Posts by ChrisMadaySchmidt
Take ‘em or leave ‘em: managing deadlines and schedules
I’m all about deadlines and, consequently, schedules. While many of my deadlines are self-imposed, a few of my writing and/or editing projects are geared around due dates set by the publisher and/or client. Since transitioning to self-employment, I’ve found it a challenge to create a daily set schedule that not only encompasses these projects, but…
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Pressing through: why we need stressors
One morning recently, a sense of joy—and even contentment—filled my spirit. Yet my circumstances hadn’t changed. My husband and I are still navigating #allthefeels accompanying a big move and transitioning to self-employment, working on a 20-year-old fixer-upper cabin and commuting an hour to the closest major services. The only difference I could pinpoint was regaining…
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No trespassing: guarding our time
During Bible study, we’ve spent time discussing the importance of—and how to—guard our prayer time. This prompted me to ask the question: What if I take that concept and apply it to other areas of my life, too? Like building relationships, pursuing new passions, developing and/or honing fresh skills and knowledge, working on my health…
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Forget the past: doing a new thing
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness… ~ Isaiah 43:18-19 Recently, I wrote about unpacking #allthefeels. And I still have a more to unpack. I think, in a…
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Gaining a clearer perspective: the root of my problems
For five days, I scoured boxes and bags for a favorite pair of glasses. I became convinced I lost them during our recent move. Negative thoughts berated my carelessness. I recalled my Bible devotion on the fifth morning, which spoke of areas in our lives we avoid identifying as the root of our troubles. Insecurity…
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The meaning of prayer: breaking it down
During my husband’s and my move from Arizona’s Southwest Valley—to a small town located along the Mogollon Rim that borders the Coconino National Forest—we left our old lives behind to begin a new adventure. At one point, a vehicle passed us with the words “Keep praying!” sprayed on the back window. I smiled to myself,…
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Owning it: accepting that your feelings are valid
We’re more than one month into our adventure and guess what? It’s harder than we anticipated. We ask ourselves often: What did we miss? Did we want it so much that we ignored logic? Maybe. Would we feel differently had we not contracted COVID? Probably. And remember how darkness ushers in doubts and fears? Sickness…
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One foot in front of the other: building connection
In my latest writing workshop, participants chose one goal and noted it on the left-hand side of the page, with desired/expected results on the right—and a bridge connecting one side to the other. This is where we filled in actionable “steps” to achieve said goal. For my goal, I chose “build connection,” with 12 stepping…
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Transplant shock: handling transition
Whether it’s a new town, home, vocation or church or even where you shop for groceries—or all of the above!)—transplant shock is a thing (access my latest email on that topic here). As my husband and I adapt to all the “new” in our lives, I’ve discovered something: routine no longer supports me in the…
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Unpacking the ‘feels:’ shedding the old for the new
A couple months ago, I announced my “retirement” (I use that term loosely!) and spent five weeks preparing for my replacement. During that time, I also entertained out-of-town family, my husband and I sold our home and began searching for “new digs,” I continued submitting writing samples and stories (sold one!) and organized a moving…
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