Happy New Year!

Hey, awesome MIP-stalkers! How are you? I’m a little frightened about 2015, honestly.

In 8 days counseling begins at Compassion Counseling Center and I have many concerns about the “unknown.” But, one thing that I hope you gain from stopping by here is that fear is not a big deal. It’s just a signal that we should plan carefully and pray consistently so that our future steps are thoughtfully carried out and guided by God.

Let’s get this series finished up, okay? My 2nd most favorite post of 2014 is not my favorite because I like how I wrote it, but because it marked a milestone for me. It was my first product review. Some bloggers actually make a living doing this, believe it or not. I doubt that I will ever do so many that I can retire on such posts, but it indicates to me that some of the steps I’m taking to get my blog “out there” are finally taking off. And I want my blog to be helpful and an inspiration to whomever God puts in my path (and I consider you “in my path” if you read this blog!). If you missed this post and care to read it, click here.

Like my product review, I also know, all too well, that many of you only read this blog on Mondays! You have always loved the WOW posts (Word of the Week) and thus, it seems only fitting, that my most favorite 2014 post be a WOW post. Click here to see if you know this WOW!

Friday’s Post: YOUR favorites of 2014…

You Might Also Like: The 12 Days of MIP 2014: 4 and 3; The 12 Days of MIP 2014: 6 and 5; and The 12 Days of MIP 2014: 8 and 7

Did you read the title of this post and have this response? “Say what?” I’m not sure I agree with the brand naming for this product, but I like the product itself, so I honestly don’t care what they call it.

After my brother’s death, I gained some of my weight back. I’m not proud of that, but a variety of things occurred to help me pack on the pounds. And for the record, I never returned to the “overweight” category, but I got darn close. So, how did I start combating that? I decided to give myself the goal of running a 1K. For runners that probably sounds lame, but after 4 heart attacks and several visits to the ER for anaphylaxis, I think I have to be extremely cautious about this goal. On the other hand I needed a goal that would force me to change up my treadmill routine. I’m now up to 5 minutes of running. That, again, sounds lame, but if you also know I haven’t run since high school, then maybe it’s understandable that 5 minutes of running is monumental.

The Amber Necklace I Received from Healing Hazel

New bloggers, like myself, endeavor to get their blogs noticed by reputable entities, such as publishers. However, since there are only so many publishers out there and so many bloggers, it’s difficult for a new blogger to gain the attention of a publisher, particularly if their blog has only a few email subscribers, Facebook Likes and Twitter Followers. Thus, many new bloggers hope and pray for some “sign from the Heavens”  that their writing is worthy of attention. That first sign often comes in a request for a product review.

Several weeks ago that “sign from the Heavens” finally came for MIP. I was contacted by Sophie Langlois at Healing Hazel, to review one of Healing Hazel’s amber necklaces. I am honored and humbled to do that for them. I received a very attractive all-amber necklace the next week in the mail. I have been wearing the necklace daily for approximately a week now.