Wednesday, April 04, 2007

Exciting Stuff

There are several exciting things going on in my life lately. I'm sure you're not all that interested, but that's okay, I'm going to write about them anyway! :0)

First, I've been dieting. Yes, I know. I've been down this path before. Usually with little success. However, this year has been different. As my weight has crept up, so has my fatigue. You see, I had mono years ago, and haven't had good energy level since. So, extra weight = less energy. Less energy is never good when you're homeschooling four kids and writing books. I won't say cleaning house because my hubby will laugh if I do. Anyhow, less energy is really bad when you don't have high energy levels to start. Thus, the diet. Or should I say - a new way of eating? I think that fits better. I'm down 23lbs. 17 more to go.

And, yes, I feel better.

Second exciting thing in my life - I've been invited to attend the BEA in New York City. http://www.bookexpoamerica.com/App/homepage.cfm?
moduleid=42&appname=288

I don't know if that link will work, but the long and short of it is this - BEA is the largest book expo in North America. There will be tons of book publishers, some really famous authors, other not so famous authors, and me. I'm signing VALLEY OF SHADOWS on June 2 from 12-12:45. I'm really looking forward to it.

Third exciting thing - my husband and I are looking toward adoption to expand our already large family (I'm adding that because we do know that we have a large family). Nothing is final, yet. We've still got a long way to go in this particular journey, so we'll see what happens. As with everything in life, this is in God's hands. We met with the social worker Monday and filled out a bunch of forms. Now we're filling out a bunch more. Thankfully, my youngest sister has been through this before and is going through it again, so she's helping me with some of the detail work. Rodney and I don't know if we'll actually end this journey with a fifth child, but we know that God wants us to at least try. So, here we are, trying.

One thing I've realized as I've gotten older is that not making a decision is the same as making one. If we choose not to pursue things (whether weight loss, book signing, adoption, new jobs, moves, writing books, etc.) we've actually made the choice not to have those things in our lives. Sometimes that's because God has told us clearly not to move forward. Sometimes it's simply because we're afraid. Maybe we're afraid we'll make a mistake and ruin our lives. Maybe we're afraid we'll fail and be disappointed. In the end, I think the real issue is lack of faith. As Christians we believe that God will allow what is good and right in our lives. He sees our lives stretching out - a beautiful tapestry of His making - and He knows what is right and good for it. When we choose to not take a certain path because we're afraid it may not lead where we want, we're taking control out of God's hands and putting it in our own. Sometimes we've just got to step out in faith, knowing that the path we're on may lead to a different place than we first imagined it would, but knowing, too, that wherever we end up will be exactly where He wants us to be.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Wow, Shirlee!!! Congratulations on the dieting. That's awesome...and on the book expo. That sounds like so much fun..and on the adoption...I've said it before...You're amazing!!!

I have some good news of my own. I'll fill you in when you call.

Dani :o)