Cares:
I’m convinced hypocrisy is the most damaging thing a believer can do when it comes to the glory of God. When we call ourselves Christians, we’re proclaiming our allegiance to Team Jesus. The world sees us and they think they see Him. The smallest action–a snide remark, an unnecessary comment, spreading gossip–can ripple into a tidal wave of damaging confusion. Where fellow believers deflate and the outside world looks on and thinks, “What a messed up Jesus they follow.” The thing is, we’re not looking at Jesus when we look at Christians. We’re looking at a bunch of redeemed sinners. Most believers know that. But who’s going to set the outside world straight? I long to keep my eyes focused on the real deal – my Yahweh, my Creator, my Savior.
Not sure where to put this one. Little Man tells us when he has to go to the bathroom now. So what does this mean? We should start potty training him? This all started happening this week. I thought we wouldn’t venture down that road until next summer!
Concerns:
Still waiting. It truly never ends, does it?
Celebrations:
I officially finished my 5th novel and sent it off to my critique partners. I’m not even going to think about a future project until after the ACFW conference.
I finished my synopsis!
Celebrating for two blogging friends and fellow WordServe Clients, Jody Hedlund and Richard Mabry, who both received 4.5 reviews (the highest rating) for their books (The Preacher’s Bride and Medical Error) from the Romantic Times.
Three day weekend here I come!
Question to Ponder: What are your cares, concerns, and celebrations today?
*I’m taking a blogging hiatus next week. See you on the thirteenth.*
Congrats on your 5th novel and finishing your synopsis!
You have a lot to celebrate. I'm so impressed by how much you are able to accomplish, all the while working, being a mom, and wife.
Oh, how I wish I was going to conference. What fun!
FYI: My new blog address is:
http://brittmitchell.blogspot.com/
I can't believe I missed this post. I say Little Man is telling you something. He wants to be like Daddy. A big man. I say try it and see how it goes.
Congrats on finishing your book. I know without a shadow of a doubt you'll be announcing a book deal soon. I'll be soooo happy for you. Because I love you BFF blogging pal. 🙂 Tell Little Man, happy potty Training. 😉 I can't wait fir the announcement that he's done the job! hehe
Hi Katie!! A blogging haitus, eh?! Nice. I agree with you that hypocricy is the worst thing a believer can do… I try so, so hard to be real and honest and NOT gossip or spread snide remarks, but I screw up all the time. Grr. As far as the potty training thing, I say for for it. It's pretty impressive that he's telling you and it can't hurt to try. Of course, if he has a hard time, you can always take a break and start again later (advice from the girl who spent six months potty training her daughter… so maybe not the best advice)
You've done a lot! COngratulations and enjoy the down time.
Going to hang out with friend son Monday and looking forward to it.
And if your son tells you he has to go potty–go with it. My daughter waited and ignored it and now she is struggling and he is three.
Woo-hoo! You finished your fifth book! Nice! And congrats to Jody and Richard!!
Celebration? My hubby and I are going to the University of Michigan football game–a real date!!
BIG congrats to you girl! I'm *still* polishing my novel. (I feel like we wrote them together with all that 1kin1hr 😉 I'm really happy with how it's turning out. And how nice for you to come up for air until after the ACFW! I'm thrilled for you. Enjoy!
My boys all potty trained at different times. I hope he goes early for you! It's such a savings to not have them in diapers!!! Except when your in the back of costco and they announce they really have to go… that's when a whole 'nother adventure kicks in.
I'm praying for you Katie. I know you know who commands the winds, and He working even when He is still.
Brogan is definitely ready:) Yay! Trust me you will love a potty trained Prince!
Hey Katie – Maybe you will hear your news AT the conference! Then we will have the party to end all parties. 🙂
I love your cares paragraph – love it.
I am just looking forward to a three day weekend with my family. 🙂
On hypocrisy: the fact that Christians aren't perfect should be comforting to the world because it means that ANYBODY can be redeemed by the blood of Christ.
May God bring you strong winds but hold back the hurricanes!
VERY cool about Richard and Jody!
I'm so excited!
Cannot wait to see you at conference, dear one. Just hope I am WELL by then.
One c/concern: get over this sore throat/flu.
And keep grinding out pages!
Blessings,
Patti
Hi Katie –
Cares & Concerns remain the same: A job.
Celebration: I started a new blog! See my post on Sunday for details.
Blessings,
Susan 🙂
Congrats! Enjoy your break!
I so agree about the "Christian" hypocrits. Especially damaging are the church leaders. Power and control go to their heads. They use and abuse and turn people away from the church and even God. They are wounded humans, too, who fear success and failure, and let others down. Whatever happened to showing God's love?
Celebrations: It's my birthday on Monday!!!
Waiting out the doldrums is HARD work!
I'm working on edits right now. Yours and mine. 🙂
Love your analogy!
It's so funny you mention the potty training thing. Everyone has told me don't bother potty training boys until they're at least 3, so I figured I'd wait until after the holidays with my son. But just this week, he's telling me when he needs to go AND he's going the minute I set him on the toilet. *gulp* He may be ready, but I don't know if I am. 🙂
Enjoy your blog break, Katie!!!
Definitely start potty training that boy! I bet he's an easy one. :O)
Good for you on finishing everything! What an accomplishment. As for the waiting, as you know, it's all in His time. It's now out of your control (which for us control freak is horrible!) so try not to stress (I only said try.) 😉
As for the little man- I'd say try the potty training this this weekend (since it's a long one) and see how it goes. Why not? For my guy I bought the book Potty Wise and he was trained in one week. It tells you to focus on the child staying "clean and dry" and celebrating/rewarding for that, not for using the potty. Worked for us!
My 3C's…selling my house (again, not in my control…ugh), buying a house and preparing for our new little baby (in about a month). Plus, you know, the typical writing stuff!
Congrats to you for finishing. Enjoy the conference.
I too have been doing a lot of waiting this year. And here's is what I think I am learning. when I think I am waiting on God it often turns out He is waiting on me. I think I am ready for things sooo much earlier than I really am. God has a perfect plan and a perfect time. He isn't revealing either one to me until He is good and ready. 🙂 I have decided to enjoy the wait. There will be plenty more opportunities to wait. Even after this wait is over. So I am trying to enjoy it. Wish me well?
X
Tab
Yeah for finishing the synopsis! And for Jody and Richard!
I feel convicted about your cares section often. If not for God's grace…
Cares: Getting back into the school routine.
Concerns: I'm not sleeping well. Don't know if it's belated grief or nerves for the conference. I miss sleep.
Celebrations: I made some changes to a WIP I feel really good about. Got positive feedback too. I feel like my characters are cheering. 😀
~ Wendy
Yay to finishing your 5th novel.
As to Little Man, if he's interested, give it a try. You can always back off and try later if both of you become frustrated.