The Sunshine Blogger Award

Why did you start blogging? To inspire. My blog is called Real Life. Some would say our work-eat-sleep-repeat existence is real life. And I guess it is, because survival is real. But I want more, don’t you? God’s planted this something more desire in our hearts.[1] Jesus came to give us an abundant life. That’s the life I’m talking ‘bout. My blog is a reminder, an invitation, an inspiration to an extraordinary Real Life in Christ.

Who is your favorite blogger? I’ve listed a few below. Most recently, the wife of a blogger friend launched her own “my life with girlie” blog about their special needs daughter. Her posts grow my heart.

What keeps you going and motivated? God gave me a passionate desire to encourage others. That’s why I write. I didn’t start writing until my late 40’s. So, my skills aint the best, and I get discouraged. Still, I love it. When I write, I enter that parallel universe where I lose all sense of time and place. It’s pure joy.

A Cleveland Blizzard!

What is your weirdest habit? I just did this. When I pull up to a curbside mailbox and get out to deposit mail, I leave my car door wide-open. I once locked myself out of my car—still running! Luckily, it happened on a summer day close to home. I fear it will happen again—cell phone locked inside during a Cleveland blizzard!

What is your favorite cuisine? My favorite meal is a Carrabba’s filet. I gorge myself on their fresh-hot Italian bread slathered in olive oil and herbs with my salad. When my steak arrives, I’m pretty full and take half home.

What is a personality trait you would like to change in yourself?  Perfectionism. I struggle to balance my desire for excellence while giving myself lots of grace. I’ve grown. But still have a long, long way to go.

What are the first three things you always notice in a person? How easily they smile, how positive their disposition, and how actively they listen.

Which is the best book you have read to date? The Bible hands down. Books by George MacDonald (1824-1905, Scottish poet, preacher, novelist) make me think about God in new and fresh ways even though he’s been dead a century. Jane Eyre is a perennial favorite!

How do you deal with negative comments or hurtful feedback? I’m terrible at accepting criticism. It’s the perfectionist thing. I usually feel better after I vent to God—and often a friend, too. Once I calm down, I try to discern whether there’s merit to their words. If yes, hopefully grow from it.

What is your goal in life? To love well. For a long time, I struggled with love. I didn’t feel worthy of God’s love. (The perfectionist thing again.) He broke through and convinced me. Today, I feel securely loved. I want others to feel securely loved, too.

My nominations for “The Sunshine Blogger Award”:

• my life with the girlie
• Mom Plus Camera
• Spirit Life
• Faith Philosophy 
• And of course, the amazingly talented writer who nominated me,
  Kelly Griffiths’ Creative. Convoluted. Confessionist.

[1] “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end” Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV.

Rita, Mark and son Welcome to  Real Life . Mark and Rita fell in love, married, and had two children. Then, Mark met Beth. They ended up having an affair. Mark left his family and married Beth. Eight months later, Mark had a life-altering stroke. This is Beth and Rita’s story of grace.  Beth   I made a decision to accept Jesus as my Savior when I was a young teenager. However, I didn’t really know what that meant. I didn’t understand salvation or grace. I knew God, but kept my distance from him.  I felt like I was too far gone. I wasn’t worthy of his forgiveness. When I met Mark, I was rebounding from a long, unhealthy relationship. Ironically, what drew me to him was the way he interacted with his family. Mark was and is a patient, loving father.  I saw the special relationship he had with his children. As we began the affair, I was racked with guilt. I consoled myself with the thought that he was the one sinning, not me. He was the married one. I was single.  Beth and

Welcome to Real Life . In today’s Ministry Spotlight, join my conversation with . . . Michelle Virnelson Love INC (in the Name of Christ) Cuyahoga County, Ohio Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the Lord your God will bless you in everything you do. There will always be some in the land who are poor. That is why I am commanding you to share freely with the poor. Deuteronomy 15:10-11 NLT Michelle, tell us about your position at Love in the Name of Christ. I’m the Clearing House Coordinator as we partner with local churches to help people in crisis. Every person who calls Love INC for help eventually goes through me. We take their information and then I match them with resources to meet their need. 2019 Update:  Michelle is now Executive Director of Love INC Cuyahoga County. How do people in crisis find Love INC? They are often referred to us by their church, or an agency like United Way or Catholic Charities, and sometimes word of mouth. Te

Welcome to Real Life. Do you need courage today? Grace Church women feigning anxiety during a tornado alert. On the morning I began to read the book of Joshua , I woke up feeling anxious. I have suffered through a few bouts of anxiety/depression in my adult life. Lately, I’m battling it again. In the words of Dr. Timothy Keller, “I’m addicted to a high level of productivity.” I pile on projects and responsibilities until I overload. Then, I feel overwhelmed, anxious, can’t sleep, etc. I’ve learned to view these symptoms as God’s check in my spirit: It’s time to back off and chill out, Peg. As I read God’s encouragement to Joshua, I knew his words were for me as well: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9 NIV). Joshua was justifiably anxious. Moses, the awesome prophet—who stood up to Pharaoh, called plagues down on Egypt, and led Israel out o