1 Crazy Journey

Our 1st Day

noreply@blogger.com (Flamingo) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 16:45:00 +0000

Today is the day. It is our first day of homeschooling.

Scared? Yep.

Apprehensive? Yep.

Nervous? Yep.

Any idea about what I’m doing? Nope.

Ok. That is a self-bash. I have plans. I have curriculum. I just feel clueless.

I watched the 4th grade bus roll away this morning. I could not believe that I was actually doing this. I am actually putting the entire education of my 4th grader on my shoulders!

That all being said, I have peace.

I know this is the path I am to walk this year. It is a path I suspect I should have walked before, but I’m a fighter, a rebel, and a doubter.

The reasons?

Selfishness

Doubt

Fear

Approval

I feel pressed to share my story. My journey into our decision to homeschool. That is my plan over the next few months. (Months. Not days or weeks. My goals are not lofty.)

Until then I will focus on the verse I read this morning:

For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

And strengthen me He must.

Fall Focus...my new Journey

noreply@blogger.com (Flamingo) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 13:46:00 +0000

I've had folks mention their observation that I've been very sporadic in blogger world as of late. It is true. I have taken a step back from writing and even reading. I have discovered that I am an "all or nothing" person. When I blog, I often get consumed. Not always, but often. Right now, I can not afford to be consumed. There are many other things to do:

Go to the pool. Seriously. Isn't that what summer vacation is for?

Choose paint colors. I have 5 rooms I want to repaint. I guess that is that all or nothing "thing" re-emerging. Again.

Read. Books.

Projects. So many ideas. So little time.

Pictures and videos. Will I ever get caught up?

There is something else that has been really taking my mental focus. I am preparing for a very new role this fall. We have decided to homeschool The Ringleader. Yep. I am now a homeschool mama. Though I can assure you that denim jumpers are not in my future. Promise.

Our other 3 children will be attending public school. We will have 2 in (all day) kindergarten and one in second. The Ringleader will be in 4th grade.

So, this is where my mind has been in regards to homeschool:

Curriculum. I am a curriculum junkie. There. I said it. I admit I have a problem.

Planning. A lot of my curriculum is "self planned". However, I still have much to do. I have written a schedule. We will see how that goes. You all know how I feel about them.

Organizing. I am creating a school room. Though I have no idea how much we will use it. I need somewhere to store everything. Plus that sounds luxurious, "a school room".

Mental focus. I am itching to get started. I am a nerd. I love books. I love learning. I love everything that goes with it. However, my student may not share the same enthusiasm. I am prepping myself for this. Before you ask, the Ringleader is 1000% behind this decision. He is excited. Now. Before it all begins.

In my utopian plans, I actually hope to have more time to write this fall. There are reasons I have elusioned this hope. Yes, I will be overwhelmed and busy. However, I still think writing will interweave it's self well into our day. Utopia people. Go with me on this for a little.

There is only a little more than 1 month of summer left. Now go. Embrace it.

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Succinct Blessings

noreply@blogger.com (Flamingo) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 12:28:00 +0000

I suspect that God did not create children to be cute incidentally, but instead he had a succinct plan.

Their infallible “cuteness” forces us to forget how close to the brink we have often teetered.

It may conjure up ideas for more procreated cuteness. Even if it is a fleeting thought for only ~~days~~ ~~hours~~ ~~minutes~~ seconds.

Blessings they are.

Exhausting blessings.

Ballerina

noreply@blogger.com (Flamingo) — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 18:25:00 +0000

Summer. It is the essence of my persona. Spontaneous, schedule free and no alarm. Since our summer “vacation” began, I have pulled myself out of the blogging arena. I wanted a sabbatical. It is freeing. There are so many projects I’m sifting through. Amazingly, I’ve even completed some. Shocking. I know.

I am getting “caught up” on picture organization. Although I refuse to commit to a blogging promise, I may share a few with you along the way. Lucky you. Lucky me.

I’m starting in April. You know. The month that was 3 months ago. I barely remember what happened yesterday, so it is a nice surprise to see what happened then.

Apparently, I have a prima ballerina in training.

I hope your summer is filled with dancing, smiling and dreaming.

Happy’s Mother Day

noreply@blogger.com (Flamingo) — Mon, 09 May 2011 01:57:00 +0000

I looked at the clock. It was 8pm. I realized that the only thing I wanted for Mother’s Day was a picture with my kids. Yes, I’m a bit procrastinative with these decisions.

So, they all trudged down the stairs somewhat disgruntled. The Rockstar Nurse gently, but firmly reminded them that this was Mother’s Day. Surprisingly, the Ringleader was pleasantly cooperative.

Just like any other picture session with the Flamingo’s, disasters abounded. Dogs running through pictures, children distracted by birds and camera malfunctions.

They are all looking so it feels like a mild victory. Score 1 for mom.

After the children’s ~~torture~~ picture session, the Rockstar Nurse and I decided to pose. We are mildly pathetic at having our photo taken together.

I wanted to be photographed with my “mountain” man. Each spring, the Rockstar Nurse ceases to be a nurse or a rocker. Instead he becomes the “hunter”. The beard is his tribute to the wild. I endearingly call him Jeremiah Johnson. (It’s an old 70’s film. Google it.) So, with a click of a camera, my Mothers Day was complete.

Oh and of course my children were rewarded with their favorite. The “silly” pose. Happy Mother’s Day to every mom or mom “to be”.

Lil’ Rocker is growing up…

noreply@blogger.com (Flamingo) — Fri, 06 May 2011 03:26:00 +0000

I am still here. Wallowing in my tears. My baby boy turned 5 last week. My BABY is 5.

I am ok with that. Until I drive by a place that brings nostalgia to my mind like a freight train.

And then I get teary eyed. I grab my BABY boy.

Snuggling him I whisper, “you will always be my baby.”

Usually he squirms away.

But there are those times he indulges my mama spirit. He cuddles closer.

If there was a way to breathe in time I would.

A precious gift this child is to me.

Happy 5th Birthday Lil’ Rocker.

Boys.....

noreply@blogger.com (Flamingo) — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 03:55:00 +0000

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Sparkles time to Shine

noreply@blogger.com (Flamingo) — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 03:32:00 +0000

Look who’s turning 5!

We are party hardy’ing in the Flamingo Flock. Sparkles has 2 cakes down with one more to go. She loved her birthday and is sleeping with her new Barbie video.

Although explaining birthdays is still confusing. She thought it was Christmas today. English as a second language is not to be diminished.

Speaking of partying…I am having a bloggy party over at the Frugal Flamingo. It’s a giveaway at my friend Emily’s ets y shop. So you might want to check it out!

Back to the party here at the Flamingo stead. Sparkles is so proud to be 5 and she proudly tells Lil’ Rocker. Poor lil’ guy. He cried tonight at the table because he was still 4. Don’t worry buddy. In exactly, 22 days you will be a 5 guy too!

Until then, it’s Sparkles turn to shine. And shine she does.

Happy Birthday Sparkles!

May your wishes come true!

A dangerous thing

noreply@blogger.com (Flamingo) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 01:25:00 +0000

I can’t stop thinking about a quote from our service today.“The most dangerous thing to Christianity today is Christians taking the easy way out.”

What is He asking you to do?

Watch and be Astounded…

noreply@blogger.com (Flamingo) — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 17:33:00 +0000

Sometimes my life feels boring. In concept, I am never bored. There is always laundry, dishes and mouths to feed. Yet, my spirit gets restless.

For many years, the journey felt crazy, exciting, and adventurous. Marriage, house bought, baby born, baby born, another new home, baby born, adoption. For 13 years, there has always been something “new”. I always felt God’s thumbprint in my life.

His whispers.

His blessing.

Now, there are ~~weeks~~ ~~months~~ days that In self-focused indulgence, I feel God forgot me.

Mundane.

Ordinary.

Monotonous.

Though I have come to realize that it is me. The same God exists. I have changed.

The Lord replied, “Look at the nations and be amazed! Watch and be astounded at what I will do! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn’t believe even if someone told you about it.” Habakkuk 1:5

God breathed life in…..

Appreciating blessing in the mundane.

Finding joy in the ordinary.

Seeing implicit creativity in the monotonous.

Right here. Right now. Doing something in my own day.

A conversation with a neighbor.

Building relationships on the soccer field.

Serving Him through boo boos and sniffles.

It is amazing what you can see.

Just open your eyes.

Festering

noreply@blogger.com (Flamingo) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 02:38:00 +0000

I read a lot of blogs. A lot. I subscribe to over 100. Lest you think that I do nothing but blog read, I have my magical tricks that allows for many blogs in little time. I hope to share that sometime soon on the Frugal Flamingo.

I love blogging because it inspires me. I love learning new things. I love finding ways to manage my time and my home better. I love being hit between the eyes with spiritual truth.

Though with that inspiration can also come self-degradation. Blogging allows your best light to be seen. Most bloggers are not superficially pretentious. The bloggers I know write with honesty. However, that does not mean that the reader won't twist their words and message into something ugly for themselves.

Comparison. It's that ugly word that continues to fester itself inside of me. I am not ashamed to admit that because I know YOU probably struggle with it too. I had so many words to share on this, but then I remembered that I did before.

Last year at Relevant, Angie Smith shared something that continues to resonate with me (so many things I heard at Relevant still resonates with me). She conveyed about the need to be selective of what we read.

What we read may be God centered. It may be written with a pure heart. However, if it is making you run to ANYTHING other than Jesus, you best not go there. If it is making you feel discouraged about yourself or others, you need to stop reading. Yep, even if it's 1 Crazy Journey or the Frugal Flamingo. Although I seriously don't know how this blog would not allow you to feel fantastic about yourself:)

So, that is why I am going to Relevant again. You might be surprised to know I wasn't going to go. For some reason, God wants me there again. It is a cool story, but that is for another time. Maybe.

I wish every blogger could go to Relevant. However, God will prod whoever needs to be there. Is he prodding you? Consider it. Pray about it. Take the leap of faith and go.

Here were my thoughts on the conference last year. here and here .

And yep...that is Darlene and I rockin' the Relevant website.

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Smiling while losing

noreply@blogger.com (Flamingo) — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 21:27:00 +0000

While I was losing my mind, Sha Sha was losing these.At least she is excited about her loss.

No more contractural obligations

noreply@blogger.com (Flamingo) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:12:00 +0000

I sit here. Dr. Pepper in hand. This is the second day I have sat with a Dr. Pepper by my keyboard. I have nearly eliminated my soda craving over the past 5 years. Instead it has been replaced with coffee. That is a healthier choice so it is all good. I really am not as caffeine addicted as could be perceived. One and a half cups in the morning and a “hit” in the afternoon. Today’s “hit” is the sod a. Although it is not fully honest if I don’t admit that it may still be followed by coffee.

Some may feel caffeine is a vice. Perhaps it is. Though I find that I need something to keep me centered. It appears that my “self” only had a contract with my “mind” for 3 decades. How often do I go to another room only to find myself standing there with no idea why I came? It is frightening when that happens.

Usually the reason comes. Though sometimes it does not. I walk out defeated.

Unexplained room arrivals are not my only issue. Last week I saw Sha Sha sitting on the couch. She was freshly washed. I personally washed her hair. As I ran my hand through her damp hair, I took notice to the “slime”.

I never rinsed the conditioner.

Poor Sha Sha.

The same evening I found I left a container of ice cream sitting. I had forgotten. So, I returned it to it’s rightful place.

Or so I thought.

An hour later I found it in the fridge.

I would question if my house has some type of aura that emits forgetfulness. Unwittingly, I know that is not true.

Not because I know houses don’t emit “aura’s” but because my “issues” exist outside these 4 walls.

Last week I arrived to my friend’s new hair salon. I excitedly entered the building. As, I sat flipping through hair ideas I felt that something was not “right”.

I hesitantly walked outside. I looked up at the sign.

Nope. I was not at the right salon.

Yes, it does concern me that God entrusted me with 4 kids, a husband and a dog.

To be honest, I am purely humbled that he has trusted me with me.

Woot Woot! Relevant 11!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Flamingo) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 06:02:00 +0000

To say I'm giddy is keeping it cool. A blog post to come.

Are you thinking about going? Do it!!!! I tell ya it is worth every cent!

Burning bushes

noreply@blogger.com (Flamingo) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 04:39:00 +0000

Tonight I fell into sharing part of my adoption story with a new friend. Ok. I didn't "fall" into it, I rambled on into it.

I was retelling how we "found" Sparkles. Eventually I will get to sharing that part of our adoption story with you all. When I tell it, I am in awe. Not that it is that amazing to anyone else, but it is awe inspiring to me. Scattered throughout the story are God stops everywhere. I can see that now because I can look backwards and I know how the story ends.

I share this because throughout our adoption process, I was plagued with doubts. I questioned over and over again if we were walking the right direction. With timidity I admit that there were times after we were home that I still doubted..."did we do the right thing? Was this really where you wanted us to walk? Did we imagine your calling on this whole thing?" It's humbling to admit, but when life gets hard of course we question.

Backpedaling to the God stops. It takes my breath away to see how he directed and affirmed our adoption journey. Now, it seems like burning bush moments. Moments when it is beyond obvious that God is speaking, directing, affirming. However,at the time I questioned if the bush was even smoking.

I currently am working through some decisions. Once again, I find myself reeling with doubt and fear. It becomes almost paralyzing. I start walking in a direction and then I stop.

" I see a bush. Is it on fire? No, I think it's just smoking. Wait, is that even a bush?"

God really could have used me as a biblical character. I probably would have made a great Israelite or disciple. You know, one of those biblical people that you just want to say, "duh! They just don't get it!!"

So, I've started a God watch journal. I'm recording what I think God may be showing me regarding specific decisions.

When I see those burning bushes fly off the page and the direction is being set, the next question becomes "will I trust Him?"

As Christians so often we ignore the bushes he lights on fire to guide us. Yes, perhaps some of the ignorance might be because we are too busy to look. However, I think more often it comes down to trust.

We see the bush. We just can't trust.

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Breaking news from the 3rd grade playground

noreply@blogger.com (Flamingo) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 19:49:00 +0000

The Ringleader came home bursting full of energy this afternoon. We began our usual banter.

“How was your day?” I asked.

“Good.”

“Anything exciting happen today?” I asked expecting a dull response.

“Oh yes! Guess who likes who?!”

“Who?” I asked with timidity.

“Well everybody likes C. and we think we just figured out who she likes! It’s D!! “

“Oh. Well how do you know that C. likes D?”

“Because it is obvious. C does not talk to D!!!”

“Hmm. So if you like someone, you don’t talk to someone? ” I asked perplexed.

“Yea. If you know them, but do not talk to them, then it is very obvious you like them.” he responded with expression.

“Of course. That makes sense.” I replied masking my smile.

“And then I found out today that R has a HUGE crush on B. But B doesn’t like R. He likes G. And G. likes B too.”

“And they don’t talk correct?”

“Oh no”. he said

“Well, what about you? Does anyone like you?”

“Why of course” he replied with innocent confidence “A, S, M and L all really like me.”

“Well,who do you like?” I asked my own lil’ Rico Suave.

“Well, I can’t tell you that. It’s top secret.”

“What does her name start with?”

“A letter” he replied coy.

“What color of hair does she have?”

“ A color” he replied smug.

“And does this mystery girl like you too?”

“Yes.”

“And you know that because…..?”

“Because we don’t talk to each other.” he interrupted.

“Of course. I forgot the “signs” “, I quickly added.

“And I think there is a girl on my bus that likes me. She just stares at me when she empties her tray at lunch. I’m just sitting by myself, so she is obviously looking at me. I look back at her and she quickly walks away".

“So does she ever talk to you?”

"Oh no!”

Catching on I said, “yep. She must like you.”

The 3rd grade gossip quickly led into why T. will never have a girlfriend until college. He apparently eats his boogies, licks his shoes and makes snow angels on the cafeteria floor.

He might be right about that.

And that is the scoop from the 3rd grade playground.

It might look something like this

noreply@blogger.com (Flamingo) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 06:45:00 +0000

Typically after such an elongated absence, I would play the violin for my lack of written creativity. This time, I can explain that I've been busy at my other blog. However, I am starting to feel convicted about ignoring this space.

I am forcing myself to write something though I don't specifically know what to share. I do know that I have been itching to write a little more on our adoption. However, I have to get in the appropriate writer's zone. Right now,I'm still in aisle 5 of the grocery store "zone".

It is almost unnerving to think that I don't have much to share from my life. For the past 2 years, our "journey" has almost been normal. I will admit that it is starting to feel good being wrapped in familiarity and comfort. Whenever that happens, I start to think what am I not doing that I should be doing?

The last time I asked that, we got a dog. And I will publically admit here that I am now a full fledged dog person. I don't even mind his hair,drool or stink that much.

Awww. I am so glad I said "yes".

Imagine the blessings that could be given if you say "yes" to something of real substance. It might look something like this.

Just a thought.

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Flamingo) — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 00:48:00 +0000

It’s heeeeere. The Frugal Flamingo blog that is. So hop on over there so I don’t feel like I am talking to myself. I get to talk to myself quite a bit around here as it is.

In order to feel that I am not shamelessly plugging myself, I will give a quick synopsis of Flamingo happenings.

Mr. Weston is growing. And growing. He is now 50 lbs with many more to add. He is 7 1/2 months old and has reached his adolescent rebellion. Apparently Golden’s rebel between 6 and 9 months. Our lil’ man is no exception.

He had “the” surgery last week. That provided for many interesting discussions among the children. Please do not have your children talk with mine if you wish to keep them innocent.

Christmas came and went. It always does. That is a bit of an obvious statement. However, it never ceases to amaze me just how quickly it exits.

To prevent my dinner from burning, I will eliminate words and instead share pictures.

Here’s to a New Year!

Wishing you the Merriest

noreply@blogger.com (Flamingo) — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 03:46:00 +0000

I've got nuthin'.

Yes, I received fun treasures today for Christmas. However, I realized how "dried up" my word factory has become. Each day that passes, I assume that an idea will develop the next day. Yet, here we are on Christmas day without any glimpse of ideas in sight.

So, you will have to deal with "dried up" verbage.

Christmas. It is my favorite time of the year. I guess that sounds cliche. However, it really is such a joyous time. I love the music, the decorations, the traditions, the baking, the time spent with family and the magical look in the eyes of my children.

I had so many more things I wanted to do this season. Without a plan, time slips away. Obviously, time does not halt for me to collaborate my plans. There is always next year. I will comfort myself with that fact.

I have continued to decrease Christmas stress each year. I no longer send my treasured Christmas ~~book~~ letter. I still jerk and twitch when I contemplate it. It was a decision made 2 years ago, when adoption finances and stress had me on the brink. So, I've continued the tradition until I decide to cave.

I do not adorn the outside of our house with decorations. I also have released any Martha Stewart visions for my home.

Now it is all over. Depressing at best. Of course, we have 9 more days off school. That is an event to be celebrated. At least in the Flamingo home. The children (and I) look forward to mornings without obnoxious alarms and evenings without the demand of a rigorous bedtime.

And snow!! Glorious snow is on the way. We embrace snow.

As the evening comes to a close, I want to wish you the Merriest of Christmas's. I hope your day was as magical as ours.

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Here

noreply@blogger.com (Flamingo) — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 20:38:00 +0000

“How did I get here?”

Did you ever wonder that? Did you ever wonder how you got to the place where you are in your life?

Perhaps Christmas is the catalyst for this question for me. Hearing the familiar melodious refrains on the radio immediately takes me to a place of childhood simplicity.

It is the same songs that played while I sat dreaming of what I would find under the tree on Christmas morn. The same songs I heard as I wondered if my Prince Charming would ever come. The same songs I hummed as I decorated a tree in my own home for the very first time.

Yet, here I sit again, listening to nostalgic melodies. However, amongst the greens, ornaments and lights are children. My children. I count them…one, two, three, four.

When did this all happen?

Sometimes, just one song makes it all stop for me. It makes me stop, breathe in and treasure the here. The now.

Just like that, the children have disappeared to somewhere else in the house. I can hear their squeals of laughter and squabbles of protest. Yet, I can still hear them. One, two, three, four.

In moments like this, I close my eyes. I imagine that inhaling deep will imprint it all in my heart somewhere.

Because even now I know. I know that just like that it will all be gone. They will all be gone. Gone to decorate their own homes, their own trees, their own lives.

I know that one day, much quicker that I think, I will sit here alone with my carols. Thinking of all the wonderous Christmas mornings of years gone by.

And I know I will think, “how did I get here?”

I encourage you (and me) to embrace this Christmas season with your children. Mothering is hardwork. The hardest work we do. Yet it is only a temporary assignment. It’ is difficult. Yet, someday I know I will want it all back again. Well, parts of it at least..

Celebrating Adoption

noreply@blogger.com (Flamingo) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 00:40:00 +0000

November is National Adoption Month!!! This time exactly 4 years ago is when I KNEW we were being called to adopt. I have so much regarding adoption that I would love to inspire you with. However, I have been remiss of time and words.

Instead, I will share something I promised months ago: Sparkles adoption video. Youtube disabled my sound, so I have uploaded it to Facebook. I am out of other ideas on how to share it.

Hop on over to the Frugal Flamingo FB page. If she was beside you, Sparkles would watch it with you. She asks to watch her "China Song" several times per day.

While you are there, feel free to "Like" the Frugal Flamingo!

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It's finally here

noreply@blogger.com (Flamingo) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 03:57:00 +0000

It is finally here. You will no longer have to hear me ramble endlessly about "the frugal blog" I am working on. You can finally go check it out. It will not officially begin until January 3rd.

I do not intend to be dramatic. However, this blog has been almost a year of "drama" for me. Lots of spiritual stuff behind it all. Of course Relevant majorally impacted my decisions. I came home and completely scrapped all of the work I put into my wordpress site. I deleted in and started over in blogger.

Why you may ask? I realized at Relevant that much of my stress was because I was not where I was supposed to be regarding the Frugal Flamingo blog. God reminded me there that the INITIAL reason I was starting a frugal blog was to communicate and minister to friends and family in my real life.

I do not think there is anything wrong with intentionally growing a blog. However, I've shifted my focus. I am no longer being influenced by what "they say". "They" being the blogging pro's. I am not committing to posting several times a day or even every day for that matter. I am back on blogger. I'm not going to focus on monetizing.

I simply am going to focus on doing what I enjoy. I enjoy encouraging those around me. My perspective may change a year from now or even a few months from now. I simply am going to follow His lead.

On a lighter note, I had so much fun designing my site. If you want help with HTML, let me know and I will try to help:)

Enough of the fanfare....get over there and check out The Frugal Flamingo!!!

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Book Review- Red Ink by Kathi Macias

noreply@blogger.com (Flamingo) — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 01:29:00 +0000

I jumped at the opportunity to read a book set in China. Obviously, China holds a special place in my heart. I am particularly intrigued how Christianity has evolved in this communistic country.
The book Red Ink is a fictionalized story of courageous faith. Without a doubt, it made me thankful for the religious freedoms our country provides us. Before I ramble too much, I will let the author, Kathi Macias tell you about it more. Can you give us a brief synopsis of this story?
A young Chinese woman, Zhen-Li—raised to observe the party line, including its one-child-per-family doctrine—falls in love with and marries a Christian, and adopts his faith. Though the couple downplays their Christianity in an effort to survive, Zhen-Li’s family is appalled, and she and her husband are ostracized. When she becomes pregnant for the second time and refuses to have an abortion, the persecution begins in earnest. Zhen-Li’s parents, under pressure from the government, pay to have Zhen-Li kidnapped and the baby aborted.
It is then Zhen-Li decides she must live up to her name—"Truth"—and take a firm stand for her faith, regardless of the consequences, and so she begins to regularly teach children about Zhu Yesu ("Lord Jesus") and to distribute Christian literature every chance she gets. Based loosely on the life of Christian magazine editor Li Ying, currently serving a ten-year prison sentence in China, the story of Yang Zhen-Li tells the desperate tale of her incarceration and separation from her family, as she continues to minister to other prisoners, and even to her guards, leading to a surprising conclusion that will both stun and challenge readers.
How did you get into writing? Has it always been your passion, or is it something you came to later in life?
I’ve always wanted to write, for as long as I can remember. I was an avid reader even before I started kindergarten. I wrote a short story in third grade that the teacher liked so much she showed it to the principal, and they decided to turn it into a play for the entire PTA. I was hooked! One day when I was about 13, I was walking home from school with my then boyfriend (now husband), Al, and I told him I’d be a writer some day. He often reminds me how blessed I am to have been able to do what I dreamed of all my life.
In addition to writing, you are a popular speaker at women’s event, writers’ conferences, and various venues around the country. How can people find out more about you, your writing and speaking, sign up for your weekly devotional newsletter (in English or Spanish), and/or just view your many book videos, etc.?
They can find me at my website (http://www.kathimacias.com/) or blog (http://kathieasywritermacias.blogspot.com/). There is a “contact” button on my website if they’d like to send me a message. I always respond to all my emails!
Want an opportunity for free books? Check it out here.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided to me as a blog tour host by New Hope Publishers in exchange for posting this interview on my blog. Please visit Christian Speaker Services at www.ChristianSpeakerServices.com for more information about blog tour management services.

More of Relevant

noreply@blogger.com (Flamingo) — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 04:30:00 +0000

The Relevant Conference really changed me. I went wanting to learn how to grow a blog, to monetize, and to interweave social media. Instead I came home wanting to blog less.

Speaker after speaker led me back to basics. I am a wife. I am a mom. My relationship with God comes first. My husband second. My children third. However, how many times have I pushed my children away so that I could read one more blog? How many times have I said, "not now!! This is important."

Which we all know means "and at this moment in time YOU are not."

So, I've once again reevaluated everything. I pulled back from reading blogs. Yes, maybe even yours.

Of course, I've also neglected this one, but I guess that is not really new.

Here are some pictures of that amazing weekend….

My friend Darlene and I were so excited for a weekend away. Speaking of Darlene. You must, MUST visit her new interior design blog Fieldstone Hill. I wish she could find a way for me to decorate with dirty laundry. It is a phenomenal blog. I got to finally meet Bonita Lillie who has encouraged me. We met sometime this year through her blog. Her one request was to do the Flamingo stand together. Of course, I had on heels so I fell over. She taught the writing workshop I attended at Relevant. Wow. I seriously have a lot of work to do. If you like to write, go check out her blog.

Sara Mae was one of the brainchildren behind Relevant. Truly blessed to meet her in the flesh. She is absolutely adorable. (Darlene, Sara and me) I bubbled over with joy finally being able to meet Crystal Paine. Yes. Money Saving Mom. “The” Money Saving Mom. If you have ever talked with me about groceries, you know this is who I send you to first. She is my frugality hero. Her blog seriously impacted my life over 3 years ago.

Sami, Angela and Courtney. Seriously loved talking with these women. I never knew Sami before, but enjoyed getting to know her. I read Courtney’s blog and participate with Good Morning Girls that her and Angela run. I have never seen someone smile as much as Angela. Courtney is a ball of fire. What a blessing to get to know them. (Sami, Angela, Me, Courtney, Darlene)

And of course there was Angie Smith. Many of you already read her blog Bring the Rain. This girl is incredibly funny, but with a transparent heart for God. She is married to Todd Smith of Selah. They have an incredible story of heartbreak to share. If you haven’t read her book I Will Carry You, get it. She’s a truly gifted writer with an amazing story.

Todd (Angie’s husband) blessed us with music Friday night. What an incredible voice. He is down to earth and an incredibly nice guy. He is part of the group Selah. In case you are wondering why Darlene is in almost every picture…we were trying to be “picture efficient.”

There were so many inspiring speakers I heard. So many more inspiring women I met. I wish I could share it all with you, but you probably have not even scrolled down this far in the post.

We ended the weekend with worship. Over 200 blogging women worshiping together. By far, the highlight of my weekend.

Meeting the face of God

noreply@blogger.com (Flamingo) — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 04:49:00 +0000

Minutes ago I arrived home from the event I anticipated for 8 months. Thinking about the Relevant conference produced anxiousness and motivation all wrapped into one.

With business cards in hand, heeled black boots adorned, notepad clutched with the expectation that nitty gritty blog world secrets will be shared. The giddish excitement to meet blogging heroes.

Instead, what unraveled this weekend was life changing. Yes, I met amazing fellow bloggers. Yes, I met the faces behind the screen verbage. Yes, I even learned some social media tricks.

However, someone showed up I did not anticipate. I don't think any of us did.

The mystery guest was God. God himself speaking through the instrumental voices of ladies he chose to use. He did not visit only with me, I suspect he spoke to all 200 women. Actually, I know he spoke to each of them, I can not account for who was listening.

It was a weekend filled with tears. Good tears. The vulnerability of the speakers and the ladies was used for God's glory. What is comical is that I did not learn saavy blogging as planned. I attended a blogging conference and learned about the heart of God. I learned that Satan can entwine himself into something beautiful. I learned once again of my personal depravity. Once again I met a grace filled savior.

I wish I could formulate my emotions, my feelings and my words into a thought with substance. I need to process. I need to pray.

The closing session was shared by Ann Voskamp. I have no words that begin to explain her deeply reflective words. Meshed within the beauty of her amazing writing gift, is God's quiet voice that speaks loudly to your heart.

I leave you with a snippet of what she shared tonight.

When you wonder if what you create is any good

I would close with a reflective statement, but I will just mess it all up. Some words are best left to digest.