Different Blog

Hi! I'm no longer blogging here. So please drop by my newer website/blog at www.joancwebb.com.

And remember, Life doesn't have to be perfect to be wonderful--and neither do our plans, work, relationships, emotions, bodies, churches, quiet moments or faith. Isn't that a relief? :-)

Celebrating Memorial Day 2009

While on my retreat a few weeks ago, I snapped this photo of our flag flying in the breeze--during an afternoon walk. Reminded of it yesterday at church as we sang the military hymns to honor our servicemen and servicewomen on this Memorial Day 2009.

Also, I'm grateful for my father, Robert W. Pressler and my husband, Richard L. Webb for serving our country. I honor their fellow-soldiers who gave their lives to win our freedom.

I love it when husband Richard sings Irving Berlin's God Bless America:

God bless America
Land that I love.
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America,
My home sweet home.

Imperfect Blogs AND Belated CBE Pix

"What keeps you from doing blog entries, Joan?" I wrote out-of-seemingly-nowhere this morning while journaling.

Logical question really, since it's been 5 weeks and 3 days since I've blogged--on either blog: http://www.reliefofimperfection.blogspot.com or http://joancwebb.blogspot.com. Yikes! What is that about??

Well, probably it has to do with several things. But. . . in my journal earlier today, I spontaneously wrote: Hmmm. I'm afraid it will be 'lame'--not good enough. Well, that's a kick, huh? Good enough is okay, JC.

That is a hoot, since I'm the one who writes, speaks, coaches and lives to encourage others--and myself--to embrace the "relief of imperfection", thus reducing procrastination. . . and so on and so on. You know how it is. Well, do you?

Anyway here goes. Even before I get all this social networking, blogging, internet marketing, online communication figured out (which I am working on and one of the other reasons I've not blogged!) I'll go ahead and blog--imperfectly.

First, I'll start with a little follow-up on my last blog (on March 10, 2009!). I had a great time at the Christian Book Expo in Dallas on March 20-22, even though the attendance was lower than expected. It was incredibly well-done. Professional. Great workshops. Absolutely superb nightly worship services. Good interaction with all that were there. Wonderful Christian Book Awards dinner. Here's a few pix that help me remember the good times:
I autographed copies of my book, The Relief of Imperfection: For Women Who Try Too Hard to Make It Just Right, and 99% of the women who stopped by said, "Oh, that's me. Honestly." And then they shared some of their stories with me. I loved it! One woman I met wore a sweater that "perfectly" matched the book cover. We had our photo taken together. As she walked away, I said, "Watch my blog. Your picture will probably show up on it." And then it took me weeks to upload her lovely photo. :-( I wished I remembered her name.

Chris Simms from Regal Books managed the booth and it was great to get to know him a little. Saw pix of his lovely family, heard stories about life on the road introducing and selling "books" and learned from his wise suggestions.

Loved spending time with author Vicki Kuyper. She's a friend and colleague who is full of fun and authenticity--and a really good writer! And she happens to be from Arizona, too. I attended her workshop where she shared about her philosophy that "God is a Slippery Fish." Vicki has written over 40 books. Her latest two are from New Hope Publishers: Breaking the Surface and Wonderlust.

I also attended a workshop by Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn, authors of the incredibly popular books, For Men Only and For Women Only. Fun to listen to their stories and fascinating research about the differences between males and females.

Well, that wasn't so bad for my first "good enough" blog in 5 1/2 weeks! If I were chatting with a life coaching client I'd say, "Congrats! Now keep going. You can do it!"

It's a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life

A great Mother's Day gift. The new devotional book, It's a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life: Daily Readings for Women Who Strive Too Hard to Make It Just Right have been released from Regal Books.

Here's what some have said, "With humor, grace, and insight, Joan C. Webb helps women escape the exhausting tug-of-war they feel when trying too hard to make their relationships, work, home, emotions, body, dreams and spirituality “picture perfect.” Through short three-minute readings and great coaching exercises at the end of each chapter, women will learn to let go of the joy-stealing need to make everything just right."

A great follow-up to The Relief of Imperfection, these user-friendly devotions help re-enforce the truth that it is okay to cease over-trying, over-doing, over-caring, over-scheduling, over-thinking, over-worrying, over-helping and to relax and enjoy your moments.

Check it out at www.amazon.com

Text JOAN to 411247 to be entered into a drawing for a complimentary autographed copy of It's a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life.

Christian Book Expo in Dallas, March 20-22

Today’s “Relief” Blessing and Today’s “Relief” Quote.

BubbleShare: Share photos - Find great Clip Art Images.

Today’s “Relief” Blessing:
I’m asking God for one thing,
only one thing:
To live with him in his house
my whole life long.
I’ll contemplate his beauty;
I’ll study at his feet.
That’s the only quiet, secure place
in a noisy world,
The perfect getaway,
far from the buzz of traffic.
Psalm 27: 4-5 The Message

Today's Relief Quote:

“What do you have in common with Billy Graham, Osama bin Laden, Stevie Wonder, and Sandra Day O-Conner? I can think of only one thing—each of you will someday bow your head and bend your knee with billions of others in the presence of the Lord.”
Anne Spangler, Immanuel: Praying the Names of God through the Christmas Season (based on Romans 14:11)

It's a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life

Exciting News! Today Regal Books emailed me this flyer for my new devotional book, It's a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life. The books hits bookstore shelves April 1. Just in time for you to give it as a gift on Mother's Day. Share the news: Life doesn't have to be perfect to be wonderful! Make my shoulders relax! Scan the flyer and see what you think.

Click the images to make larger