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Where's the Blogger?


"Francie, you need to blog more often," a woman said to me at a recent ladies' conference.
Takeoffs at NYC La Guardia airport

"I can't."

"Why not?" she asked.

"Because I'm here..."

...And there, and everywhere lately! My conference calendar was overweight this year, and while we've tried to slim it down for 2014, it hasn't been an entirely successful attempt. The 2014 calendar is trimmer, but still a bit over the ideal range.

So, blogging has become a luxury, but the blog will continue with monthly posts. The EMagazine has gobbled up the blogging time, coupled with flying from coast to coast. Here's the scary-busy itinerary for 2013 so far:

February: Connecticut and California
March: Michigan ("Only one?" Ha. Don't get me started...)
April: California, Alabama, North Carolina, and Tennessee (and by now, airport security was complimenting my outfits as I went through the check point each week)
May: California and Mexico
June: Michigan ("Only one again?" Tried for zero, but failed...)
July: North Carolina (National Sword Conference = five days = like two conferences in one)
August: Virginia (This wasn't a conference. We helped our daughter Hillary move to U-VA for law school, and you know that moving out of state is not for whiners or wimps...)

And here's what's scheduled, Lord allowing, for the rest of the year:

September: South Carolina and Oregon (Harry & David Outlet Store, here I come!)
October: Ladies' Extravaganza-Minnesota (no flight required!), Maryland, Florida
November: New York and North Carolina

I think I need an apartment in California and North Carolina.

And while doing all this flying around, I was opening and closing my Netbook in the airplane, writing as fast as my trained fingers would type. It got to the point where I could tell when the familiar "ding ding" was going to sound at 10,000 feet, where it is "now safe to use approved portable electronic devices." I would be poised with my computer in lap, ready to peel out as soon as I heard the dings.
The view from seat 5F

On the flip side, I could also tell when we would be running out of time (or airspace), as I could feel the beginning descent of the airplane and would think, "Write faster, Francie! Hurry!"

Ding ding: "Ladies' and gentleman, we have now reached an altitude where all portable electronics must be turned off and stowed until landing."

"Nooooooo!" my mind would howl as I tried to put the punctuation in before shutting down. Writing in an airplane seat is as common and normal to me as writing at my desk in the home office. The only difference is there is no "ding ding" in the office to make me stop, unless I set a timer for a stretch break. And it's not disobeying federal regulations if I keep typing right past the timer at home!

Pray for us at Keep the Heart as we labor to produce beneficial materials for Christian women. I'm sure that we would all agree: we all need more prayer.

On the ground (today), from my heart to yours.

"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." (Proverbs 4:23)

Comments

  1. KEEP THE HEARTAugust 8, 2013 at 2:43 PM

    If you are reading this, let me know that you'll pray, even if it's only once and only right now! Add your comment below, and thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  2. ElizabethAugust 8, 2013 at 3:13 PM

    Francie - Know that I'm praying for you as always, Dear Friend.

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownAugust 8, 2013 at 3:45 PM

    You are on my daily prayer list. You have been such a blessing to me over the years, and I thank God for you. I am praying for your safety, your marriage, your family, your ministry and your health. Thank you for being a willing servant for God.

    ReplyDelete
  4. KEEP THE HEARTAugust 8, 2013 at 4:13 PM

    Laurie McCann Billings Aug 8, 2013 at 4:13 PM
    I'm praying my precious sister!! Whew, what a schedule! Ill be praying as you travel all over and minister to hearts like mine! I'm one of hundreds, who are blessed by your Christ centered teachings!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. KEEP THE HEARTAugust 8, 2013 at 4:14 PM

    Callie Harris Aug 8, 2013 at 4:14 PM
    I tried to comment on the blog, but for some reason I was having difficulties. I will stop right now and pray for your ministry. We are excited to have you join us in our 2015 ladies conference. Thank you for making the sacrifices to help others!
    (copied and pasted from Facebook by KTH staff)

    ReplyDelete
  6. KEEP THE HEARTAugust 8, 2013 at 10:10 PM

    Felicia Doss Aug 8, 2013 at 5:09 PM
    Praying for you, Friend. Looking forward, Lord willing, to seeing you in October!!!

    ReplyDelete

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