A view away from the rat race

Hi friend,

Thank you to all of you new readers who have joined our ranks here. I hope that you will be encouraged by what you read SO THAT you will be driven to His word, to pray and to live a more fulfilling life for His kingdom.

Slow Pace or Rat Race

Having lots of time to sit still from foot surgery and now slowly transitioning to being more active, I’ve realized something surprising: I actually like less more! What a juxtaposition. While texting a friend the other day, I confessed that I don’t really want to go back to the rat race I was in before. It made me feel, well… like a rat. This season of recovery has reminded me that I don’t want to live at a frantic pace anymore. I’ve been given a chance to reset, and I’m seeing the gift in going slower.

Life Lately

The quieter pace has let me notice things I might have missed before. I’ve enjoyed unhurried mornings, snuggles with our new grandbaby, Maggie June, and more space for reflection (I’ve learned reflection actually helps rewire our brains). Even our refrigerator gave out this month, so I’ve been making coffee trips to the garage cooler — another reminder from the Lord to slow down! Recovery is not easy, but I’m grateful for the lessons hidden in this rhythm.

Writing Update 📖

This shift in pace has also affected my writing. Instead of writing in cracks of time, I’m leaning into the process — letting the book take shape step by step, like a house being built brick by brick. I am learning how to use Google Docs and that helps me to be more organized. My sample chapter was approved and I have written several more chapters plus I have Beta Readers ready to read. (Beta Readers read the book for content and share feedback on readability or where it needs clarity). It feels less like a sprint and more like a steady build, and I think the whole project is better for it. Please pray with me as I work toward submitting the full manuscript by October 21, with the hope of a late February release.

A Thought for You

Maybe you’re feeling the pull of your own “rat race.” If so, can I encourage you this month to pause — even for just ten minutes — and notice what’s right in front of you? Sometimes the most life-giving moments happen when we slow down enough to breathe. And when we do, we remember this truth: “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22–23, ESV)

Prayer Guide

One way I’ve been keeping my focus on God’s character during this slower season is through the monthly Prayer Guide. By focusing on an attribute of God or an aspect of His character, it trains our mind to look for that characteristic. Write down some of the things that you notice about God's compassion. Use the verses suggested in the guide below to pray to Him in His own words or look up additional ones. The process of updating my own Prayer Journal each month helps me to know ALL of Him more fully with each passing day.

October Prayer Guide

Remember, His mercies are new every morning — maybe today’s gift is just slowing down long enough to notice them.

As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. Psalm 103:13

Books I’m Reading 📚

One of my favorite reading times is evening. Did you know that calming the mind by focusing on a book before bed can lead to better sleep quality?

1) Joyspan - Dr. Kerry Burnight. Entertaining guidance for a joyful second half of life.

2) Wife After God - Jennifer Smith. 30 day marriage devotional for women who desire to fulfill their purpose on earth through their relationship with God and their husband.

3) Atomic Habits - James Clear. Useful and practical strategies for building new habits and breaking bad habits.

4) The Correspondent Virginia Evans. A collection of letters written by the main character that proves to be life changing for her.

Hoping you have sweet rest after your evening reading.