Of blogs, salads and little dogs

First of all, let me say HAPPY NEW YEAR to all of you!  As I was looking over some of my goals for last year, I realized that I did quite well with some, but with others, I failed MISERABLY.  One of those was BLOGGING!  So, I vow to make every attempt to be a much better blogger this year so that I can stay in touch with you. 

As you know, blogging is not just about me sharing my thoughts.  It’s about hearing from you as well, so always feel free to share your thoughts.  It’s like having a big pajama party…well, minus the footie pj’s.

So, what are your goals for this year?  I prayed long and hard about mine and there were several that came to mine.  One of them is taking vitamins every day.  For those of you who don’t know, I just started eating salad this year.  Yeap!  I know…it’s almost anti-American, isn’t it?  I decided that since most women’s events serve it when I go to speak and sing, I’d better learn how to eat it.  So I did.  Guess what?  I LOVE Caesars!  Not a big fan of the tomatoes and other veggies, but one step at a time, right?  So, vitamins and Caesar salads are a high priority this year.

You may also know that I have a HUGE fettish-Dr. Pepper!  When I am sitting in my office, I can easily drink up to 5 a day.  I know-not good, so, goal #2…  Cut back on the D.P.! 

Another one…walk every day.  Taz (my dog) and I are both getting into shape this year.  Taz is eleven and I’m not getting any younger, so we’re going to the park every day for a two mile walk.   So far, we have done a pretty good job because Taz goes and gets his leash when I forget.  Nothing like having an accountability partner that never gives up!

Hey, whatever your goals are this year, keep Christ first, then go for it! 

Speaking of goals, Taz is sitting by my desk holding his leash in his mouth, so you know what that means.  Talk soon.

New book is almost to press

We are almost ready to send “Grace In High Heels” to press.  Waiting on a few endorsements-you know, those nice things that people say about your writing after you have spent COUNTLESS HOURS of writing.  What a nice way to end this journey!  Stay tuned for the updates.

For those of you who have been praying for our friend Haywood, please keep praying.  He is holding on to God every step of the way.

Talk again soon-be sure to leave a comment.  I love to hear from you!

Praying

Lately, there have been a lot of requests coming into my office to pray for those who are sick with cancer.  While this is certainly no surprise after what David and I walked through, it has really become an overwhelming need in many of the lives involved in this ministry. David and I are committed to pray for those who are struggling because we know firsthand the hardships that cancer brings.  We also know that GOD is a HEALER.  Read more about our story in my upcoming book “Grace In High Heels” due for release soon!

We went to visit our pastor friend Mr. Ellis in the hospital last night.  He has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer of the brain.  Please pray with us that he will be healed to tell of the wonderful things that God is doing through this journey.  He is scheduled to begin treatment this week, so I will keep you updated as I know things.

If you know of someone who needs prayer in the specific area of cancer, please let us know.  David and I have a heart to pray for those who have been diagnosed with cancer, as well as their families.

Love to all!  Take care of yourselves, and talk soon.

“GLITTERY TEARS”

I am SO excited to share this special “Christmas story” from my latest book, “Grace In High Heels.”  I hope that it blesses you as you keep CHRIST in Christmas.  Enjoy!

“GLITTERY TEARS”

As I stood in aisle three of the local “Hobby Lobby,” I could hardly contain myself.  While shoppers briskly passed me humming tunes of Christmas joy, I stood among the Christmas trim crying my eyes out.  “Shannon, get it together” I thought.  How could anyone be so sad in the middle of all this joy?  Christmas is “the most wonderful time of the year” after all.  This year, I volunteered to buy Christmas flowers and decorate my Grandparent’s graves.  My “Mama and Papa” and  “Grandmother and Grandfather” are buried in a large cemetery within yards of one another.   We drive four hours from home each year to place Christmas flowers and a special ornament on their tombstones.  Christmas was always a very special time with them and I still recall amazing memories.

As “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” streamed through the store’s speakers, I wiped the tears from my face.  With each stem of flowers I chose on aisle three, I remembered the wonderful times I shared with my Grandparents.  I also remembered how much I miss them.  I tried desperately to fight the tears, then gave up.  So what if someone saw me crying?  I am sure they could relate to missing someone at this time of year.  The clerk who helped me with my purchases blew my cover when she asked, “are you alright?”  I thought that was odd, so I smiled a sheepish smile and answered, “yes.”  I looked in the mirror when I got to my car thinking my cashier might be prophetic.  How did she know I had been crying?  I quickly discovered the answer.  I’d left a trail of glitter on my face from wiping my tears after holding the flowers.   I looked like a snow globe had exploded on my head.  I laughed, then found it comforting that even when I felt sad, there was still  joy that could not be taken from me.

The book cover looks awesome!

I had the chance to preview the book cover today and it is great!!!  The designer is so talented and I LOVE what they are doing so far.  Ok…I’ll give you a hint.  There are two things on the cover that go with two stories I tell in the conferences.   One of them has been called “the most hilarious story I have ever heard.”  Any guesses??