OCD Affects Many

Click below to read a guest post on Long Live Chick Lit:


http://longlivechicklit.wordpress.com/2010/03/05/a-meeting-of-the-minds-with-ruth-j-hartman/

Retro 1967

Below is my Christmas memory story. Enjoy!


http://asthepagesturn.wordpress.com/2009/12/24/holiday-memories-cats-and-underwear-by-ruth-hartman/

Love, Honor and Lend a Hand

Throughout today, I've witnessed several wonderful gestures of love people have shown to others. While visiting a family member in a rehab facility, a little girl came into the room and handed him a package. Inside were pieces of candy, some cookies, and some homemade ornaments. We all wondered what organization she was with. When he read the card, it was only signed by the little girl's name. She had done it all on her own!

My husband, upon entering the rehab building, was approached by a couple who asked if he could help them move two recliners into their parents' room. He told me he was so glad he happened to be walking in at that moment. It made him feel good to be able to do that for them. In a rehab center, there normally wouldn't be that many people around who would be healthy/strong enough to lend a hand.

Some online friends have paid for meals for servicemen and have given generous tips to waiters and waitresses. And one friend even did a video explaining why he decorates extensively for Christmas every year and why he would like a special tattoo on his arm. It's all to honor his father with whom he had a very special relationship.

It made me realize just how much our gestures can mean to someone else. Whether we physically help another out, or honor them with a gesture. God has given us all gifts and abilities to use and share as we choose. What can you do to honor someone today?

Thank You, God, for Special Gifts

On this very special day to be thankful for our families, friends, online friends, country and freedom of religion and life, I'm also thankful for the gift of writing. Because that's what it is: a gift. If God didn't give me the quirky ideas, active imagination and spare time to put them down on paper (or laptop), my writing would never get farther than fleeting thoughts and wishful thinking.

What's a gift God has given you that you can be thankful for?

Use Your Gifts Wisely

I just finished reading a novel where the main character learns to use his God-given gift. In his case it was photography. I loved the book. It was interesting and a good read. But besides that, it got me to thinking. Am I using the gifts God has given me wisely? Or do I squander them and even take them for granted sometimes. I already know the answer to that question and I don't like it. Yes, I do take them for granted sometimes. Reading this book gave me a good swift kick right where I needed it. We are all given some kind of gift. It's unique to every person. First, you have to discover it. It's already there, at least the potential for it is inside you, waiting to emerge and blossom. Once you've identified what it is, allow it to grow. Use it for God. He'll show you exactly how to use it best and wisely.

I'm ready to use mine. Are you?