What 2016??

Wow!

I just got into the rhythm of writing 2015. It feels like someone has their foot on the accelerator of my calendar. 2015 was a rip roaring year of conferences but also a year of severe health issues for my husband…which kept my heart on nervous tiptoes and me darting between airports, home, hospital, and rehab center.

Most of you know Les had his left leg amputated just below the knee. Had that been all it would have been enough for our whole family, but then he fell 3 different times splitting open his surgical sight each time. One of those times he had to have a blood transfusion and the last one sent him back to the hospital for surgical repairs. Through all of this Les continues to tell goofy jokes and sing Willy Nelson songs. His resilience is inspiring if not miraculous.

Now on to 2016 where the Clairmont’s are praying for restored health.

Just think we have 366 new days to learn, explore, share, and trust.

One new resolution I’m making has to do with God calling us to be givers. I am aligning my heart prayers with and for a ministry in Nashville to help homeless women, recovering prostitutes, and women trying to resume a life upon release from prison. It was established by Becca Stevens an Episcopal priest. The women are taught business skills making candles and bath products. I have been to their work center and their new cafe and I love what they are doing. So don’t be surprised when you see me offering their candles on my sites or using the hash tag #loveheals or the name Thistle Farms.

Another resolution I am trying out is setting reading goals. I read daily and eclectically and I’d like to be more intentional. So I am aiming at 24 books for the year. I’m not sure if that’s too many or too few for my time and travel commitments but I’ll find out.

Also I would like to improve my photography skills, my painting, and my poetry.

I believe in the arts if for no other reason then for my sanity. Besides travel can be lonely and the arts are great companions.

One trip coming up that I know won’t be lonely is Andrew Greer’s Stories & Songs cruise to Alaska. I hope you will join us. It will be fueled by creativity and adventure. The settings are breathtaking and the wildlife is thrilling. And we will sing and laugh and eat and learn and sightsee. We are not booking the whole ship but just a patch of rooms. We are looking at a more intimate experience where we can get to know each other and have time for our hearts to feel safe…because we believe that’s the atmosphere God does some of His sweetest work. My friends, singer/author Ginny Owens and speaker/author Robin Gunn will join Andrew and myself on the high seas. Come join us as we applaud creation and our Creator God and explore the power of our words.

Thank you for supporting my ministry and for your prayers. I pray you will experience in 2016 the fullness of His plans with a receptive heart and a grateful attitude. God bless!

Patsy