Dancing in His Light

Frittata

2012-02-01T06:00:00.001-05:00

Frittata.
That's a fun word....let's all say it together. Fra-tta-ta.
Good. ☺

What is the meaning of this fun word, you ask? It is an Italian egg dish. Basically a glorified flat omelet that starts out on the stove and ends up in the oven.

I purchased a book called Deliciously G-Free (gluten free) by Elisabeth Hasselbeck. The author has celiac disease. I do not. But, I believe I might have a slight intolerance for gluten. At one time I eliminated gluten from my diet for almost three months. Man, did I feel great! Then, Thanksgiving and Christmas were upon us. [insert dun-dun-dunnnn] Now, I just want to feel better and as a bonus, try to loose some weight. [which was a huge plus the last time]

I really like the recipes in Deliciously G-Free. The author did all the work for me. However, as far as all the different flours go, I have no idea where to start looking for all those flours! Seriously. I don't live in a large city. I live between some cornfields. I was a little disappointed there wasn't a shopping guide. But, I will do some checking around to find some of these flours. Author Elisabeth Hasselbeck does have a previous book about her journey with celiac disease. Perhaps her earlier book would have given me the info I desired. This is the only thing lacking for me in this cookbook.

Enough babbling from me...let's get on with the recipe!

Frittata

(there is that fun word again!)

Serves 4

10 eggs
1/4 c half-n-half (I didn't have any so I just used 2% milk)
1/2 t salt
1/4 t pepper
2 T olive oil
1/2 onion, diced
1/2 green bell pepper, seeded & diced (didn't have so didn't use)
1 c canned black beans, drained & well rinsed (I didn't use this...personally I think beans are...ewww!)
1 c grated mozzarella or cheddar cheese (I used cheddar)
(I cut up some turkey bacon and used that with the onion. I was going to also use some cooked & cubed potatoes in it but totally forgot...oops!)

Preheat oven to 350
Place eggs, half-and-half, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Whisk well; set aside.

Heat an 8" ovenproof skillet* over medium-high heat. Add 1 T olive oil, onion and green pepper (this is where I added the bacon and probably the cooked potatoes if I would have remembered!). Cook, stirring occasionally until tender...roughly 5 min. Transfer to a small bowl.

In the same skillet over medium-low heat, warm the remaining 1 T olive oil. Add the egg misture and cook for 1 min until the edges begin to bubble. Using a spoon, pull the cooked egg edges toward the center of the pan, allowing the raw egg to run to the edges of the skillet. (You might want to tip the pan a little to get the maximum 'run-age') It doesn't say this in the recipe, but I didn't this probably 5 times before I went to the next step. I wanted to make sure my eggs were going to be done in the middle. Nothing says 'gross' to me more than an undercooked egg. shiver.

Scatter the cooked veggies (and meat if you are like me), beans (ewww) and cheese over the eggs.

Transfer skillet to the oven and back for 10-12 min or until the frittata is firm in the middle and does not jiggle when you shake the pan. Remove from oven and let set for 5 min.

Dig in!

*If you don't have one, just wrap your non-ovenproof handle with foil. At least that is what the PBS cooking shows tell me...

There you have it. A glorified flat omelet! There really isn't anything that special about it expect it is just something different. Oh, and it is deliciously good. So, the next time you are trying to figure out what to make for supper, try this fun-word recipe for Frittata.

Grace

2012-01-30T10:57:00.000-05:00

Grace. God's grace. Grace for others. Really, what is grace?

I've heard people define grace as receiving something [good] we don't deserve. Example of the ultimate grace would be God's grace. We sin, He forgives. We don't deserve it but He graciously gives us grace.

Giving grace to others has been defined as giving others something [again, good] they don't deserve. Example of human grace could be someone in 'power' has made a mistake that effects you. You could either hold a grudge, and grumble and moan, or show grace and forgive.

But, do we extend this grace to ourselves? Are we so hard on ourselves that we cannot give ourselves grace? Does perfectionist come to your mind when I ask those questions? Yeah, me too.

I believe we are all perfectionist in one area or another. Some, it might show up in more than one area. What are we doing to ourselves? There is nothing wrong with trying hard and doing our best. But, when we mask it on the outside while we are a mess on this inside, it will get us nowhere fast!

I've been reading [slowly so I retain it] Grace for the Good Girl ~ letting go of the try-hard life by Emily P Freeman. Let me take a moment to inhale and exhale. It is that good. It is packed full of many things I ~~want~~ need to remember.

I've been reading this book since late fall. Not because it is a slow read. I need to retain this information. It isn't a book to read in a few days. Infact, I am planning on re-reading it soon. This time I'll be packing a highlighter!

Author Emily Freeman keeps it real. She keeps it truthful. I see so much of myself in this book it is a little creepy. How did she get inside my head? Yet it is comforting to know I'm not the only one with masks covering up what I don't want people to really see about me.

I know this post is not doing this book justice. There are just so many things about this freeing book it makes it hard to put into words all I'm feeling. I cried when Emily wrote about seeing a trusting friend and counselor. She confessed (pg 125) she didn't know how not to be this way. The coping, masks, and fear was all she knew. She was waiting for him to unveil a multi-step program on how to live, real and free. Instead, he said the next freeing words, "You're not this way. This may be how you cope, but this is not who you are." Insert tears rolling down my face when I read this. I agree with Emily. Those are freeing words.

{This is not a book I received to review. The author nor the publisher knows I'm posting about this book.}

Follow up...

2012-01-20T11:22:00.000-05:00

This is a follow up to the last post entitled, "Oh the things we learn".

I learned one cannot exchange coconut flour for all purpose flour with the same ratio.

What.a.disaster. A perfectly good waste of ingredients, natural gas (oven) and time. Sigh.

Anyone out there want to help this girl out? I still have some coconut flour left (which is healthy therefore my purchase) and want to know how to convert a few recipes.

I will say I googled chocolate chip cookies coconut flour and found recipes. But some used a few weird ingredients, and, to be honest, the pictures looked gross. So, I just thought self, just take a traditional recipe, use the same amount of coconut flour as the recipe calls for all purpose flour and you'll be good to go. Just add more eggs. (I knew to add more eggs when working with coconut flour but apparently that isn't enough info)

Self, you were wrong. Oh.so.wrong.

If anyone knows anything that could help out this girl, please comment. I'm begging. I'm pleading. I'm on my knees. ☺ And, what is one thing you've learned today?

Oh, the things we learn

2012-01-18T06:00:00.001-05:00

What I've learned from our first born, Writer/Cos Daughter:

1. Conditioner. Use conditioner after shampooing. Every time. Every single time. Why you ask? Great question. The shampoo makes the hair follicles open up. The conditioner closes them. Why is that important you ask? Well, it makes your color last longer...assuming you color your hair. I may or may not color my hair to cover gray so this may or may not be a huge deal for me. Plus, if the hair follicles are open, then all the product used for fabulous hair when styling is going to get sucked into those follicles and make for some pretty icky feeling hair. Just saying. I may or may not know this from experience.

2. Being the oldest isn't always the easiest. Yeah, we parents are still learning. She is a young adult now but being a young adult still is a time of needing guidance. She is a great young woman. She probably feels like we will never let her grow up. But, we are. She just doesn't quite realize how hard letting go is for parents. We're letting go. She is making decisions. Life is how it is supposed to be.

Things I've learned from our second born, Dancer Daughter:

1. A dancer falls. Up the stairs. Over a not so obvious 'thread' in the carpet. Or over a crumb on the kitchen floor. Anything. And nothing. She just falls. Never hurt physically, just maybe a little embarrassed. But, that is okay. We've all learned to laugh...even her. She is humorous and tripping over nothing just adds to her humor. When she falls, she gets back up. Laughing. My prayer for all my children is when they fall, they'll laugh and get back up.

2. Faith, prayer, listening, and obedience. I watch her with amazement as she trusts God with everything. Faith being lived out.

Things I've learned from our youngest, Firefighter Son:

1. Passion is a great thing. Find your passion and dream big. Yes, he knows reality. But, his dreams are attainable. Within reach. I watch in amazement as he walks toward his dreams. I smile as I see his passion. Passion for dreams is something one should hang onto...no matter what curves "life" may throw.

2. Don't take life seriously. Laugh.
He is a young man of few words so I thought I'd match his personality above by not using so many words! ☺

PSA

2012-01-14T08:06:00.001-05:00

Here is your Public Service Announcement for the day.

I wish I could get the video to post on this site without being gigantic. Sigh. Trust me, it was enormously big! So, follow the link at the end of this post to The Doctors TV show. Henry Winkler, known as Fonzie to those of us from the 80's, talks about Dyslexia. He found out he was dyslexic when he was 31 years old.

This video clip is very informative especially if you have a child or know of someone who has Dyslexia. It gave me a visual aid as to what our daughter goes through.

Now, go. Click on the link and learn something new today! ☺

(The link is trustworthy so don't be afraid to click on it. You won't get a virus. Or if it would make you feel better, look up "the doctors tv" in google. When you get to the site, type Henry Winkler in the sites search box. You'll find the video that way.)

http://www.thedoctorstv.com/main/home_page?init_type=Feature&init_id=5734

Note to Self

2012-01-03T20:00:00.000-05:00

Dear Self,

Sometimes you amuse me. Really, you do.

I feel I need to remind you, dear old Self, that you should really look at things a little closer. Wearing your glasses would definitely help the situation. However, I feel as though that would have changed the outcome very little.

Self, look and actually read labels. Labels matter. Labels are more than merely decoration. Labels inform. Labels save lives. Labels save one from wasting a quart bottle of body lotion.

So, next time you reach for that bottle of bubble bath, make sure you read the label. If it says, 'body lotion', quickly drop the bottle and step away! Body lotion is not bubble bath.

But, I fear you already know that, don't you Self?! No matter how vigorously you splash the bath water, body lotion will not sud like bubble bath. And, don't you feel a little foolish adding more body lotion because it wasn't bubbling the way you wanted after already adding the lotion to the bath water?!

Self, I'd be quite embarrassed if I were you.

Your loving and slightly pink-cheek alter ego.

New Year...bring it.

2012-01-01T21:05:00.000-05:00

Today is the first day of 2012. (I know, big news flash!)

New Years' is associated with new beginnings. Therefore, resolutions. Or, what seems to be more politically correct this year....goals. (insert dun-dun-duuuunnnnn.)

Correct me if I'm wrong. But, aren't "goal" and "resolution" a little bit the same?

According to good ole' Webster, resolution means the process of resolving, decision, determination, solution. Compared to goal which means desired result, plans, achievement, etc. I'm thinking it is basically the same thing.

So people, don't confuse me more than I already am. Apparently, as I was told a few times today, resolutions will be broken but goals won't. Well, I'm not sure what side of the turnip truck those people fell from but I have a news flash. Goals can be broken just as easily as resolutions. Just ask me.

Maybe it is a deep, rooted character flaw. Maybe it is just who I am. But, does writing down a "goal or resolution" make you commit to it any more than just saying, "I'm going to do XY&Z by this date". Hello. I can throw that paper away pretty durn quick if I want.

What am I trying to say? I haven't a clue. I was just sort of hoping I wasn't the only one out there confused by this entire resolution/goal setting scheme.

If I'm not committed to something in my heart. I'm not committed to it just because I wrote it on paper. Doesn't a person really have to want the goal in order to achieve the said goal?

Now, before the hate letters start coming in, I am not anti-goal. I'm just not all the impressed with the pressure of having to set a goal when I'm not getting the 'set a goal' nudge from the good Lord. When He nudges, I will follow. I want to get closer to God. But that has been an ongoing nudge, Not just a "hey, that is my goal for the new year" thing.

I know we can get sucked into the 'new year, new beginning, new goal' thing. And if that is your thing and it gets you motivated, then more power to you. You are to be commended. Really. Go for it! May the 'goal' be with you! If you don't have a particular goal burning in your heart or mind, relax. You aren't the only one out there. I'm here with you! We shall be goal-less together, my friend.

May 2012 be a year we follow our hearts and God nudges!

Having a blog is like....

2011-12-29T06:00:00.002-05:00

When I started this blog I reasoned it would give me a creative outlet. I felt like I just needed to write. Oh sure, I've tried my hand at writing a book. Many times. Have I ever finished? Nope. I thought perhaps this bloggy-sphere outlet was a more obtainable goal. Posts are short. Therefore, I could finish something.

I've finished lots of somethings.

However, since joining Pinterest [which is highly addictive and there needs to be a support group for us addicts!] and clicking on many pins which takes me to many blogs, I've realized I don't really have a goal or theme for this blog. And, I've heard from the "experts" one needs a goal/theme for a blog. By the way, ever wonder who "experts" are and who declared that title upon them?

Insecurity. I want people to like me. I want to be popular. I want, I want. [yeah, I agree...I need some professional help, huh?!]

So, to finish the title of this post....having a blog is like going back to high school. Shudder.

Recently I've toyed with multiple ideas on how to focus this blog. But then I realized, this blog is alot like me. We both have undiagnoised, unmedicated ADD. I'm okay with that. I'm not back in high school. I don't need to try to prove myself to anyone. I don't have to be like everyone else. Crafty. Chefs. Ministers.

I just need to be me. Although back in the day when little feet slapped the kitchen floor and nap times still ruled, I was quite the chef, and in the height of all craftiness if I do say so myself. And I did. Because this is my blog. So there! Wait, I think I may have digressed by to Jr High.....whoa.

When I imagine anyone reading my blog posts, I picture readers in their comfy clothes sipping tea or drinking coffee. Perhaps even munching on a snack, or pie, or chocolate, or... Maybe giving a reader a laugh when he/she needs it most, giving the reader something to think about. Or, a reader's mouth watering when a recipe is posted. I imagine the reader relaxed and taken away to another place when reading a short story post.

I just don't want to limit myself to a theme or goal. I just want to dance through this world with Light.

I'd love to give you a peek at what the next post will be...but a) I would ruin your bloggy reading surprise and b) I haven't a clue what is coming next!

See ya next time!

Of Hummingbirds and Christmas Eve

2011-12-25T09:36:00.001-05:00

My side of the family usually holds its Christmas gathering on Christmas Eve. We eat, laugh, are a little bit loud, laugh, do dishes and open presents. There was new entertainment this year as my bro is now a grandpa. The little one had his first cold but was in good spirits so it made for lots of smiles.

During the gift giving, I opened a present from my bro and his wife. It was a painted plate. On the plate hummingbirds. There was also a handwritten note from my bro. The plate was 'made' the year our mom died and she loved to watch hummingbirds out the kitchen window. He gave me a gift to remind me of mom.

Honestly, I got a little choked up. Then after coming home and lying in bed, alot choked up. It has been twelve years since we've said our good-bye. I still miss her. But I have hope. And, it was great to remember her.

As you are celebrating our Lord's birth today, remember those feeling a little down or lonely. Most do not want you to feel sorry for them. Just say an extra prayer because sometimes holidays can be a little tough.

Have a wonderful Christmas.

Glory to God in the Highest!

2011-12-22T08:13:00.000-05:00

Before the craziness of the Christmas season gets even more out of control, I want to take time to wish you a very blessed Christmas!

And, please remember those around you who may be lonely. Someone may not have family close by, or someone may have lost a close relative or friend through death, or someone is single and just wants a someone special in their life. Remember them.

Gift of Giving

2011-12-19T11:00:00.000-05:00

For the last few years at Christmas, on my husband's side of the family, we've decided to forgo presents. Instead, we pick a charity to bless.

Last year, we gave canned items and toiletries to a local food bank. This year, we are giving items to Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) to distribute to others. We chose Newborn Kits. What is a Newborn Kit, you ask? Per their website:

"MCC distributes infant care kits to hospitals, clinics and refugee camps. Infant care kits are sent to assist mothers in giving their children a good start in Bosnia, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, North Korea, Serbia, Russia and Ukraine.

Contents (NEW items only, size 3-9 months)

2 gowns/sleepers (flannel or similar warm, soft material)
2 undershirts/onesies (short or long sleeves)
4 cloth diapers (flat-fold preferred)
1 receiving blanket (light weight fleece or flannel; minimum 92cm / 36 in)
4 safety pins (5cm / 2in)
1 large bar mild soap (leave in wrapper)
1 pair of socks
1 cap
Remove packaging material (except soap) and fold into the receiving blanket. Fasten together with the safety pins.
Contact your local MCC warehouse/activity center for a new design for hand-sewn gowns.
Note: Items can either be purchased or hand sewn. Packages of precut materials are available from some MCC offices."

Our family chose to bless a girl and a boy this year. It was an honor to pray over our kits as we folded everything inside the receiving blanket.

Kits being made for MCC

If you'd like more information on the other kits MCC sponsors, visit http://www.mcc.org/kits. Have a blessed Christmas!

Good for the Soul

2011-12-15T09:01:00.000-05:00

"Laughter is good for the soul." How true. Picture this, you are having a rotten day. Terrible, no good, rotten day. Someone makes you laugh. Not just a giggle, a hard laugh. Don't you feel better already?

It got me thinking, how many other things are "good for the soul?"

Music. And, for me, whenever there is music, there is some movement going on. I may only be moving in my chair, tapping my fingers, or swaying but it is movement. A wise woman once told me to put on 'Christian' music loudly when having a bad day. Just try to stay in a 'bad' mood. She is right.

Since Christmas is approaching with the speed of light, here are a few of my favorites. Just a few, mind you.

I'm really quite over all the flash-mob videos but this one gave me chills so I had to share.

More 'good for the soul' things for me include friends, family, GOD, and encouragment.

What are your 'good for the soul' things?

Guilt-driven Christmas

2011-12-13T09:27:00.001-05:00

♫Christmas Time is Here....♪ ...finally. Our house is only now getting a little Christmas on. And, when I say little, I mean little.

Flashback to Thanksgiving. One of our girls randomly blurted, "Who does not want to put up a tree this year?!" Hands flew in the air. Admittedly, mine was one of them. Shouts of joy could be heard throughout the county...screech!...well, at least in my head there was a party going on! All I could think about was no climbing the stairs to the creepy attic where the decorations and tree is stored. No mess to make, no mess to clean up. Nothing to take down after Christmas. Yes, I admit, a major happy dance.

Now, before you judge me, Christmas is so much more than trees and decorations. It's about Christ. Remembering His birth, and what that means. He didn't have a Christmas tree. No wreath on the door. We, as a people, tend to get caught up in all the hub-bub of Christmas. Busyness instead of reflection take over.

Okay, now that we have that settled....

Guilt. That ugly mom guilt. We have a 14 year old boy. Yes, he is old enough to go without decorations and a tree. But, in years to come, I don't want him doing something so wrong he ends up on the national news. And, as the reporters dig to find out his "back story", it turns out he did what he did because when he was 14 years old his family did not care enough to put up a Christmas tree and decorate the house!!!!! I can see the therapy bills already accumulating! Welcome to how my mind works, people.

In all seriousness, my family had a grand laugh over that scenario. The 14 year old boy also promises never to do anything bad enough to get on national news. You heard it hear first, folks!

Without further ado, here are our decorations and pathetic tree.

I made this. Yes, I am crafty at times. I used Publisher and a cool font.
Printed on cardstock, cut out, and strung on string.

Shelf with a very small pre-lit tree and a snowman. Love the look at night.

On the enclosed porch for people to see as they enter.

A very Charlie Brown tree. Very. But it is a tree, people.

Well, that is all folks. Simple. That is the way I like it as I get older.

Time Marches On

2011-12-10T07:06:00.000-05:00

Sunday will mark one year since this tragic accident. It is hard to believe. Hard to digest. Hard to know what the family is really going through.

I've lost loved ones in the past. But, I can't even begin to know what it is like for others who grieve. You see, grief is unique to everyone. Sure, we go through the same stages of grief. We all may experience the same feelings of sadness when certain dates roll around. But, no one knows the person who died like you do. No one can know the person like you do. We all know a person in our own way. Love that person in our own way. We cannot compare our grief with others. We all grieve in our own ways. And, believe it or not, that is okay!

To some, it may look like a person is "moving on" (bad choice of wording but one people use...new normal may be a better term) too quickly or not fast enough. We can't think that way. We all grieve differently. Some may be hiding behind a mask in public but when alone...it is a whole different story. Some may want and need to "move on" or "find a new normal for them" because of small children they need to parent or any other reason. It doesn't mean they didn't/don't love that person they grieve. No.

Don't judge with a critical eye or tongue. Be kind and gentle with those who are in the grief process. Talk about the loved one lost to those grieving. Or, saying nothing with the mouth but so much through a hug.

Grief is hard. So very hard. Finding a new normal with a loved one is hard. So very hard. Life may get a little easier as time marches on. But, you'll never get "over it". You'll just know how to survive your new normal and still miss that special person(s) forever. Memories and love help get us through.

That Moment I Thought Daughter Was Lost

2011-12-07T10:00:00.000-05:00

Last weekend we were watching a movie at home as a family. I needed to take a break as I often do (girls, you know what I'm saying). Upon returning, I see this scene:

Couch ends with foot rests are flipped up. Hubs and boy on floor peering under said couch. Flashlights in hand as the light flashes back and forth under the couch. Daughter 1 who was sitting on one of the couch ends is now nowhere to be seen. Daughter 2 calming sitting on another chair watching.

Enter me.

Me: What are you doing?
Hub: Looking for something.
Me (in my head): Duh!
Me (out loud): Did Daughter 1 fall in? Daughter 1! Daauuuughtttttterrrr 1!!!!!

Everyone explodes in laughter

Daughter 1, popping out from behind hubs: I'm here!
Me: Keep talking, we'll find you.
Daughter 1, standing up: I'm right here!
Me: What's lost?
Daughter 1: My ring
Me: How did you lose your ring?
Daughter 1: Welllll. (me thinking oh boy, this is going to be good) I took my ring off and then put it on a chunk of hair. I knotted the hair but it still fell out and then fell down the couch. (my no-longer-a-teen-daughter exceeded my expectation with that piece of information!)
Me: And putting your ring in your hair and knotting it seemed like a good idea?
Daughter 1 ignores me.

I, foolishly, decided to participate in this treasure hunt. I go behind the couch since things seem to go behind the couch when they fall into the couch. I found everything back there BUT the ring. At the risk of embarrassing myself, I found batteries, a pen, a flash light.... I don't even want to know how those got back there. No money. (that is the way my life works, people...no money)

Me: Let's tip the couch back.
Hub: Not sure what good that will do.
Me: Humor me.

Daughter 1 & 2 and I tip back the couch.

Son: Found it! I found a dime!
Me: Did you find the ring?
Son: No.
Me: Couch is heavy.
Son: Found the ring!

Hub gives ring to Daughter 1.

Hub and me at the same time: Don't put a ring in hair again!

We put couch down and resume our positions to finish watching movie.
Normal day. Bonding over a movie and a search and seizure. Normal. Perfectly normal.

Movie Tradition

2011-12-04T16:37:00.000-05:00

I'm not big on tradition. Not that it is wrong to have a few traditions. But, I'm not going to fall apart if there is change.

One tradition our family enjoys around Christmas is watching Christmas movies together. We have accumulated quite a collection of DVDs we only get out of hiding during this time of year.

So far this year we've watched White Christmas (the girls and I only watch this one...the boys go and hide), The Christmas Choir, and The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.

Still to watch are movies like Santa Clause 1, 2 & 3, The Christmas Blessing, The Nativity Story, and others.

New in the DVD que, I'll Be Home For Christmas. We borrowed a video from my husband's brother years ago. When I saw it for the right price in DVD form, I couldn't resist.

I'd like to get Snow, and Snow2 next year. It looks funny and the reviews are charming.

There was a Hallmark movie on non-cable (we have antennae TV) TV around Thanksgiving. I'm thinking we could count that as a Christmas season movie since there was a snow scene. It was called Have a Little Faith. Oh my, it was good. Fortunately, we DVRed it since we were gone the night it was on. Even better...free! Did anyone else see it?

What are your favorite movies you like to watch during this time of year?

A Storybook Advent

2011-11-27T13:53:00.000-05:00

When our children were younger, we found a book we all loved. Jotham's Journey by Arnold Ytreeide was the first book in our journey during the advent season. Jotham is a young child so it made the story kids could relate to the story well.

Each day or night part of the story is read. I remember the kids not wanting us to stop reading when it was the end of the section. Each section stops just when the suspense builds and we just wanted to know what happens to poor ole' Jotham next.

Other children are in Jotham's story which makes the next two books like coming back to an old friend. Bartholomew's Passage was used the next year followed by Tabitha's Travels.

For three years I can honestly say we had the best advent ever! In fact, it spoiled us in trying to find another advent book. We've never been able to find one like this.

In the back of the books you'll find years, and dates when Advent begins. Simply start on that date and you'll be done the morning of Christmas.

I will warn you, it has a few trials in it that I re-worded or skipped since our youngest was pretty young and our middle child was prone to nightmares. The author recommends his books for children over seven. But, you know your own child(ren).

You can use it with or without an advent wreath and candles. I would recommend the candles even if it is only lit when reading the stories. It just gives the kids something extra to remember about the experience.

Have fun and I hope you check out these fabulous books for yourself!

Do you have a favorite advent book or tradition? Please share in the comments...I'd love to hear what others are doing!

7 Days of Thanks || Day 7

2011-11-23T06:00:00.005-05:00

Phew! 7 days of thanks. Some days I really had to think about it...isn't that sad? We have so much to be thankful for...so many. I'm thankful for those who inspire me. I'm thankful for words that inspire me.

The joy of God is experienced as I love, trust and obey God-no matter the circumstances and as I allow him to do in thought and through me whatever he wishes, thanking him that in every pain there is pleasure, in every suffering there is satisfaction, in every aching there is comfort, and in every sense of loss there is the surety of the saviours presence, and in every tear there is the glistening eye of God.

The above quote came from a friend of mine. I'm not sure who wrote the quote but I'm assuming it came from a devotional. ?? My friend's daughter has been suffering with a lot of health problems for years. Pain. Lots and lots of pain. Digestive issues. The list probably goes on. But, if you just looked at her smiling face, you'd never suspect the pain she is in. Surgery number 8 (I believe) is coming up after the first of the year. Her daughter is overseas in missions at the moment. They were hopeful she'd be able to stay in missions for about a year, but her body had other plans. So the plan at the moment is surgery here then going back to finish her mission work. I'm thankful for her faith. I'm thankful I can lift her up in prayer.

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

Isn't that just one of the greatest Bible verses of all time? Be still [chill out dude!] and know [believe like you've never, ever believed before...know in your head and your heart] that I am God [I'm here for you babe! I've suffered, died, love, forgive and just want to hold you! Let go of everything and just let Me guide and walk with you, cry with you and just Be.] The [ ] are my take of that verse.

The verse is also a song w/many verses. When my mom was in the hospital and later died, the verse of the song "I am the Lord that healeth thee." I knew the healing was either going to be here on earth or in Heaven. She is in Heaven, restored. But want a comfort that song was on constant repeat in my head.

I've been a little overwhelmed with something lately. Something I really don't have control over and just wonder how in the world it's going to happen. Today I rediscovered 'Be still and know that I am God'. So, I'm gonna 'chill out dude' and let God orchestrate this God-size hurdle. With Him 'here for me', I'm sure we can clear that hurdle and keep running!

Share in the comments who inspires you and/or what words inspire you.

If you are in the USA, happy Thanksgiving on Thursday!

7 Days of Thanks || Day 6

2011-11-22T07:55:00.001-05:00

Appliances. Yep, I'm thankful for appliance.

I know this sounds petty and materialistic, but hey, I'm thankful for the modern conveniences!

You know that line, "You don't know what you have until it is gone"? Well, up until last Friday, I took my clothes dryer for granted. I'm sure my dryer felt like I do some days...work, work, work and not one ounce of appreciation. I'm sorry, dryer. I promise to give you a little pat or maybe even hug your door every now and then after the parts come and hubs fixes you.

Until those parts are delivered to my doorstep, I'm washing here at home and then taking the wet, heavy, wet, and did I say heavy, laundry over to my dad's to use his dryer. Now that I think about it, I may even kiss the dryer!!

And, this isn't the first appliance to decide enough was enough and stop working. Oh, no. We've have our share of "fun" times around here. The stories I could tell.

Whenever I hear people say they'd love to live in the times of the wagon trains heading west, I just want to slap them silly. Yes, I realize I'm sounding materialistic. But, can you imagine all the work we'd need to do? Okay, now I'm sounding lazy. Think about it though. No washer and dryer. Just one long day at the wash board scrubbing and scrubbing. Want to cook up something quick because you've been at the wash board all day? Good luck with that....the stove isn't hot enough yet because you forgot to put in an extra log! And, what about a hair dryer?! Come on girls!

Well, the wash is done and now I need to lug the heavy, wet, heavy load to my dad's. Seriously thankful for my dad!

7 Days of Thanks || Day 5

2011-11-21T06:00:00.001-05:00

Friends. I'm so thankful for friends.

I know it may sound cliche' but I don't care.

Friends encourage, stand by, comfort, cheer, laugh with, and understand.

Friends get it when you call them crying. They get it when you aren't feeling well. They accept you with all of your "stuff" and still love you anyway.

Friends come in all shapes, sizes and ages. Some older, some younger and some....just a kid at heart!

Friends can come and go in a season or be life-long. So life-long that she starts to introduce you as a sister. I love that sister-friend! And, all my other sister-friends!

While you are thinking of it, go call your friends and let them know how thankful you are that they are in your life. I hosted an in-home party for my niece recently. My niece started the party by asking that everyone say something encouraging about me. What?! At first I was a little apprehensive. But as more and more shared, I got a little weepy. It was such a neat experience to hear what people thought was encouraging about me. Me! The one who feels like she is so needy in friendships. I still think about what was said.

And, to all my friends...I love you!

7 Days of Thanks || Day 4

2011-11-20T08:17:00.000-05:00

Music. I am thankful for the gift of music.

Music is personal. Not everyone likes the same style. Some like jazz...but not me. Some like country...but not me, unless it doesn't have that twang. Some like the old crooning....but, again, not me (sorry, sister Jean, I really did try to like him...just.couldn't.do.it.). But, that is okay. I'm fine with it...unless I'm forced to listen to those genres over a long period of time. Then, you may find me in the fetal position in a corner!

Music one enjoys is calming. It soothes the soul after a long, hard day. It takes one places. For me, nothing beats a choir to make me sit back and smile. Or a Christian band singing praises to our King.

Right now, I'm diggin' JJ Heller. Love her voice and her songs. A couple of favorites at the moment are 'Your Hand' and 'Boat Song'.

Gotta love 'Cannons', 'One Thing Remains', and so many more I can't name them all.

What are your favorite songs at the moment? Don't worry, I won't judge! ☺

7 Days of Thanks || Day 3

2011-11-19T06:00:00.006-05:00

Eyes to see. Ears to hear. Taste buds for tasting.

I am particularly fond of the senses. What would life be like with out them?

My grandma lost her sense of smell which in turn somehow affected her sense of taste. Bummer! Last night I made supper...insert applause here... Our two oldest children were not home from work by the time the rest of us had eaten and cleaned up. Our oldest came home first. The first thing she said was, "Boy that smells good!" Our middle child came home about half an hour later. The first thing out of her mouth after she inhaled deeply, "Wow, that smells really good. What is it?"

When I see a sunset, I really feel sad for those who have lost their eye sight. When I hear a baby laughing, which is the most wonderful sound in the world in my humble opinion, I am thankful I can hear the sound that makes me smile.

I've read when one sense disappears, other senses are heightened. It would be difficult to loose one of the precious senses. But, isn't it amazing how another sense is kicked into high gear to make up for the loss?

I am thankful for my senses; smell, taste, sight, hearing and touch. Thank you, God, for that special gift that gives us such joy. You have made the body into a wonderful masterpiece...thanks!

Taste and see that the Lord is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.
Psalm 34:8

7 Days of Thanks || Day 2

2011-11-18T06:00:00.001-05:00

I am thankful for a loving, faithful, merciful, grace-filled God. He is someone who I can run to, turn to, cry out to, talk to, rest under His wing and so much more.

I'm thankful I had the opportunity to grow up in a home with parents, grandparents, and family members who didn't just talk the talk. They showed me the hope of believing in our one and only God. For this living-out-loud-faith, I'm forever grateful.

There may be those reading this who roll their eyes, laugh, or say I had it easy. In a way, I did. However, there were struggles. Being laughed at or made fun of as a kid, loosing what little self-confidence this shy girl had, loosing a beloved uncle, and then a cousin soon after are just some of the life changing struggles I was dealt. I questioned God. Oh boy did I question. But I held onto God throughout.

If you are struggling, cry out to God. He is there....all the time. All.the.time.

What are you thankful for today?

7 Days of Thanks || Day 1

2011-11-17T08:34:00.001-05:00

Learn how to make this sign
http://laura-digiartcafe.blogspot.com/2011/11/give-thanks-art.html

To those who have gone through a tough, unfair, bumpy-road time and still show faith and grace, I thank you.

There are many who have experienced life altering experiences and even death sentences when a doctor says there is nothing more to do. First reactions might be disbelief, anger, and/or grief. But those who have a belief in a loving God, quickly hold onto the hope and knowledge that this earth is their temporal home.

I have witnessed many who have had great trials this year and it gives me hope. Yes, there are tears and even 'why' moments. Those moments make them human, not weakness. I see their faith, and hope as they cling to God during the most awful times.

Recently, I read a book in which the author went through some bad times. How could she be thankful? Most of us have heard or read the Bible verse, "¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray continually, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5 There it is. Verse 18. "Give thanks in all circumstances"

Oh, I've dreaded that verse in the past. Oh sure. Give thanks when someone looses a child or spouse (or both). But, the author's husband told her when she struggled with this verse, "It doesn't say give thanks for all circumstances. It says give thanks in all circumstances."

How could I miss that little word? I need to give thanks in not for. I'm not thankful for that accident almost a year ago. But I can be thankful as I go through grief. Thankful for the faith I see in those closest to the death of loved ones. Thankful a life was spared even though two were lost. Thankful to see the family rally around one another.

Thankful. What are you thankful for today?

Why Can't We All....

2011-11-15T19:52:00.000-05:00

...just get along?!

Have you heard that saying before?

We had a friend many years ago who enjoyed saying, "Why can't we all get along?!" In fact, he said it quite often. So often it became a joke.

Today, I thought of that saying. It came to me after reading an article. The article had to do with homeschooling and parenting. The problem I had with the article, you ask? Well, thanks for asking!

The article, although well thought through and articulated, lumped a group of people together; homeschoolers. Stereotyped is the strong word which comes to mind. There were points I whole heartily agreed. However, it isn't just homeschoolers who have these issues. There are plenty, and I mean plenty, of those who are NOT homeschoolers who have the exact same issues.

I came away from the article disappointed, discouraged and a little enraged. The author of the article was a former homeschooling parent. It was his point of view from where he was sitting and looking at others. It would have been a much better article if he would have left the bias he felt about failing as a homeschool dad out of it! If he would have done that, an excellent article it would have been.

Maybe I'm feeling this way because of what happened with two of my children this afternoon. We needed a few groceries and dog food. Our twenty year old licensed-managing cosmetologist had the day off. She volunteered to drive to town for me. Her freshmen brother volunteered to go with her and help her with the shopping. I was pleased since I hate shopping. And, even more pleased they were doing something together...happily!

Something happened at one of the local stores. A cashier wondered why they were not in school. Our twenty year old told the cashier she graduated a long time ago. The cashier then looked at our son and he replied he is homeschooled. Usually that is enough. In fact, I haven't been asked that question in a very long time. There are many in our area who homeschool. There are many in the nation. Sadly, that wasn't good enough for this cashier.

She continued to belittle by telling them they look like they should be in school. And continued her own private investigation. Now, our twenty year old is petite. She actually cannot stand it when someone thinks she is younger than she is. I keep telling her when she is older, she'll love it. But, for now, it is an insult. They both felt insulted by this rude woman who apparently thought it was her duty to look out for truant children (which mine were NOT!).

What did I do? I called the manager...I very nicely told him our problem. He asked what the cashier looked like and pretty soon he was supplying her hair color. He knew exactly who we were talking about. He apologized. I told him would continue to shop for dog food at this store but didn't appreciate how our children were treated. It was insulting and didn't look well for his store to have an employee treating customers like they were guilty of something.

My point of this long post? Don't judge. Don't lump everyone together (stereotype) when you have no idea what another person's life is like. Don't think you know it all...no one does. Treat others how you'd want to be treated. Have a problem, talk with that person in love...if you need a few days to cool off, do it...love will come out instead of frustration. Love people you don't like (I'm saying this one for me...oh, boy am I). Know God and believe in His love.

And, guess what. I have to work on ALL of those points above. All of them. Let's be kind to one another, okay?

The Christmas Singing Review

2011-11-13T13:22:00.002-05:00

If you are looking for a nice, quick read, I would suggest The Christmas Singing by Cindy Woodsmall. With the Christmas season quickly approaching, it is nice to have a short book (189 pages) that is packed with content to read.

To be honest, I tend to stay away from "Amish" books. I'm Mennonite and I've found a lot of authors do not distinguish the differences between Mennonite, Old Order Mennonite, Amish, etc. Author Cindy Woodsmall's pages were refreshing to me as she distinguished the differences. I cannot tell you how many people intertwine Mennonite and Amish when there are huge differences. (Amish broke off of the Mennonites...not the other way around as some think...but that is a difference story for another day.)

The Christmas Song's story is well done. Although I have never read any of the author's other books, I am assuming at least the main characters, and, probably more, are from other books. The beginning was a little slow for me as the author gave a back story so I'd know the history between Mattie and Gideon. I understand the need for the back story so I patiently waded through the first few chapters. I really became hooked as soon as the story started to take off about five chapters in.

The story picks up three years after a nasty break up between Mattie and Gideon. Mattie and Gideon find themselves in the same town again after a fire destroys Mattie's business. Mattie has to move back to the same town Gideon now lives. They are continually thrown together even though Mattie's hurt is evident to all around. Can they both get past the hurt caused three years ago? Will lies told back then ever be forgiven?

The Christmas Song is a story of twists and turns, lies, betrayal, forgiveness, and love. I recommend this short story during any season of the year.

This book was sent to me by the publisher, Waterbrook/Multnomah, for review. I am not required to give favorable review.

International Meal | Recipe

2011-11-10T10:31:00.000-05:00

Oh, the place we go. Canada, France and the good ole USA. A multitude of miles to cover, but, we did it!

Last night our international meal consisted of Canadian Cheese Soup, warm French bread and apple pie.

If you googled Canadian Cheese Soup, you'd find a different recipe than what I have below. I added a few things....it works for us. I hope I don't start an international war over this!

Canadian Cheese Soup

½ c butter

1 c carrots, diced
½ c celery, diced
1 sm onion, diced
3-4 red potatoes (depending on the size), diced
6 T flour OR 3 T cornstarch
3 c chicken broth
3 c half-n-half or milk (whatever you have)
2# Velveeta cheese, cut into small cubes OR 2# shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 c smoked turkey OR turkey bacon.

Melt butter in large pot or Dutch oven over medium low heat. Add the carrots, onions, celery & potatoes and sauté until tender. Add flour (or cornstarch) and stir until blended into butter. Cook until mixture begins to turn a light color (light roux). Increase heat to med-high and add the chicken broth a little at a time. Continue to cook & stir with whisk (a balloon whisk works best to keep all the veggies out of it) until a thick base is formed. Add half-n-half (or milk) being careful not to let it boil. Add meat; stir. Add cheese, stirring until cubes (or shredded cheese) are melted. If too thick, add more half-n-half or milk.

Serve w/warm bread.

Home Sweet Porch....???

2011-11-04T11:06:00.002-04:00

So, we have this porch. An enclosed porch.

We have no garage. Just a small shed with a dirt floor.

Where do you think 'stuff' that would normally end up in storage in a garage ends up? Yup, the porch and/or basement (shudder...I'm not even going to think about that mess right now!)

I'm on Pinterest. You know, that addictive thing called Pinterest. Wowzers. I need to monitor myself on that site for I can get lost for hours.

I'm telling myself I'm mainly using Pinterest to bookmark things so a) my favorite list isn't so long and b) I'd really love to re-do the porch and "I shall save all the good ideas there in one place!".

I'm great at excuses, people! By the way, did you know that chocolate is really a vegetable? Yes.it.is. Where does chocolate come from? Beans. There. I rest my case! But, I digress....

My porch is a disaster. And, guess what. It is where everyone enters my home. There are shoes (b/c we like to free our poor toesy-woesy as soon as we get home), there are sporting things like balls, bats, Frisbees, etc, etc, etc. There are things we don't know quite what to do with....so they sit. On.the.porch. Sigh.

A few years ago we moved an old couch onto the porch. I know. A couch on a porch. I know what you are thinking but it works for us. A place to sit to put on those shoes, a place to curl up or lie down with a book. There is a small adjustable table with a lamp....umm, there used to be a plant but I, well....ummm, killed it with my awesome black thumb. Sigh. My grandpa's rocking chair is out there as well since our babies have all grown up and are too big to rock (tear). And, don't get me started on what it looks like in the winter! (de-icer for the sidewalk, snow shovel(s), snow pants, wet gloves, scarves.....sigh)

But I'd LOVE a gorgie-pooh porch! I think I'm dreaming but I'd love a nice place...free of clutter! But, it has to be done as inexpensively as possible. Well, I made a few steps in that direction.

I started going through all the sports equipment. Fail. Apparently someone in this house *cough, cough, son, cough** isn't quite ready to get rid of the balls that don't hold air anymore. What?! Anyway, I cleaned off an organizing shelf unit we have out there and put two empty vases (one yellow, one black) on it to go with the black star I have on the wall above it. It made me happy to walk in see those. I know, I'm weird. Well, that lasted a week. THEN helmets started piling up on top of the unit....all around my vases. Last I knew, my vases didn't really want the helmets as company! Sigh.

Do you see my poor vases? Look for the yellow one behind the red helmet.
The black vase is in-between the red helmet and baseball mitt.

There! Can you see them?! Sigh.
And, seriously...how many helmets does ONE boy need?!

Today, I finally took my $2 Goodwill purchase and hung it on the wall on the porch. I originally purchased it to convert it into a chalkboard. I even bought the chalkboard paint. Then I figured out it would be easier just to cover the picture in wrapping paper and then use dry erase markers to write on the glass. Yup, I'm also lazy! And, best of all? When I find either wrapping paper or material I really would like on the picture I can just change it out. Yea for easy!

I know the writing isn't the neatest in the world and I'll need to work on that but here it is hanging on the porch!

Pardon the glare. Obviously I need curtains as well.

Isn't it sort of cute?! I figured I'd change it up with sayings and verses.

Small steps. Right?! ☺

Run into Your Arms

2011-10-24T06:54:00.002-04:00

The chorus of the song, Forever Reign, has been been on constant repeat the last few days.

Enjoy.

Chorus:

Oh, I’m running to Your arms,
I’m running to Your arms
The riches of Your love
Will always be enough
Nothing compares to Your embrace
Light of the world forever reign.

Shadows on the Sand ~ Review

2011-10-23T15:14:00.000-04:00

I love books.
I love the smell and the crispness of a new book.
I get giddy when a new book arrives.
Books take you places.

It breaks my heart when I need to review a book that I can't love.
I don't like being a "Negative Nellie".
I like to encourage, not discourage.
However, I need to be honest.
But, my review is my honest opinion. Mine alone.
Read the following review but make your decision as whether to read this book by looking at other reviews....not just mine.

Here we go.....Shadows on the Sand -- A Seaside Mystery by Gayle Roper is a fiction/suspense tale.

Carrie Carter owns a diner is a small town known for a busy tourist season in the summer months. The story begins after the tourist season is over and we meet many locals at Carrie's diner. Too many, in fact, I had a hard time keeping straight who was who.

The story centers around Carrie and Greg Barnes who lost his family in an explosion. An accident which haunts him. From the beginning of the book, you'll know Carrie has a crush on Greg. Greg, is a little slow to catch on although he has his suspicions of this crush.

There is a death/murder of Carrie's employee in the first few chapters but then we seem to get sidetracked by someone trying to run over Greg, which no one knows if it was on purpose or an accident. The incident with Greg begins too many pages talking about people tweeting about who saw what. And, the death/murder of Carrie's employee is not mentioned for so long I almost forgot there was a death/murder. We do come back to this death but I felt the flow was inconsistent.

I felt a little confused as we went into the past and present of both Carrie & Greg's lives. There are happenings in both of their lives that we need to know because it effects the story. I just found myself wondering a few times how we got from "here to there".

To be honest, if I'm going to read suspense, it has to grab me from page one. This, sadly, did not. I read reviews of this book before I even requested it from WaterBrook Multnomah and many gave it high reviews. I feel guilty for not enjoying the book more. But, I can't lie. I found myself mentally drifting to my to-do list instead of focusing on each page.

If you like suspense, by all mean, read other reviews by others at places like waterbrookmultnomah.com or amazon.com. Others have enjoyed this Gayle Roper book and you may be one of them.

“I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. Reviews are my own honest opinion.”

Time

2011-10-16T17:45:00.001-04:00

Time. Where in the world does it go? I'd say "time flies" but I know you'd just roll your eyes. I know because I just rolled my own eyes!

My family went on a trip last week. Writer/Cos Daughter had to go to a city 3 hrs away to take her boards, which she passed!!! PTL!!! Phew, that is a huge weight lifted off her and our shoulders. She even has a job. Now, to get clients!

We went to a large zoo [in which I totally embarrassed my children...yes!], shopping [which I will admit I hate to do...I know, I know, someone out there needs to pray for me!], eating out and more eating out. It was a fun time of swimming at the hotel and just vegging out at times. We all needed some time away.

While we were gone, I started a book called There You'll Find Me by Jenny B Jones. It's genera is young adult Christian fiction but this non-YA just loved the story. I felt sad, happy, excited, joy....you name it. It's story line is a little different than how she normally writes. However, I never regreted buying this book. Go get your own copy, demand your local, friend librarian stock the library shelf with this book, or, download it on your e-reader. Don't just sit there, do one of those options! :)

Those of us in this family who have jobs need to return to that place of work tomorrow. Ugh. I'm not ready. Can't we all just plant money trees in our backyards?! I'm not ready for the pile of work waiting for me. I still want to do what I want, when I want, how I want. Oops...sort of sounded like a toddler, huh?

Well, have a great week!

To Walk or Run

2011-10-02T15:35:00.000-04:00

Wise words spoken by a child of this blogger.

Pink Tinted Glasses

2011-09-30T15:07:00.000-04:00

Playful puppies and kittens. Sun shining brightly each and every day. Dancing down the sidewalk with an orchastra playing in the background because things just always work out for you. Birds weaving a silk.....shreeechh!

Ah, life through rose colored glasses!

Reality. Sure, we could have all those things above but it doesn't take away the painful truth of life. Life stinks sometimes. I was reminded of that today.

Miscarriages suffered by people we know. One already had a surgery to rid her body of a baby without a heartbeat. One had surgery this morning and, depending on the outcome, may never be able to have another child.

Depression. The silent disease. The one others think one can 'snap out of'. The one that others think one should just have a little more faith. The one that is not understood. The one that brings to mind of suicide.

Cancer. Oh, the handful of those we know with cancer. Some still fighting, some who have lost their fight and other who won the fight. Or those with chronic diseases that we don't see them struggling with because their bodies are fighting them on the inside.

But in the midst of all of this, a new grandchild has been born into a family we know. And, life goes on as usual around us as people fight cancer, a chronic illness or depression.

I know we can't go around with rose colored glasses every minute of the day. Think about it. We live in a fallen world. God didn't say we'd have a life of bliss after we follow Him. But He did give us hope in our trials. I'm certain God is with all those people we know going through a hard time. He is crying with them and hold them tighter than I ever could.

I hurt when people hurt. My heart is heavy now and I've prayed a lot today. But, I also need to put on my pink tinted glasses and see the world as it was meant to be seen. Yes, a caring heart for those who hurt but also see the joy God has given us.

The joy of laughter coming from your children. The joy of the sunshine after many days of rain. The joy of those who have won their long battle with cancer or any other illness. The joy of just getting up in the morning and having another day to 'start over'. [list could go on and on]

Hurts, yes. But, oh, the joy is there. Sometimes we just need to slip on our pink tinted glasses and remember to look.

A Sound Among the Trees Review

2011-09-29T10:17:00.000-04:00

I was able to snag this book before its release through Blogging for Books [Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing]. The author nor the publisher have required a positive review.

When I looked at my choices on Blogging for Books, A Sound Among the Trees by Susan Meissner wasn't my first choice. I read the description and didn't know if I would really like the book. Honestly, I tend to shy away from books that have a war in the plot. But, I had read Meissner's earlier book, The Shape of Mercy, a few years ago and enjoyed it. So, I clicked I wanted to review this book.

A Sound Among the Trees is an enjoyable book even though the story line at times (a minority) is a little heavy. But, after all, the story takes place during the Civil War. Meissner did an excellent job of moving the story along while still placing historical facts about war amongst the action.

The basic story line takes place in our modern era with flashbacks to the Civil War era through a great-great Grandmother's letters. The story involves multiple generations and you begin to fall in love with each quirky character. At one point in the book all you are reading are the letters of the great-great Grandmother, Susannah, who was a teen when the war started. It reads like a journal. I personally thought this section dragged a little. However, I understand the author's need to unfold the mystery through the eyes/pen of Susannah. I just wanted to get to the part that would answer my questions about the mystery! [I'm not known for my patience so it isn't the author's fault!! ☺]

There is mystery, heartbreak, sadness, confusion and love. Most of the characters are likable. I found myself feeling sorry for a few. I wasn't thrilled on the ending but understood the reason for such an ending.

Over all, it is a great book and worth your time reading.

“I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”

Confessions of a Wanna-Be-Good Housekeeper

2011-09-16T14:07:00.002-04:00

I try, people, I really do. But today, well, it is true confession time.

You know you are a lacking housekeeper when you......

find a letter inside an enveloped postmarked over three months ago. Yes, it was opened and read at the time but then it entered the world known as dining room table clutter.
can't remember the last time you actually vacuumed the house. Oh, I've used the spot cleaning little vac but I mean actually a real sweeping.
had to have your son clean the bathtub because if you had to use the required amount of strength to scrub all the soap scrub, you'd end up in the hospital from over exertion and every muscle pulled in your back.
realize you don't have a "home" for everything.
keep hearing your bed calling you to come for a visit and you are seriously contemplating answering your bed.
are overwhelmed so you go on facebook when you should be cleaning.
are overwhelmed so you distract yourself by creating a post about how you wanna be a good housekeeper.
go on your blog and write a post instead of cleaning.

Well, I'm off to set a timer for 5 minutes and see how much I can get done. Not that I'm expecting that to work. I'm SURE my self-diagnosed, unmediated ADD will kick in and I'll get distracted again and won't complete one thing before moving on to another. Story of my life. Sigh.

Confession is supposedly good for the soul. "You know you are a lacking housekeeper when....." Share your list in the comments. Come on, people, I need to hear I'm not the only one out there lacking in this department!

Something About That Name

2011-09-09T20:25:00.000-04:00

Something happens when a person quietly, and reverently says, "Jesus."

Jesus soothes the soul.
Jesus calms.
Jesus relaxes.

There is just something about that name.

Enjoy.

I'm here...I think

2011-09-04T19:03:00.001-04:00

The last few weeks I've been quiet here. I've had a visitor to contend with. I've tried to ignore him but he persists on letting his presence known from time to time.

His name is Jabez.

Not the Jabez from the Bible. We just adopted his name because the meaning of Jabez is so perfect.

Jabez is my 6mm kidney stone [for those most fortunate souls who have never experienced a stone...and pray you never do...that is big]. Jabez means 'painful'.

Jabez is comfortable in my kidney....again. Let's just say I had surgery to grab him and he retreated back into the kidney [coward!] Later this week I will have him blasted to pieces. Yay [said with lots of hand clapping]!!!!!!!

This has brought me to reflect on a few things about my life. Things like, why everything seems to need to be so complicated. I really don't strive for or like drama. But, it happens, people, it happens. In fact, a woman I know had a stone a week after my trip to the ER and two days later, her 2mm smaller stone was gone and that was that. While I was thrilled for her, I struggled with jealousy.

Jealousy is a hard thing. It is hard when you feel like everyone has it easier than you. Everyone doesn't have your troubles. Everything is easier for everyone else. Everything that happens to me costs so much money...money we don't have...while everything is easier for everyone else. [insert the "cheese with that whine"!] Wow, quite embarrasing, huh? My "problem" isn't even that big.

Then [a few weeks later...I'm a slow learner] I slap myself silly and remember, "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord.....". And, while I don't particularly care for the plans right now, I know He has everything under control. "God will meet all [my] needs..." yes, all. God is big enough to "cast all [my] cares on" because He "cares for [me]". And, yes, I will "give thanks in everything"! Positive attitude and perspective...it's what the world needs!

Verses used in the last paragraph as follows:
Jeremiah 29:11
Philippians 4:19
1 Peter 5:7
1 Thess 5:18

Are you going through something and feel alone or jealous of everyone else? Hold on to Jesus...He is holding you!

Don't hold me responsible when you can't get this song out of your head or it is on constant repeat! Love this song!

From East to West

2011-08-24T19:28:00.003-04:00

I traveled from the East to the West this week. Yup, it was a great adventure. Plus no dime was spent. Just a lot of hard work, determination, sweat, and tears.

The excellent, fantastic, fabulous, wonderful The Doctor's Lady by author Jody Hedlund made a perfect traveling companion transporting me to another era as we traveled to the untamed west.

My ever so gracious hosts on the trip were Priscilla and Eli, the doctor, plus a few other tag-alongs. Priscilla let me in on the secrets of her heart. While Eli slowly showed me glimpses of his past and hopes for the future.

Priscilla wants to follow God's leading in the missionary field. The missionary board wants her married or it is a no go. Eli has a passion for the west but he encounters the same problem with the board. Both have secrets. Both have desires to follow God. But, trouble is brewing when they decide to get married. In name only, of course. A business partnership. I wondered just how long this "business" partnership would last.

I found it funny to watch Priscilla, ever a lady who doesn't want to make a scene, interact with the good Doctor. He loved making a scene. I found them both entertaining as we traveled and camped. It kept my mind off of the uncomfortable days and sore feet!

As we all traveled west, we came across many trials. Dangers, both of the human and animal kind. [it was a good thing we had a doctor along on this trip!] Broken hearts and triumphs abound. And, step by step we become the first women to cross the Continental Divide! I allowed Priscilla cross it first, of course. I mean really, don't you think that was a great way to pay her back for her kindness?

Will we make it to our destination in Oregon country? Will we all make it there alive? Will we learn to trust, forgive, and love one another? And, most importantly, will we follow God's leading even if it isn't what we had in mind?

When you run out to buy your own copy, tell Priscilla and Eli that Deanna sent you. They will show you a grand time...one you won't regret!

Stay tuned for an interview with Jody and a cool book giveaway in the future!

Mercy Come Morning

2011-08-19T19:11:00.000-04:00

How many of us would like an undo or do-over button of our very own? Everything we'd say something we shouldn't have or did something we should have done differently, we'd push a button and poof! Ah, wouldn't life be grand to have second chances to get things right?

Re-released Mercy Come Morning by Lisa Tawn Bergren is a book full of second chances.

Krista Mueller lived a hard life. Never feeling loved or wanted, she does what I, honestly, would do--she distances herself from the one who hurt her the most. Her mother's final days with Alzheimer's disease and congestive heart failure finally bring Krista back home. Reluctant as it may be.

Going back "home" after years away brings back many memories, pleasant and not so much. Little by little the story unfolds into a beautiful story of forgiveness, grace, redemption, understanding and love.

I found the story a little slow in the beginning but as it progressed, I was hooked. Shocked to find I was over halfway through the book, I was actually sad the story was almost over.

Whether you have a family member with Alzheimer's or not, you will enjoy this book.

Enjoy the first chapter of Mercy Come Morning here.

I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group as part of their BloggingForBooks program. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

Shhhhh.....Listen

2011-08-03T08:32:00.000-04:00

What do you hear?

Really listen. What do you hear?

I hear my computer fan running, keyboard clicking, our son stomping up the stairs with a clunk of the dog food server, the door shutting as he goes out to feed the dog, a train rumbling in the background, my cell phone text alert chiming..... And, if the house windows were open, I'm sure I'd hear that same bird who thinks it is his job to annoy me in the mornings while I'm trying to sleep! [I guess this is where I am thankful for hot, humid weather and an air conditioner!]

We used to play a game when our children were younger. It was the listen game. We would tell the kids to be really quiet and listen. Then, they were to tell us what sounds they heard. Why did we play this game? Sometimes it was played so I could hear something other than loud, playful children [a sound I normally love but there were days when three children grew to deafening decibels!]. But, most of the time we played the game so our children could learn the art of listening...hearing things that are always there but we end up never hearing because it is common occurance.

Saturday, our son and I were in the swimming pool. Normally on a Saturday it is pretty noisy outside. Lawn mowers, cars and trucks going down the road. Neighbors working on weekend projects, a farmer in his field.... However, for around five minutes there was none of that...except for a mower in the far distance and the trickle of water as we floated.

No wind whistling through the trees, no hammers or electric tools, no cars/trucks, no birds squawking, and no train whistles and rumblings. Nothing. Just us and the clouds.

I was afraid to break the silence but I wanted to make sure our son really 'heard' the silence. He did.

Too soon, the silence was broken and we continued to play the cloud shape game with laughter.

Four days later I am still in awe of that silent moment. It makes me think of being silent before God. I am not good at that. I sit or lay and try...really. Then, the piles of laundry, dirty house, and 'oh, I forgot to put that on the grocery list' keep popping in my head.

God is waiting here. Waiting to talk to me....and sometimes just being silent with me. Waiting for me to talk to Him. I fail. But, God in His perfect ways does find ways to talk to me. I just think I need to be more available in those silent times.

Aren't you glad we can fail and God still adores us?! Is it hard for you to be silent and listen?

Run!

2011-08-01T17:51:00.000-04:00

This is not a book review.

It is more like an announcement.

A friend of ours has recently self-published a book.

Libbey is on a very long journey with scoliosis...very long.

Pain is her constant friend even though she has gone through seven, yes seven, surgeries.

To look at Libbey, you'd never know how much pain she is in...she has everyone fooled with that gorgeous smile of hers and beautiful personality.

My writer daughter/cos daughter wrote about her in a two part story here and here.

And until today, I didn't know Libbey was even writing a book let alone publishing one.

Libbey is a real testament to faith in our Almighty Creator God. Does she have doubts and questions? You betcha! Don't we all.

If you asked her if she was blessed, she'd say yes. When I was going through some painful days and the doctors didn't (and still don't) know what is wrong with me, I'd think of Libbey and her family. If Libbey can handle the pain constantly every singe day, how can I complain.

I ordered a copy of the book a few minutes ago. It is easy. It is quick. And, even though I haven't read it yet, I know the family and I know you'll love her story. Go here to order one today.

Never the Bride

2011-07-27T18:57:00.001-04:00

Never the Bride by Cheryl McKay and Rene Gutteridge knock my socks off. It was good people. Real.Good.

This is another book I received from the Blogging for Books program through WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group. When I was looking at the available titles, I really wasn't sure if I wanted to read this book. Never the Bride...hmmm, let me see if I can guess what happens....She is always a bridesmaid but never the bride....one day she meets someone, gets married and lives happily ever after. The end and boring.

I read the description and still wasn't convinced until I read about the authors. The authors both had a hand in the movie, The Ultimate Gift. I really like that movie so I hit the button to get Never the Bride for review...even thought I had my doubts.

The book came and it sat. I finally ran out of things to read so I picked up Never the Bride while my daughter was giving me a manicure. I started to read it out loud as daughter painted my toes a lovely shade. We both laughed on the first page. Hey! This book might be better than I assumed.

I was so wrong about this book....yes, I judged a book by it's cover and title...she admits as she hangs her head in shame. I.loved.this.book. Period.

Yes, the main character is 34 years old and has never been married. Yes, she has been a bridesmaid...a.lot. But it is much deeper than that...really deeper. I'm having a hard time right now deciding how to write a review without giving anything away. Hmmm....

What I can tell you is this book is more about a relationship with God than the main character, Jessie, finding a husband. I found myself mentally yelling at Jessie. Again, don't want to give a lot away. But, the book involves a purple feathered pen, helping men with the most perfect proposals ever, God of course, and a very surprising ending.

Even though it is categorized as fiction/romance/contemporary, Never a Bride made this old married woman think about her relationship with God. I longed, really longed to talk to God and feel God's presence like Jessie did...even at the most inconvenient times. I found myself zoning out during the sermon on Sunday [shhh....] and thinking about my relationship with God all because of this book. [that is a good thing y'all!]

Should you spend your hard earned money on this book? YES! And, do I think this book should be made into a movie? You bet!!

“I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”

Dreamy Orange Cream

2011-07-14T20:07:00.000-04:00

Every now and then, I receive an email from Eat Better America (I signed up for it). They have some delicious looking pictures in those emails. The one that really stood out was the Dreamy Orange Cream.

I made it this afternoon and here it is in all its delicious glory. The dessert dish is from my Grandma. Isn't it pretty?

Sorry it is sideways. Blogger would only upload this picture in landscape and not portrait. :(
I guess you'll have to stand sideways to get the full effect to see my Grandma's dish.

Our son, Mr. Picky, even said it was wonderful. Note: the recipe called for granola on top but that totally grossed me out. So I omitted the granola. And I believe I will use more oranges...maybe some around the sides.

Invisible

2011-07-05T18:47:00.001-04:00

Do you ever feel invisible?

You talk, but, no one seems to hear?

Your ideas, your thoughts, your feelings seem to not matter to others.

Oh, you know not every idea or thought is a good one.

But, that doesn't matter.

Respect; that matters.

Everyone just wants to be heard.

Everyone wants to feel heard.

Everyone wants to feel like someone.

Some say you do not have confidence.

Some say you need to work on your confidence.

But, does "some" ever wonder why you need to work on confidence when "some" treat you as invisible?

This isn't a rant.

This isn't a vent.

This is just one person trying to figure out why sometimes she is invisible to others...or at least feels that way.

I try to be kind.

I try to express myself in a way that isn't "hard-nosed" but gentle.

"People" may say that this feeling of invisible is "my" problem.

What shall I do, yell or get into their faces?

Rude.

"Come out of your shell," some say.

I'd love to tell them to "go back into their shell" because not everyone needs to steal the show.

But I don't.

Although one day I may blow if backed hard enough into a corner.

So, I try to remember, and you should too, that when you feel invisible, just remember...

God sees you.

He is proud of you.

He is pulling for you.

Isn't He the only one who truly matters?

Too Rich for a Bride Review

2011-07-04T18:20:00.001-04:00

Too Rich for a Bride by Mona Hodgson is an easy summer read.

The plot revolves around a strong, independent women, Ida, who only wants to be a businesswoman at the turn of the century. She needs to be strong in order to accomplish her goals. Ida finds herself traveling from Maine to Colorado not only to be near her sisters and their husbands, but to make a fresh start in the west. And, become a businesswoman.

Surprise...(not really) enter two men into her life.

Personally, I couldn't connect with the characters of the book~~not to say others who read the book won't connect. I have nothing against strong, independent women. Nothing. But I found it a bit wearisome.

I did find myself giggling or smiling in certain situations the lead character, Ida, found herself. I felt the lead male character, who was a preacher, was a little easier to connect with than Ida.

I received this book free from the publisher, Waterbrook, for review and was not required to write a favorable review.

Change.

2011-07-01T13:30:00.003-04:00

Change.

Does that word send shivers down your spine or do you jump for joy?

Depending on your definition of change, it could do either. For example, I think I'd jump for joy if I found change in the bottom of my purse or in a ~~can't fit into~~ forgotten pair of jeans. However, if change meant something that just uprooted me to the core, then shivers down my spine might apply.

Change can also mean I need to work on me. You know, change me...phew, just got a shiver! Change the way I do things, the way I see things and yes, change my a...a...a...attttt....attitude (huge shiver).

But, I'm comfortable with me. And if people don't like me...tough, it is their problem not mine. Oh, reader, aren't we good at believing that lie?

I'm a mean girl some days. I gossip and then only after I gossip I realized I did it. [hangs head in shame] I don't get why people annoy me so I become annoyed with them. I can blame it on horrormones but I can't blame all of it on that. [even though I try my best to blame it on that!] I don't love people well when I don't like them. [there, I said it.]

God calls me to love my neighbor. Not love only the ones I like and are easy to love but love those who are not easy to love as well. Sigh. I try, people, I really do. Some days, I'm just not good at it. Other days, I take a deep breath and really try.

The biggest thing I need to change? I think I really need to learn to love myself. Accept me. Really believe God loves me and chases after me when all others fail me, leave me and reject me. I'm not good at rejection and it really hurts. And, changing the way I think of myself...well, wow, that is harder than it seems. I mean really, it sounds a little selfish to talk about "me, me, me." If I can't love me, can I love others well?

So, here is to changing. Learning to love others better, love God better, and believe God better. If you are in the midst of change, I'm pullin' for ya!

Because I care, I'm letting you in on what I've been listening to for about a week straight. I am particular fond of tracks 5 & 6...

Third World Symphony by shaungroves

Friday Already?

2011-06-24T12:06:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it is Friday. Oh, how I love Friday and Saturday and Sunday...

Would you like to join me in a campaign to make the work week 3 days and the 'weekend' 4 days? And, in my perfect world, we would get paid the same amount of money (work) as if we had worked 5 days a week. And, I'd be very thin and very beautiful....oops, guess this isn't all about me...

I've got a whole lot of nothin' to tell you so I will just leave you with this great video I found. Love the music, love her voice. Enjoy and have a great weekend.

The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck Review

2011-06-19T15:24:00.001-04:00

What's up with book reviews all of a sudden? Good question...and one I shall answer.

I was contacted via email [I have no idea how this person found me] to see if I would be interested in doing reviews of books from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group. Free books and I get to decide which books from the book list provided? Um, yeah. And, I am not require to give a positive review if the book doesn't 'float my boat'. This is the third book from the program and I'm loving it so far. If you'd like to check into this program, go here.

Now...on to the review.

The latest book I chose was The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck by Kathleen Y'Barbo. It is a fun book. Although it didn't make me laugh out loud like some other books I've read, I found myself smiling at Charlotte antics. Her Grandfather had a few one liners as well.

Charlotte is anything but a conventional woman of the late 1800s. She reminds me of our one year old puppy--always getting into mischief. Charlotte wants to go to college and study business so she can work for the family business. Her step-mother tries to tame Charlotte through etiquette classes. Her father wants her married.

The Beck family, from the west, and the Hambly family, from England, have a long history of not getting along. And lo and behold, the two families are at the same social event when the mischievous Charlotte climbs out of a window and Alex Hambly needs to rescue her. Thus, Charlotte and Alex's lives are turned upside down...literally.

Y'Barbo does a great job of weaving a plot. However, there were times I was confused as other characters came in and out of the story. Then, I discovered this is the third and final book in a series. That would account for the characters comings and goings. Because of this, I got a little frustrated. I thought perhaps I missed something as I was reading.

Early in the story, Charlotte's biological mothers is brought up. The reader is lead to believe this theme will flow throughout the story. It didn't until toward the end chapters. I was a little disappointed.

The dislike/romance between main characters Charlotte and Alex is fabulous. And, the ending is not to disappoint.

Even though I became confused and frustrated with figuring out who was who and why they were mentioned, I give this book three and a half out of five stars. I believe if you start the series at the beginning, The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper, and Anna Finch and the Hired Gun, you won't be disappointed and may give this book a higher rating than I.

“I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”

More Than A Number

2011-06-17T14:44:00.000-04:00

I glanced at caller ID as I answered the phone.

"Good Morning, Sunshine" I said to my good friend.

She was stricken. Stricken with something that strikes fear into the lives of women everywhere...she had a doctor's appoint. An appoint that requires you to step not one, but both feet onto a scale that was calibrated by satan himself. You all know the kind. The kind that adds 10 pounds more than your scale at home. And, as a side note, the nurse takes your blood pressure right AFTER that...what is up with that all you nurses out there!

She was in a tizzy as I gently tried to remind her of all the weight she has lost recently. Yay, friend!! It is just a number and she is going to keep that scale going down and so on.

All of a sudden she cried, "I'm more than a number! I'm more than my weight, more than my blood pressure, more than my blood sugar level, more than....... My identity is not in a number but in Christ!"

YES! Why do we tend to look at the numbers in our lives and put our identity in those numbers?

Your identity is more than a number. It is more than:
• your height
• your weight
• your social security number
• your school or work locker number and combination on your lock
• it is more than the number of freckles on your nose
• your blood pressure number
• the number of facebook “friends”
• the number of followers on your blog
• the number of hair products and eye shadows you use
• the word count on your essay or your next novel
• your grade point average
• the number of followers on twitter
• your blood sugar level
• how many words per minute you can type
• the number of times your boss doesn’t or does praise you for your work
• your paycheck or what you get paid per hour
• your ACT or SAT score

Your identity isn’t in the millions of number we see and use every single day. Your identity is in Christ. You, my beautiful reader, are chosen. (1 Peter 2:9)

All of these numbers are on the "outside". But God sees our beauty, and the mess, on the inside and can't get enough of us.

Let go of all the numbers holding you back. You are more than a number!

What 'number' can you add to the list above?

Dream

2011-06-09T19:33:00.001-04:00

I first heard this song on Dancing With the Stars when a young lady dreamed of dancing ballet and started quite late in her dance career with lessons.

I think the song is beautiful. And what a beautiful voice.

And if you'd like to hear the story and watch the young lady dance to this song...here you go...dance starts around 1:35.

What are you dreaming today? And as a friend always says, "Dream big; God does."

Indelible

2011-06-02T08:44:00.000-04:00

I discovered author Kristen Heitzmann's works at our local library a few years ago. I couldn't get enough of her writing and quickly read all the library had to offer. My daughter and I quickly became fans of her writing that promptly sucks the reader into the story.

Heitzmann weaves stories through major suspense, psychological drama and romance. The author takes a person on a roller coaster ride making this reader want another ride.

Indelible was not to disappoint. This is the second book in a series with the first being Indivisible which I previously read. It was nice to meet up with characters from the first book. While I could follow "who was who", some who did not read Indivisible may not fully follow a few of the relationships from the previous book.

I ~~did not~~ could not read Indelible before going to bed. Some themes would keep me thinking long after my brain needed to shut down for sleep. Some of the themes are difficult to read and imagine but definitely realistic.

As I continued to read, I found myself wanting to know 'what happens next'. It was a difficult book to put down as Heitzmann keeps the reader guessing and trying to figure out the "bad guy". There are many twists and turns along the way to keep readers thinking and guessing.

I felt the ending may have been rushed. After all of the anticipation, I felt a little let down since the ending moved too quickly. I was expecting more suspense in the end and it felt like either Kristin or the editor cut some things out. But overall, I give this a 4 out of 5 review for its suspense and drama.

Great job, Kristen. I'll definitely keep reading more of your books so keep them coming!

Click here to read a few chapters of Indelible.

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review"

Me? Cook?

2011-06-01T08:32:00.000-04:00

When the kiddos were little, I loved to bake. And I could hold my own with cooking a meal.

Now that the kiddos are older and other factors such as a part-time job have come into play, thinking about what to have for supper makes me want to bury my head in the sand and never pop back up to see the light of day. I'm not exaggerating here, people. Sigh. What was once enjoyable is now a chore.

Add in baseball games and practices that happen over suppertime and a daughter who works 2 evenings a week. It is a "grab and growl" kind-of-night almost every night. Frankly, I'm not sure I remember how to cook! And baking? O.v.e.r.w.h.e.l.m.e.d.

Last week, however, I did give making supper a try. I wasn't sure I would remember how, but I gave it a try!

Here is what I made...

Pizza. Cheese Pizza with homemade pizza crust for the boys (hubs included on this one!)

Pesto Mini Pizzas (a Pampered Chef recipe from years ago)

BBQ Chicken Mini Pizzas (I saw someone make this once so I tried to duplicate...yummy!)

If anything sounds good, let me know in the comments and I'll email you the recipe(s).

Happy cooking/baking!

Solid Ground

2011-05-26T08:21:00.000-04:00

Sometimes we just need a reminder! Enjoy and may you sing this in your heart the rest of the week.
♥

So Good To Me by Cory Asbury
Album: Holy

I waited patiently upon the Lord
And He inclined and heard my cry
He pulled me up out of the miry clay
He set my feet upon the Rock
He gave me beauty for ashes and joy for my mourning
And praise for heaviness
He put a new song in my mouth and a crown upon my head
He gave me life forevermore

Chorus:
He’s been so good, so, so good to me; so good, so, so good to me
So good, so, so good to me, Jesus

Post-chorus:
He picked me up and He turned me around
And He placed my feet on the solid ground
Hallelujah, hallelujah

I've got love, joy peace and righteousness in the Holy Spirit
Oooooh, yeah.

Green Water

2011-05-23T06:00:00.001-04:00

Knowing little to nothing about winterizing a swimming pool, last fall I went into pool winterizing blind. I read a few things after googling the proper words. Really, how hard can it be after reading the tried and true dos and don'ts from the world wide web.

In went the chemicals. Check. Out came a cover I never looked at until that fall day. Ummm, check? Okay, so it was a pool cover to keep debris out of the pool and not a winter cover. It was too late in the season to buy one. But hey,we'll save some money and use what we have. Right? Mistake number uno. The first wind blew the thing off. Sigh.

After talking to a neighbor who used to have a pool and one who currently has a pool, we decided there was nothing to do but leave it cover-less.

Disclaimer: When I say the word 'pool' I say it loosely. It is a soft-sided metal frame...as in poles to hold it up...pool. Other years we have the soft sided blue pool that has a ring to inflate and it is more like a bigger kiddie pool. Last year we moved "up" in the world of pools. Swimming in it made us feel like we were actually in a real pool.

Suffice to say, after the ice melted, it.was.green. Ewwww!!!

Well, I'll just drain it as much as I can and throw some more chemicals in there and we'll be good to go. At least that was my plan. But, no...not that easy. By throwing the chemicals in I had killed most of the algae. But it still looked nasty and dirty and...ick! After talking to a lady at the pool store, we decided we had to get that junk out of there or we might have problems the rest of the summer.

So, recently, we spent a significant amount of time sucking the green, nasty water and equally nasty debris from the pool. [seriously, there was a dead frog in there! shiver!!] A couple of us were down on our knees at the end of the process wiping up the algae from the hidden areas...aka, the seams. It got me thinking....

The pool looked great, all the water and debris was gone. I had thought we were done. Then I moved a seam and looked behind it. Green. Sigh. Still more work to do. I asked our son to get some paper towels and a bucket of water. Down on our hands and knees we circled the inside of the pool cleaning up the green.

The pool floor and sides looked wonderful until I had made that hidden-green-under-the-seams-discovery. How often do I have a mess going on in my hidden places but look and act on the outside like I'm just fine? What messes am I trying to hide? What if what I'm hiding gets away from me? Quickly I can contaminate and make things ugly...turning a clear "pool" into a icky-green-mess.

In a way, all of this reminded me of Psalm 139.

1 You have searched me, LORD,

and you know me.

2 You know when I sit and when I rise;

you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3 You discern my going out and my lying down;

you are familiar with all my ways.

4 Before a word is on my tongue

you, LORD, know it completely.

5 You hem me in behind and before,

and you lay your hand upon me.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit?

Where can I flee from your presence?

23 Search me, God, and know my heart;

test me and know my anxious thoughts.

24 See if there is any offensive way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting.

And, by the way, I already have permission from hubs to get a winter cover for next year! ☺ Lesson learned.

The End is Near

2011-05-20T08:44:00.000-04:00

Or is it?! [cue music: dun, dun, dun, duuunnnnnn.]

I was reminded by the media, again, that someone has predicted the end times.

Earthquakes, famine, war, rumors of war, hurricanes, mass destruction. Is not this a most pleasant thought. Apparently tomorrow, May 21, is the end of the world as we know it. Apocalypse.

Do I believe it. Nope. Not even the Son of Man knows the day or time. So how can a mere mortal know what God's Son doesn't even know.

But, that doesn't mean I don't think about the Second Coming. Am I ready? To be in Glory with God and his Angels. A place of no more tears. Oh, I am ready for that. But am I really ready? Only Jesus and I can answer that one. I really want to be ready. But there are some things I need to work on. Mainly my relationship with Him. Admittedly, there are days I don't talk with Him. There are days I don't listen. Yup, gotta work on that. [hangs head in shame and embarrassment.]

But, on a lighter note, [sorry, couldn't think of a creative transition...obviously I need to work on that too!], if you knew the world was ending, oh, let's say tomorrow, what would you do? Who would you want to talk to? What wouldn't you want to do?

Here is my slightly wacky list [and I apologize in advance for my lack of creativity...I got this idea from Jenny B Jones' blog post from the other day and her list is much more creative than mine.]

If the world ended tomorrow I would:

1) not mow the lawn, vacuum the house or get groceries today. Sad but so, so true. Groceries, have we ever talked about what a big waste of time that entire process seems? If the world doesn't end tomorrow, I'll post about that big time-waster! [I can see you all sitting on the edge of your seats waiting for that wonderful post! You're probably secretly hoping the world does end tomorrow!]

2) make sure everyone I know and love knew I love them. I love you my people.

3) not waste time on facebook or thinking about a blog post.

4) enjoy the moments.

5) clean out and let go of things I'm hanging on to in my 'emotional' closet.

6) not clean out my house closets! Definitely not.

7) remember to write out a list of questions I have for God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the all the Disciples. Trust me, it will be a long list. I have lots of questions.

8) wonder if the streets in Heaven are really gold. Will God make me take off my shoes so it doesn't get dirty? Will I have shoes?

9) wonder if the Northern Lights are really that great. I've only seen them once but wasn't impressed as we are so far away from where I hear they are spectacular.

10) wonder if when Jesus comes for me, if He really looks like those pictures from Sunday School.

And last but certainly not least....so, I get a new body in Heaven, can I request what I look like? I would really like to be hot and skinny and hot and did I say skinny?! ☺ And, my mansion in the sky, do I have to clean it? Because I would like to request a small one if I have to clean it...big one if I don't, please. ☺ [and since God has a terrific sense of humor, I'm sure I'll get a large mansion and will need to clean every day.]

What does your list look like?

And So It Goes

2011-05-15T17:07:00.001-04:00

I got nothin'. I think writer's block might apply here. It might have something to do with how busy our family seems this time of year. I feel like there isn't even time to think. Let alone sleep. Although I proudly took an hour and a half nap this afternoon...and I'm not feeling guilty...much!

In this post, I decided to do what I do best...babble. Now, let me direct you to some favorites of mine. [in no particular order...]

My family. My people are good to me.

Dancer Daughter's blog. Go visit. Now.

Salt. Right now, salty food is tops on my list. There is this new product called Pretzel Crisps. Good, people, good.

Ice cream. Because I know I'll be over salt at any moment. Don't hate me, salt. We shall meet again.

Chocolate. Because after I'm over salt and ice cream, chocolate just seems right. Ice Cream, you know you'll always hold a special spot in my heart...er, stomach. After all, every month is 'national ice cream month' in our household.

The expression "Silly Head". Doesn't that sound innocent, creative, and sweet? Better than so many other expressions I've heard lately.

Stalking blogs. Don't judge me, people. You know you do it, too! I love the funny. I love the educational. I love the spiritual. I love the foodies. [I'll write another post w/fav blogs soon so you guys can enjoy others too]

Reading. Love the smell and feel of books. With that said, I've been thinking about Mr. Kindle or Mr. Nook. Is that wrong? I feel like I'm cheating on Mr. Book! Honestly, Mr. Book, you have nothing to fear. Mr. Kindle and Mr. Nook, you are too rich for my blood...unless someone gives me one...

Sitting on the porch swing with Mr. Book...or with the gift of Mr. Kindle or Mr. Nook....

And lastly [since I fear readers are quickly falling asleep...], the sound of baby laughter. How can one not smile when one hears a baby full-out-laughing!

So, what are some of your favorites?

Did you pray first?

2011-04-28T10:58:00.001-04:00

A dear, dear friend reminded me of something very simple yet hard. She didn't ask, "Did you pray first" as an admonishment. No, she asked it in love and as a reminder to herself as well.

Something awful happens. What do I do? Reach for the phone to call a friend. When really, yes really, I should be going to God.

My Sunday School class talked about this very thing a few Sundays ago. Why is this so hard? We all agreed we like to hear a person on the phone. We feel like we are "heard". We like the instant gratification of spilling our guts and "hearing" a voice saying it is going to be okay or giving advice or simply acknowledging.

There is nothing wrong with talking to friends when you are having the worse day "ever". Nothing. In fact it is wonderful. However, when I go to friends first, I usually take God out of the equation all together. Sad thing to admit but it is painfully true.

And, while my friend and I were talking this morning, she posted two small post-it-notes saying "Pray first" on her phone and on her computer. Excellent idea!

So, all that to say....I encourage you to not take God out of your bad days and go to Him first. THEN pick up the phone or email. Friends are wonderful and God made us friends for a reason. But it wasn't to replace Him.

I needed that reminder today.

My heart has heard you say, "Come and talk with me."

And my heart responds, "Lord, I am coming."

Psalm 27:8

Praise the ONE Who Paid My Debt!!!

2011-04-24T08:26:00.000-04:00

Thank You, Jesus!

This Makes Me Happy

2011-04-21T08:13:00.000-04:00

This was on GMA this morning. Watch here... [you will need to sit through a commercial but it is worth the wait!]

I.know.

Doesn't that just make your day a whole lot brighter?!

Praying for Your Future Husband

2011-04-20T19:21:00.002-04:00

Praying for Your Future Husband: Preparing Your Heart for His by authors Robin Jones Gunn and Tricia Goyer is a must for single women. I would have appreciated this wisdom and truth when I was young and single.

As a married woman and mom, in all honesty, when I first read the title I thought, Oh boy. Another how-to book that is probably full of fairy tales. I can officially say I was wrong. Really wrong. The book is filled with honest life stories from the authors as well as "guests" who have implemented praying for their future husbands.

Praying for Your Future Husband is full of encouragement, not condemnation. The authors do a wonderful job of showing not only will this make a difference in the life of your mate, but, also grows your relationship in Christ. What may start out as a one way conversation with God about your future man becomes a triangle effect between you, God and the future spouse when you pray.

What I like about the book is Robin and Tricia's stories are at different ends of the spectrum yet similar. With differing life stories in the book, it makes it realistic and will relate to a vast audience. The same holds true for those who contributed their story in the book as examples.

Honestly, I had the same question swirling around my head while reading: Some people just never get married. What about that situation, huh?! I believe my question was answered in the chapter about contentment. So, don't throw this book out before reading it if you are wondering the same.

Jammed packed with honesty, wisdome, prayers for your future husband, prayers for you, scripture, discussion questions, a few pages to journal a bit, and of course the many real life stories from real women, this book will appeal to many and be used in various settings.

A side note: my 17 year old daughter got a hold of this book the day it arrived in the mail...she finished it in a matter of hours, not days! Granted she didn't read the discussion questions or journal in the few areas provided or take time to really think about what she read. But read it quickly knowing I needed to review it. She.loved.it.

Robin Jones Gunn and Tricia Goyer have written a book truly needed in todays culture. Bravo, ladies, for listening and obeying God's calling!

FTC disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Shout out...

2011-04-20T08:35:00.000-04:00

...to friends.

Almost all of us have them.

Whether a mom, an aunt, a boy, a girl, a sister or brother, a mentor.

It isn't someone who you necessarily see or talk to every day.

It isn't someone who has to be your same age.

Those friends you thought you'd always be friends with from high school? You'll be lucky if you have one of those same friends by the time you are 20. Sad, but true.

There will be seasonal friends who come in your life at the right moment. Then, you slowly loose touch later on.

Friends come in all shapes, sizes, ages and backgrounds.

What is really important in a friend is loyalty, trustworthiness, ability to listen, and just plain being there.

It is someone you'd do anything for...within the legal aspects of the law...

Friends don't hold all the answers (only God does).

But, God certainly can whisper words of wisdom to a friend when offering advice.

Go to God first but remember a true friend is always there to listen to those sobbing moments in your life.

May you have wonderful friends.

And, may you become and be a wonderful friend to others.

For Real

2011-04-10T09:14:00.001-04:00

I just finished the book Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent.

It is good people, real good.

I laughed.

I cried.

I had holy goosebumps.

I'd say that means it is a well rounded book! ☺

I've read books before about Heaven from adult experiences. And to tell you the truth, I had a hard time believing some of the words written. I guess coming from adults, it is hard for me not to be cynical.

But, this was a 3 year old (almost 4) boy telling his parents things that are impossible for a 3 year old to know. At first the dad, who is also a pastor, kept thinking his son's Sunday School teachers were doing a superb job! However, as the son slowly begins to share information over a number of years with his mom and dad, it is extremely convincing that the little boy did spend some time in Heaven.

I have to admit there were times in the beginning of the book I questioned whether the parents were making this up. But as I read more and more, that thought was quickly pushed out of my head. There are scriptures to back up things the little boy said...scriptures a little boy of 3 or 4 would not understand nor be able to read for himself. And there are other people who witnessed him talking about when he was with Jesus. I don't want to give any of the book away but there are so many convincing statements.

Dancer daughter read the book first. She read it one Sunday afternoon. All of it. In one sitting. This is not normal.

It was a borrowed book so I knew I needed to read it before the following Sunday to get it back to my friend. I read it over a two day span...but ONLY because I had to keep getting up to do things... you know, like the laundry, dishes, make phone calls....mom things.

I highly, highly recommend this book. If it isn't in your church library or local library, check it out here at amazon or another online store you like. It is worth the time to read it and the money to purchase.

Here is a video clip of the family on the Today show in March.

Operation Bundt Cake

2011-04-04T06:00:00.001-04:00

a.k.a. The Great Bundt Cake Debacle. The title should give you a hint how my Friday went...or didn't go!

Plans were to make this fabulous Cinnamon Bread (recipe below annndddd, you're welcome) in the morning. In the afternoon, make my husband a birthday cake. After birthday cake accomplished, clean!

Alright. I can hear you laughing at my "plan" already!

I will confess. I do not own a bundt pan. But my dad does. I made this recipe before but in a 9x13 pan. The middle didn't get quite done...we could still eat it, but not quite done. I was helping out my daughter by making this for her. She needed an item to donate to her youth group auction this past Saturday. So, I borrowed my dad's bundt pan.

Just get a bundt pan, pour it in, throw in oven...easy peasy, right?! Yeah, that is were my plans were destroyed!

Apparently there is some sort of secret method of getting a cake/bread out of a bundt pan. Who knew?!

Attempt one (yes, you're starting to see the picture, aren't you?!)....it wasn't pretty. It didn't pull away from the sides but it was clearly done. So take it out of the oven and wonder what to do. I finally decide I'd flip it upside down (sadly, classic rookie mistake) on the plate. Sounds easy, right?! Wrong! Only half of the cake decided it wanted to come out of the pan and say hi to the plate. The other half was seriously shy. Not salvageable. My mistake? I think it was because I used cooking spray and not "grease and flour" as the recipe directed.

I really debated on what to do. I thought about making it again but this time in two bread pans. But it wouldn't look as pretty to sell at an auction. I went online and typed in "how to get cake out of a bundt pan".

Apparently I am not the only one with this problem! Lots of solutions out there. But do any work? I decided I'd try the "leave it in the pan until almost cool" method. PLUS I greased (with butter because I didn't have shortening) and floured it. Really, greased and floured I might add.

The result?

Isn't it beautiful?!

Oh, and here is another look.....

Is your mouth watering yet?!

Cinnamon Bread

But it tastes like a cake...moist and delic!

1 box white or yellow cake mix

4 eggs

3/4 cup sugar

1 Tbsp. butter

1/2 pint whipping cream (do not whip)

3/4 cup cooking oil

1 tsp. vanilla

Mix ingredients together.

Mix together 4 Tbsp. sugar with 2 Tbsp. cinnamon; stir into the mixture.

Grease a bundt pan and flour lightly. Bake 40-50 min. at 350 , or until cake pulls away from the sides.

Drizzle the cake with a cinnamon drizzle icing. Heat a little butter and milk in the microwave. Sprinkle in 1/2 to 1 tsp cinnamon (depending on your taste). Then, add powdered sugar until it's the right consistency to drizzle.

Taking a Walk...

2011-03-25T21:56:00.001-04:00

...down memory lane.

For some reason, I have become nostalgic recently. (I'm blaming it on a movie I watched about a child growing up...yeah that's it, I'm blaming it on that!)

I went to Writer Daughter's (now aka Cos Daughter) first blog and went all the way back to her first posts. Talk about a walk down memory lane!

As I started from the bottom (her first ever post) and scrolled up, it was like I was living in the past. I remember walking with her through those times. I remember her getting overwhelmed with everything that was starting to happen with her writing. Praying for her as she attended her first writers' conference all by herself. Then listening to her excitement on the way home. She learned so much and She Speaks was such a wonderful experience for her.

I, also, read parts of stories she posted on her blog. Parts of Christian Writers' Guild assignments, a writing from one night out at the campfire and so much more! I'm sorry if this seems I'm bragging or going on and on...

Point is, she had a big, God-size dream. She was working toward a goal and a dream. Everything was falling into place. But reality strikes now and then. One really can't make a living off of just writing. Some do and that is great and admirable. But the majority...nope.

Another passion God placed into her life was cosmetology. She wants people to see their beauty on the inside and outside. She is in cosmetology school right now working toward that goal.

One of her biggest fears was not having the time to write. It came true this year. The school she attends is intense. I compare it to having a full time job then coming home to study and finish homework. And where does that leave her other passion, writing?

I had a dream once. But I never "went for it". As parents, we want the world for our children. I just don't want her to give up on her dream if it is still her dream (which from what she says, is). Writer Daughter was told by a published author, who took time off from writing, that God used that time to grow her. I was also reminded by Bonita in this post sometimes there is a season of "wait" when there isn't time to write. I know there is growth in waiting. Why do I fret?

Why do I 'worry' that she'll give up on her dream? I don't know either. I mean really...it is between her and God. But, then that mom thing happens to me....I just want her to fly and soar to her fullest potential. You know what? She is. She has grown during cosmetology school. She makes me feel beautiful when she "does" my hair. She tells of clients who really like her and rebook with her even though she is still learning. But, most importantly, she is following God's leading in her life.

God's timing is not my timing or my daughter's timing. It is HIS timing. I'm *cough, cough* years old and still learning that God knows best.

Sigh, why am I such a slow learner?! ☺

What. A. Week.

2011-03-21T10:16:00.002-04:00

Phew. I made it through last week! Yay!

It certainly didn't start off "bad" but ended under a certain amount of stress.

Did you know if your teeth hurt for a few days you should probably go to your dentist? Yes, I did know this but I had a case of denial going on so why not go with the flow and just deny, deny, deny. Well, one almost sleepless night is what you'll get yourself. Yup. It.was.great. Not.

Call dentist first thing in the morning. Infected tooth. Fun. Antibiotic and pain killers...I'm in love. Have said tooth ~~ripped~~ ~~yanked~~ ~~torn~~ out extracted next week by oral surgeon~yup, that bad. Ugh.

Have son over toilet with the stomach flu that same morning. Joy.

Husband picking up 11 mo old puppy that SAME night. How exciting. (can you hear the sarcasm?)

All in all, even though the timing could not have been worse, it wasn't THAT bad. I'm still recovering from the infection but at least it was the weekend and I could take naps in between the dog/puppy training. He is a really cute dog/puppy. See....?

Although, I'm wondering if his tongue is too big for his mouth. But that is another story for another time.
And, since reading One Thousand Gifts, I have practiced trying to see the thankfulness for each situation. I have to admit, it is pretty hard when one is overwhelmed and nothing seems to be going "right". But here is what I decided:

I am thankful for teeth to chew, to smile with....and even though they hurt, I still have teeth.
I am thankful for my son...even though he was sick, I still have him.
I am thankful for the dog...even though not the world's greatest timing, he was a really great deal.
And even though there is a lot of work involved with the said pup, he makes our children happy.

Things can always be worse than our worse days, weeks, months or years. I didn't loose a loved one. I don't have cancer. I have children who love God and aren't rebelling against Him. Perspective is a gift we can all use.

Upon Questioning My Sanity

2011-03-15T21:20:00.000-04:00

Toby

Our beloved dog, Toby, of eleven faithful years had to be put down one month ago. Cancer. Bone cancer. It was an awful thing to watch and once we found out it was cancer, we couldn't let him suffer.

I knew it would be hard on our children. But I didn't realize how hard it would be on me (and hubs too). Eleven years is a long time. He basically grew up with our children. Our youngest was 2, going on 3, when Toby came into our family.

Guess what is happening in a few short days. We will be adding a ten month old yellow lab puppy into our lives. I'm really starting to question my sanity at the moment. I'm really going to be doing the majority of training. Yikes! It is like having a baby again. My baby is 13, soon to be 14. Did I say, "Yikes"?

It was a difficult decision to make. We called multiple family meetings. Discovered the older two children are too busy and want nothing to do with the training process. But our son is still young enough to want a buddy to play with in the yard. Toss a chew toy or two. Run and play with the puppy. BUT he is in baseball now and again in the summer. Again, I am questioning my sanity.

Chewing, digging, messes on the floor, trying to train so no messes on the floor (he'll be allowed in the basement during inclement weather), training with the underground dog fence, chewing, digging, being a puppy kind of things......I think I'll go pull my hair out right now and get it over with!

But puppies/dogs can bring such joy into our lives. (and some....well, that is another story) They are so much fun at time. And how can you say no to a boy and his dog?

Anyone have any training tips or "do's" and "don'ts"? I'm all ears and am standing by for your great comments and advice!

He Is & He Will

2011-03-12T14:13:00.002-05:00

“The LORD your God is with you,

He is mighty to save.

He will take great delight in you,

He will quiet you with His love,

He will rejoice over you with singing.”

~ Zephaniah 3:17

And the winner is.......

2011-03-07T06:32:00.000-05:00

......Allison (simplynorwex)!!!!
Congratulations! You are going to enjoy this book, I just know it. Except do not blame me when you cannot put the book down because it is so good!

Check your email inbox and reply with your address, please.

Thanks to everyone who read the interview. And thanks to those of you who entered the contest and made my first giveaway fun!

The Preacher's Bride is available at bookstores and online now. And don't forget Jody's second book, The Doctor's Lady available in September!

Again, congrats, Allison!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Just a reminder....dancer/photo daughter has an Etsy store....I think you'll love her stuff! ☺
Thanks!

Win, Win.

2011-03-02T08:08:00.001-05:00

Everyone likes winning, right?!

So, head on over to this post (or scroll down one post).
Read the interview, leave a comment and your email address for a chance to win an autographed copy of The Preacher's Bride.

I know you really want the book.
An autographed book.
Great read.
Great reviews.
It is a five, count them, five start review on amazon.com.

Don't be shy. We are all *friends* here. No one will judge.

Hurry, you only have until March 6th at 11 PM EST to enter!!!

One winner will have an autographed book.
And everyone will benefit from learning more about this super-nice author.

It's a win, win situation!

Now, go comment on the post below!!! [pretty please with sugar on top?!]

An Interview with Author Jody Hedlund

2011-02-28T06:00:00.101-05:00

Today I have a special treat…just.for.you!

The beautiful Jody Hedlund.
Website: http://jodyhedlund.com/
Blog: http://jodyhedlund.blogspot.com/
Facebook: Author Jody Hedlund
Twitter: http://twitter.com/JodyHedlund
Email: JodyHedlund@JodyHedlund.com

Jody Hedlund, author of The Preacher's Bride has graciously taken time out of her busy schedule to answer some questions. Sit back, grab some chocolate and enjoy!

And, if you read all the way through this post, there is another possible treat in your future!! [no cheating by skipping the interview!]

Hi, Jody.
First of all, let’s get the important stuff out of the way. What is your favorite “I need food and I need it now” food?

Apple, blueberry, cherry crumb top pie from Grand Traverse Pie Company. It’s to die for! When I have it in the house, I usually sneak a piece for breakfast. After all, with the crumb top, it’s almost like a breakfast buckle, right?

Oh, Jody, a woman after my own heart! I may or may not have had a Reese’s Peanut Butter egg for breakfast last week!

If money were absolutely no object [a girl can dream can’t she?], what is one place you would love to go with only your husband?

I’d love to take a research trip to England. I know my husband would enjoy going too and would put up with my obsessive need to read about and study all the historical details of everything I come across.

And as a family?

My children on the other hand don’t have as much patience for my appetite for history. So I’d love to take them hiking in the Rockies or to Yellowstone.

My daughters and I have had the pleasure of meeting you at a book signing. I could gush on and on about you but I’ll let you tell a little about yourself.

You’re too sweet, Deanna! I loved meeting you and your daughters! It was one of the highlights of the book signing!

But about my family. My husband and I will be celebrating 20 years of marriage this summer. We’ve been blessed with five children ranging in age from 13 down to 5, with a set of twins in the mix to keep things lively. And if that wasn’t busy enough we have five pets—a dog, 2 cats, and 2 hamsters.

Gush warning! Jody was so warm and gracious when we met her at a book signing. I believe we were one of the first ~~stalkers~~ ~~groupies~~ people there. Jody recognized Writer Daughter from her blog picture and came up and gave her a nice hug. It is so nice to be noticed. You know?! Jody and Writer Daughter spent time talking in between book signing and others gushing over the book. Writer Daughter received some great advice! Jody is just a nice, nice person. The.End.

Wife, mom, teaching mom [Jody teaches at home], writer/author, chauffeur, cheerleader…the list could go on and on. How do you personally find balance?

It’s definitely not easy! And I continually struggle to stay on the balance beam without falling off, especially with so many demands clamoring for my attention.

I’ve had to learn to live by 3 S’s: scale back, simplify, support.

1. I’ve had to scale-back my commitments, outside activities, and involvements.
2. I’ve also simplified my life as much as possible: meals, closets, clothes, shopping, housework, etc.
3. And I often must rely on the support of my husband, children, and friends; and of course I must continually rely on the Lord.

Note to self. Must.Learn.3.S’s.

Our daughter has the passion/calling to write. We know there is rarely glamour or money to be made in the writing world. In fact, it is hard work! What keeps you writing?

Ultimately, what drives most writers is the need to tell a story that we can share with others. We love telling stories. But even more than that we want to share the stories with others. And the more I hear from readers who’ve enjoyed my book, the more I want to continue to bring them pleasure.

Have you always had the dream/passion to write?

I have always had a passion to write, and I grew up filling notebook after notebook with stories. I didn’t seriously begin writing novels and pursuing a writing career until after college. When I graduated with my Masters in Social Work, I was only able to find a part time job. I used the “free” time to start writing and began to learn all I could about fiction-writing.

Parents were people without children once. (it seems so long ago!) We’ve all had dreams/passions. And to a lot of parents, teaching their children at home is a passion/calling during this season of life. However, what would you say to a parent who feels called by God to pursue another passion while homeschooling or having an outside job?

Yes, I truly believe God gives each of us gifts, talents, and abilities that he wants us to use for his glory. I have a homeschooling friend who is incredibly gifted at serving. She puts care packages together for dozens of people at Christmas, she sends goodies to soldiers, and she is the first to bring a meal to anyone in need. She’s really passionate about it, and even though she’s homeschooling, she still finds time to use her gifts.

Since all of us are created so uniquely, we can’t compare and try to keep up with each other. Rather I believe we should be searching our hearts, looking for how God’s specially designed us to serve him. Mine happens to be through my writing. He’s opened doors for me to pursue this particular gift right now and bring him glory through it.

I believe if we’re truly laying our passions before Him, and seeking to serve him, he’ll direct us in what he wants us to be doing in different seasons of our lives.

The Preacher’s Bride is inspired by John Bunyan's, writer of Pilgrim’s Progress, wife Elizabeth. Tell us some behind the scenes things that went into the writing of this book.

I lovingly refer to The Preacher’s Bride as my “nap time book” because during the year that I wrote it, my two youngest were still taking naps and that’s about the only time I could find to write.

And The Preacher’s Bride was the first book I wrote after coming back from a long writing hiatus. I’d taken many years off from my writing while I was having all of my babies and during our beginning years of homeschooling. So The Preacher’s Bride will always hold a special place in my heart for helping me get reacquainted with my writing.

I heard Jody on a local radio station a few weeks ago. When giving an overview of The Preacher’s Bride, one of the things she stated was the story shows a person doing something hard instead of finding the easy way out. It made me think, how most of us do try to find the easy way out of a difficult situation. Sometimes in life we just need to buckle up for the ride when it is difficult. Hard choices need to be made. Even though it isn't fun, most of the time, you’ll find the biggest blessings when life gets really hard.

You have a new book hitting shelves the beginning of September 2011. Can you give us a glimpse of the story line?

My next book is called The Doctor’s Lady and it releases in September. It’s very different from The Preacher’s Bride in that it has a completely different time period and setting. But it’s similar in that it’s another “inspired-by” novel.

The Doctor’s Lady is a fictionalized story based on the first American woman to travel overland West to Oregon as a missionary to the natives. It’s a marriage of convenience story, but also the tale of how a young woman overcame the odds, endured a dangerous journey, and found true love along the way. In the process, her strength and courage paved the way for all the women who came after her.

I can’t wait! I can’t wait! I can’t wait! I can’t wait…..

What does a “typical” day look like for you?

I generally wake up a couple hours before my kids. That gives me time to have a cup of coffee and read my Bible. After that, I read emails and try to answer a few. Then I attempt to get a jump start on my writing goal for the day.

Once the kids start to wake up, I pack up my story. I focus on our homeschooling for the day, which usually runs from about 7:30 until 2:30 or 3:00.

Finally, when the kids are busy doing their afternoon jobs, practicing piano, and getting ready for evening activities, I once again attempt to settle down for a little bit of writing.

Then after the kids are in bed, I finish up anything I wasn’t able to get done during the day. When I’m actively writing a first draft, I usually set a daily word count goal of writing 1000 words and I don’t go to bed until I get it down.

And for those who don’t know….1000 words is work!

Teaching at home parents often have the funniest stories about something their young child said or did. Without thinking too hard about it, what is the funniest story that pops into your head at this moment?

The most recent incident involved my two youngest children, ages 5 and 7. After they finished school one morning, they went upstairs to play in their bedrooms, or so I thought. I was busy checking math and helping my oldest son with a paper, when it struck me that my two youngest were too quiet. (Isn’t that usually the clue that they’re up to trouble!)

So I headed up to see what they were doing. They were in the bathroom, and when I opened the door, it looked like a second flood had taken place. Water covered the floor and dripped from the sink. And animals were everywhere—stuffed animals.

“We’re giving all our animals baths in the sink,” my youngest exclaimed with a happy smile, wet from head to toe.

And later, while I was hanging up two dozen soaking stuffed animals to dry in the laundry room, and explaining to my youngest why they couldn’t give baths to stuffed animals, I had a terrible time holding in my laughter!

You are stranded on a tropical island (it is winter back home in MI). You’ve been in paradise for a week. No one around but natives, who keep to themselves, monkeys, bugs, who leave you alone (imagination is great isn’t it?!), coconuts and berries. And through the miracle of imagination, you have your laptop with Wi-Fi. You find yourself under a palm tree (in a comfy lounge chair, of course) while the breeze is blowing gently through your hair. Your eyes are closed, your body relaxed. A small smile appears on your sun-kissed face as you sigh in contentment. Off in the distance a sound of a plane, getting closer, getting closer….. What will you do:

A. Signal the search plane?
B. Hide further under the palm tree?
C. Do a happy dance?
D. Once the plane lands you make a deal with the pilot to come back next week? OR
E. Other : _______________________________

After a week, I would definitely pick A., signal the search plane! I’d be so ready to see my family again and get hugs and kisses from everyone! But I’d also make arrangements to get stranded again—maybe once every winter!

Thanks so much, Jody, for the wonderful interview!

As a special treat, Jody has offered to give an autographed book to one person who comments. It truly is a wonderful read!

To win a copy of The Preacher’s Bride, leave a comment by 11 PM EST on Sunday, March 6th with your email address in the comment.[to avoid spammers, write your email in this format: myemail AT provider DOT com]
You must live in the continental United States to be eligible to win. And the winner will be picked randomly using random.org Tru Random Number Generator.

The winner will be notified by email (no email addy left in comments...no win) and also announced here on Monday, March 7th.

Let the comments begin!

There's a New Girl in the Etsy Neighborhood

2011-02-26T16:44:00.000-05:00

There is a new girl in the neighborhood.

Dancer Daughter is selling her wares on Etsy.com.

Gorgeous photos.

Dance over to see her photos in a wide array of products.

Be sure to check back often as she adds more products to her store.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/seasonphotography

Spread the Love and Beauty

2011-02-14T06:00:00.006-05:00

Or maybe the title should be Valentine Potpourri.

And, let me be the first to say, Valentine's Day is about love; whether you are single or married, it is about love. Love of God. Love of people. Love. Don't beat yourself up if you are single. Enjoy it. Love your friends, your mom/dad, brother/sister, niece/nephew, etc.

Buckle up...here we go...

David Crowder Band singing How He Loves...'nuf said and enjoy.

I found this cute free down-loadable beauty eye chart (Valentine, love, inner beauty...get the connection?) Writer/Cos Daughter printed all the colors out in 3.5x5 size to give to her fellow cosmetology students and teachers. (someone decided to relive her elementary years and have the girls and teachers bring valentines for one another...plus a potluck. I personally think it was just an excuse for a potluck...but let's keep that one between us! ☺)
I printed off a few of these for both daughters and put them in 8x10 frames. They.look.adorable.

Is this just the coolest or what?!
Don't forget to check out the rest of her site.

Then I decided to avoid housework and made this...

dark gray words is the chorus of Beautiful by MercyMe.
Verse in the middle is by Jesus, of course!

I think the next time I make something like this I'll put the lines farther apart. Trial and error...my two closest friends.

Writer Daughter has a wonderful post here and here.

And, have you seen the commercial about "I love us"?

You have to admit, this is kind of cute. I especially enjoyed the part where the pregnant woman patted her husband's belly while the narrator talked about "growing".

Have a great day! Spread the love.

Off My Bookshelf

2011-02-10T08:21:00.001-05:00

Two books are off my shelf at the moment.

Great books.

One is thought provoking and deep. The other is just as great in its own way.

The first is One Thought Gifts by Ann Voskamp. I'm only on chapter three but may I just say WOW! I am not one to highlight in a book but Ann has caused me to break my own rule. And if the writing and deepness of the book is not enough, I'm watching the videos online after I read each chapter. Again, WOW! So far she has written about a painful experience when she was four, about God, about her life now, about how grace, thanksgiving and joy are connected and about God. It isn't one of those trite "I'm perfect and do everything right because I believe in God" books. It is real. It is honest. And it is most importantly relates to most humans if they are honest. And the videos are the frosting to my cake...and I like lots of frosting!

The second book is a lighter book. A you-have-me-giggling book. Save The Date by Jenny B Jones. I'm a little over half way done with this book but it calls to me. "Deanna, don't do the laundry...pick me up instead." "Deanna, don't feed your family...can't you see your need to find out what happens next?" Yeah, that kind of book. Will Alex be a stand up guy or be what everyone believes of him? Will Lucy use her sarcasm for good or evil? Matt. What is up with Matt? I can't figure out if I should love him or hate him. I'm seriously a little suspicious of that man. And Julian...I love that quirky guy....I need a Julian living in my house just for the entertainment factor only. Hmmmm.....these are the things that keep me up at night. And, how can I not love Jenny B Jones. After all, I did name her next YA book...There You'll Find Me. Okay, so I participated in a poll...but still, she picked the one I voted for so that makes me an influencer...right? (don't judge me people!)

Well, that is what's off my bookshelf.

How about you?

The Wind Doth Blow & We Shall Have Snow

2011-02-01T17:52:00.002-05:00

Over the last few days many have been preparing for a huge winter storm coming our way. In fact, I was awaken at 4:50 a.m. by the weather radio blaring on about a Blizzard Warning. Oh. Peachy.

When I heard about this storm approaching and its timeline, I decided Sunday after church would be a fine time to get a gallon or two of milk and other essential items. I seriously thought ice cream an essential item but wondered about the chill factor on my body and decided against the wonder they call ice cream.

Many, many people were in the store gathering items. This morning, on the news, there were pictures of empty store shelves from the night before. I've even heard grumblings that we really are not having a blizzard heading our way, but, instead, a conspiracy by the weather personnel to jump start the economy.

Preparing and grumblings. It really got me thinking about Christian preparedness. Have I been preparing for Christ? Am I one of those grumbling that I haven't time to read the Bible or pray or just know God more? Am I too busy preparing for earthly things that I miss the Spiritual preparation? Why can't I make it my priority?

Good thing God is patient! Good thing He extends His merciful grace!

Bundle up.
Keep warm.
There's a blizzard out there!
Well, at least a lot of blowing snow out there!!

Constant Repeat

2011-01-28T07:17:00.001-05:00

Ever wonder why one wakes up in the morning with a song, a verse, story or anything swirling around in ones head on constant repeat? Me, too!

For me, it has been a different song each morning since Tuesday of this week. And the funny thing is, it isn't like I listened to these songs the night before...or even the day before.

Hmmmm, could God be trying to tell/teach me something? If you figure it out...tell me! ☺

Or could it be He is just blessing me with song?!

Tuesday: You'll Come by Hillsong
On constant repeat: ♪As surely as the sun will rise, You'll come to us, as certain as the dawn appears. You'll come let your glory fall, as you respond to us, Spirit reign flood our hearts with holy fire again...♫

Wednesday: My Help Comes From The Lord by Museum
On constant repeat: ♫Maker of heaven, giver of life You are my strength, my song in the night My refuge, my shelter now and forevermore, my help comes from the Lord...♫

Thursday: Lay'em Down by Needtobreathe
On constant repeat: ♫♪Come down to the river, Come and let yourself in...Bring all of your troubles and lay 'em down, come lay 'em down, just lay 'em down, come lay 'em down...♪♫

Friday: O Praise Him by David Crowder Band
On constant repeat: ♪Ohh praise Him! Ohh praise Him! He is Holy! He is Holy! Turn your gaze To Heaven and raise A joyous noise...♫

O, Perfect Day...continued.

2011-01-26T09:06:00.001-05:00

.....read part one here.

"It is something I have to do. I have to prove to my...."

Perfect. Just perfect. Can this day get any better?

At that perfect moment, a two year old decided to plow full force into Anna's uncontrollable shaking leg with sticky, pudgy hands holding, what else, an ice cream cone. A half melted, half licked, half soggy ice cream cone. Ick!

"Oh, I am so sorry. Andrew. No!" the frazzled, multi-tasking mother said to both Anna and her child. "You don't run away from mommy like that. I am so sorry, Miss. Can I help clean you up?"

Horrified at the thought of sticky-hand's mother touching her, "No, no. I'm sure he didn't mean it. I'll be fine. Yes, fine." as Anna ran her hand through her hair again. Okay, Lord. Out with it. What did I do to get a day like this? Go to my happy place, go to my happy place....

A hand gripped Anna's elbow and pulled her to standing and dragged her along the midway. "Let's get out of here." He said low into her ear.

Strolling on the midway, Anna had an epiphany. "Sir! I don't even know you. You could be an ax murderer or...or...worse!" With that, Anna stopped. And with that, Noah caught her as those behind her on the midway knocked her over because of her failure to signal such a rapid stop.

Noah laughed. Not the kind, quiet, polite laugh. But the loud, "I can't stop" laugh. And he didn't stop even as he pulled her off the midway and found a nice grassy area. Noah grip let go of Anna's arm and doubled over in laughter. Anna was sure she wanted to smack him...and not the kind, polite smack. The smack-you-to-the-moon smack!

Furious, Anna decided she needed to get away from this man before something terrible happened....like smacking him to the moon! Gathering as much dignity as possible when someone manages receive the worst-first-impression-of-all-time award, Anna fled as quickly and quietly as possible. He wants to laugh at me? Well, fine! Let him laugh and see how silly he feels when he finds me missing!

Anna barely stomped ten steps when her Knight appeared at her side wiping the tears rolling down his face.

"Anna. Sorry, but..." There he went again...laughing.

Glaring at him with what she hoped was a look he'd have burned into his brain forever, she yelled, "Stop laughing. You, sir, are no Knight!" Anna darted toward the midway where she prayed to get lost in the crowd.

Noah quickly caught up to her before her plan to blend into the crowd came to fruition. "Look, Anna. I am truly sorry. Please accept my sincerest apologies, Fair Maiden." he said with a smile that could stop a missile. A smile that made the corner of his eyes crinkle in the most handsome way. A smile that made her stomach flip-flop then flop-flip.

Anna! Get a hold of yourself. Stop acting like a love sick puppy! Anna mentally slapped herself to the moon.

"Let's go back to that grassy spot where I made a complete, utter fool of myself. Please, Anna. You'll have to trust me when I tell you I am not an ax murderer." Noah pleaded with all the boyish charm within him.

Anna decided she lost all sense of self-respect and wisdom when it came to the man as she followed him to the grassy spot.

Lord, he better not be an ax murderer. And if he is...well, I guess I'll see You in the near future!

To be continued.....maybe....☺

O, Perfect Day

2011-01-21T13:42:00.001-05:00

Her hands ached from the death grip. Her head felt like it was about to fall off from all the spinning. Breathe, breathe. Oh, this is not going to end well. Breathe, breathe.....make it stop, Lord, make it stop!

And just like that, it all stopped. Silence. Blessed silence. She took inventory of her body to make sure she was okay. Head still attached, check. Fingers pried loose, check. Stomach flip-flopping, check. Legs moving, check. Thank you, Lord.

Taking a deep breath, Anna attempted to extricate herself gracefully from the source of turmoil. I can do this, I can do this.

"Here. Let me help you." came a voice which had to be that of an angel. A very good angel indeed.

Anna felt his gentle touch before she could see this angels face. He carefully helped her to stand and guide her to safety.

Finding her voice, Anna felt the overwhelming need to explain the situation. "I'm so sorry to be a bother. I just have it in my head that I can ride these dumb rides at the fair. I mean really, a woman in her late 20s should be able to handle a kiddie ride like this. A gigantic strawberry that goes round and round....Oooo, maybe I should sit down."

"I have just the spot picked out for you." the gentleman said as he directed her across the midway.

"Do I sense the sound of someone trying to not laugh at a woman who nearly died in that strawberry some call a 'fun ride'?"

"Well, now that you put it that way, it does sound pretty humorous. I'm not laughing at you. I'm laughing with you. There's a difference, you know."

"Yeah, the difference is I'm not laughing! And if I could actually focus my eyes, I'd so glare at you right now!" Anna cried as she finally reached the bench and plopped down.

"Mind if I have a seat beside you?" Her somewhat charming stranger-helper said.

And only then did Anna finally get a chance to see his face. A very kind and nice looking face, at that.

"I'm Noah, by the way."

Anna just stared. She couldn't believe her luck. Of all times to make a fool of herself, she had to expose her real self to a gorgeous, caring super-hero of a man. Lord, seriously, we need to talk about my knack for truly embarrassing myself. I mean really, Lord?

Humor twinkled in his eyes as he said, "And you are?"

Oh, my. He thinks I'm a complete idiot. What's next, Lord, my skin turns green and I hurl all over him? "I'm Anna. And I've completely embarrassed myself in front of a total stranger who has taken on the role of a Knight. I'm okay. Or at least I'll be okay once my stomach realizes I'm not on that dumb kiddie ride anymore! I won't take anymore of your time. You've gone above and beyond your Knightly call of duty."

With a slight laugh, Noah said, "A Knight, huh? Well, I'll have to check the handbook but I think I have to stay with the damsel in distress until she isn't in distress. They might take away my Knighthood if I fail to do that." And then...he winked.

He. Winked.

Oh the nerve of that man!!! This only gets better and better Anna sarcastically thought.

"Um, okay. I wouldn't want to get you in trouble with the other Knights." Anna broke eye contact and looked around. People strolled by without noticing the awkward cloud hanging over Anna's head. Okay, Lord, maybe You will get me out of this yet with a little dignity left over.

"Are you sure you are okay? You're still looking pale."

"Yes, yes. I'm fine and thank you for pointing out how I don't particularly look good." huffed Anna as she ran her right hand through her hair while smoothing down her shirt with her left. Ugh. I'm a mess. And why is my stomach still flip-flopping? And why is my leg uncontrollably shaking?

"Listen, I'm just concerned. A beautiful lady turning pale is not something this Knight walks aways from. I was over by the strawberry ride waiting on some friends. Let me text them and let them know I'll meet up with them later."

Seriously, who is this guy. Wait...did he call me beautiful? Oh, Lord, what is going on here. Are You up to something and didn't inform me during our talk this morning? Lord? Lord? Oh, fine. I'll go along with this...

"So, do you ride the kiddie rides and always get...um...."

Whipping her head around so she could look him in the face, "Sick. The word your looking for is sick. And yes. Yes I do."

"Then why do it?"

"It is something I have to do. I have to prove to my...."

Perfect. Just perfect. Can this day get any better?

To be continued......

Beautiful

2011-01-17T08:21:00.000-05:00

The sunrise this morning reminded me of this song. Enjoy!

"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork."
Psalm 19:1

What IF....

2010-12-31T19:39:00.000-05:00

"'What' and ‘if’ two words as nonthreatening as words come. But put them together side-by-side and they have the power to haunt you for the rest of your life: ‘What if?'..."

What if....

What if...

I just finished watching Letters to Juliet. The quote is from the movie when "Juliet" writes a letter to Claire.

What if....

How many times have I thought "what if" (see this post if you don't believe me). And in doing so, how many times have I worried. And worried. And worried.

"What if" keeps me in the past. And worrying about the "what if" for the future just gives me a nervous stomach!

So, here's to moving forward and leaving the "what ifs" behind. Wanna join me?!

Praise to God on High...

2010-12-24T13:22:00.000-05:00

Admitting I'm not "feeling" all Christmas-y is something I'd rather avoid. But, sigh, it is true.

I was listening to Christmas music when BarlowGirl 'Hallelujah' popped up on our media player. I really listened to the words this time instead of half listening.

I have to admit, I'm starting to "feel" Christmas-y now!

Hallelujah, we’ve been found.

A child is born to save us now,
Jesus
Hallelujah, light has come
A savior set us free…

No matter where you are "at" this Christmas, have a Blessed Christmas.

It's Time

2010-12-23T06:33:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas!!

May you feel the love of God no matter what your circumstance.

May you find God's peace and comfort that is always there.

May you seek out others to help and give of yourself.

And through the above, may you enjoy the time

and savor time spent with others.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the greatness of his government and peace

there will be no end.

Isaiah 9:6-7

It Happens In A Blink

2010-12-12T19:15:00.001-05:00

RUE ? was on a shirt our girls owned. (are you ready? get it... red 'e')

Are you? If you died today, are you ready to meet the Lord? Am I ready?

My husband's first cousin, his wife and 10 year old daughter were involved in a tragic car accident late yesterday afternoon. A woman blew through a stop sign and hit their car. His wife, mother of their 7 children, went to be with Jesus last night. Their 10 year old daughter went to sit on Jesus lap this afternoon. Hubby's cousin is breathing on his own but is still heavily sedated. Not knowing he lost the love of his life and precious, always smiling 10 year old. His children, brother, sister and parents will tell him. It is going to be one of the hardest moments one could ever imagine. (driver of the other car died as well)

When I think of the mom of 7, I know she was ready. I know it. She was such a godly woman. And the sweet 10 year old loved Jesus. It just oozed from her. They are both dancing with Jesus tonight. That gives me peace. I'm still very sad, but know they are with our wonderful Lord.

Since the family attends our church, it was a somber day. Tears and hugs were everywhere. But what really got me were my own thoughts. It could have been us dealing with this tragedy. The accident was on the same road Writer Daughter takes to and from cosmetology school five days a week. In fact, she had school the same day as the accident. She called us to let us know she was headed home. Twenty minutes later we heard the call on our son's scanner. Twenty minutes is about the time it takes her to get to the intersection of the accident. After hearing how bad the accident was and the calling of air ambulances, I tried calling her cell phone. And tried again. And sent a text. Nothing. No familiar voice calling me or answering the calls. I will admit I had fear. Great fear.

What got me through was prayer. Even though my momma prayer of "Lord, tell her to call home" wasn't answered, and my stomach ached with fear, I knew no matter the outcome, God was with me. I praised God loudly when she pulled in the drive. (she had her phone on vibrate...she got a lecture! ☺) She never saw the accident so she went through the intersection before it happened.

But an hour later our joy turned into heart ache. I ache for our relatives. I really hurt.

I'm still dealing with the "what ifs". What if she would have left school 5 minutes later....What if the woman who ran the stop sign would have left 5 minutes later....what if, what if. I know in my mind I can't dwell on that. I know. But my mind won't stop. The tears still flow at just the thought of the what ifs.

I'm trying to focus on Isaiah 41:10: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

As well as a little further in the chapter, vs 17 & 18: "But I the LORD will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs."

It has been a difficult 24 hours. But the Lord my God is here. He is with my husband's family and with the other driver's family. He is here.

When tragedy strikes, call out to God....He is always, always with you.

Books, Blankets and Cuddles

2010-12-10T06:00:00.002-05:00

Books.

Don't you just love them?

Books to feel.

Books to smell.

Books, blanket and cuddles.

Writer Daughter sat on the floor of a book store and said, "Heaven is going to be one big book store!" At that moment in time, she was in a little part of Heaven surrounded by books!

I was involved in a conversation on facebook recently who is a teacher. The conversation turned to books. Classic Children's.

I started to remember the countless number of books read to my children. Some of which were read to me when I was a child. What a treasure it is to have those books from my childhood. What a treasure to have cozy memories of mom/dad and books.

Here are just a few.

Not sure if this is a classic yet...but to us it is!
Plod, plod, plod Little Bear. ☺

What are your favorite books from childhood or you read to your children?

Beautiful Snow

2010-12-08T10:04:00.000-05:00

To me, that title is an oxymoron!

Writer Daughter is driving back and forth to cosmetology school this year and I am seriously praying for a mild winter. Fifty minutes of white knuckle driving is the pits! Plus Dancer Daughter has jobs now and two teens (19 is still a teen, right?!) driving....I will have no fingernails left! ☺

However, this morning, as I witnessed gentle snow showers, I do have to thank the Almighty for the beauty of it all.

Big, fat flakes gently floating to the ground.

It reminded me of a song. I shared this song last year and it is still a beautiful favorite of mine. Enjoy.

Busy Yet?

2010-12-07T08:42:00.001-05:00

photo courtesy of Dancer Daughter/Season Photography

December.

The month is usually filled to the brim.

Company and family Christmas parties. Baking and cooking. Cooking and baking. Friends getting together to celebrate Christmas and friendship. Shopping. Extra services at church. Concerts and plays. And, more shopping. Last, but not least, finding time for family movie time. It has become a December tradition.

The list could really go on and on and on and....

Sometimes, it's all so overwhelming.

During this busyness, it is easy to forget to get together with the One who has made this all possible. God.

We started a nightly Advent reading. We did great until the last few nights. Hence, what got me thinking about the busy.

The Advent reading is a Jesse Tree reading. It takes one from the beginning of the world to the birth of Jesus. When we read about The Fall (Adam & Eve eat the forbidden fruit) in Genesis 3:1-21, I was struck by something I never thought much of before. In verse 9, God asked "Where are you?"

Ouch!

Where am I (we) that we couldn't take 10 minutes to "do" the Advent readings?

Where am I that I am short on patience and long in temper because I haven't spent time with God?

Ouch, again!

God is always with us. Always. No matter the circumstance. Good, bad or ugly. He never leaves us. Where am I?

I read a blog post today from Shannon Primicerio called Finding Jesus. Please click on her name to read the post...you won't be sorry.

May we all take time to find Jesus through all the busy.

Soul Crying Friday!

2010-12-03T13:53:00.000-05:00

My soul cries out...

O Praise Him !

He is Our King!

What LOVE Really Means! (nuf said!)

♪God is Love♫

2010-11-29T09:14:00.000-05:00

Do you know that song? The official title is "Come Let Us All Unite To Sing".

Growing up in church, we sang the song a lot. A. Lot. I don't remember the words to most of the verses but I do remember the chorus. "God is Love".

Yesterday, our first Advent sermon was on Love. Even the love chapter (I Cor 13) was read along with many other love verses.

Yesterday afternoon I needed to prepare for a meeting with my youth in the mentor program we have through church. We decided last summer we would study a book called Being A Girl Who Loves - Learning to love like Jesus by Shannon Primicerio. The book is sadly out of print but my daughter owned a copy and I found a neighbor who had a copy. (yay!) Due to some schedule challenges, we are just now going over the intro and first chapter.

Guess what the intro and first chapter reinforced? The sermon yesterday. It was so cool to read something so similar to our sermon.

And yet....

God is telling me something!!

Don't you just "love" days like that?! ☺

It's Okay

2010-11-24T20:12:00.000-05:00

It's okay. Sometimes that is all a person needs to hear.

It's okay to cry.

It's okay to get angry.

It's okay to scream that life isn't fair.

It's okay not to feel cheerful every single minute of the day.

And it's okay to be thankful for those bad times that come your way.

What?! Thankful for the bad times?

Yup, you heard me right. We, as humans, really need to acknowledge the awful times. We really do.

However, we humans need to practice looking past the terrible times to see what blessings we have to be thankful for.

When you have that sort of perspective, you really can get through the really terrible times.

I felt the need to write this on the eve of Thanksgiving. I know there are people who are really going through a tough time. Those out there who might not feel like celebrating tomorrow. Those who feel like they are suppose to just put on a happy face and fake it. Or those like me who are just plain cranky tonight and are wondering what in the world I can be thankful for when I'm just in one terrible mood. (my poor, poor family!) I just want you to know it is okay. BUT, I have to put things into perspective and realize how blessed I really am. I really blessed and have a lot to be thankful for. I'm okay. I really am.

The Big Bloggy World of Words

2010-11-22T08:20:00.001-05:00

Hello, faithful readers.

I'm really not sure how many people read this blog. And it truly doesn't matter.

When I set up this blog, God knew I needed a creative outlet. And He kept putting a blog in my mind.

If you are a faithful reader, you know I've had my ups and my downs. I hope the ups have outweighed the downs by far!!

And, I hope when you have read each post, you have come away with something. Encouragement, perhaps.

I say that because of something that recently happened on one of my daughter's blogs. It is a blog about modesty and fashion aimed at teen girls and early 20's. It is written by teens. Teens I would be proud to call my daughters. (well, one is my daughter! ☺) Teens who love God, the Bible and have a passion for others.

Their integrity was challenged. This has happened a few times by the same person. It happened again yesterday. This time, the person had the nerve to ask if they believed in the Bible. This is crushing to a mom's heart to even have someone question her daughter's love of God.

Encouraging? I think not.

I'm trying to keep this person's hurtful and rude comments in perspective. When I take a look at her modesty site, it is very legalistic in my opinion. It helped me to understand where her comments were coming from. But I'm not going to judge her...it is not my place. But, it made me think about my blog.

Am I using my posts as a way to prove I'm "right" about certain situations? Am I slamming groups of people to make me look good? I sure hope I am not doing that.

Words hurt. They are like atomic bombs at times. You can take the words "back" but you can't take away the pain they caused.

Let's encourage people today. Whether it is picking up the phone and calling someone who has been on your heart, sending a card or praying for a person and letting them know. Something I would have loved when our children were small would have been someone helping me put groceries in my van while I strapped in everyone in car seats. Or someone calling me up and telling me they were bringing me supper. There are so many ways to encourage! (I even had a bloggy friend wishing she could bring me supper if she didn't live so many states away from me. THAT was an encouraging moment!)

Therefore encourage one another and

build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice!

Strive for full restoration, encourage one another,

be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love

and peace will be with you.

2 Corinthians 13:11

Do not let any unwholesome talk

come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful

for building others up according to their needs,

that it may benefit those who listen.

Ephesians 4:29

Side Note: I'm very happy who my daughter has handled the situation each time it has happened. She knows people have differing opinions of what modesty is... And she has encouraged the staff not to get into a "war of words" trying to defend their own take on modesty. That, I'm very proud of!

You Are Beautiful

2010-11-16T06:46:00.003-05:00

I had an appointment with Cos Daughter (aka Writer Daughter) Saturday. Yes! She is able to cut my hair, color and all kinds of fun stuff!!

Since she is still in cosmetology school, they each have a station in which to work. Each station has a mirror and the teacher writes the students name on the mirror claiming that to be the student's spot.

When I sat down at my daughter's station, I noticed another thing written on the mirror in her own handwriting.

"You are beautiful"

The words were like salve to my heart. I don't think I'm beautiful on the outside and to be honest, pretty ugly on the inside at times. (I'm trying to work on that and at times, well, I fail. But, that is where grace comes in.) But, just having that reminder as I sat down made me feel...well, beautiful.

I want you to know. You are beautiful! (pass it on!)

"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.

Man looks at the outward appearance,
but the Lord looks at the heart."

1 Samuel 16:7

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us,

that we should be called children of God!"

1 John 3:1

Hallelujah Chills

2010-11-14T13:05:00.000-05:00

I know I said I was going to not jump the Christmas boat too early...but hey, things happen!

Our pastor talked about this video this morning in church. I watched it at home after lunch and got chills. So I thought I needed to share!

Apparently singers from many choirs were scattered throughout Macy's in Philadelphia. At noon they broke into the Hallelujah Chorus.

Watch all of the shoppers and see the smiles!

Kind of puts a person in the Spirit, doesn't it? ☺

How Many Days?!?!

2010-11-10T06:43:00.001-05:00

45 days.

Yes, 45 days until Christmas one website has so kindly informed me.

Every year I tell myself I'm not going to let the commercialism "in" this year.

Every year stores start getting out the decoration the minute halloween is over.

Every year I tell myself I'm going to enjoy Thanksgiving which doesn't get its fair shake.

And every year I'm consumed with who I get what present, the cost and tend to skip over the thanks in Thanksgiving.

So, this year, I'm saying 15 days until Thanksgiving....what and who am I thankful for?!?!

Dear Children

2010-11-01T09:24:00.001-04:00

This weekend was movie time. We decided upon the Hannah Montana movie. I won't review it. You are welcome.

There is a song in the movie I found extremely touching. Maybe it is because of the ages of my children. Maybe it is the realization they will "fly away" at a point in the not too distant future. Or maybe I'm just a sap...it is a God-given talent, I tell you.

The song, Butterfly Fly Away, has been haunting me since movie night. It really got me thinking. When is the last time I wrote a love letter to each of our children? I wrote a letter to Writer Daughter (aka cos daughter) for her graduation from high school this past spring. But the other two children? Can't remember when I expressed our love through a letter.

When our oldest, Writer Daughter, was a baby, I use to write her a letter. It wasn't poetic. Just words telling her what she was physically doing at the time and cute things she did or said when she could talk. Then, our second daughter was born and time just got away from me.

I think it is time I started writing love letters to my children again.

What about you? And if writing is not your thing, then tell them in a way that is most meaningful to you.

My People

2010-10-29T21:25:00.000-04:00

My people are the greatest friends.

My people forgive me for my forgetfulness--like forgetting a birthday.

My people understand when I'm not feeling good and I just want to whine.

My people call/email me and ask how I feel. And when my people know I'm not quite telling them the honest truth, my people "call" me on it until I tell them the truth.

My people listen to my ugly, honest, truth.

My people gently get me out of the above whine session by reminding me of all my blessings and what a great God we serve.

My people are living proof of God living through them.

My people show me God living through them by just being them.

My people are my family--blood and those who should be blood.

My people stand with me through PMS and my pain.

My people would show up for me with just one call/text or email.

My people rejoice with me.

My people deserve a better friend than I am at this moment.

My people understand when I am not on top of things like I was in the past.

My people put up with me.

My people still love me--the most imperfect person in the entire universe.

My people extend grace.

My people are my biggest blessings.

I love you family and friends!!
I wouldn't want to be in this world with you, my people.

My Heart Is Yours

2010-10-21T19:41:00.000-04:00

'You Won't Relent' by Misty Edwards is a song that I only recently heard at a time of corporate worship. It is beautiful and a prayer from the heart.

Based on Song of Solomon 8:6-7.

Just a warning for those of you who do not like music that rocks out...

listen to the first part before it rocks out.

I personally love the rocking out but if you aren't into that, be warned. ☺

Storms

2010-10-15T08:34:00.001-04:00

"Don’t be afraid (of the enemy)!

Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious..."

Nehemiah 4:14 (NLT)

******

"The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save.

He will take great delight in you,

He will quiet you with His love,

He will rejoice over you with singing."

Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)

******

His (God) promise to me is to lead me step-by-step

no matter how scary and uncomfortable it is.

He is with me. He is with you.

quote from a vlog by

Nicki from sheseeks.org

What verses and/or quotes have helped you get

through some of the storms of life?

So after I finished this post, I traveled over to ~~my friend~~ a really cool author, Jenny B Jones, blog. I was thinking about writing a post about the Chilean miners next week but Jenny wrote it so much better than it would ever be in my head. Travel over and read this. And the last paragraph of that post, people?! Wow. It had to make my Storms post for today!

Those low moments (for the miners, literally) are divinely designed to be the worst and the best of our lives. The worst–during the process. And the best, how we choose to rise from it. Like Jonah and the whale. Or a mine containing a group of men with unquenchable spirits.

Weekend of Fun

2010-10-11T06:00:00.007-04:00

What a great weekend. The weather was splendid. It is October and we are having 80º weather. Go figure! I'm sure not complaining even though I love the cool, crisp weather of fall...and spring!

Where, oh, where do I start?

Friday afternoon I found out an author, Jody Hedlund, was going to be in a city close to us for a book signing. How exciting! I read Jody's debut novel, The Preacher's Bride, and totally encourage everyone who loves Christian fiction to run out and buy the book.

Writer Daughter (aka Cos Daughter) found Jody's blog or Jody found Writer Daughter's blog (can't remember how it happened) a few years ago. Jody has commented on a few of Sarah's post so I thought I should check out this smart lady! Jody's blog is full of the process of getting a book published...the good, the bad and the ugly. Even if you are not a writer, her posts have the best analogies in them.

Sarah (aka Writer Daughter) & Jody Hedlund

So, Saturday morning, Writer Daughter, Dancer Daughter and I piled into the car and off we went. It took us about an hour to get there but it was so worth it. I, of course, had my copy of The Preacher's Bride in hand. Hello, I'm gonna get it signed!

Jody recognized Writer Daughter from her picture on her blog and instantly was up walking toward us giving us hugs. What a wonderful welcome! Jody was gracious to us and especially Writer Daughter as they talked "shop". And Dancer Daughter did was she does best....shop! ☺

Sunday consisted of worship at our church. What a beautiful day to worship the Creator of Heaven and earth! Our Sunday School lesson consisted of Psalm 9. What a wonderful passage.

I enjoyed the warm weather and the changing-color-leaves with my Dancer Daughter (aka Photo Daughter). We went to a local woods and she took lots of pictures. What a nice way to spend time with a daughter.

Firefighter son was enjoying the afternoon with his uncle. There was a go-cart race locally. However, by the time they got there, the race was finished. So, they hung out together for a few hours. A great time of getting to know one another better I do think.

Writer Daughter was interviewed by a girl from the UK. You can check out the interview here.

Weekends are great...too short, but most of the time great! I say we start a petition. Let's have 5 day weekends and 2 day work weeks...and get paid the same amount of money as we do when we work 5 days a week!! Who's with me?!

Breaking news! Mennonite Girls Can Cook will have a published cookbook in the Spring of 2011. Being Mennonite myself, I find this exciting. Yes, there are lots of Mennonite cookbooks. Every Mennonite church in our area has a cookbook fundraiser. However, I've been following their blog and I believe while it will have the more traditional recipes, some up-to-date recipes will give it that extra push. Congrats, girls!

Dear Blog

2010-10-08T09:43:00.001-04:00

Dear Blog,

I never meant for this to happen. It just did. If you are feeling neglected, I'm truly sorry. Really. How can I explain this so you'll understand?

Life. I know it sounds like an excuse but it isn't. As much as I long to sit down with you in the form of my creative outlet, life just gets in the way sometimes. But, that isn't a bad thing.

People are important. I have some pretty important people in my life which I thank God for allowing. People sometimes need me. And I need people. A. Lot. Sometimes people are there for me more than I am for them. I hate that certain things get in the way for me being there for my people. But. It. Happens. And my people extend grace like no other people I know.

And, things, dear Blog, get in the way of us meeting together like we use to. I'm sorry if that is hurtful but things need to get accomplished. Phone calls to the hospital, EMS people, insurance companies. Things like being overwhelmed at the way our house is looking very cluttered. Things like remembering to take a deep breath. You know, those kinds of things that make the time fly by like there is no tomorrow.

Trust me when I say I haven't forgotten you. And as life goes back to "normal" (whatever that is), we will meet more. For now, let's be happy with meeting when we can.

Thanks for understanding and I promise to see you soon!

One Week

2010-09-28T07:49:00.001-04:00

Yesterday was one week since the accident. Our daughter drove to her 50-minute-away-hairdressing-academy alone for the first time since the accident. She was scared out of her mind but she did it and I couldn't be more proud.

People have prayed. I mean really prayed. Not the "I'll pray for you" but then never really prayed type of thing that I am often guilty of. I really don't mean to be that way. I honestly forget. I need to get better at remembering and praying because prayer does work. It sounds cliche to say that but it really does work.

Do you mind if I pray right now? I didn't think you'd mind!

Heavenly Father,

I just come to you now with a heart full of thankfulness. Thankfulness for what You have done and what You will do in our lives. You have such a wonderful plan for each of us and I pray You may help us to recognize it and obey Your calling. Give us the strength, courage and endurance to run this race for You.

I pray now for Sarah as she is driving to school right now. I thank you for sparing her life, Lord. I thank You for the safety of the other driver as well. As Sarah drives to school right now, please help her to replace the fear with courage and the knowing of You are her strength and she can do all things with You by her side. Help her to recognize You in the van with her this morning and give her a sense of Your peace. Thank you, Lord.

There are so many hurting people in the world. Reveal to us the people in our lives who may have a hidden hurt. Help us to speak your words to them in a loving way. Help us to remember to pray for others.

Thank you for your kindness and love.
In Your name we pray, Amen.

I'm linking this with Emily at Chatting at the Sky. She has Thankful Tuesdays which are fun to read. I didn't realize when I started this post this morning how thankful I really am. Travel over to her blog today!

What a Way to Start the Week

2010-09-21T19:49:00.000-04:00

"Mom, I was just in an accident."

I gasped as I could feel blood race away from my tingling face. (She is fine. Sore but fine.)

We live in what some would call the country. We have a farm fields all around and 2 lane square mile roads. We have 2 way and 4 way stops with extra care to be taken when corn is tall.

Writer Daughter, who I will now call Cos Daughter in this post, was starting her 50 minute trip yesterday morning to a city to continue her education in the Cosmetology field. The phone rang not long after she left and caller ID told me it was Cos Daughter. Thinking she must have forgotten something and would be asking me to get and have it ready for her, I answered the phone. When she said those words I really did try to stay calm. Except my heart and my breathing didn't get that memo!

Cos Daughter did tell me during the call the location and the fact she blacked out after the crash. What happened? Less than a mile from our house (yes, you read that right) is an intersection where those who are traveling east or west must stop at the stop sign. side note: our neighbor's son was killed at that exact corner approx 15 years ago If you are traveling north or south (which is our road), then you have the right of way. Cos Daughter had the right of way. The other girl didn't. The other girl DID stop at the stop sign but then proceeded to cross the road RIGHT in front of Cos Daughter. Cos Daughter slammed on the brakes and hit the car. She didn't have time to even slow down. She was that close to going through the intersection. Cos Daughter hit the other car by the front driver's tires. Air bag deployed and she couldn't see. The brake pedal went to the floor and next thing that she knew she hit a tree and blacked out. However, hitting a tree did not come up in the short conversation we had before I tore out of the house to get to the scene.

Cos Daughter was out and walking when I arrived. And my heart started to beat normally again....key word, start. Soon after, the deputy sheriff and emergency personnel started to arrive. I honesty remember hearing sirens in the distance but do not remember the sound after that. After telling her she HAS to go to the ER, off we go. Her way being announce with lights and sirens and me speeding after them.

She is fine. Physically sore and her left knee bothers her. However, we truly believe God had an angel in there with her. No burns or bruises from the air bag which hit her in the face. No seat belt burn. She was going 55, no time to slow down and she hit a tree head on. Head. On. We are praising God for His encasement of protection. He is an awesome God.

Mentally, she could use your prayers. Understandably, she is scared to drive. Her heart beats quickly while driving. She has had some flashbacks and remembers the deafening noise of the crash. Pray for peace and to overcome the fear.

The other girl is fine. The van, totaled. Having our daughter living and breathing, priceless!

What a way to start the week. It was the scariest thing I've ever experienced. But, thank you, Jesus, for our daughter's safety yesterday! Praise God from Whom ALL Blessings Flow!