Today was Saturday so I'd stayed up later than usual last night since I knew I could sleep in a bit. It had been a crazy week. I know...we all have them but this one was an exception. My work week had been crammed full with 10 interviews to fill 8 new positions. We were preparing to spend the weekend in Helena to celebrate my mom's 80th birthday complete with over 100 guests and entertainment. We had gone all out in planning for her special day.

But then my husband, Ron, ended up in the ER with chest pains. Although we didn't have any answers, things had quieted and he wasn't leaving until they could do one last test on Monday. He encouraged us to go ahead to Helena without him so with torn hearts, we left him in the hospital and made a very fast trip to take in the celebration.

After five days in the hospital, we finally got Ron home with new meds and a new perspective on the value of life. One thing was for sure....changes needed to be made in our overflowing life schedules.

But now wasn't the time to ponder adjustments because next weekend I am flying to CA to take part in the Christian Writer's Conference. It was a gift from my sister and I have been so excited to go. Again, I pondered whether I should leave and yet, decided to trust that God had the timing all figured out. All will be fine while I am gone.

And so late into the night, I was preparing. As part of the conference, I have the opportunity to have an unpublished manuscript critiqued by two agents. I have been working on a new book so wanted to have the beginning chapters ready along with the cover letter and synopsis. Well after midnight, when my brain shut down, I decided it was time to hit the sack.

When morning came I crawled out of bed, anxious to get back to work. But as I headed down the stairs, I glanced into my "Momma's Room" aka craft room, quiet place to read, and my place where I do my morning devotions. I felt a tugging as God gently reminded me that I hadn't been in there all week. I'm sure He understood with the crazy that had been going on but yes, today, I needed to pause and spend some quiet time with Him. In fact, my heart yearned to do so.

So I went into the room and settled into my quiet place with my Bible in hand. Turning to the next chapter, I read in Ecclesiastes 12 (Message translation) how age affects our bodies and how death is the end result. Boy could I relate! But then, in verse 11, I read, "There's no end to the publishing of books, and constant study wears you out so you're no good for anything else." I'm not kidding that's what it said! Look it up yourself if you don't believe me!

I couldn't help but chuckle. And to think that some people think the Bible isn't relevant in today's world!

So yes, today I shortened my To Do list, spent time with the Lord, prayed without distractions, and took a deep breath. The conference will come and I'll enjoy it no matter how far I am on my project. And something tells me that my writing will go smoother simply because I spent time with Him today.