I’ve heard that message all my life. I’m a wee bit hyperactive and I tend to run through life, rather than stroll. In fact, I probably dodged around you in annoyance if you were dallying around on the track of life, in my way!
On another note, I’ve spent a good six months researching current trends in myoelectric prosthetic devices for my January release, Rocky Mountain Cowboy. My hero has
Michelangelo prosthesis on his transradial amputation (below the elbow on his right arm).
Think about that. He’s a man. He’s a cowboy. He’s right-handed. He has to shave, brush his teeth, tie his shoes, saddle his horse, rope cows with only one arm and hand. That’s quite a lifestyle change. The myoelectric prosthesis is an amazing device. You can see it here at Advanced Arm Dynamics. Yet there are changes and adjustments to be made. Self-image issues to deal with.
I am a retired (by choice, not age) registered nurse. Certainly, I have experience dealing with amputations, physical handicaps and limitations. No big deal to this medical professional. Right? But of late, God is really giving me an understanding of what it’s really like to be a handicapped.
I’ve had a temporary detour that has provided a few challenges. As I look around, I am vain enough to wonder what others think. I am also dealing with self-image at my temporary slow pace.
Irony: a state of affairs or an event that seems deliberately contrary to what one expects and is often amusing as a result.
Oh, that God! Of course, I am not insinuating that my little detour is God-induced. I am wholly culpable due to neglect on my part. But this speed demon does see the irony. I am forced to slow down and join those she is accustomed to racing past. By virtue, I am noticing those around me who have slowed down as well. Yes, for the first time in my life I am looking, REALLY looking at those around me with handicaps and disabilities.
My prayer of late has been this: “Lord, let me see others as you see them.”
My eyes have been opened in a new way and with much need for repentance on my part. Yes, there is hope for this energizer author. I’m excited at what God is showing me during this time. Already I’ve realized that if I move too quickly through life there is a chance I will miss out on what God has in store for me. I am learning that I must wait on Him and let Him guide me.
Be still, and know that I am God – Psalm 46:10
No doubt many of you have had seemingly negative situations that God has turned into opportunities. I’d love to hear about those opportunities!
I’m giving away a copy of Rocky Mountain Cowboy to one commenter today. Let me know you want it, as many of my friends have been reminded to please stop by and visit me on this lovely blog, and they already have this book. Many thanks to Shelia, for inviting me to hang out here today, and for the lovely fruit pie spread.
Originally from Western, N.Y., Tina Radcliffe left home for a tour of duty with the Army Security Agency (a branch of the NSA) stationed in Augsburg, Germany and ended up in Tulsa Oklahoma. While living in Tulsa she spent ten years as a Certified Oncology R.N. Tina is a two-time RWA Golden Heart finalist, a 2012 ACFW Carol Award finalist, a 2014 ACFW Mentor of the Year finalist, a 2014 Golden Quill finalist and a 2014 ACFW Carol Award winner. Tina is also a short story writer and has sold over twenty short stories to Woman’s World Magazine. She currently resides in Arizona where she writes fun, heartwarming romance. You can find her at www.tinaradcliffe.com
Rocky Mountain Cowboy releases on December 20, 2016. I hope you’ll pick up a copy and check out rancher Joe Gallagher and his challenges.
A Cowboy’s Second Chance
The last person cowboy Joe Gallagher thought he’d see on his ranch was high school sweetheart Rebecca Anshaw Simpson. Twelve years after she married another man, she’s back as his physical therapist. But healing his body is nothing compared to guarding his heart from the woman he never forgot. There’s much the single mom would rather forget, but Becca won’t let regret and a surly rancher get in the way of her job and the chance to start over with her little girl. She has only a few weeks to make peace with her past. But Becca never expected she’d fall all over again for her first love.
Sounds like a great read!
I think so too!
Shelia! Good morning. Thrilled to be here! Thanks for having me.
Now, let’s get down to business. PASS THE PIES!!
Thanks for sharing your story and being my guest. I need to slow down too, especially during this hectic holiday season. It’s easy to miss the blessings if we aren’t paying attention.
Good morning Sharron Burch.Love the way you spell your name! Thanks for the kind words!
would love to read
I hope you win Barbara!
This is just what I needed to read for encouragement today, Tina. I so identify with your temporary detour, concern for what others think and the self image issues at my own temporary slower pace. The SI joint issue I’ve been dealing with since 11/19 had me walking with a CANE for two days just to get from one room to another. The third day I had to swallow my pride and use it to hobble to the chiropractor. ME, using a CANE!
Again, like you, I’ve always been happily buzzing around in a hurry to mark off everything on my daily to-do list, so this has been a humbling experience for me, depending on others for the simplest things that I took for granted before, like my husband having to carry my coffee to my desk in the morning because I was leaning on that cane so heavily. I didn’t leave my house for 10 days except to go to the doctor and for Thanksgiving, both events left me in excrutiating pain later. It was so discouraging to not know if I was ever going to improve.
However, along this slowed down journey when I was forced to sit so much, my eyes were also opened to things around me in a new way. Gratitude for being able to walk even a few steps at a time had me praying a prayer of thanksgiving, I thought about others I knew who were struggling in their own ways and prayed for their health and healing with new vigor and spent a good deal of time, like you said you did, repenting of my subconscious indifference towards the plight of others and my own “take for granted my good health” attitude. I have a new concern and compassion for all the people I see who are struggling with walking and using canes, saying a prayer that God would touch them right then and there.
It’s kind of funny, but the country song line comes to mind, “God bless the broken road that lead me here to you”, also applies to our brokenness leading us to God. I’m depending on Him more than ever to help me through this. One day as I was just asking God would I ever get over this ( I’m even in a hurry to get through this) and telling Him my concerns about walking well again, I came upon Psalm 121:2-8 and God spoke it directly to me heart and personalized it just for me,
“Tracey’s help comes from the Lord…He will not let Tracey’s foot slip, He who watches over Tracey will not slumber…The Lord watches over Tracey…The Lord will keep Tracey from harm, He will watch over Tracey’s life; The Lord will watch over Tracey’s coming and going both now and forevermore”. Even as I share those verses my heart is encouraged and I’m praying those same words over you my dear friend Tina.
Sorry for being so wordy, I didn’t mean to write my a blog myself, but it seems we we are walking parallel paths and it’s good to encourage and pray for each other.
Thanks for visiting my blog. I am lifting prayers for your recovery. I’m glad you ran across Tina’s story. I think it helps to know when others are traveling on the same difficult road. We are not alone, and God is with us and hears our prayers.
Thank you for your prayers Shelia, and it’s very nice to meet you! You have a beautiful blog. My favorite type of blog, discovering new friends and visiting with some old ones too.
Your welcome! The writing journey has brought me many new friends. Many writers are thinking publication is the big blessing, but really, it’s the folks we meet on the road to publications that are the BIG blessings. And I also know that when I need prayer, I can call on Prayer Warriors. Merry Christmas!
Tracey! Sisters separated at birth!!! Your Blog Post (hahahaha) is spot on. Mine is my knee. What?? No one told me that bodies wear out!!!
Do be encouraged. Everything is for a season.
Do you have enough books to read? Happy to send you some.
Tina, we really are sisters separated at birth! Mom never told me there was another one of me out there 😉
I have so many books to read I have no doubt I’ll ever get to them all, one of the reasons I rarely ask to be entered in drawings anymore, must catch up on some first. (Although occasionally I can’t resist if it’s on my TBR list or a favorite author). I’ve read everything you published and am currently reading Rocky Mountain Cowboy, which you so wonderfully blessed me with. Thank you again for sending it. If you want to send me whatever comes next, I’m okay with that 🙂 or a rough draft, or even your next idea for a rough draft, etc., etc., etc. You get the picture.
Hi Sheila! Your pup and mine are doppelgangers!!! What a lovely blog you have here, I like your color and font choices 🙂
Hello Tina! I had to come see you & put my name in the draw because I’ve yet to get my hands on one of your books. 😀
Have a great day, ladies!
Thanks so much for the encouraging words. Bertie is my best friend (other than my husband).
WHAT? You have not won a single one of my books Beth Erin? Oh, my!!! How can that be. Go to my webpage and sign up for my newsletter for even more chances. Good to see you here. Isn’t this a lovely blog? I want a backyard like Shelia’s!!! I want a dog like Shelia’s too!!!
The back yard belongs to my friend Camille, and the table was dressed by my friend Lori. It takes a lot of people to make me look presentable LOL! But Bertie is the real deal. Cutest little guy ever.
It does take a Village for all of us these day, Shelia. Bertie with an e. Adorable.
Hi there Barbara White. Thanks for stopping by! So, what do you think? Any situations God has turned around for you?
I think many writers are guilty of going non-stop, Tina Radcliffe until He sometimes has to slow us down. I would love to read this book and learn from your characters POV some of the things God taught him!
You are so right, Rose. Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks for stopping by Rose. I think you will love Tina’s book. Hope you win.
Hi Sheila…thank you for introducing me to her blog, TINA.
Yes, it’s a great blog. Did someone say Pie? Berti looks like a darling!
I need to get my greedy little hands on your book soon, TINA
Hi Marianne, Thanks for stopping by. I try to host authors each week as their books are released. I hope you will stop by again for a story of friendship or host. Sometimes the authors share dessert recipes too. Thanks again for stopping by.
December 21, Marianne. In person. Maybe we can get Shelia and Berti to join us in Arizona for lunch. Crackerbarrel anyone??
Sure we could have a party!
Can I get my name in the drawing, please?
If you commented, and you did, you are IN! I hope you stop by again.
Hi Shelia, thanks for hosting TINA, one of my favorite authors! I love her books and have read them all but her newest so please enter me in your drawing! Tina does an excellent job on Seekerville, too.
Enjoyed all the comments…esp. Tracey…praying for her problems and I do desire prayers for my similar problems (discs that need surgery)! PAIN is no fun, huh?! A cane is my best friend at this time.
Blessings on all and Merry Christmas.
I am thrilled to host Tina. Praying you and Tina recover soon. Thanks for stopping by.
Jackie Smith!!! A reader who is much adored by me. How are you doing, lady?? You are in the drawing!
Hi Jackie, we find each other at all the best book blog spots, don’t we? This is my first time here, but I’m going to be a regular I can tell, after reading through some of the previous posts. Thank you for those prayers, I cherish them all!
I also meant to say, I’ll be adding you along with Tina to my prayers Jackie!
I’ve talked with so many women lately that have told me God has either spoken to them to slow down or wait or put them in a situation where they have no choice but to slow down or wait. Most who are at the end of the waiting period say that as frustrating as that time was, it was also a time of drawing closer to the Lord and the end result was a confirmation that God is faithful and brings us to the place we need to be – in His time. I am in one of those waiting periods, too and while I look forward to the breakthrough, I’m using this time to work on my patience and trust that God has perfect timing.
Hi Jan, Thanks for stopping by. I’m praying for healing for you and that the Lord will fill you with His peace while you wait. I hope you stop by again. Most Mondays I host a Christian author who is releasing a new book. I always have drawings for free books. Merry Christmas!
AMEN! Jan Christiansen. Women are doers and movers and shakers. Slowing down is hard work!!!
Wonderful reminder, Tina! I’ve had both big and small “slow down” events in my life, and if they’ve taught me anything, it’s that you do yourself even more harm if you fight against them.
Really looking forward to reading your new book!
Thanks for stopping by Myra. Most Monday’s I host a new author and there’s always a drawing for books. I hope you’ll subscribe to my blog and have the chance to win more good books written by Christian authors.
Thanks, Myra. You are so right! And thanks for the kind words on the book! Can’t wait to have your next one in my hot little hands!
Tina, I’m so happy to see you on my friend Shelia’s blog! You’re book sounds great! I’m sorry you are going through a slow down. Been there. Yes, much learning comes with it.
Blessings and hugs
Thanks for stopping by Janet. I’ve watched at your book signings. You are a busy girl this season. I hope all is going well. Merry Christmas!
OOPS! I thought I answered you, Janet. Let me try again.
Great to see you here. Slowing down is a GOOD THING!! I am blessed!
TINA!!! LOVED this post, although … uh … it was a wee bit repetitive as far as what God has been whispering in my ear DAY AND NIGHT: Be still and know that I am God!
Doesn’t seem that hard to do when reading it, does it? Be still? Yeah, I’d kill for that, I thought, but when I actually try and do it, the old (and I do mean “old”) won’t let me stop thinking about deadlines, Christmas shopping, obligations galore. Sigh.
So I’m parking this old (and I do mean “old”) butt in the chair and trying to be still, but as far as actually doing it? I’m hoisting that all on HIS shoulders!! 😉
Can’t WAIT to read Rocky Mountain Cowboy!!
Hugs,
Julie
I’m so glad you stopped by Julie. Being still is one of the most difficult things for me to do too.
LOL. Yes, Julie. In theory this should be pretty simple, but we mortals tend to complicate things. What’s the deal??? Thanks for stopping by!
I would love to read this book. I love books about cowboys. And I love the cover of the book.
I think you’ll love it Kirsten. I hope you win!
Thanks Kirsten, and thanks for stopping by. (I love the cover too!!)
Hi, Shelia, Love the name Friendship, Hope and Fried Fruit Pies! Beautiful site.
Tina, so sorry to hear about your troubles, but I appreciate what you wrote. I had surgery on my knee several years ago (not a replacement) and definitely identify with this. It was a strange feeling, literally being forced to stop walking – it was an eye-opener. No need to enter me in the drawing, I have Rocky Mountain Cowboy (thank you, Tina!) and can’t wait to read it.
Thanks so much and I hope you will stop by again. Most Monday’s I host Christian authors with new releases and always have a drawing. It’s easy to subscribe, just enter you email address in the top right corner.
LAURA!!! Great to see you here in this lovely garden. They aren’t troubles. They’re opportunities.
Trying to get Charlie the Princess Cat out from under the bed to go to the vet today. AN OPPORTUNITY. Glad there are no videos. It as HILARIOUS!!!!
No worries, Tina. I wrote you’re rather than your. I blame technology
Wow, we’re keeping Shelia busy! Dear hostess, since we hit 51 replies, I want to give away TWO copies of Rocky Mountain Cowboy. Okay with you??
I’m sorry to hear that you’ve had to slow down, but glad to hear that your new perspective has been beneficial. Every time I catch a cold I find myself more grateful for my health. Earlier this year I dislocated my shoulder a few times and got some deeper compassion for those in painful situations. I’m blessed that I don’t have chronic pain now, even though I’ll need surgery this summer. As I get older I realize how diverse everyone’s trials are. A little kindness and patience sure does go a long way 😉
Thanks by stopping by Heidi! And you are right. A little kindness and patience goes a long way.
Heidi! I remember when you dislocated your shoulder. That’s huge. We forget how the elbow’s connected to the neck bone. The neck bone’s connected to the head bone. LOL. It affects, brushing your teeth, sleeping, showering, dressing. Renewed empathy for you here.
Patience and kindness are the key.
Congratulations Heidi, you want a free copy of Tina’s book. Please email me your mailing address (shelia@sheliastovall.com)
Thanks again for visiting.
Shelia
I loved this post! Now if I could just internalize it and slow down myself. I visited to say hi to Tina, but my goodness, Shelia, this a beautiful blog you have here! I will come back and visit often. 🙂 Please don’t enter me in the drawing (I already have the book) but I couldn’t resist popping in to say hi. I would’ve been here sooner, but I was busy running around….hmmmm…..
Hi LeAnne, Thanks for stopping by. I hope you will visit often. Most Monday’s I host authors who are releasing new books and I always have a drawing. I hope you’ll consider subscribing. Merry Christmas.
Leanne, got the message to slow down and has. She is down from Mach 4 to Mach 2. LOL. Thank you for stopping by…said as she leaves in a cloud of dust.
Hey Tina, sorry about your knee issue. As I age I often joke that I was going to be the only old person these things didn’t happen to. Problem is my body failed to get the message.
Your book sounds great! They always are.
Hi Terri, Thanks for stopping by. If you love to read, I often host Christian authors who have new books releasing and have drawings. I hope you visit my cyber garden again. Merry Christmas!
Hey, it’s my knee not my writing hands. It’s all good. Gettting mature (I hate the word old) is not for sissies.
Slowing down has been a really, really good thing. Helps you re-evalute your priorities, right?
Great to see you here, Terri. Thanks for taking time from your busy day to stop by.
Tina and the words “slow down” do not compute.
Sorry to hear you’re having a knee problem. Several things in life have temporarily slowed me down. At first, I was impatient. Then I learned that they were a great reason not to take on more. Those situations were also a way to gain new understanding. And isn’t it amazing how many people you find out have the same situation? All the same, I’d rather not hit any more extreme slow-downs 🙂
Three cheers for another Gallagher book! Joe is majorly cool!
Nancy C
Thanks, Nancy C. The knee is actually much better since I came out of the closet. LOL. I attribute it to friends like you praying.
Tina, I would love to read Rocky Mountain Cowboy. It sounds like a wonderful story and there is just something about cowboys that readers like me enjoy! Have a blessed Christmas.
Maryann! Thanks for stopping by. Shelia has already picked winners but if you go to my webpage http://www.tinaradcliffe.com, and sign up for my newsletter you will have more opportunities to win the book. Merry Christmas.
I’m two days late to the party, but I had to stop by and visit two of my favorite people.
What a great post! Fun and informative with a little challenge to slow down. I’m telling myself every day to focus on Jesus these days and don’t lose sight of what Christmas is about.
Thanks for sharing!
Jackie!!! You nailed it. The turtle wins the race. Merry Christmas.