Hello all! I hope you've all had a fabulous week. Are you all ready for the weekend? I've already had my weekend, as I have to work tomorrow, but that's okay.
What's New
I've been trying to work on my schedule a little bit lately. I'm trying to make sure I have a little time to do everything. What prompted this? I realized that I've been spending too much time reading. No. Wait. That sentence came out wrong. I realized that I've been neglecting some of my other interests. For instance, when I finally played one of my video games for the first time in months, and it made my day a lot better. I know. It doesn't take much to make me happy. In addition, I realized that I haven't been spending as much time with God as I need to. So, it's not just about the video games. I'm trying to schedule in more God time, and more me time, so that I have more of a balance.
Testament Talk
So, on that note, I should obviously talk about making time for God. So, that's exactly what I'm going to do. Personally, I find it harder to make time for God in the afternoons and evenings, when so many other things are demanding my attention. So, it's my personal plan to get up a little earlier in the mornings to have extra time during that part of the day to devote to God in prayer, Bible study, and praise and worship. I'll let you know how it goes.
It's important to spend time with God each day, and not only on Sundays. But in our daily lives and busy schedules, with so many other things (many necessary, others not) demanding (yes, I mean demanding) our attention, it seems harder and harder to make time for God. Yet, really, He should be our first priority. Nothing is more important than our relationship with Him, because He should be our everything. We have to make an effort to put Him first. And that's the key word, isn't it? Effort. He wants us to turn to Him and talk to Him about everything, but we have to make the effort.
And I'm not going to pretend that some days it isn't an effort to try to make the time, especially when it's a really busy day with work, family, chores, and trying to squeeze in that tiny bit of "me time." But making the effort, even when it seems like we're too busy, is important, because it can make the difference between a good day and a bad day. That's why I'm planning to schedule in my God-time in the mornings. Starting my day with a good breakfast and God-time instead of a good breakfast and anything else-time, will ensure that even if my day doesn't go smoothly, at least my attitude should be better.
When do you schedule in your God-time?
What's Cookin'
Mom found a delicious recipe for Yorkshire Pudding, and after a couple adjustments, we find that it's our favorite. It's the closest I've had since I was in England, and I'm delighted that we finally got it right. It goes well with roast, or fried chicken, or by itself with a little bit of honey drizzled on it for dessert. And since I'm American, I don't know if that's wrong to do, but it certainly tasted good!
Book Nook
This week's book recommendation is the first book in the Book Retreat mystery series by Ellory Adams: Murder in the Mystery Suite. It's a cozy mystery set in rural Virginia, in a castle that was shipped brick by brick from England in order to become a retreat for bibliophiles. The main character, Jane, is the mother of twin boys, she's conservative, fun, but also no-nonsense, compassionate, family-oriented, and she isn't off flirting with every man she comes across. Sorry. That's a big issue with me apparently. The way the main character behaves can make me love or hate a book.
Anyway, when a guest at Storyton Hall is murdered, Jane and her staff assist with the investigation, always giving all relevant information to the police, and never hindering the investigation. This is something else I really liked. The investigator is not only competent, he's polite, and recognizes Jane's authority inside the hotel, and doesn't discourage her help or act high and mighty.
There are also lots of book references, and even a Star Wars reference, which I just loved!
In addition, there is a great plot twist that I don't dare give away, but this isn't just a typical cozy mystery. There's a big family secret, and...oops. I almost spoiled it for you! So, go read the book if you like mysteries at all. And even if you don't normally, you might find this book interesting, even if you don't love it like I did.
Film Watch
This week's film recommendation has to be Father Brown. It's a really neat British mystery show, based on a series of books, written by G.K. Chesterton, which, unfortunately, I haven't read yet. The series follows Father Brown as he helps investigate murders. It has a whole cast of interesting characters who assist him, with a variety of backgrounds. For the most part, he gets along with the local law enforcement, which I like too.
Weekly Reflection
Overall, this has been a pretty good week. There were a few downs, but it was mostly ups. I learned that I have to start managing my time more wisely, and that spending time with God is the most important thing.
Well, I'm off to get my laundry folded and put away so that I can have a little me time before my next scheduled task. I hope you all have a very blessed weekend. Until next time!
