Tadpoles<\/em> is close to my heart because after not only did these young adults expose their vulnerable hearts, but they also suggested we donate Tadpoles\u2019 book profits to St. Jude Children\u2019s Hospital. These young rock stars have inspired countless readers and say how much they appreciate their health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I posted excerpts from Life\u2019s Too Short for Dull Razors, Cheap Pens and Worn-Out Underwear; FROG Blog: Learning on a Lily Pad; Unthawed; and Knee Deep<\/em> under the FROG Blog tab at www.gueststarcoaching.com<\/a> and Facebook (search Christina M. Eder)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Any of my six books can be purchased in various formats on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kindle and other online stores. TADPOLES: Tiny Tales from Freshwater Adventures by Christina Eder, Paperback | Barnes & Noble\u00ae (barnesandnoble.com)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n JOYFULLY OVERWEIGHT<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a previous role, I worked at a nutritional center. During a weekly appointment, a client leaned toward me, almost conspiratorially, and whispered, \u201cI know why my blood pressure and weight is higher this week. I\u2019ll tell you when we get back to your office.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The lady talked about how her family unexpectedly asked if they could stay with her between their travels. She said, \u201cI\u2019m not your stereotypical mom or grandma. I love my family, but I dislike hosting overnight guests.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thinking this lady was using her backstory to divert discussion about her weight gain, I guided the conversation by saying, \u201cBetty (name changed), I can imagine with your culinary skill, your guests appreciated your home cooking!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She offered a knowing smile and exclaimed, \u201cOf course, but after they left, I understood something bigger. Initially when my daughter called to ask if they could extend their visit, <\/a>I felt the weight of my selfishness. I’ve gotten used to living alone and realized I’d need to reach for the heavy weights of patience and compassion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n She continued, \u201cYou\u2019ve encouraged me to exercise with my diet so that lean muscle tone will develop. You also taught that muscle weighs more than fat. She winked, \u201cAfter three days of housing two adults and young children, my stamina muscle must weigh a ton, don\u2019t you think?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Joking aside, the client said she exercised grace toward her guests. She believes the scale indicated that her heart gained at least 2 \u00bd pounds of love and patience for her family. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The lady\u2019s hospitality taught me that though her creature comforts were temporarily compromised, she found value in relaxing her routine. She replaced her stringent repetition with a welcoming floor mat exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lifting weights of encouragement,<\/p>\n\n\n\n Christina<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOffer hospitality to one another without grumbling\u201d<\/em> (1 Peter 4:9).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Readers! Think back to when you were a teenager. What had you learned about people and life at that time of your life? How has that impacted who you are and what you do today?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/gueststarcoaching.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/image-2.png\")
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