Monday Musings with Rachelle
As you gear up to make New Year’s resolutions, here’s a special thought to keep in mind.
Not failure, but low aim, is crime.
–James Russell Lowell
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Romance, Suspense, Mystery Author
I always want to conquer the world, instead I have to be satisfied with just living in it and finding joy in each day.
–Rachelle J. Christensen
Yep, I just posted a quote by moi because I *needs* to see it and remind myself of this again as I get ready to jump into a new year.
Several years ago, my jump into 2013 was interrupted by a lot of sickness and tiredness which forced me to look at myself and my family and ask–What is the most important thing?
I also read a great book while I was sick called, For What It’s Worth by Karey White. While reading that book, I started doing the same exercise that her character, Abby asked. Is it worth it? What is this worth? And because of that question, I got out the shears and started trimming! I started cutting back on things that don’t matter, cutting out things that don’t make me happy, and creating more time for my family and my biggest passion–WRITING.
This is a good topic to revisit again for 2019. I encourage you to also ask yourself that question today and the next time you have an opportunity to add ONE more thing to your life. How much is this worth to me?
For my quest to find joy in each day and to savor my children and all of their glorious -isms (silly things your kids say), I will be asking that a lot. Here’s hoping that I can find the right answer.
How about you?
Visit Rachelle’s For Writers Page to find more resources HERE
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This book was an incredible read! I loved the format that Pikus-Pace wrote in. She includes personal stories, experiences, motivational poems, scriptures, and anecdotes about life and how we can stay the course and achieve our goals.
Focused: Keeping your life on track, one choice at a time is a book that I will pass on to other family members and my children. Pikus-Pace is a courageous example of a person who exemplifies faith, courage, and perseverance–those are all qualities I strive for and that I want my children to reach for as well.
Here’s more about the book:
In her first book, Olympic silver medalist Noelle Pikus-Pace shares ten vital lessons that have been instrumental to her success—in sports and in life. From overcoming devastating injuries to pursuing her dreams despite feelings of inadequacy and loneliness to maintaining her values in the face of extreme pressure, Noelle tells of heartbreak and triumph in a warm, conversational style as she shares insights to help others focus on the right priorities and find the faith to stay strong. With dozens of full-color photographs, motivating observations, and soul-searching reflections, chapters such as “You Always Have a Choice,” “Dare to Stand Alone,” and “The World Is Watching” offer a unique perspective for readers of all ages as they strive to stay on track the challenges and opportunities of everyday life.
Other books you may enjoy:
Visit Rachelle’s Book Review Page to see all reviews HERE.
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Well, it is finally official, Christmas is here! With this in mind, I want to share a couple of film reviews with you. I absolutely love watching movies at Christmas time. There is nothing quite like getting cozy on the couch with a roaring fire burning while you flick through the cable channels to find a festive movie! Which reminds me, what are some of your favorite cable channels to watch during the holidays? Recently, I have been spending a lot of time tuning in to the Hallmark Channel.
You see, we recently upgraded our cable package so we have a lot more channels than we used to so I have been busy trying out as many new TV shows and films as possible. We actually decided to switch to a better cable package after discovering how many channels we were missing out on. Accordingly, if you would like to learn more about some of the extra channels that you can discover by upgrading your cable package, you can click here.
So, without any further ado, here are my two Christmas themed movie reviews!
This was such a delight to be able to watch some new Christmas movies this holiday season. I loved hearing my kids laugh so hard during the Christmas Break-In. Great actors–who can resist Danny Glover? Fun storyline and a keeper for years to come!
The Christmas Apron is based on a little book that has a wonderful story. This is a short video at just 26 minutes and made a perfect Sunday evening celebration of the Christmas spirit. I cried at the sweet love that the sisters have for each other in this movie. It was quite touching and it’s a video that I’d like to watch again soon with my family as a reminder of our Savior’s love for us.
Merry Christmas!!
Here’s more about the movie:
Today was supposed to be one of the best days ever for nine-year-old Izzy Rush. But now, on the last day of class before Christmas break, she has been left alone at school. To make matters worse, the biggest blizzard this town has ever seen is hitting full force. Which is why three bumbling crooks on the lam decide to take shelter in the seemingly empty school. When Izzy discovers that the criminals are holding her friend and school custodian, Ray, hostage, she decides it’s up to her to save the day. But what can a nine-year-old girl do? You’d be surprised!
Starring Danny Glove, Denise Richards, and Cameron Seely.
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Here’s more about the movie:
It’s nearly Christmas, and the seven children in Millie’s family can’t wait for Grandma to arrive with her special Christmas apron, newly pressed and filled with generations of holiday memories. According to tradition, each grandchild will carefully write down the gift he or she wants most in the world, and then slip that wish into the apron’s frilled pocket. Then, on Christmas morning, will those wished-for gifts will be waiting under the tree–like magic?
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*Affiliate links used in post. All reviews shared are Rachelle’s honest opinion.*
I love this song! Amy Grant’s Home for Christmas CD is one of my favorite holiday collections.
My friend featured this on her blog and I wanted to share it with you. I’m going to play it for my family tonight during our Christmas Eve celebration.
I’m so grateful to my Savior, Jesus Christ, for His example, light, and love. I’m thankful to celebrate His birth at this beautiful time of year and remember His humble beginnings and the life He led. I know He loves me and each of you.
I hope you have a magical Christmas!
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I walked a long road paved with rejections, self-doubt, and hard work before my first novel was published in 2010. I was excited and in wonder when that novel won a special award. Did they just call my name?
Yes!
I was able to attend the League of Utah Writers Awards banquet and I won this beautiful award for my book WRONG NUMBER.
It is the Olive Woolley Burt Award for Outstanding Book of the Year. WRONG NUMBER was also awarded a first prize Golden Quill award in adult fiction.
Successes like that help me feel like writing today and I’m going to sweep away the worry and self-doubt and type as fast as I can on my new novel. And when the next rejection comes in or I’m not sure how my character will overcome her latest problem, I’m going to stare at that award and then keep writing!
I want you to do the same–get rid of those negative worries that are keeping you from reaching for your dream and go for it!
Visit Rachelle’s For Writers Page to find more resources HERE
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