Scared? Spooked? Trust Your Gut Instinct

Halloween is associated with haunted houses, vampires, ghosts…and being scared.

I personally enjoy movies that are a little scary and contain suspense. Do you?

However, it drives me CRAZY when one of the characters ventures into a dark basement or other area alone while a murderer is known to be in the vicinity. Doesn’t he or she have any intelligence or common sense?

Or are they just refusing to pay attention?

You know…to that sick feeling in your gut when a situation or someone doesn’t feel quite right?

I had one of those moments the other day. A man came into the dealership and headed straight for my desk. He wanted to speak to the manager. It took a nanosecond to read him. The guy was sleazy. Big gold chain around his neck, unlit cigarette in hand, and a cocky attitude that made me nauseous.

God gave us a wonderful gift when He provided us with great instincts. But, too often we disregard them. We downplay warning signals that our inner spirit sends to our head and heart.

In many cases, women are more likely to push those nagging feelings away. We don’t want to appear to be rude or unkind. But, if we listen to them, they can keep us out of uncomfortable situations or even danger.

Trust your gut instinct.

Stay away from dark,

empty houses…

and slime balls.

Dawn

Able to Laugh at Yourself?

I’m not a fan of reality TV, but I’m drawn to “Dancing with the Stars.” I live vicariously through the dancers and dream of moving with the same strength and grace they’ve attained on the floor.

It takes a lot of determination and guts to dance in front of millions of viewers and then be judged on the details of every move. The stellar performances come at a painful price. The stars work their bodies into exhaustion while trying to perfect the rigorous routines.

Last night, Marie Osmond fainted after she and her partner danced the Samba. She dropped to the floor while awaiting the judges’ comments.

Marie may have felt embarrassed, but she has a delightful sense of humor. Instead of taking herself too seriously, she laughed it off and explained that it happens when she forgets to breathe. A real trooper, she got up and continued the show.

Over these past few weeks, I’ve learned to respect this woman and the way she’s able to find humor in daily life.

We could all stand to do the same.
Most of us take life way too seriously.

God gave us the gift of humor.
He loves to hear us laugh.

Go ahead.
It will do you good.

Dawn

A Big Apple Christmas

I know, I know…

It’s not even Thanksgiving and I’m already mentioning a book about Christmas. But, it’s just around the corner, and wouldn’t it be nice to have a fun book on hand when the time is right to get into the holiday mood? And is there ever a wrong time to enjoy a little romance?



A Big Apple Christmas is a collection of four contemporary inspirational stories. Readers are given diverse characters and adventures as four couples find romance in New York City during the holiday season.

Moonlight and Mistletoe
by Carrie Turansky

Christmas plans are set askew when schedule-bound professional organizer Sarah Montgomery meets free-spirited poet Justin Latimer. As the work together on a project for her neighbor, romantic sparks fly-but will new revelations douse them?




Shopping for Love

by Gail Sattler

Holiday bustle is the means two tourists try to use to get lost in the crowds. But when Brian Evans literally knocks Emily Jones off her feet, her heart’s secrets are spun even more off balance.

Where the Love Light Gleams
by Lynette Sowell

Christmas in Rockefeller Center puts a widow’s spruce tree on center stage. Professor Theophilus Stellakis volunteers to host Gwynn Michaud, and they both find new dreams in the glow of the holiday lights.

Gifts from the Magi
by Vasthi Reyes Acosta

The gift of the Magi comes full circle for two lonely Latinos when Cecilia Montes takes time out of her busy schedule to help an old friend with youth group activities. But, can she trust her heart to Elias Perez?

I’ve shared some information about the authors and this heartwarming book, but if you’d like to find out more, check out their website at http://www.abigapplechristmas.com/

On this site you’ll find additional fun things, such as…

> Photos from New York City
> Christmas Recipes
> Favorite scenes in the book, their own Christmas traditions, and more.

Have fun!
Dawn

Change is in the Air

Fall arrived overnight.

One day we’re wearing our light summer clothes and experiencing temperatures in the seventies and eighties. The next day the temperature drops into the fifties and sixties.

One day we’re experiencing bright, warm sunshine.
Then the rain and winds sweep in, shooing the sun away.

One day the leaves are green.
While we blink an eye, they turn shades of yellow and red.

One day we sit on our backyard deck with the tikki torches burning.
Now we lounge in the comfort of our family room with a log blazing in the fireplace.

I enjoy the difference in colors, temperature, and smells.
I look forward to switching out my wardrobe with each season.
Now I can don comfy sweatshirts and wrap up in blankets while watching favorite movies.

Change can be good.

It’s frightening.
It’s exciting.

Do you need it?
Are you ready?
Are you willing to make a change?

Dawn