Hello, my friend!
I hope you’ve had a content week!
I know “content” is an odd adjective choice, but since studying the New Testament of Philippians recently, it’s my preferred word, when it comes to salutations!
I love it because it’s simply a fact of life that other adjectives, such as “great,” “healthy,” “peaceful,” even “happy,” don’t always apply. Very often, we experience days, weeks, and sometimes entire seasons of unhappiness, unrest, and ill health, during which greetings that include the aforementioned positive words strike us as platitudinous at best, and insensitive at worst.
“Content,” on the other hand, is something we can all be no matter what, through the power of Christ in our lives. Check out Philippians and the life of Paul for more; it’s been a game-changing blessing in my life!
So, besides that random change-up to my humble “hello,” what else is new with this weird writer friend of yours? Well, I’m officially seeking literary representation for my quirky fantasy, The God Next Door, and because each agent is so particular about what they require writers to include in their query letters, the process is super time consuming, but my goal is to either land an agent by spring of next year or get the self-publishing ball rolling!
My family and I are also downsizing a LOT. Decluttering. Selling stuff. Donating stuff. Remembering that stuff is just stuff and isn’t all that important in the grand scheme of this most precious life. We hear the Lord calling us to focus more on less, if that makes sense, and though the minimalizing process is, like the querying process, time consuming and taxing, it’s already reaping rewards of increased peace, joy, and gratitude.
I’m also praying about starting a podcast, because I’m just not busy enough, ya know? 😛 As you’re about to read, I have a strong interest in the topic of false teachings, particularly the super-sneaky ones, that have crept into Christianity. I really enjoy the podcast format, but also want to be wise with my time and not overload myself, so please lift that up for me in your prayer time.
Speaking of false teachings, let’s jump right into this week’s Top 4! And don’t miss the giveaway at the end!
My Podcast Interview About False Doctrines
Last week, I had the pleasure of being a guest on my best friend’s podcast, Mind Body Dallas, to discuss an issue that’s been heavy on my heart for several years now, that of false teachings within Christianity. In this episode, the first in a planned series, Marquette and I discuss the Word of Faith/”Name It, Claim It” movement and provide practical tips for guarding our hearts against false doctrines. I pray it blesses you!
Make Prayer a Priority
I read this recently and loved the analogies: “Is prayer your steering wheel or spare tire?”
Our Most Useful Ability: Doing Hard Stuff
“The ability to do hard things is perhaps the most useful ability you can foster in yourself or your children. And proof that you are someone who can do them is one of the most useful assets you can have on your life resumé. Our self-image is composed of historical evidence of our abilities. The more hard things you push yourself to do, the more competent you will yourself to be. If you can run marathons or throw double your body weight over your head, the sleep deprivation from a newborn baby is only a mild irritant … But if we avoid hard things, anything mildly challenging will seem insurmountable. We’ll cry into TikTok over an errant period at the end of a text message. We’ll see ourselves as incapable of learning new skills, taking on new careers, and escaping bad situations.” – Nat Eliason
Workout Motivation from Dr. David Perlmutter:
“Research now reveals an entire suite of chemicals that muscle cells release that affect health and functionality of the brain.
“Their positive effects on the brain include increased growth of blood vessels, nerves and synapses, as well as improved executive function, memory, and mood.
“So next time you are walking, riding your bike, or lifting weights, imagine how your muscles are sending powerful chemical signals to nurture and protect your brain. It just may be the impetus you need to ramp things up a notch.”
Get Book #2 in The Petros Chronicles FREE!
The second book in my Greek-mythology-inspired fantasy series is free right now on Amazon! Get your copy HERE! Here’s an excerpt from it:
“That’s it,” said Hermes. “Tell the earth what you want it to do. Command the elements with your thoughts.”
“Elements…” Intrigued by the word, Leto stood and waited.
Hermes’ eyebrows narrowed as he scratched his ear. “You mustn’t stand there like a post. You must do something for the doma to be activated.”
And then she felt it, the breeze she’d been waiting for. Push him! No sooner had she thought the words than Hermes fell back onto his rear end and half groaned, half growled with displeasure.
“I was going to teach you about the wind after your lesson with sand,” he said, getting to his feet. He brushed the sand from his indigo tunic and faced Leto, a smug expression resting on his features. “You will not make sport of me, my desert flower.”
He was whispering, as if the satyrs and nymphs were listening—and perhaps they were, Leto thought.
“I may be a humble messenger,” he continued, “but I’m still more powerful than you can ever hope to be.”
Leto smiled as the wind collected around her, warming as it blew against her face and through her white-blond hair. She told the sand to twirl like a tornado, and it gathered itself to the size of a cypress and spun fiercely into the distance. She told the cloud that hid the moon to split apart into pieces, and it obeyed.
She could almost see the moon shuddering as it sat exposed within its starry cradle. Maybe one day, she could tell even the sun and moon when to rise and set.