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BookGiveaway:
Mindy is offering 1 copy of RESCUING THE TEXAN'S HEART
within the US only. The winner will be announced here on Friday, October 24th, between 5-6 PM EST. To be entered in the Giveaway, please leave your contact information within your comment. Thanks!
Bye, Bye Comfort Zone By Mindy Obenhaus
We all have our comfort zones, parameters we
establish in our lives that make us feel safe. And, let’s face it, we love
them. Why? Because they’re so…comfortable. I have a nice, comfy recliner and,
if I had my choice, I would stay there all day, every day. However, I find that
if I sit there for too long, I get stiff and the backs of my thighs start to
ache. So, eventually, I get up and walk around and my legs start to feel
better.
Our little dog, Maddie, loves to play ball. But if
that ball should come to rest too close to the pool, she will not retrieve it
because the pool out of her comfort zone. We refuse to pick it up for her,
though, and because her desire to play ball is so great, eventually she steps
out of her zone and retrieves the ball so the game can go on.
Sometimes we choose to leave our comfort zones.
Like when I chose to go ice climbing as part of my research for my September
2014 release, Rescuing the Texan’s Heart.
Ice climbing is not something I would normally do. But in the name of research…
Our family visits Ouray, Colorado as often as we
can. When we do, we have to do some exploring. After all, Ouray is the Jeeping
capital of the world. Normally, I drive, but only until we reach the
one-vehicle-width mine roads with the sheer drop-off on one side. Then I
typically turn things over to my husband. This year, I kept going. Out of my
comfort zone? Yes! But it was also empowering. I did it. I actually did it.
Unfortunately, there are times when we’re forced
out of our comfort zones. A wild fire at our ranch in 2011 took our family way out of our comfort zone. Health issues are another zone wrecker. Injury and
illness are never planned. And they often set us on a course to someplace we
don’t want to go. Luckily, as Christians, we never have to face things alone.
God is always with us. He walks with us, and, sometimes, carries us. I can’t
think of a better traveling companion.
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Over the years I’ve learned that there is a
wonderful thing that happens when we leave our comfort zone, whether by choice or by force. Stepping into those new realms
stretches and grows us as a person. We come out stronger, if not better for the
experience.
How attached are you to your comfort zone? How do
you proceed when those unexpected things arise that force you out of your zone?
Mindy's Ah-hahs To Tweet:
Author Mindy Obenhaus asks how attached are you to
your comfort zone? (Tweet This)
Readers: Like #LoveInspired romances? Win @MindyObenhaus
#BookGiveaway of RESCUING THE TEXAN’S HEART (Tweet
This)
Writers: @MindyObenhaus asks will you go beyond
comfort zone for research? (Tweet This)
Author's Bio:
Mindy Obenhaus lives in Texas with her husband and
two of her five children. Her debut novel, The
Doctor’s Family Reunion, was a finalist in ACFW’s 2014 Carol Awards and her
second book, Rescuing the Texan’s Heart,
is a September 2014 release. When she’s not writing, Mindy enjoys cooking,
reading and spending time with her grandkids. You can connect with her via her
website, www.mindyobenhaus.com or
Facebook, www.facebook.com/authorMindyObenhaus
Really enjoyed the interview and thanks to you Elaine another author to add to my reading list. I just got The Doctor's Family Reunion on my Kindle and look forward to reading it.
ReplyDeleteAnn Ellison
abilene_nana@yahoo.com
Ann, you are a true jewel of a friend, and most certainly a treasured reader. Blessings.
DeleteHi, Ann. I know I said it on FB, but I hope you enjoy the story.
DeleteMindy is such a joy! I'm always stepping outside my comfort zone...and I have no idea why. :-) Great interview. I would love to win Rescuing the Doctor's Heart. I have to know how she used the research on ice climbing.
ReplyDeleteSometimes, Pat, I wonder the opposite: when will we get a chance to kick back and not step out of our comfort zone--LOL. And for that reason, I'm with Mindy, thanking God that He is with us.
DeleteAh--I see Mindy has you very curious.
Yes, the ice climbing hooked me, too! Great post, Mindy and Elaine. Got to say that I haven't been able to handle driving anywhere near a sheer drop (even close my eyes on the skyway bridge...not driving of course) since our trek through the Colorado mountains--ruined me for life! So I'm doubly impressed Mindy by how much you stepped outside your comfort zones!
DeleteAs always, I'm thankful for your visit today. Will have to see you again… and I hope soon. Uh… maybe not on a sheer drop off. Then again, just maybe, that might be an okay place to be.
DeletePat, you cracked me up when you said you're always stepping outside your comfort zone yet have no idea why. Does that mean you choose to or are forced out of it? I think I'm going to be forced out my comfort zone today. I have to write a scene I wasn't expecting and, well, let's just say I'll need a box a Kleenex nearby. Sigh.
DeleteHey, Sandra. Good to "see" you again. :)
DeleteThe Million Dollar Highway runs between Silverton and Ouray, Colorado. Two lanes, 55 mph speed limit, yet much of the stretch is switchbacks with that wall of rock on one side and a sheer drop-off on the other. I can only handle driving that when I'm on the wall side and do not even attempt 55 mph. I don't care how many cars are stacking up behind me. Funny thing is, though, that you may start out against the wall, but before you reach your destination, you end up on the drop-off side. That, I do not care for. :)
Okay, the driving on the road with the sheer drop-off? Not anywhere near my comfort zone. I'd have walked. LOL Proud of you, and yes, in the name of research, I go outside my comfort zone often. But not that far!!! ;o)
ReplyDeleteA few years ago my very-close-to-passing childhood friend, Diane (who fought breast cancer for 13 years), had invited me to spend a weekend in a cabin on top of a hill she rented in the Binghamton, NY area, on the PA border. Not only was there major rain & flooding (we were actually stuck up there until we were evacuated to a more ground cabin--the roads were closed & we couldn't leave the area), but then a serial killer was on the loose in that area (exciting times!), I had started a new job & was supposed to get back home in 2 days to report to work, and yep… there was only one way up and down, a sheer road and you could see the edge of the drop off. There wasn't ice to contend with, but mud. I trusted God, tried not to think about it as I drove during my "rescue" and sadly, focused on my visit with my very ill friend.
DeleteAnd you haven't written this into a LIS novel yet, why?! :D
DeleteSandra, it's funny but I think I unstuck my plot when I wrote that comment.
DeleteI'm with Sandra, Elaine. Talk about all the elements--stormy weather, flooding, winding narrow roads with only one way out and one way in and a serial killer. No need to come up with conflict. It's all there. And now that you've unstuck your plot, maybe you're on your way. ;)
DeleteYou know, Ane, I surprised myself. We just never know what we're capable of until we do, either by force or by will. And I have no doubt that you're a frequent visitor to the comfort-free zone. ;)
DeleteBTW, Elaine I absolutely LOVE the look of your blog. Really inviting.
ReplyDeleteAne, wow! Thanks so much. I've received a few comments, but yours has truly made me stop wondering… again, thank you.
DeleteFun background!! I love the little houses... I find myself out of my comfort zone alot...just seems that life is always challenging, i guess. would love to read this book - I know at least it will be in my comfort zone! =) truckredford(at)Gmail(dot)Com
ReplyDeleteEliza, welcome to Everyone's Story. Life is certainly interesting! Thanks so much for the sweet words on the blog background. When I first saw it I wondered about all those houses and who might be living in such a village and what kind of stories they would have to share.
DeleteYou're in the drawing.
Hope to see you again.
Yes, life is full of curve balls, isn't' it Eliza? Good luck in the drawing.
DeleteI feel like my comfort zone has definitely expanded as I've gotten older and gone on adventures with my husband. One of my favorite things about turning 30 was feeling more confident in life and less anxious about the little things. Now when I go out of my comfort zone I accept that it's a choice and say a prayer that things will turn out for the best :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway! I've been looking forward to reading this book!
colorvibrant at gmail dot com
Heidi, thanks for visiting today. And special thanks for Google Following Everyone's Story--really appreciate that!
DeleteAlthough I've been 30+ for a while now I remember that time as being a bit more assured that things will turn out for the best. But honestly, during those "plus" years I've learned that anxiety does lessen each time I grasp His hand.
Hope to see you again.
Heidi, you are still so young. Just think of all the adventurous years you have ahead of you. Funny how as we get older we tend to be a little more comfortable outside of our comfort zone. We simply change the name to The Bucket List. :)
DeleteElaine, I have forgotten to thank you for having me as your guest this week. You are a charming hostess and your blog's background is very suited to that. May God bless you richly as He calls you from your comfort zone to journey beyond your wildest dreams.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words, Mindy. I try my best to treat my guests and viewers who visit as if they're all visiting my humble home. I'm looking forward to the next few days to see who else will visit.
DeleteThanks for the good thoughts on my blog's background. I know it's "different" from the standard blog look, yet sometimes different is a good thing.
I step out of my comfort zone more often than I would like, and I'm pretty sure God puts me in those situations on purpose. He knows I would much rather take the quiet way around, but he simply wont have it. I was inspired when I read about you keeping hold of the wheel even on those tight one-lane roads. My husband and I went to Mammoth Lakes this fall and we drove down to a beautiful meadow in the mountain. It was gorgeous, but to get there, we had to drive almost 10 miles down on a barely one lane route. There were a lot of points of looking down and breathing slowly!
ReplyDeleteI will say that although I don't seek out ways to leap outside my comfort zone, I don't turn away either. Though I might draw the line at ice climbing. Then again....
KellysShining(at)gmail(dot)com
Kelly, thanks for visiting. What great encouragement and insight you've shared with is today. I've also wondered that for each situation I face if whether God is not so much as testing me but showing me a valuable lesson of His love and glory.
DeleteHope to see you again.
Kelly, for me, the key to driving those mountain roads is DON'T LOOK DOWN. Bad things happen when I do that. Like heart palpitations and panic attacks. If I just keep my eye on the road in front of me, I'm fine. Hmm... Kind of like Peter walking on water. When he took his eyes off of Jesus, he panicked and began to sink. Ah, yes. Life is so much easier when we keep our eyes on Jesus. ;)
DeleteWell said, Mindy.
DeleteI have been jeeping in Silverton and Ouray and it was certainly out of my comfort zone at times! As you said, as Christians, we are blessed to know that God is with us at all times. We can always find comfort in Him! Thank you for sharing a great post and giveaway.
ReplyDeletetexaggs2000 at gmail dot com
Britney, I appreciate your visit today. Glad you enjoyed Mindy's segment--she certainly has shared some pearls of wisdom.
DeleteIsn't that beautiful country, Britney? I absolutely love it out there. Perhaps that one of the reasons I pushed out of my comfort zone and drove. There's just no other way to see it. :)
DeleteI don't like to go outside my comfort zone either, but it seems like God is always pushing me there. This sounds like a book I would really enjoy reading. Thank you for the chance to win a copy.
ReplyDeletesusanmsj at msn dot com
Susan, funny how what God wants for us often isn't what we had in mind :) Thanks for stopping by. You're in Mindy's drawing.
DeleteYes, Susan, God can get pushy with His girls, can't He? We just have to cling to His promise that He will never leave us. Which I know I sometimes forget to do. Silly me. :)
DeleteGood luck in the drawing.
I know I'm behind but...loved this post! Such encouragement for other writers (me), who are finally stepping out of their comfort zone. Keep up the great work!
DeleteBetter late than never, right Shelley? :)
DeleteThank you for stopping by.
Shelley, it's never too late for your visit here on Everyone's Story--welcome. So glad Mindy's segment gave you encouragement.
DeleteHope to see you again.
What a great week it has been here on Everyone's Story! Mindy, thanks so much with for such personal replies to all those who have taken the time to leave you a comment. You've made the week sparkle with joy & hope. Before launching each new guest I pray that the segment may glorify God and touch the heart of those who visit, as well as the guest's. So, I hope this will bless your growing writing career and fans.
ReplyDeleteThanks too for the Giveaway book! The winner is…
Britney. Congratualtions, Britney. Both Mindy and I will contact you directly via email. Happy reading.
Blessings to all.