I did something new today... I stood outside at an abortion clinic as part of a peaceful presence proclaiming the value of life

The most remarkable thing that happened is that I went.

More than 25 years ago, and in between 2 of my four children, I had an abortion. My husband and I were divorced at the time, we were only apart a total of a year and a half. In that time, I found myself pregnant, and just out of self centeredness, I ended that life.

The following year, I lost my next pregnancy to miscarriage, after my husband and I had remarried.

I was able to appropriate the incomprehensible grace of a loving heavenly Father and never suffered the mental and emotional anguish that so many women do ~ but all these years, I have always wondered that if there were people standing outside that clinic that day long ago, would I possibly have changed my mind?

I don't know, but I wanted to go be on the sidewalk, just in case it might make a difference in the life of someone else.

I think I'll make a sign for next time that simply says -
I Did.
Please Don't.

Hard to believe, but I guess I have to, that new yo-yo just doesn't work! What's funny is that when the next person is told that it doesn't work, of course what happens is that person takes it, determined that "you must just not be doing it right" only to see it hopelessly hang at the bottom of the string, not at all inclined to respond to rolling back up the same string it just went down.

Doesn't it know what's expected of it? Why would it not conform to its intended purpose? Did it's creator not use the materials that would enable it to perform it's destiny?

Is it yet possible to tinker with it, maybe fit it with new string? what about returning it to the manufacturer... made in China.

I'm sure they would just laugh at me if I returned it to the grocery store where it was bought. It must just be relegated to the endless pile of useless toys or the trash bin... But what about the boy who was so looking forward to the new yo-yo?

Anybody know where I can get a Duncan?

It's hard to believe another week has passed - tomorrow will be four whole weeks since I had to report to work at 8am!

It has been incredibly busy, rewarding, exhausting... and I am still loving every minute of it!

It was one day last week when I made the short walk out to the mail box and as I walked by, I smelled the faint perfume of the tiny white roses by the short mud lane that serves as our driveway. I said 'Thank You Lord' for small pleasures and on the way back, I deliberately stopped and drew in deep breaths and for maybe the first time, had a real appreciation for the time worn phrase, "stop and smell the roses".

Somehow I doubt that whoever penned that quote was thinking it could be November when that exquisite opportunity presented itself.

Many things are on my mind, the looming of the holidays and all that entails, the calendar quickly filling with activities and sending my baby girl off to Dallas driving alone to begin her new life.

I must do what is most important, spend time with my Lord. He has been waking me in the middle of the night, beckoning me, and I have gotten up, gone to the bathroom, gone back to bed and deeply to sleep until time to get up.

I told my husband this morning that the next time I wake, I will get up and meet with Him and visit for awhile before returning to my dreams.

Nothing gives me more pleasure than to know His Presence and allow His words to encourage and inspire me - and knowing that I can spend all the time He needs, because I have no pressing engagement at 8am.

I started out my day by thinking of voting and emailed the Aglow International email list to do the same. I also posted a reminder and link on Facebook and emailed my husband. Voting is so important, even when we think we don't really care much about the issues at hand. Make your voice heard!

We had an Aglow Executive Board meeting last night, it will be so so exciting to see how God will move on our behalf as we move into a new year with a full board for the first time in at least 5 years.

I expect to be able to install and setup my friends computer today, one of my favorite things!

Blogging is fun, but so many places to do it - which ones are most important? I just like to write, it helps me gather my thoughts. Easy to type here, then copy for CarrieNorton.com. Also using BetterNetworker, Plaxo and MerchantCircle some - and then, even my Avon site has a place for me to blog!

It was helpful for me today to type out in an email what my plans are for replacing the income my full time job provided. It sounds perfectly reasonable to me. Will be interested to hear the take of the consultant providing a complimentary consultation when we talk tomorrow.

Google Analytics is cool, fun to see where clicks came from as I figure out how to increase them. Just a little here and there every day, as I keep working, my pipeline will be filled and my income will follow.

This Friday will be the first one without a paycheck, so hubby a little nervous. Through the holidays may be slow, but will give me the time I need to put things into place, and clean up this house!

Whew - sorted my entire primary yahoo in-box into appropriate folders - I love an empty in-box! Only when it means I have sorted all the emails LOL! For that box, it was over 2,000 - the biggest task first!

Today is the first day since Feb. 26, 1993 that we have not been the parents of a teenager. Early January it will be over and we will do it again (parent a teenager) until 2017. A 60 day respite, sure it won't change much, but gives us a breather anyway.

Lots of other things on  my plate today, but I don't have to eat it all if I don't want to, I love that!

I plan to make my first cold call to a contractor to see about selling a website, hope I get that done!