-minute trip to the store. 

Be discerning; don’t buy a dozen bottles of a new brand of taco sauce; what if your family doesn’t like it? It’s also not saving money or making good use of your finances if you buy a large amount of perishable items and end up throwing them out because they’re spoiled.

What about things that usually don’t go on sale, like over-the-counter medications and soap? You’ll still save money by buying several of these things as your budget allows, because you won’t have to make a trip to the store for “just one thing.”

“In all labor there is profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” Proverbs 13:23

What tips do you use so you never run out? Share them in the comments.

I’m also blogging at www.nebraskafamilytimes.blogspot.com.

Today you’ll read about the “Lessons of Nehemiah.” 

A to Z Blogging Challenge "Making Preparations for Severe Weather and Spiritual Storms"

“Making Preparations for Severe Weather and Spiritual Storms”

“He stilled the storm to a whisper…they were glad when it grew calm…” Psalm 107:29-30

“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” Psalm 9:9

Storms make me very nervous. The TOR:CON rating (which indicates the probability of severe weather—including hail, strong wind, and tornados in the area) was just raised to a 9 out of 10 for our area of Nebraska. (See more about the TOR:CON rating at The Weather Channel )

As soon as I’m done with these blog posts I’m going to go clear a way to our “safe room” in the basement and put together some things to have down there should we have to take shelter. Here are some of the things that are on my “storm shelter” list every year.

• Shoes, sweatshirts, for each family member (in case we have to go downstairs in the middle of the night and don’t have time to get dressed, or if there’s damage during the storm).
• Bottles of water and snacks (in case you’re hungry or kids need distraction).
• Magazines, cards, etc.—again, distractions for nervous kids (or adults!).
• Blankets for warmth and protection.
• Cash, social security cards and other valuable paperwork; lockbox if you have one that’s small enough to carry downstairs.
• If anyone is taking medication, consider putting several days’ worth in your purse in case your home is damaged and you can’t get in for a few days.
• Car keys.
• List of phone numbers (in case cell phone towers are knocked out and you have to dial on landline).
• Flashlights w/extra batteries; we have several in the basement and several near the basement door.
• Weather radio or radio w/batteries (our weather radio will fit into my purse and we have a regular battery-operated radio in the basement).
• Remember that pets can get scared during storms and might hide rather than come with you to a safe place. Be prepared!
• We keep Jenny’s leash on the knob of door to the basement so we know where it is; she sometimes hides rather than comes with us when she’s scared.
• A small container of food and a few treats, to keep her distracted too.
• Kennel; sometimes pets feel safer when they’re confined.

 As well as preparing for “weather” storms, we need to prepare for spiritual storms. Spiritual storms are usually not as predictable as severe weather storms; they can pop up unexpectedly in the illness or injury or death of a loved one, betrayal by a friend or family member, the diagnosis of a severe disease, financial problems, and so on.

We can prepare for spiritual storms, just as we prepare for severe weather storms. 

To prepare for spiritual storms:

• Read and study your Bible every day. See what God says about dealing with difficult situations in your life, and read His encouragement and promises.
• Faithfully attend church. Again, you’ll learn about God’s encouragement and promises and make friends who can help you through those spiritual storms.
• Record God’s promises and encouragement. Write Bible verses that are meaningful to you on note cards so you can read them frequently and be reminded that you are not alone, that God loves and cares for you.
• Pray. Talk with God about your life—things you are thankful for, things you are sorry for, things you want, things you are unsure about. He will listen to you any time, every time you need Him. When you talk to him frequently you’ll be able to discern His “still, small voice” during the tough times.

 Storms themselves are not predictable, but I can predict that you will experience severe weather storms as well as spiritual storms during your life. Spend a little time and you’ll be as prepared as you can be for any type of storm.

“He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield in whom I take refuge.” Psalm 144:2

I’m also blogging at www.nebraskafamilytimes.blogspot.com.

Check out the post today, “Monitors.”

A to Z Challenge, Book Review, "A Chocolate Life; Savoring God's Sweet Grace"

“A Chocolate Life; Savoring God’s Sweet Grace”

By Deb Burma

Review by Shelly Burke

Who doesn’t love at least a bit of chocolate once in a while? Deb Burma’s new devotion book, A Chocolate Life; Savoring God’s Sweet Grace, shows readers how life can be like chocolate—sweet, bitter, light and smooth, or dark and lumpy. In devotions with titles that include Chocolate-frosted Grace, Hot Cupcake Aromatherapy, Chocolate Gifts, Choice Morsels, and Not by Chocolate Alone, Burma takes examples and illustrations from her life and shows us how we can apply them to our own lives. In every devotion (there are 30 devotions in the book) she shows us how God sustains us, forgives us, and provides us with His endless grace. As an extra treat readers will find nine chocolate-based Burma family recipes in the book. YUM!

One of my favorite devotions is Chocolate Gifts. In this devotion Burma relates how her kids sometimes hoard the chocolate gifts they’ve received…only to find later that the months-old stash is stale and hard. She reminds us to not to do the same with God’s gifts to us, but to use them and share them! God’s gifts will never spoil but, as Burma points out, “if we don’t use them, other people will miss out on the rich blessings and grace of God that they could receive through us.”

The devotions are quick to read and packed with God’s Word and meaning. Burma encourages us to take in “nuggets and morsels of God’s Word (and chocolate)” and make Him a priority in our lives—just as each of us is a priority to Him. She encourages us to make God’s Word available at all times—by having a Bible handy, written verses or passages posted around our homes, and a devotion book in our car or purse to read while waiting.

A Chocolate Life; Savoring God’s Sweet Grace  is the perfect size and price (quantity discounts available) to wrap up with a candy bar or other chocolate treat, or tuck into a greeting card and give as a gift on a special occasion or “just because.” Every reader of A Chocolate Life will “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” (Psalm 34:8)

To read more by Deb Burma, check out her blog at Fragrant Offerings .

(Now that I’m done writing this review, I’m going to go find…some chocolate!)

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To purchase A Chocolate Life; Savoring God’s Sweet Grace devotion book, magnets, or Scripture cards, ask at your Christian bookstore or go to www.cph.org (Concordia Publishing House).

It’s FREEBIE FRIDAY!

To win one of three FREE copies of “A Chocolate Life,” just

Leave a comment on this blog or at the Facebook page “Home

is Where the Mom Is”! Three winners will be randomly chosen and

you’ll be contacted for your mailing address.

Blogging A to Z Challenge "His Kids Camp"

"His Kids Camp" 
"To share the love of Christ with all of His children"
by Shelly Burke, Editor and Publisher


(This article appeared in the March issue of the Nebraska Family Times. For more information about the Nebraska Family Times, a pro-family, pro-life monthly newspaper with a mission "to inspire, encourage, and motivate you in your Christian walk, go to Nebraska Family Times.)

Leila and Dave Rehbein, His Kids Camp Co-Directors, were in the midst of adopting two of their special-needs foster children (they have five biological children and 4 adopted children) when Leila realized that God did not want her to only care for a few foster kids in her own home, He wanted her to take on a whole camp full of His kids!

Leila and Dave had been volunteering at Camp Luther for several years (and Dave is on the Board of Directors) when the pastor who was running the Handicamp program took a call out of state. When Leila and Dave were asked to take over the program, Leila said she was “Giddy with excitement at the prospect of leading this ministry!“ That summer she and her husband took over Camp Luther’s Handicamp and later changed the name to His Kids Camp, which grew into His Kids Camp Ministry.

As described on the His Kids Camp website (www.hiskidscamp.org) His Kids Camp is a Christian residential camp (at Camp Luther near Schuyler) for developmentally challenged individuals age 13 through older adults.

The His Kids Camp Ministry has evolved into a variety of camps and retreats for campers and campers and their families. As parents of several special needs children, Leila and Dave know how important it is for parents to have a temporary break from the often exhausting challenges they face. His Kids Camp provides respite for those parents.

“Buddy” Volunteers

Every His Kids camper is paired with a “buddy” volunteer. That “buddy” stays with the camper during the time he or she is at camp. The “buddy” volunteers don’t need to have any experience with special needs people, just a desire to share the love of Jesus. Each volunteer is trained before the campers arrive; volunteers have access to all the information about their camper, including a form filled out by previous year’s buddy. This way the volunteer knows of the camper’s special needs, behaviors, preferences, etc.

Volunteers assist during the week as the campers enjoy indoor and outdoor Christ-centered activities, including a talent show. Leila says, “All of the activities are specifically geared to help each camper be successful. We boost self-esteem and build confidence!”

Volunteers entering 9^th grade and up—including college students and adults—are welcomed. Leila reports that this year a grant will cover all of the expenses of volunteers, who, as a result, will be able to attend camp for free! Training, room and board, and programming is provided.

Leila says “Being a “buddy” to a special needs camper is a rewarding experience. It isn’t always easy, but every day they learn more and more of what it means to be a servant of Christ, to show God’s love to and for their camper. Volunteer buddies go home with a confidence that they have made a difference in the life of their camper!”

                                                                                                               

His Kids Campers

The special-needs campers are changed as well. Some of them have a hard time fitting in with other campers at first, and some have behavior problems that have prevented them from attending other camps. Leila and her staff make an effort to accommodate and work with these campers, sometimes assigning the camper an extra buddy for the week. The application form asks parents/guardians to list the camper’s abilities, challenges, needs, behaviors and how they are handled, activities the camper enjoys, and so on, enabling the staff and volunteers to have a detailed picture of how they can assure the camper enjoys camp.

His Kids Camp Needs…

Volunteers! For more details and application forms go to www.hiskidscamp.org. At least 15 volunteers are needed for each camp in June.

Nurses! Leila is a nurse but as the camp has grown, she needs other nurses to give medications during camp. The nurse (Leila would prefer to have two nurses for weekly camps) needs to be at camp from 4PM Wednesday-11AM on Saturday. For weekend camps one nurse is needed from Saturday at 8AM-Sunday at 4PM.

Financial Support for Campers! Many campers and their families are not able to afford camp. His Kids Camp is a unique opportunity for special needs campers to share the love of Jesus and feel accepted and welcome. Leila says “My goal is to have a LOW or NO COST camp for our special needs campers.” Please contact her for more information.

Supplies! Supplies needed include; legal size paper (to print Bible stories and activity booklets), construction paper, Christian word search or crossword puzzle books (easy to medium levels), graham crackers, marshmallows, and ready made chocolate frosting, white t-shirts size large and extra large (about 100 t-shirts are needed for a craft project), bingo prizes, 6 adult large-size life vests, old-fashioned round wooden clothes pins, and special products for weed clean up; please contact Camp Luther for the specific products needed.

Please prayerfully consider the above needs and be part of sharing the love of Christ with His Kids!

For more information please contact Leila Rehbein, His Kids Camp Director at Camp Luther of Ne, Inc. at (402) 981-5732 or e-mail leilahkcdirector@aol.com or go to His Kids Camp

His Kids Camp Dates 2012:

His Kids Retreat Weekend (ages 13 and over) April 20-22

His Kids Camp Family Retreat Weekend (ages 5 and older) April 27-29

His Kids Camp (age 35 and over) June 6-9

His Kids Camps (age 13 and over) June 13-16; June 20-23; June 27-30

His Kids Camp Retreat Weekend (ages 13 and over) October 6-7; October 13-14

($20 discount on all camp registrations received and paid in full before April 15, 2012!)

I'm also blogging at www.nebraskafamilytimes.blogspot.com. 

See my post today, "The King who Tried to Hide from God." 

Blogging A to Z Challenge

Just say “NO”!

The requests start almost as soon as you get up in the morning—or maybe even before.

“Mommy, I’m hungry!”

They continue through the morning… “Can you iron this shirt for me?” “I forgot—I’m supposed to take treats today! Can you make something?” “Will you make me waffles for breakfast?”

…and then continue throughout the day… “Would you head up Vacation Bible School this summer?” “How about serving on our committee?” “Can you come over and help me?” “Will you give me a ride?” “Can you help with this project?”

…into the afternoon and evening…”Could you please help me with my homework?” “Will you drive me to practice?” “Can you help me find something?”

…and maybe even until (or after?) you’re asleep…”One more drink of water, please?” “Will you rub my back?”

It’s tempting to say “yes” to any and all requests; after all, it’s nice to feel needed and many of the requests come from people you love or want to help. But if you’re not careful, even those seemingly little requests can end up taking a big chunk of your time and energy. If you say “yes” all the time, to everyone, you’ll take time away from your own home, family, and goals…and will most likely end up feeling resentful and not doing what you do wholeheartedly.

Saying “NO” can require a change in your way of thinking. First of all, it’s OK to say “no”—even if you don’t have a “good” reason for doing so. God doesn’t hesitate to say “no” to us to things He knows are not right, and sometimes that “no” turns out to be a gift—even if we don’t realize it at the time. Likewise, your “no” can be a gift to someone else.

Obviously, you’ll “give” more to your kids and spouse. But again, saying “yes” to every request, big and small, can be overwhelming and leave you without any time for yourself. By meeting every request you also may deprive your family from learning something new, problem solving, and becoming self-sufficient.

If you feel confident in your decision to say “no” to a request, you have no reason to feel guilty about it; no one can “make” you feel guilty—it’s a feeling that you choose to take on. Instead of feeling guilty about saying “no”, choose to feel satisfaction in what you are doing instead.

Here are a few more guidelines for saying “NO”:

• Before you say “no” prayerfully consider the request and open yourself to God’s direction. Even if it’s something out of your comfort zone, it might be something that God wants you to do.
• Ask for all of the details before you make a decision. Find out how much time is involved, where and when it will take place, how often meetings occur, exactly what your job involves, and so on.
• If you need to, buy some time by saying, “Before I answer I need to talk with my husband/check my calendar/see if I can find a babysitter.” Commit to giving an answer within a reasonable amount of time and then give your answer by that time.
• You don’t have to give a reason for saying “no!”

Here are several ways for saying “NO” or compromising when asked to do something that just doesn’t fit into your life at the time.

• “I’m sorry, I just can’t.” (You do not have to give any more of an explanation!)
• “It doesn’t work for me and my family at this time.”
• “We’ve decided to spend more time with our children this year and so are not taking on any additional commitments.”
• “I know I helped last year, but this year I’m not able to.”
• “I can’t help with the fundraiser this year, but I will next year.” (Only say this if you mean it—you will be asked!)
• “That’s not one of my skills or interests, but I could help by…”
• If you don’t want to be in charge of a big project, consider helping with a smaller aspect of it; “I can’t plan the class party, but I will bring snacks.” “I can’t be in charge of Vacation Bible School, but I’ll be glad to help make phone calls to find teachers.”

"For this commandment that I command you today is not too hard for you...the Word is very near to you. It is in your mouth and in your heart so that  you can do it!"

                                                                                        Deut. 30:11, 14

When you use these guidelines you’ll be able to make a wise decision when asked to do something!

(Adapted from the book Home is Where the Mom Is;  A Christian Mom’s Guide to Caring for Herself, Her Family, and Her Home. To see a complete Table of Contents, click on the tab at the top of this blog. Home Is Where the Mom Is is the perfect gift for any mom! Ordering information in the sidebar.)

I’m also blogging at Nebraska Family Times. 

Today’s entry will tell you why and how to start a “Gratitude Journal.” 

A to Z Blogging Challenge: "Independent, Raising Your Kids to Be"

"Independent; Raising Your Kids to Be"

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3

Tim and I have tried to encourage Cody (he’s in his sophomore year of college) and Morgan’s independence appropriate to their age since our kids were young, always having in mind our ultimate goal of them being independent from us (for the most part anyway!).

Here are a few principles of independence we’ve used:

• Prayer. When we encourage our kids to be more independent, whether it’s a tiny step when they’re very young or a much bigger step as they’re older, we pray for God to protect, watch over, and guide them. We also pray that we will encourage the independence they need—it’s a step of faith for parents too!
• When Cody and Morgan were young, “independent” meant small steps like asking an adult in a store a question about where to find something. Sometimes they were reluctant to take these steps to independence, but we were encouraging and pushed them to do so when we knew they were ready. As they became older, we thought about the skills and abilities they’d need as adults (or almost adults) when they were on their own (or almost on their own).
• Encourage age-appropriate steps to independence. I knew it was time for Cody and Morgan to learn to do their own laundry when they complained about how I did it (I put their jeans in the dryer!). They were about 12 and 14 years old and have been doing their own laundry ever since! J
• Be alert for situations that can increase your kids’ independence. When Cody and Morgan were about 8 years old or so Tim started asking them to get supplies at cattle shows. He watched them (without their knowing) at first, until he and they were more confident; gradually they did errands that took them further away from Tim.
• Gradually give more financial independence. Depending on your kids’ opportunity for income, gradually increase what they pay for, or at least partially pay for. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to do this (unless you don’t do it at all!); some parents give an allowance with the expectation that the kids pay for certain things, and some kids get part time jobs to pay for specified items. Tim gave our kids several cows as soon as they were old enough to help with chores.  They got the proceeds from the calves and after the cows were sold, after feed and vet expenses. With their potential for income they’ve been expected to pay for insurance, make care payments, etc. Now their cattle herds are financing their college educations. Figure out what works for your family.
• Talk through “what if” situations with your kids. Before you leave them alone at home, ask “what if” someone came to the door? They smelled smoke? Before you allow them to look at the toys by themselves while you grocery shop, ask “what if” someone you don’t know talks to you? They can’t find you at the designated time?
• Ask your kids what they want to, or need to learn. When I asked Morgan what I needed to teach her before she left for college, her reply was, “More about cooking.” We settled on a few basic recipes which we’ve been making together since then.
• We had to keep in mind the fact that our kids would probably make some mistakes in their quest toward independence. However, we’d rather have them make those mistakes while they were home and we could help them deal with the mistakes (NOT “solve” them, but help them work through the mistakes) and figure out what they could do to prevent making the same mistake again.
• Teach your kids how to get/find the answers. When Morgan’s noticed weird charges on her debit card, we looked over the charges together, figured out when it had been compromised, and she went to the bank to fill out the paperwork and get a new one. When Cody wanted to buy his first vehicle, he made an appointment with the banker to figure out how much money he could borrow (he’s making the payments after selling cattle).
• Reassure your kids that you’ll always be there to help them when needed. Resist the temptation to solve the problem, but instead, help them work through the steps they need to take.

There are many things you can do to encourage independence in all areas of your kids’ lives: encourage them to…

• Pick out cereal while you’re in the next aisle.
• Go back for something you’ve forgotten when you’re in the check-out line.
• Go into your hometown store and purchase something all by themselves.
• Go to the bathroom by themselves in church.
• Have their own checkbook and learn to use it and check their bank statement online.
• Have them call to make their own dentist, haircut, and oil-change appointments.
• Be responsible for homework; in our family our kids knew they could always ask us for help, or to quiz them for a test or proofread a paper, but we weren’t going to continually ask them if their homework was done, or offer to check over it unless they specifically asked. There was a flip side to this; if they didn’t maintain good grades, they couldn’t go to cattle show or out with friends.

Start with small steps toward independence, and the transition to more independence will be much smoother!

How do you encourage independence in your children?

I’m also blogging at Nebraska Family Times 

See my post today about the “Whiney Israelites.”

Blogging A To Z Challenge 
"Hints on How to get Started Writing" 

Ever since I was a little girl I’ve wanted to write. When I was in 2^nd grade I started a “novel” and I vividly remember the satisfying feeling of writing page after page on wide-lined spiral-bound notebooks with a pencil. I’m sure my mom has those “novels” packed away in a box somewhere!

During my adult years I’ve written three books.

• A nurse friend and I (I’m a nurse too) wrote How to Find Your Perfect Job in Nursing after we each had a string of nursing jobs that definitely were NOT “perfect.”
• I wrote Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom’s Guide to Caring for Herself, Her Family, and Her Home, when my kids were toddlers. I loved being a mom (I still do!) and wanted to share some of the insights I’d had, particularly about being a Christian mom and encouraging moms that THEY (not “experts”) knew best how to raise their kids and manage their family.
• The idea for What Should I Say? The Right (and Wrong!) Words and Deeds for Life’s Sticky, Tricky, Most Uncomfortable Situations had been rattling around in my head for a long time before I finally decided to write it, after a friend’s marriage ended in a very unexpected divorce, and another friend’s husband died in a tragic farm accident. Both of them shared with me how some people said things that hurt so much…and some people said just the right words.

I’ve done a lot of speaking in conjunction with my books, and at almost every event a few people tell me that they’ve always dreamed of writing a book or writing for publication in magazines.  I think everyone has a story—a story of their life, advice for others, or something they’d like to share.

Whether you’d like to write an article for your favorite magazine, start a blog, or publish a book, here are a few hints to getting started:

• Pray. Pray that God will guide your words and that they’ll convey the message He wants your readers (or future readers) to hear.
• Write what you know. Whether it’s coffee, kids, illness, exercise, mountain climbing, collecting postcards, find your passion and write about it.
• Write every day; a blog entry, devotion, or part of a chapter for a book you dream of writing. Whether you write for 10 minutes or much longer, when you write every day you’ll get into the habit of getting your words on paper. Some days the words may come easy, and some days they may take time, but the more you write the better you’ll get at putting the words together in a style that fits what you want to say.
• Write with excellence! If it’s an e-mail reply, note of encouragement or thanks, or even a text message, pay attention to grammar, spelling, and clarity. 
• Read. Read a variety of books, magazines, and blogs. As you read, make a note of  what you enjoy about how the books are set up, even copy sentences that are well written, make you laugh, or get their message across. Write down ideas you get for your own articles and/or books. When you read you’ll learn about the subject of the article, book or blog, and you’ll subconsciously learn how to write tighter and more effectively. As well as reading about things you already know you’re interested in, read about things that are totally new to you. You’ll stretch your brain, learn something, and maybe find a new interest!
• Take advantage of opportunities to write. Offer to write about a new organization for your company or church newsletter. Take the plunge and start a blog! (Before you start, however, make sure you have a good idea of what it will be about and plan out at least a month of entries. It’s more work than you think!) Consider submitting your writing to your town newspaper, a blog you enjoy, or even magazine (writer’s guidelines can be found online).
• Be encouraged! You ARE a writer, whether you are speaking to thousands or just a few. You’ll eventually use everything you write, in a book, blog, devotion, etc. If writing is what God has in mind for you, no words are wasted. They will all be used someday, in some way.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord,

 not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. 

It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

            Colossians 3:23-24

I’m also doing the A to Z Blogging Challenge at my other blog, Nebraska Family Times. Today I’m writing “From the Heart.”