What a Relief!
Our guest blogger this week is my pal Joan Webb. Here’s what Joan has to say:
TODAY’S LAUGH: Joan C. Webb here—Mary’s writer-friend from Arizona. She and I try to meet on the phone every two weeks to “jam” (JAM=Joan And Mary) about life and writing, but with our 
schedules we stay flexible.
Which reminds me of the other day when a summer dust and rain storm blew through our neighborhood.
“Look outside,” my husband Richard said. “Now that’s an Arizona monsoon!”
We peered out the front window at our two prized trees. “So glad we trimmed them again last week. Otherwise they might be goners with this blast.” (When trees get top heavy a fierce wind can uproot them.)
“Yeah. Good thing you’ve taken care of them. That one in front is in great . . .” Before I could say the word “shape,” we watched the tree crash across the driveway, missing the house by an inch. That shouldn’t have happened. We did everything we could to guarantee it wouldn’t.
But hey, things don’t always turn out like we want them to.
TODAY’S ENCOURAGEMENT: We liked that tree—and we nurtured and groomed it for years. Yet when we lost it unexpectedly, we decided to “flex” with our landscaping plans. Now we rather enjoy the new uncluttered look in our yard.
For me, it’s another vivid reminder that imperfection and joy can co-exist. When we believe the misconception that people, circumstances, projects, and “trees” have the ability to be perfect, then life, others, and ourselves become a continual disappointment. Major bummer!
The truth is people, circumstances and actions don’t have the ability to be constantly flawless here on earth. Only God is perfect.
And life doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful. Neither do our plans, work, relationships, bodies, churches, quiet moments or faith. Now isn’t that a relief?
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Joan C. Webb is a recovering workaholic and perfectionist who communicates a message of freedom and renewal. An inspirational speaker and Life Coach, Joan has authored ten books including The Intentional Woman, The Relief of Imperfection: For Women Who Try Too Hard to Make It Just Right and It’s a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life. Check out this devotional book at http://tinyurl.com/DevoBook. For more information about Joan, visit www.joancwebb.com. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook. To join Joan’s mobile community, text JOAN to 411247.
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The “IS IT HOT IN AUGUST OR IS IT JUST ME?” MELTDOWN FINAL WEEK:
Joan Webb is offering TWO COPIES EACH of her books,
It’s a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life
AND
The Relief of Imperfection: For Women Who Try Too Hard to Make It Just Right.
To enter the drawing, use the “CONTACT MARY” link at left with “IMPERFECT” in the subject line. One entry per verified email address this week. Winners will be drawn on MONDAY, AUGUST 24th and notified by email. (US mailing addresses only please.)
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P.S. from Mary: I’ll be away for a couple weeks. I’ll be back on September 8th with more laughter and encouragement. Meanwhile, take good care of yourselves, my friends–you bless my life!
end sliver of a bar of soap.
The AUGUST “IS IT HOT IN HERE OR IS IT JUST ME?” MELTDOWN BOOK GIVEAWAY continues:
AUGUST MELTDOWN BOOK GIVEAWAY: Sharon is giving away FIVE copies of Starting from Scratch When You’re Single Again. To enter the drawing, use the CONTACT MARY link with “SCRATCH” in the subject line.
