Monday, May 25, 2009

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.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

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!"

Friday, April 17, 2009

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.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

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

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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)

Saturday, February 14, 2009

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.

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Friday, February 13, 2009

My special Birthday lunch with Carol

My friend and co-author of The Intentional Woman, Carol Travilla, took me out to lunch for my birthday! We went to the beautiful Wild Horse Pass Resort.

Girls visit Papa

Lynnette and the girls came over to visit Richard when he came home from the hospital yesterday.
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Monday, February 9, 2009

My Dad's visit - February 4-9

We had a great visit with my Dad last week! We had fun hanging out, seeing the beautiful sights of Arizona, and visiting with the whole family.
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Tuesday, February 3, 2009

A fun night with the boys!

Tonight Richard and I took Max out for a special birthday dinner at California Pizza Kitchen. He had a free coupon for a meal, and called us on the phone to ask if we wanted to join him! Before we went to dinner, Richard and I went to the house and hung out with the boys. We then had a great dinner with Max, and bought him a game for his Wii.

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Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Exciting News for The Intentional Woman

We’re happy to announce that Women’s Ministries—Unlimited! (which includes 12,000 Assemblies of God churches) has chosen the workbook, The Intentional Woman as their recommended Bible Study for 2009. They’ve adopted “The Intentional Woman” as their 2009 theme. Read the following article of their interview with Carol Travilla and me. It is on page 20 of their AG magalog. Check it out on their website: http://www.womensministries.ag.org.

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Monday, January 19, 2009

Del Coronado

Big thanks to our Scottsdale friends for sharing their condo with us this last weekend. We stayed in their villa at the Beach Village of the historic Del Coronado in San Diego. And God gave us wonderful weather. Twenty years ago this month, I walked the beach here while struggling in the depths of burnout. I wondered what to do next—and whether to go back to face my life in Minnesota. I did and God has brought healing and relief. I’m grateful. Now this last weekend, Richard and I walked the beach together and rejoiced.
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Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Upcoming Opportunities for Arizona Friends




CLICK HERE to learn about the upcoming Writers Conference - January 30-31, 2009
CLICK HERE to learn about the upcoming Exhale Seminar - February 20-21, 2009
CLICK HERE to learn about the upcoming Intentional Woman Seminar - March 28, 2009

Monday, January 12, 2009

What comfort!

As a 4th grader, I memorized James 1:17 in the King James Version. These words impressed me then as they do today (and that’s a long time ago!): “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

In my 10 year-old heart and mind, I appreciated knowing that God doesn’t change the rules on me and that he gladly gives out good gifts to his children. I felt safe being one of his “kids.” I thought of this verse this morning and again felt protected and comforted—just as I did as a little girl.

Our New Year's Eve Anniversary!

This is Richard and me on our New Year's Eve Wedding Anniversary on December 31, 2008.

Happy Birthday, Kirsten!

Our granddaughter, Kirsten and our anniversary are on the same day! We had fun celebrating with her on December 31, 2008. She turned 6 years old. We gave her her very own bible.
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GUITAR HERO

Richard and I gave Max, Luke and Sam "Guitar Hero" for Christmas this year. They are really having fun with it, and couldn't wait to show us how good they are!
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Sunday, January 11, 2009

Golf Cart Parade

We had a great time at the annual Solera Golf Cart Parade. Before the parade we enjoyed desserts, Santa and a Magician! Annika and Max were asked to be the Magician's "assistants". It was a fun night for everyone!
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Grandson Luke and "Puddles"

Rich and Anne went on a trip to Jamaica for 7 days! Anne's parents and Richard and I helped out with our 3 Grandsons! Five year old, Luke got picked that week from his Kindergarten teacher to bring "Puddles" the class mascot home! He had to keep a journal and document his time with "Puddles". Here's some of our adventures....
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Thursday, January 8, 2009

Christmas Shopping with my Grandaughters!

I did my annual Christmas shopping with my precious Grandaughters. This is a tradition I started with my oldest, Annika, when she was 3. They each had their money, their ideas, and then we were off! They were so good and patient. Each sister bought a gift for their sisters, and their parents, AND none could see what the other had bought! So, I had to make sure no one bought the same gift, they spent the right amount.......you get the idea!
It was FUN and EXHAUSTING!

And we're off!


We did it! Boy are we exhausted!!!!

Beth Rawling's Visit - September, 2008

My friend, Beth Rawling, from the east coast came to visit.
This is Beth at the Solera pool
We had beautiful weather!

We enjoyed lunch at a lovely Teahouse in Carefree, AZ


Branson Retreat and Sweet Sisters - April 19, 2008

I had the wonderful opportunity to meet my sisters (Patty and Karen) in Branson, MO on April 19, 2008. We had so much fun. The three of us went to a Women's Retreat together. We then stayed, saw a show, and walked by the beautiful river.
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Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Daughter-in-Law Anne and I are Working on Blogs

This is Anne! We're in my office talking and learning about Facebook, Blogs, Twitter, Website design, marketing, etc. ETC. We'll I'm learning. She's the Blog Guru. Check out www.richannewebb.blogspot.com