tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38566748810063886642024-03-14T06:41:09.814-04:00Dancing in His LightFor Him. With Him. Because of Him.Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117591103950340977noreply@blogger.comBlogger342125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3856674881006388664.post-40288826608396408962016-09-23T11:58:00.001-04:002016-09-23T11:58:17.843-04:00The Moving Boxes Loaded<span style="font-size: large;">I am moving. To a new blog site, that is. I would love to have you join me there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is called <a href="https://singovermeblog.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Sing Over Me </a> . Click on over and join me for a fresh start! </span><br />
<br />Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117591103950340977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3856674881006388664.post-88116834619545243422016-09-18T18:08:00.000-04:002016-09-18T18:08:36.777-04:00Newton & Polly - A Novel of Amazing Grace (review)"Adventure is only a page away". This is true of Newton & Polly by Jody Hedlund.<br />
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Newton & Polly is the captivating story of John Newton, the author of the beloved hymn, Amazing Grace, and his love, Polly.<br />
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John Newton's life was anything but calm. He questioned God's existence and wasn't afraid to mock those who were vocal about their trust in God. A sailor by trade, he exasperated his father by throwing away almost all his father did for him. He was reckless enough to be imprisoned and chained. Newton's decision making was poor to say the least. Yet, Newton's charm does not go unnoticed.<br />
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Polly is a young woman who falls for John even though her parents see lack of character on his part. She is a believer yet is in search of a connection with God.<br />
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I was taken away on an adventure of a life time. At times I honestly wasn't sure I wanted to be on board the ship with Newton especially during a time of imprisonment. Oh, and there was that major storm that made me a bit green around the gills.<br />
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In all seriousness, there were a few chapters I found difficult to read. Not because of anything too graphic but the subject matter - the capture and selling of human beings into slavery - but because of the compassion I felt reading the black words on the white page. Ironic, isn't it?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJV9eamHRERmuGzVX7xXIM_AlMlRVQ_fvgPWvD7O8b7JxN-NPT43jkYFvJFH_TW9S0Fyiq43K64yBbuYLF8LnEmFqu2eUwGLJhIvUf9mlknU46kKM0CiWKhrbyVfLVs7l82VvNFSndaVs/s1600/Newton+and+polly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJV9eamHRERmuGzVX7xXIM_AlMlRVQ_fvgPWvD7O8b7JxN-NPT43jkYFvJFH_TW9S0Fyiq43K64yBbuYLF8LnEmFqu2eUwGLJhIvUf9mlknU46kKM0CiWKhrbyVfLVs7l82VvNFSndaVs/s400/Newton+and+polly.jpg" width="400" /></a>Author Jody Hedlund stayed true to history with a few exceptions. As I was taught in school, we study history so we do not make those mistakes again. I can only pray we will end modern slavery and never repeat history again.<br />
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Newton & Polly is a must read in my limited mind. The reader will never sing Amazing Grace in the same way again. I highly recommend this book! (I was given this book from Waterbrook and the author. All reviews/posts are my honest opinion)<br />
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This was one of the author's most difficult books to write. Find out why <a href="http://inspiredbylifeandfiction.com/the-hardest-book-ive-ever-written-plus-a-giveaway/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Find out more information about John Newton, quotes from Newton, and other links including discussion questions <a href="http://jodyhedlund.com/books/newton-and-polly-a-novel-of-amazing-grace" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">"I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I want to be, I am not what I hope to be in another world; but still I am not what I once used to be, and by the grace of God I am what I am."</span><span style="color: purple;"> John Newton</span></blockquote>
Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117591103950340977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3856674881006388664.post-50637588731977328182016-08-13T20:47:00.001-04:002016-08-14T07:03:50.303-04:00A Heart Most Certain ReviewI admit it. I watch her. Unnoticed like always. Momma said my curiosity would get me in trouble one day. She may be right, although she'll never hear it from me.<br />
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Lydia King. The name is as beautiful as she. Except for the beauty, she and I are a lot alike and I think that is why I watch her. At first it was to try to be like her. Then, I saw the real Lydia and the Lydia she wants the world to see. I knew right then and there if we ever had a chance meeting we would become the best of friends. </div>
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You see, society looks down on those of us who don't have much, if any, money. But, when I watch Lydia trying so hard to hide the fact and succeed, well, I guess it gives me hope. So, I continue to take notes from afar. I know Lydia is desperate to help her family. Sometimes, I just stay close by her house just in case she needs someone to run and get help. Things at home aren't always as they seem. </div>
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Imagine my surprise when Lydia, trying to impress her soon-to-be mother-in-law, marched right on up to Mr. Nicholas Lowe's office at the sawmill requesting he give the Teaville Moral Society money for fancy sewing machines so the Society could sew more blankets for the poor. I mean, I about fell out of the tree! Hey, I can't help it if the richest man in town leaves his window open right under the tree I just climbed! </div>
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Nicholas Lowe is more than handsome. Yet everyone knows he won't let anyone tell him to whom he should give his money. I knew I would have a difficult time keeping my roaring laughter to a snicker when he told her no. But, what happened next, now that was something to see - he dismissed her, left his office, and she just stayed put. That girl is determined. I made a mental note to add <i>determined</i> to my notes later. </div>
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What happened next? I would be writing a book, myself, if I told you all the adventures I witnessed. I'm tired just thinking about it. Author Melissa Jagears did a mighty fine job in her book, <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Heart-Certain-Teaville-Moral-Society-ebook/dp/B01AO3OU6W/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1471133900&sr=1-1&keywords=a+heart+most+certain" target="_blank">A Heart Most Certain</a> telling and showing this amazing story. It's like she saw everything I did. And, shoot, can that girl weave a story. </div>
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I've read the book and I will tell you it left me thinking on some matters of the heart for days. Maybe even weeks. So many thought-provoking moments in that book I thought I was going to run out of paper just marking all the good stuff. Like when Lydia admitted to Nicholas that using wool, instead of fancy blankets, would be cheaper, quicker to make and help more people but she knows "how it feels to have "good enough". But to received something beautiful..." </div>
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I have some more snooping...I mean, my curiosity for learning about others is sending me on my way now. So, go on. Go on and purchase A Heart Most Certain to find out more about Nicholas, Lydia, and all the people in and out of their lives. <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Heart-Certain-Teaville-Moral-Society-ebook/dp/B01AO3OU6W/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1471135641&sr=1-1&keywords=a+heart+most+certain" target="_blank">Now go get that book! </a></div>
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While your purchasing A Heart Most Certain, make sure you check out <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Jagears/e/B00BCU4VVQ/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1471134452&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Melissa Jagears</a> other novels. You won't be sorry. </div>
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**I received this book free from the author and publisher for an <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R2M9SWDB9FLWBV/ref=cm_cr_getr_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=0764217518" target="_blank">honest review</a>. And, honest is what you got. ;)</div>
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Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117591103950340977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3856674881006388664.post-9988293351996338892016-07-22T19:29:00.000-04:002016-07-22T19:29:51.144-04:00Looking for Lovely...<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"...<b><span style="font-size: large;">for me understanding that sometimes the only beauty in anything, especially tragedy, is that Jesus is still on the throne."</span></b> <i>Looking for Lovely; Collecting the Moments that Matter by Annie F. Downs</i></blockquote>
Go ahead. I'll wait right here will you read that quote again and find the lovely in that truth.<br />
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I know. Right?! Doesn't this just stop you in your tracks and want to yell "YES!!!" so loudly you think the author hears you?!<br />
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In light of junk going on in this world we live in today, both locally and globally, I found comfort in those words. People killing people. People shooting people. People stealing people. People just being people. It can make a person ask all kinds of questions and wonder what in the world is happening - adopting a more negative than positive attitude in general.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib5Dl-rMNKuKC06JoQJLRspCMMuqgG1W8TKC7gFYmytVYCUHG9ldWvp8xRK9gqA_9wlen4mzHR6zbXNeLnUqILTm0_F5eDwjTqAvwJ72_Gp1-skjU8jq7BkxtakMV4T3mFRh45zIpIapE/s1600/looking+for+lovely.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib5Dl-rMNKuKC06JoQJLRspCMMuqgG1W8TKC7gFYmytVYCUHG9ldWvp8xRK9gqA_9wlen4mzHR6zbXNeLnUqILTm0_F5eDwjTqAvwJ72_Gp1-skjU8jq7BkxtakMV4T3mFRh45zIpIapE/s320/looking+for+lovely.jpg" width="204" /></a></div>
<i>By the way, this is just one of many quotes I highlighted in my Kindle. Less than half way through the book I was wondering why I didn't just purchase a paper copy.</i><br />
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I read Looking for Lovely slowly. Partially because of time constraints and partially because I just needed her words to soothe something in me. Annie doesn't offer fixes. Just her story. Sure, at the end of most of the chapters is some "action" suggestions. But, Annie doesn't push. Annie just tells her struggles and brokenness while her honesty and humor peek through. She looks for lovely in the messy situations and encourages the reader to do the same.<br />
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There are so many more quotes I could say and bring forth more gushing but I'll just leave you with this....<br />
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<b>GO!. Go purchase <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Looking-Lovely-Collecting-Moments-Matter/dp/1433689251/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469228114&sr=8-1&keywords=finding+lovely" target="_blank">this book</a> today!</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: right;">Be sure to check out her </span><a href="http://www.lifeway.com/Keyword/looking+for+lovely" style="font-size: medium; text-align: right;" target="_blank">Looking For Lovely Bible Study</a><span style="font-size: small; text-align: right;"> and more!</span></td></tr>
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Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117591103950340977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3856674881006388664.post-56297457673740761372016-07-15T10:49:00.003-04:002016-07-15T16:16:14.049-04:00The Struggle is RealThis life is hard. <i>Said Captain Obvious.</i><br />
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Last week we attended an awesome church conference. Yes, it was hot. It was sticky-humid. We walked 3,000 miles (just kidding...maybe) and we 'lived' on the fourth floor (read 4 flights of steps) in a freshman dorm with a hard (read rock) bed and little sleep for six days. It was like God was testing us. (I smile as I type this because it wasn't all that bad...except for the rock hard bed and little sleep but more on that later...)<br />
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This was the first conference for this network whose goal is to equip churches. The theme for the week was Dare Greatly. Each session had it's own mini-theme; Land, Start, Heal, Repent, Go, Host, Love, and Live. It was a week full of insight and learning from great speakers who I truly believe God spoke through.<br />
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And, just as in life, we were all pumped and excited until the shootings (LA, MN and TX) happened. Isn't that just like this thing we call life? We walk along in our own bubble until the bubble pops and we feel as though life just slapped us, not gently, but hard. Tears and crying out to God happened in that auditorium as we learned of the shootings. One of the worship leaders felt a very personal connection and her struggle was real and honest. I wondered what I, a person from a small, quiet town who has never experienced the hatred, could do, say, or... <i>insert many question marks here.</i> All I could think of doing is making a bee-line walk to her after the session. I just held her, told her how sorry I was (over and over again) as she cried.<br />
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You see, I just see her. A beautiful woman. I don't see the color difference in our skin tone. I just see her. Yes, I see the difference in our backgrounds - just as I would anyone who is not from my neck of the woods, so to speak. Please forgive me if I have trouble understanding the struggle. This may sound so unbelievable naive. And, perhaps it is. Perhaps that is why I find it so hard to understand. I know, know, know, without a shadow of a doubt there is still racism, prejudice, bigotry and hatred. And, I am sorry. Truly sorry.<br />
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I know that I know that I know, God isn't happy with this either. God made us in his image. Yet we are killing each other...HIS own image. Think about that and let it sink in.<br />
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Honestly, I'm struggling with what God would have me do as I'm a fixer-type of person. Yet, I'm a true introvert and, forgive me, Lord, a people-pleaser who is trying to recover from that dreaded thought process. So I struggle between comfort-zone and getting out there and having my eyes opened wide. Yet, my struggle to know how to proceed is inward and unseen in comparison to what is happening with the struggle of others in the world. Yes, this life is hard.<br />
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<i>Update: this is an excellent, and I mean excellent, post written by a person whose heart is bravely and honestly seen in her words. Take a moment and check it out. </i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.incourage.me/2016/07/its-my-problem.html" target="_blank">http://www.incourage.me/2016/07/its-my-problem.html </a></i><br />
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And, just so you know, I did enjoy the conference even with all the junk going on outside of our conference bubble. Sitting around large round tables during meals proved to be one of the highlights. The first meal of the official start of the conference had a couple sitting down with us. We became fast friends and hope to one day visit them. Other meals found us and others laughing and sometimes discussing deep issues. It was a wonderful time of hearing about their lives in their communities.<br />
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Of course it wouldn't be my life if I didn't embarrass myself at least once. Hubs played in the worship band (with wonderful-hearted people). The band members practiced very early in the morning so I would meet him in the cafeteria lobby in the mornings after practice. An elevator was pointed out to us on the second day (after we lugged everything up the hot, four flights of stairs - not that I'm complaining at all). Since the elevator was closer to the cafeteria, I decided to ride it down for breakfast. As I was leaving our dorm room another couple, whom I had seen a few days earlier at the sessions, walked out of their room. We made conversation as we walked to the elevator and to the cafeteria. It was small talk, of course. It started out with an innocent question. "How did you sleep?"<br />
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Let's just say my nervous talk got me in trouble again. I complained (not hiding that fact) about not getting a lot of sleep because of my bad back and hips on a rock hard bed. The lovely couple felt my pain. They are newlyweds. Newlyweds sleeping on twin beds. Oh, did I forget to mention the rooms had three twin beds? Okay, now you're caught up to speed. ☺ We talked of where we were from and then departed as they went inside to eat and I waited on hubs.<br />
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The first session started soon after breakfast. When the host introduced the speaker for the morning I do believe my jaw hit the floor as I was hitting my husband telling him I embarrassed myself in front of THE SPEAKER!!! A speaker talking about hospitality. My mind tried to rewind the elevator conversation. OH THE HORROR!!<br />
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After her WONDERFUL talk, I waited until she was alone and went over to her. I said, "If I would have known you were the speaker, I would have talked about Holy things instead of complaining about my bed and my hips hurting!" Well, that turned into the joke of the week and was our conversation starter each and every time we saw those lovely newlyweds!<br />
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The worship songs were wonderful. So many songs are permanently embedded in my brain. One of the songs touched many deeply. I hope you take time to listen and allow Him to have it all. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3WPbs7N-E0Q" width="560"></iframe>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117591103950340977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3856674881006388664.post-10391305538919365552016-05-28T11:10:00.001-04:002016-05-28T11:10:47.712-04:00Forever Safe -- Review<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Author Jody Hedlund has done it yet again! <a href="http://jodyhedlund.com/books/forever-safe-beacons-of-hope-4" target="_blank">Forever Safe</a>,
a Historical Christian Fiction novel, is the fourth book in the Beacons of Hope
series but never fear for it can be classified as a stand-alone book. The
author does a fabulous job of catching the reader up without going overboard. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The reader will be swept away as the author takes us on a
journey through the lives of two people whose lives intertwine with others.
Victoria grew up in a life of privilege yet it hasn’t kept her free of the
troubles of life. Tom, her reluctant body guard, grew up without the privileges
of life and still struggles with the memories and heartache of the past. He
vows to protect her. She vows not to give him trouble. Will Victoria keep her
end of the bargain? Forever Safe is a page turner, for sure!! <o:p></o:p></div>
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The author does a fabulous job, as always, of bringing the characters to life. Her knack of story-telling keeps the reader more than interested. She paints a beautiful picture through description that has one feeling, seeing and hearing it all. </div>
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I was reluctant for it to end but couldn't wait to find
out what happened next. The author sneaked in twists and turns to the very end.
Forever Safe will have the reader contemplating all the little life lessons
after the last word is read. I love when that happens; a book which has me soaking in life's chaos and how it affects me. <o:p></o:p></div>
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There are so, so, so many great quotes from this book like <i>"Some things are beyond our control. You can't be perfect. No one is. That's why we need God."</i> Just one of the many! As well as a wonderful chapter on what it takes for a great marriage. I wrote the author and told her I am marking those pages and sharing it with our son. :) One of my favorites quotes is in the author notes:</div>
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<b>...I pray that you'll learn to run to the One who promises to walk beside us through our darkest valleys and fiercest storms. He may not take us out of the valley or storm, but He will hold our hand and stay by our side. With Him, we will be forever safe.</b></blockquote>
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I highly recommend <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Forever-Safe-Beacons-Hope-Hedlund-ebook/dp/B01EZAMWWY?ie=UTF8&keywords=forever%20safe&qid=1464447973&ref_=sr_1_1&s=books&sr=1-1" target="_blank">getting this book into your hands</a> as soon as possible. It's that good. </div>
Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117591103950340977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3856674881006388664.post-42005738408155443432016-05-11T09:09:00.002-04:002016-05-11T12:56:08.185-04:00The Letter MIt's May. And, since the last time I posted was March, I thought it only fair to post again in a month beginning with the letter "M". I'm consistent like that. Yeah, that's it. Consistent. Or classy. Same thing.<br />
<br />
Many things have happened this year. Mostly the same-old-same-old, yet, many changes as well. I believe this year is going to go down in the books as a year of change. The oldest child changed work locations, the middle child went to a foreign land for a few months and has returned to the states (not home-home...yet) recently, and the youngest moved out stepping closer to his dream career and will soon finish a class and begin another.<br />
<br />
And, hubs and I? We are just trying to keep up. Well, maybe I should say I'm trying to keep up. Hubs is of the laid-back kind and takes it as it comes. Me? Yeah...no. As my mom (and many others) would have told me if she were here today, "One day at a time."<br />
<br />
In other news....<br />
<br />
<b>I'm reading:</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Looking-Lovely-Collecting-Moments-Matter-ebook/dp/B01DDZS4EC?ie=UTF8&keywords=looking%20for%20lovely&qid=1462970174&ref_=sr_1_1&s=digital-text&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Looking for Lovely</a> by Annie Downs. I just started this and highly recommend already!</li>
<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Love-Does-Discover-Secretly-Incredible-ebook/dp/B0078FA8HU/ref=sr_1_1_ha?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1462970311&sr=1-1&keywords=love+does" target="_blank">Love Does</a> by Bob Goff. I, also, just started this one (I have no idea why I am reading multiple books right now but I am). Short chapters packed full of personal stories with a great lesson. Highly recommend as well. If you ever want to find great quotes...look no further.</li>
<li>On the lighter side of things in the Christian Fiction genre, I'm also reading <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Unexpected-Family-Love-Inspired-Kemerer-ebook/dp/B00UFPZA50/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1462970598&sr=1-1&keywords=unexpected+family+jill+kemerer" target="_blank">Unexpected Family</a> by a local author Jill Kemerer. So far so good even though I'm reading it slower than I'd like but considering I'm reading two other books at the same time and apparently my life is the year of change.... This is the first book in a series of three and I've heard each book gets better and better so I can't wait to give my undivided attention to this little one. </li>
<li>And soon to be reading as an influencer (which means the previously mentioned books will need to take a back seat for a few days or so), Jody Hedlund's newest, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Forever-Safe-Beacons-Hope-Hedlund-ebook/dp/B01EZAMWWY/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1462970880&sr=1-1&keywords=jody+hedlund" target="_blank">Forever Safe</a>. This is book four in her Beacons of Hope series and I am sure it will be just as great as her previous books in the series. </li>
</ul>
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<div>
<b>I'm listening to</b> (and maybe dancing to but I'd hate to put that image in your head...)<b>:</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Anything and everything by the artist Sleeping At Last. His latest is the last song in the series about the five senses. It is called <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duUm0x_HIP4" target="_blank">Sight </a>and is something I could listen on constant repeat. Check it out! </li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAmh3yvmzXs" target="_blank">Thy Will</a> by Hillary Scott & The Scott Family. Yes, Hillary Scott of the country group in which I can't think of the name since I can say I do not like country music and am not ashamed to admit that. Antebellum. There I thought of it! Phew. Anyway... I do have this song on constant repeat. Beautiful. Listen to it...now! </li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGg864L-Fbc" target="_blank">King of My Heart</a> - this version only! This one is by Stephany Gretzinger and Jeremy Riddle. There are several King of My Heart songs out there so make sure you listen to this one. Yes, I'm the boss of you!</li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPpEOUVpxrM" target="_blank">Lift Your Head Weary Sinner</a> by Crowder never gets old. </li>
<li>Believe me when I say there are more but I won't overwhelm you with my vast array of song choices. Or something like that. </li>
</ul>
<div>
<br />
<b><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Have a lovely rest of the month that begins with the letter "M". </span></b></div>
</div>
<br />
<br />Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117591103950340977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3856674881006388664.post-88187977062175378652016-03-21T19:23:00.000-04:002016-03-21T19:23:38.817-04:00I was hurt. Angry. Rejected.I was hurt. Angry. I felt rejected.<br />
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<div>
I cried out to a friend through a text instead of praying about it. </div>
<div>
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<div>
During the text conversation, I turned on the radio. Christian music spilled out and all of a sudden I was reminded. </div>
<div>
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<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMUwpGwiUuCDr2VC9iEDyLNE3OLVP7de_yfFoPlAl54BbNT1XGjKBp8_QeBUvLFHjPQqOs2_ZXjpknx-kmAEsQibMzyj36wzwu_Uk49TBIfou9IsBRtizky0MgdSFJRArp6gVQdtTO9Y/s1600/100_1400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMUwpGwiUuCDr2VC9iEDyLNE3OLVP7de_yfFoPlAl54BbNT1XGjKBp8_QeBUvLFHjPQqOs2_ZXjpknx-kmAEsQibMzyj36wzwu_Uk49TBIfou9IsBRtizky0MgdSFJRArp6gVQdtTO9Y/s320/100_1400.JPG" width="320" /></a>This is Holy Week. A time to really focus on the events leading up to Christ's crucifixion. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
All of a sudden God convicted me. Why am I getting caught up in emotion? Jesus died for me. He didn't reject me. He could have. Should have. But, He didn't. He loves us.<br />
<br />
So why am I getting all worked up about something, in the greater scheme of things, is petty?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
God didn't send His Son into this sinful world to condemn the world [us]. But to save [us] the world through Him. (John 3:17 roughly translated.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
God gave me the "gift" of emotions. I'm a crier. An ugly crier. But, someone who hardly cries told me once, "What a gift. People see God's heart through you." I'm not sure if that is true but I do believe He made me this way for a reason. However, I can't let those emotions rule my actions. And, to be honest, that is really difficult. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I re-read the text messages and realized how many times I used "me" and "I". It reminded me of John 3:30; "He must become greater. I must become less."</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
May this week remind you of the love God has for us. On Friday, remember Sunday's coming!!! </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/s7ZJ5D5q54g?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117591103950340977noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3856674881006388664.post-79115395953682127882016-03-05T19:28:00.003-05:002016-03-05T19:29:53.377-05:00A Daring Sacrifice Book ReviewBy now, I'm sure you all know all too well how much I enjoy Author Jody Hedlund's books. I know, I know, it is a bit obvious. So, I'm going to go all fan girl (is that the proper use of fan girl?!) on her latest book, A Daring Sacrifice.<br />
<br />
Stick with me...I do have some meaningful thoughts at the end. ;)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjvxfFhi5pV3W5hngNmytxfbIzUDbH4mUF37g3EAsyGnqhhj_DCqtdpW0fe-5FimvqlG-CRiIK3KUYFRCJ1h-hyCKSzpyS1x8b2GxadRadx9Mwk3vbncIyWtp0T4CLiGTBXYD0JwYsCU/s1600/A-Daring-Sacrifice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjvxfFhi5pV3W5hngNmytxfbIzUDbH4mUF37g3EAsyGnqhhj_DCqtdpW0fe-5FimvqlG-CRiIK3KUYFRCJ1h-hyCKSzpyS1x8b2GxadRadx9Mwk3vbncIyWtp0T4CLiGTBXYD0JwYsCU/s320/A-Daring-Sacrifice.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A Daring Sacrifice is in the teen fiction genre but anyone
13+ years of age would enjoy reading this fast-paced, sweet story. It is the second book in a series involving
Knights. And, really, who doesn't want to dream about Knights?!</div>
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Juliana is a late teen who is similar to Robin Hood – steal from
the rich and give to the poor. Juliana and many peasants from the kingdom hide
in the forest for protection from a hideous Lord, who happens to be her uncle. Can you even imagine?! No friendly Christmas gatherings on that side of the family, for sure!!! At first Juliana is raiding/stealing to help people survive. But, is it the
right thing to do? Juliana begins to question her method. </div>
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<br /></div>
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In walks Lord Collin who is a true gentleman. And, I imagine him ruggedly handsome...just throwing that in for free... He is home
after his father died to take over the estate. This life is certainly different
than his role as a Knight under the training of The Noblest Knight. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Juliana and Collin are re-introduced after a certain situation
occurs. As one of Juliana's cohorts said, "He's a nobleman and the only good nobleman is a dead one." Well, now. Read how both of their worlds collide and struggle with understanding
their completely different ways of living. Will their past keep them from
working together for a greater good? They do have chemistry, those two!!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A Daring Sacrifice reminded me of the sacrifice Jesus made
for each of us on the cross as Collin made a sacrifice of his own. At one point, it seemed they wanted to out-do each other in this department. They were both willing to give up something huge for one another. Neither one deserved it, but each was willing to sacrifice for the other. Just like Jesus did for us...</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
The plot
line also encouraged me to contemplate how my life is so different than the
life of, say, a person in a third world country. Maybe it is because our favorite #2 daughter is flying with a team to Nepal soon. What ever it is, it made me wonder. And, think. We all know how dangerous it can be when I begin thinking deeply. I'm over here in my comfy house and full refrigerator, freezer, cupboards, and a comfy 68 degrees in here. Other areas of the world are trying to survive the next hour or the next day. I can get enraged at the injustice. I can spend money by supporting goods made (fair trade) in those countries. I can even send money to a trustworthy charity or group working in that foreign, to me, land. But, will I ever truly understand what that person's life is really like? I don't have all the answers. I just have many questions and concerns. Oh, Author Jody, thanks for making me think! ;)</div>
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As I say with Jody's books...RUN or CLICK over to your favorite book retailer to get a copy of this fabulous book. Well done, Jody!</div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my
honest opinion. </div>
Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117591103950340977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3856674881006388664.post-50924557238956725852016-01-14T20:31:00.000-05:002016-01-14T20:31:07.974-05:00I Saw YouDear Little Boy in front of me at the checkout,<br />
<br />
I saw you. I saw how much you love your mom. How big of help you are to her. I, also, saw how tired your mom was - tuned out from what I imagine was a very long day.<br />
<br />
Your younger brothers, well, you know. I'm sure it gets tiring for you as well. The grabbing, the fighting, the hitting, the screaming between those two. I could tell you are a very thoughtful person as you tried to break up the fight with the bags of candy your brothers were fighting over. When your mom said, "It's okay," as your brothers grabbed more and more from the candy bins and literally threw it on the checkout conveyor belt. You piped up, "But, I don't want you wasting your money!" I could tell you cared.<br />
<br />
You were very helpful to the cashier as she came around the cart and scanned the items on the very bottom of the cart while your youngest brother wailed for reasons I'm sure we both couldn't figure out. Since I couldn't hear past the wailing toddler, I hope the cashier thanked you for your help.<br />
<br />
And, loading the bags back into the cart without being asked? Whaaat?! I'm so proud of you! That was a huge help to your mom. I hope you heard my silent applause.<br />
<br />
It's not your fault she barely acknowledged you when you thanked her for your pop. I could tell it was a very special treat. You held that plastic bottle like it was a rare piece of glass. I know this sounds redundant but, thank you for thanking her. I hope she gives you an extra long hug and kiss tonight.<br />
<br />
I hope you know that even though we, moms, fail to tell our children how proud we are of who they are --- not what they do --- that you feel it and own it. Never stop helping. Serving others is huge.<br />
<br />
Do you know who else saw you tonight? God. I am absolutely positive He had a huge smile on His face and a tear or two in his eyes as he watched you serve your mom. In my imagination I can see Him nudging an Angel or two saying, "Look at my child. Look at him. I'm so proud of him!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117591103950340977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3856674881006388664.post-64221497962287268772016-01-10T20:45:00.000-05:002016-01-10T20:45:10.089-05:00Undaunted Hope<br />
You know my love for any book by Jody Hedlund. Undaunted Hope is another smash hit in my humble opinion. Her gift at character development and the way she can hook a person within a few pages of the first chapter...you need to really read this book.<br />
<br />
Who among us hasn't experienced a situation in our past we wish we could forget. A bad decision, an indiscretion, words said in anger. The list could go on and on. And, just when we have moved on and getting along fine and dandy - BAM - it's back to haunt us.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9nZpiHHWKtVRzIBD7yZc97AZs-1k5DLbysUgVWJfRuhXVo86L_LVcn0N4n3GZD8_syHxr17HEjE548FhQxSvMnmYlVxwi6QEXfKxWzqxRHM3IYTMvlakMm3dhScF5rtbdcMR71MYBJI/s1600/undaunted+hope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9nZpiHHWKtVRzIBD7yZc97AZs-1k5DLbysUgVWJfRuhXVo86L_LVcn0N4n3GZD8_syHxr17HEjE548FhQxSvMnmYlVxwi6QEXfKxWzqxRHM3IYTMvlakMm3dhScF5rtbdcMR71MYBJI/s320/undaunted+hope.jpg" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Tessa is running from the mistakes of her past. She finally begins to believe she has found a safe place where no one will know or hear of her mistakes. Tessa believes she has a job as a school teacher...until she arrives and they discover T. Taylor is not a male but a female.<br />
<br />
Since winter is on its way and it is too late to find a replacement, Mr. Updegraff, who thinks he is King of Eagle Harbor, MI in 1871 but really the superintendent for the copper mine, allows Tessa to stay. Mr. Updegraff is a nasty-nasty man and Tessa soon finds out just how far reaching his power goes. (side note: this guy is a meaner!)<br />
<br />
Two Lighthouse Keepers keep life lively for Tessa. One of the Keeper's children makes it her personal mission to keep her brother and Tessa hopping. The Assistant Keeper and Tessa go toe to toe in the world of sarcasm and joking.<br />
<br />
Tessa's past catches up to her. Will she lose the job she loves and the one she has fallen for? It's a tale of deceit, lies, hope, perseverance, courage, kindness and love.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ktZ4bS58C4xwD2MrqxOm6Aoq74vtSde-xrUud9BoL0L6cqTWU5pQiAjpWqB6kllY6EradMcgKThTcbT9SxuiRoA_-1glzRVfxviuvSXshVfmB3lfqTldTo__ey7oLBFT58ZJDpf8CQA/s1600/Undaunted-Hope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ktZ4bS58C4xwD2MrqxOm6Aoq74vtSde-xrUud9BoL0L6cqTWU5pQiAjpWqB6kllY6EradMcgKThTcbT9SxuiRoA_-1glzRVfxviuvSXshVfmB3lfqTldTo__ey7oLBFT58ZJDpf8CQA/s320/Undaunted-Hope.jpg" width="207" /></a><br />
I highly recommend the book. It is #3 in the author's Beacon of Hope series but Author Jody Hedlund has a knack for getting you caught up to speed without driving you insane. It can be a stand alone book but why would you not want to read books one and two?! ;)<br />
<br />
As Lavar Burton from Reading Rainbow always said, "But, you don't have to take my word for it..."<br />
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I received this book from the publisher for my honest review.Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117591103950340977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3856674881006388664.post-8900466721516692132015-12-30T15:51:00.001-05:002015-12-30T15:51:32.299-05:00And...In the past, many have chosen a word for the coming year. For example. "Be". As in be present. Be in the Word. Be accountable and so on and so forth.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZi1O5F8-R5H41YQQUTnxyKtdISn3s8UdeJ5_9YOGUt65PVUHf3y7S_dr803yYQz_mipjgwA72apagl-q1wBoBgedJwO1y5rCHsPIFC0cQRDzQ8PCrVDIqoE44dNQJKjx_q5TXB5yhZw/s1600/ampersand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZi1O5F8-R5H41YQQUTnxyKtdISn3s8UdeJ5_9YOGUt65PVUHf3y7S_dr803yYQz_mipjgwA72apagl-q1wBoBgedJwO1y5rCHsPIFC0cQRDzQ8PCrVDIqoE44dNQJKjx_q5TXB5yhZw/s200/ampersand.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
For a while now I've been drawn to the "and" sign. The ampersand...&. Have you ever thought about the ampersand? To me it stands for many beginnings as well as endings. It seems like a good sign for an ever-flowing, season-filled life.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">No matter what we go through in life, there is always an and. </span></b><br />
<br />
<i>As I was looking for a picture of an ampersand, since I can't seem to find my very own ampersand for our house, yet, I saw the picture below and it seemed to go perfectly with my thoughts. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GcLCbOMU9B-IuTTYQKW340ev1bcqEeswS9UeTe2oM9K1WxRvPshVIhZm6b1UHCv6ZGssKUTVnZL_FK834s5P5lf3ik59ZVDMKgUavgdWJUEYJr20w1GeWt7qvA9ms7hyqSJD2PB1O2c/s1600/ampersand+def.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GcLCbOMU9B-IuTTYQKW340ev1bcqEeswS9UeTe2oM9K1WxRvPshVIhZm6b1UHCv6ZGssKUTVnZL_FK834s5P5lf3ik59ZVDMKgUavgdWJUEYJr20w1GeWt7qvA9ms7hyqSJD2PB1O2c/s400/ampersand+def.jpg" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Resembling a broken infinity, the ampersand reminds<br />us that nothing truly lasts forever but there is always an AND"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Are you choosing a word, phrase or symbol for the new year? Share in the comments, if so. I'd love to hear your choosing and the reason behind it. </span></b>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117591103950340977noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3856674881006388664.post-90720321779107045002015-10-14T20:00:00.001-04:002015-10-14T20:00:50.752-04:00The Maine TripWe did it. After...wait here while I get out a calculator....feel free to hum to yourself as you wait...pretend it's hold music....I'm back... After twenty-seven years of marriage, Hubs and I went away for a long weekend by ourselves. Kind of. Sort of. Really not really.<br />
<br />
After waking up at way-too-early o'clock in the morning, we boarded a plane and after two take-off and two-landings, we were in Maine. And, guess who was there to meet and greet us?! Our favorite #2 daughter!!!!!!! In case you missed it, she is a missionary with an awesome <a href="http://360experience.org/" target="_blank">organization</a>.<br />
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We flew in on her birthday so this momma was packin' semi-fresh cinnamon rolls. I think it only took her less than five hints for me to figure out what she wanted me to bring.<br />
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We met the rest of the missionary staff, shared the cinnamon rolls, and tour the church in which they meet. One of our vacation traditions was even accomplished on the first day. Good ol' Walmart shopping trip. Why is it we can never take a vacation with out stopping there <i>at least</i> once. <i>Sigh.</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a bit windy and cloudy<br />until the last day.</td></tr>
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After checking in to our hotel on the beach. Did you catch that? On.the.beach. Since it is off-season it was so much cheaper than a hotel inland. As I was saying, after checking in to our hotel ON THE BEACH, we, and a fellow staffer, went to her favorite pizza place for a celebration of the day of her birth. Her favorite place was full of deliciousness!<br />
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Our last day there, we went to her church. I decided I really liked her pastor after he began by letting the congregation know one of the phrases used in today's society, "It is what it is", is like fingernails on a chalk board. I wanted to stand up and shout my agreement and FINALLY someone understood! But, I didn't. I would have died of embarrassment and since we already paid for our flight home that would just not be "good stewardship" of our money. ;)<br />
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I have been known to tell our little family that by saying that phrase it is just telling me you do not care and are not going to try. Guess what...yup, he basically said the same thing. He related it to the verses in Exodus when Moses was pleading for the people. God had "had it up to here" with His people. But Moses pleaded with God to not do away with them.<br />
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Just think about what would have happened if Moses would have said, "It is what it is," and moved on with his own life. No, he did something. It only took one person to make a difference. God heard him.<br />
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What about us? Are we "it is what it is-ing" to death? Or are we seeing what is going on and pleading with God through pray and petition? For example...and there are many but for the sake of argument...We may not all be able to go to a country and be instrumental in putting a stop to the horrific-ness of human trafficking. But, are we pleading with God to place people in places of difference? Are we pleading God to change the heart and mind of those violating those stuck in trafficking?<br />
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It was a thought-provoking sermon to end a wonderful trip.<br />
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It was a whirl-wind of a trip. We saw her favorite places and could just "be" with her. It was wonderful. We are so thankful the other staff members said, in so many words, "Go, have fun. Spend time with your family!" I loved being able to reach out and touch her (even though she's not a big fan of touch). To see her when I talked with her. We had a couple of great talks sitting on the bed of the hotel room. It was fabulous.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Father/Daughter bonding over engine oil. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the last day there was FINALLY a visible sunrise!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a glorious start to the last day in Maine!</td></tr>
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<br />Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117591103950340977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3856674881006388664.post-27668813901648238322015-08-13T07:39:00.000-04:002015-08-13T07:40:52.941-04:00Shower, Bats and a Recorder<br />
"Tonight's the best night to view the Perseid Meteor Shower between midnight and 4 a.m. Look up and to the northeast," they said. It will be fun, they said.<br />
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I'm 40-cough years old and have yet to see a meteor shower no matter how many times I've looked. So, before I go to bed I make a deal with one of our daughters. "If you set your alarm to get up for the shower, wake me up and I'll go outside with you." Deal.<br />
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Shortly after mid-night we are donning hooded sweatshirts, sweat pants and boots. What, Fashion Police?! It was cool out last night.<br />
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What did I learn looking for said shower?<br />
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There are way too many bats flying around like they own the place. Which, in turn, brought back the bad memory of when two bats were flying laps inside our house. Although this happened many years ago, the trauma is real. I may have had a hard time falling asleep last night as I was reliving that traumatic time in my life.<br />
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I decided that I'm okay "holding up the house" as my viewing partner ventures out into the yard to get a better look. With the bats. BATS. Swooping bats. The house and I bonded and I'm okay with that.<br />
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I can neither confirm or deny we may have broken up some sort of "bug" party complete with music. Or perhaps we have a neighborhood ghost. (shrugs) Same thing. The music sounded like someone playing a recorder except way better than a 4th grader who is forced to learn the instrument. It was actually quite creepy especially when my viewing partner said, "I have <b>never </b>heard that before." And then...it stopped.<br />
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I, also, wondered why I have never learned to spot anything more than the big and little dipper and some dude's belt. Apparently one was to look a constellation that starts with an "S" then look down and find another that starts with a "P" and you'll see the meteor shower. Ummm....I saw the little dipper.<br />
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I looked straight up and saw lots of stars. I thought that was a great start. I tried not to blink until my eyes began to dry out. I thought, perhaps, just maybe, I saw one or two meteors but then I couldn't figure out if it was because I finally blinked or if the bats swooping into my view made an optical illusion.<br />
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So, basically that is a half hour of sleep I'll never get back.<br />
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What did you learn last night?Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117591103950340977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3856674881006388664.post-30385531847816379992015-08-11T19:07:00.000-04:002015-08-11T19:12:13.267-04:00Come. Sit. Breathe in Relief. Simply Tuesday."Oh, yes, that happened to me, too. When it happened to me, I just..."<br />
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From that point I take off with an elaborate story complete with facial expressions and hand gestures. <i>[Big sigh and shaking my head] </i>No. I'm not dramatic in the least.<br />
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In the past, I thought it was helpful for the other person to know she isn't alone. Problems, fears, you name it, happen to all of us. But, am I competing with the other person when I throw 'been there, done that, survived' into the ring of discussion and make it about me?<br />
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I'm not saying relating to a person by saying, "it happened to me" isn't helpful. But, I believe there is a time and place for it.<br />
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I'm reading a great book by author Emily P. Freeman entitled <a href="http://emilypfreeman.com/simply-tuesday/" target="_blank">Simply Tuesday: Small-Moment Living in a Fast-Moving World.</a> It is one of those books in which you've highlighted a tremendous amount of sentences and/or paragraphs it has you wonder if you should own stock in the yellow highlighter company! I come from a long line of "you do not write or highlight in a book...books are for reading". So, to say I have actually colored most of my book...well, the struggle is real.<br />
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As I was innocently reading chapter 7, I began to feel conviction in my soul. It is a chapter of connection and competition and a mention of the dreaded people-pleaser. <i>[dun-dun-dunnnn] </i>Hi. I'm Deanna and I'm a people-pleaser. <i>[sigh]</i> As the author so aptly wrote, "It's an issue of safety and control<i> [ouch]</i>, which is a subtle form of competition, the enemy of connection <i>[double ouch]</i>."<br />
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When I turn the conversation to me, even though I think I'm helping, I really begin to take away her safety in our communication. I steer away from her and point to me. "...people need our with-ness" not me trying to think of what to say next to make her feel better. Counselor, I am not. Fixer, sometimes...okay most of the time...people just want someone to hear them not fix them. Did you hear me? Really hear them. And, when we really hear them, "we need not compete, we need only to connect".<br />
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Am I practicing what I've just confessed? I'm trying. Really trying. When I revert back to my old ways, I'm much more aware. It gives me permission to be. To hear.<br />
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I can invite her onto a bench of connection and safety. A bench where the world slows down and breathes. A bench of stillness - of just being. A bench of sharing and being heard. A bench where the Holy Spirit talks to us and through us. A place of smallness in this huge world.<br />
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When is the last time you've sat still for five minutes and just breathed? Yeah, I can't remember either.<br />
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Psst...come close. Inhale and release. Felt good, huh. Go on - sit, breathe, and be okay in your smallness.<br />
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More about Simply Tuesday:<br />
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Emily's book is about so much more. I highly, highly, highly <i>[have I convinced you to read it yet?]</i> recommend Simply Tuesday. You'll look at our "church-y" words in a brand new way...and hopefully stop using some of them. You'll see it's okay to be small in a world full of voices shouting one needs to be big in power or fame to make a difference. Pssst...you can make a huge difference in the lives around you by just being you.<br />
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So, basically...<a href="http://emilypfreeman.com/simply-tuesday/" target="_blank">go buy it already</a>!!<br />
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<i>(Silly legal stuff: I received an Advanced Readers Copy and am part of Emily's launch team. I was only asked to give an honest review and help promote the book.)</i><br />
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<br />Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117591103950340977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3856674881006388664.post-61570586357897158662015-07-16T19:40:00.002-04:002015-07-16T19:40:31.700-04:00Of Doors and Men<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpiwqRy8g92afXrrUPNx-1CfKnkfJGqks38MO1Yd7DVoL-qRddl0dFMHfGj7ISnCwVndCtz6gSs3Ao1kxvy6uUllyglOLHMgZNfDLSyEQFAje3Y7oGZhHWc3T85kBZaTj5ieugV8fb-VU/s1600/porch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpiwqRy8g92afXrrUPNx-1CfKnkfJGqks38MO1Yd7DVoL-qRddl0dFMHfGj7ISnCwVndCtz6gSs3Ao1kxvy6uUllyglOLHMgZNfDLSyEQFAje3Y7oGZhHWc3T85kBZaTj5ieugV8fb-VU/s200/porch.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is NOT our porch but<br />how cute is this?! </td></tr>
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Our front porch screen door is literally on one hinge. We've stopped using the door unless it is an emergency. Like the UPS man delivering a package and we need to run outside as quickly as possible so the dog doesn't scare him into a flight or fight mode. You know, emergency situations. <div>
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Of course said door is a special order size in which we need to wait and pray hubs measured the opening correctly because non-refundable! Three weeks later and a few slams to get it shut after said emergency situation above, hubs and son go to pick up the door. Tonight, they decided to tackle the job of putting it up. May God be with us all...</div>
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You know when you open a box with high expectations and you are clearly disappointed? Yeah, welcome to our world. </div>
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We actually purchased two identical doors. One for the back, which was a common size and could bring it home from the store immediately, and the special order door due to sizing. We have an old, old, old, did I mention old, house. </div>
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As in...let's take down the ugly wallpaper in the kitchen and laundry room said a much younger me. It will be fun. It was kind of fun until the laundry room walls began to come down with the wall paper. So the inexpensive, we will only have the paint cost and wallpaper glue removal cost, turned into removing the old laundry room plaster walls and putting up dry wall. Our marriage barely survived. You know, fun old house stuff. Anyway....</div>
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The men of the house tackled the back door hanging and after a few battles, won. It was quite a victorious sight. The dog, who has not known of a screen door since the old screen blew off it's hinges before said dog arrived to live with us, didn't know what to do with this monstrosity covering his beloved door...a.k.a...he was scared of the door. Yellow labs...a.k.a. scaredy-cats...are like that even though he does scare the UPS man. Good news is...he is use to it now. Back to the front door...</div>
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So, since we purchased two identical doors we knew something was amiss when there wasn't a decorative rectangle thingy (technical term) under the window on the bottom of the door. Call me weird, but now it just looks cheap, which in money terms was not cheap.</div>
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I called the company to find out if they do not attach the decoration when it is a special size or if they just forgot to put it on after cutting it down. I was warned by the person with whom I was talking that the phone battery on the phone she was using was about to die and if we get disconnected she'd call me back. Annnnndddd, five seconds later she was gone. </div>
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After 15 minutes, the phone rang and after calling the door company, she had news. If a door is cut less than 77.5", the door company cannot put on the decorative rectangle thingy. Not enough room, they say. Guess what size we need? Go on...guess. You know you want to.... </div>
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Seventy-seven inches. Yup, a half of an inch shy. I laughed. The lady from the store laughed....well, chuckled but still. Welcome to "just another chapter in our lives." When I was younger there would have been tears. Now...I just laugh. </div>
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So, if you know where we live (and if you don't know and somehow find out...that is just creepy) and drive by, see our front porch screen door and think, "wow, now that is a cheap door." You now know the rest of the story. ☺</div>
Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117591103950340977noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3856674881006388664.post-76632763363909042612015-07-08T19:15:00.001-04:002015-07-08T19:15:44.881-04:00LegacyToday was more emotional than I thought. Today was my uncle's funeral. He was the husband of my mom's oldest sister, who passed away nine years ago.<br />
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As the pastor said, "You could not think of one without the other." It was like he took the thoughts right out of my head and spoke them out loud.<br />
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My cousin, their youngest daughter, spoke of many things everyone loved about her dad. She shared how he asked her to live with him after her mom died. My cousin has a rare condition and they took care of one another. I learned of the prayers my aunt and uncle prayed while she was still living, carried on with my uncle and cousin after she had passed.<br />
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My cousin spoke of how they prayed for family, including nieces and nephews. That was the first emotion trigger. She spoke of how my uncle couldn't wait to be with his wife and all those who had gone before. Second emotion trigger.<br />
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She shared the prayer they would always say at night before each of them retired. Third emotion trigger. It was such a beautiful prayer. Of course, my cousin was emotional and since I'm a sympathetic crier...well, you get the picture.<br />
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My aunt and uncle (see I can't even talk about my uncle without including my aunt) were both so, so kind. And, nice. Yes, they had their faults like every human but their kindness was a beacon of light. My uncle had such a gentle spirit. He smoked when smoking a pipe was 'cool'. Whenever I smell that fake vanilla smell I remember the pipes on the pipe rack on the mantel.<br />
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They opened their home to many. Hospitality ran through their veins. My mom lived with them for a time before she and dad married. He courted her in that house. My cousins talk of how they would sneak down the stairs and mercilessly tease them as mom and dad sat together on the couch. It sounds like my cousin's job of making my mom's face turn red was the main goal.<br />
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Their legacy will be one of faith, kindness, mercy, love and hospitality. They will surely hear, "Well done good and faithful servant."<br />
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<br />Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117591103950340977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3856674881006388664.post-22490324458077357662015-07-02T08:16:00.001-04:002015-07-02T08:16:05.892-04:00On the Throne<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When the mountains shake and the earth spins wildly out of control, when the sky is cloudy and gloom seems all around...God is in control and on His Throne.<br />
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When the miracle of life is being grown and exciting days are blooming, when days on the calendar seem to go right after a spell of stinky days...God is in control and on His Throne.<br />
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Will we choose to love Him in bad times or just the good. Or will we question why He "let' something happen if He is so powerful. He is still on His Throne in the good, the bad and downright ugly.<br />
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I want to be like those mentioned in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+11" target="_blank">Hebrews 11</a>. Or as I call them, the "By Faith Guys". Their days did not consist of rose-colored glasses, puppy dogs romping all around or sunshine all the time. But, by faith they hung in there and obeyed their Father. God isn't calling everyone to build an ark or march around a wall for seven days but he is calling us to obedience and using our gifts.<br />
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"By Faith Guy"...who's with me on striving for that title?Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117591103950340977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3856674881006388664.post-90781329363817357922015-06-30T19:24:00.003-04:002015-07-01T06:28:50.322-04:00The end of JuneI'm sorry if I told you something you didn't know in the title. But, it is my duty to let you know the world is spinning out of control and it is the.end.of.June. Don't panic. This, too, shall pass just like the days are passing before our eyes <strike>and the end is near</strike> it will be Christmas soon and I don't have any presents purchased and...<br />
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Other than knowing time stand still for no one, I feel you can handle what I am about to tell you.<br />
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I am typing with a very painful finger. I sacrificed my pointer finger, this morning, for my youngest. Hold your applause for my selflessness. Sit down as I tell the tale...<br />
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I am very fancy and have a French Press coffee maker. Wee, wee. Or as the French spell it, oui, oui. It is routine to ask my son "coffee, no coffee" almost every morning. Those are really the only words I can utter. I double what I'm making and 3 minutes later we are pouring coffee into our semi-fancy mugs. Yes, he is 18 but a momma can do for her child while he is still home. We both like creamer because it is not about the coffee at all. Coffee is just a holder of cream and sugar goodness. So, while opening the new creamer which still had a seal on it...I cut my finger on the metal-like seal AFTER I so carefully washed it off because ANTS. Now I'm sporting the ever-so-fashionable-fabric-like band-aid. <br />
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Speaking of ants. They are the bane of my existence (I hope I just used that expression correctly!). I have NEVER had ants other than a few who hitchhiked into the house on our clothing. "This certain brand" [which starts with a te and ends with and rro] works great I was told by some who have ants every year. Perhaps I should have questioned taking important advice like this from a person who has ants every year.<br />
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So I purchase said bait [I'm not sure how I feel about feeding them what they want...sugar, don't we all want sugar?...and waiting for them to die from the Borax] and put it out. Let me tell you, the ants sent out an APB alerting their friends and neighbors about the party at our house.<br />
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If you've never used bait, here is what you do. Place a few drops of the bait on a cardboard cut out. Then, they'll come over for the "pool party" and hang out around the "pool of eventual death". Seriously, they surround the sugar-goo. They are to take it back to the 'nest' and it will eventually kill all involved with the evasion of my house! So what if it takes a couple of weeks. YES a few weeks.<br />
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But, it does work...I think. Where they were coming in...not an ant to be found. However, I was awaken this morning by a husband on his way to work saying, "I gotta go. And, there are more ants. I took care of most of them." Those romantic words will wake a girl right up.<br />
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Yes, he did take care of some but left plenty for me. So, now we have ants in a different spot...or two. Woo.hoo. And, now the ants are enjoying another pool party at another location...but still in my house!<br />
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You must feel so privileged to know that exiting news. I work through the pain just to entertain you. Or is it bore you? <i>[shrugs]</i> Same thing.<br />
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After I put the band-aid on my ouchy, I looked out the window and saw this.<br />
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It is one of our momma cats. What you can't see are the four kittens all trying to climb up the 'igloo' to <strike>pester</strike> love on her. Personally, I walked through the circle in our house and would gently push the door toward the closed position as I was walking. We have an old house and if you go through all the right doors, you're walking in a circle. I mean it is a mother's responsibility to teach her children problem-solving skills, right?! Back to the cat...see how she is peering down on them. Yeah, I hear a "na-na-nana boo-boo", too. Sometimes a momma just needs a break while lovingly keeping an eye on her younins'.<br />
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And, I will leave you with this piece of wisdom:<br />
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<br />Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117591103950340977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3856674881006388664.post-39964103390747308992015-06-29T18:24:00.000-04:002015-06-29T21:53:46.606-04:00Run Run Runaway<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5LO0-on9XhVBeLhscoSo59wK8Fslg2dMQRs8enNQOnVU11DTpMQvuQctJh4Ezr0_3U_Z0qqF4OeSDPSvDTri6F2mfjUw3tltyZ4hW5M1-FA7_jGT2wNXSdtjKxcKbkkCIoL92DZEMLY/s1600/hobo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5LO0-on9XhVBeLhscoSo59wK8Fslg2dMQRs8enNQOnVU11DTpMQvuQctJh4Ezr0_3U_Z0qqF4OeSDPSvDTri6F2mfjUw3tltyZ4hW5M1-FA7_jGT2wNXSdtjKxcKbkkCIoL92DZEMLY/s200/hobo.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from flickr</td></tr>
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<i>I'm really going to do it this time! They'll never find me at Grandpa and Grandma's house</i>. Thought my angry nine-year-old self as I tried to tie all my stuff into a bandanna. I still had to look for a stick in which to attach it, but, as soon as I found one, I was out of there.<br />
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Apparently I wasn't the smartest when it came to running away from home. I have this image of myself on the floor of my bedroom trying to find a stick in which to tie on the bandanna filled with all my precious things. Because everyone who ran away looks like a hobo and all worldly processions fit into a bandanna.<br />
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Yes, I had/have a vivid imagination. I even got out the door without my mom seeing me and made it as far as the neighbors before turning around. I remember looking back to see if anyone noticed or missed me yet.</div>
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I don't remember why I wanted to runaway. My parents probably wouldn't let me have something I really <strike>needed</strike> wanted. And, my Grandparent's house. Yeah, that was only a quarter of a mile away and would have been the first place they would have looked. I was a brave child. Ha.</div>
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Psst. Come close to the screen. (she looks to her left, to her right, then whispers) There are days I still want to runaway. (big sigh) </div>
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The reasons are not as small as when I was a child. Right now, the reasons are...well, life. Life. (another big sigh) Life can be joyful. Yet life can be a big pain. I start looking around at others who seemingly have life all together. Their life is easy and fun. They go places, do things, never have any problems (or so it seems). I start comparing. I get discouraged. I get envious. I get down. Why can't my life be easy?! </div>
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I just want to runaway from this thing called life (no this is not a cry for help). I call my friend. She wants to runaway, too. However, our money tree has not blossomed...yet. So, we wait. And, wait. We are still waiting.<br />
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My first problem? Comparison. Envy and bitterness come in a close second. And, can we talk about "not fair" problems? I feel small. I want to be noticed. Yes, I'm a mess...as always.<br />
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Do I think there is anything wrong with feeling any of those emotions? Nope. God gave us emotions for a reason. I can feel "blue"** and down. But, it's okay. I can feel overwhelmed...again, okay. As in the movie Inside Out notes, sadness and joy go hand in hand.<br />
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It's in these moments I need to remember to run to God instead of running away. Remembering His promises and me putting one foot in front of the other as I remember to hold on tight. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+30&version=ESV" target="_blank">Joy comes in the morning. And, our mourning can turn into dancing!</a><br />
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Note: I've received an advance readers copy of a book you are going to want to pre-order. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Simply-Tuesday-Small-Moment-Living-Fast-Moving/dp/0800722450/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1435616510&sr=8-1&keywords=simply+tuesday" target="_blank">Go check it out.</a> Oh, how my copy has multiple sentences highlighted per page. Yes, you will want this book! I'll write about it more as the release approaches. </div>
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<i>**"blue" is not depression. Depression is serious and treatment by a professional is often required. I'm not making light of depression. I've walked with a few friends and it is not for the faint of heart. If you think you or someone you know may have depression, seek help. </i></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7-5axIcYFVA?rel=0" width="640"></iframe>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117591103950340977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3856674881006388664.post-69599538624026376822015-06-04T19:21:00.003-04:002015-06-04T19:21:33.012-04:00Hearts Made Whole<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: purple;">"Sometimes even the strongest need someone to take care of them."</span></i></blockquote>
Caroline is a feisty little thing. She is determined to keep her family safe after her mother, and now her father pass away. Life isn't fair, yet Caroline keeps sailing full steam ahead tending the lighthouse. It's a job she loves. Too bad the inspector of lighthouses doesn't care.<br />
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In enters Ryan Chambers. He has a past in which he cannot let go - or maybe the past won't let go of him yet. He.is.a.hot.mess. Caroline just wants to shake him senseless. Yet, she sees something in his haunted eyes. She doesn't want to like him as her lighthouse job was snatched out from beneath her. Yet...<br />
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When someone keeps trying to hurt them or send a dangerous message to them, it only makes Ryan and Caroline work harder together. Even if it means giving up a dream.<br />
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Hope. Compassion. Love. Guilt. Forgiveness. Unworthiness. Overcoming. And a giggle or three. Those are emotions I would use to describe the theme of Hearts Made Whole. Who among us has not felt one or all of those emotions?<br />
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Hearts Made Whole written by Jody Hedlund is book two in her Beacons of Hope series. However, don't let that stop you if you haven't read book one. Jody is a master at series books. She expertly weaves the story and seamlessly welcomes character of one book into another without the reading being confused.<br />
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The mysterious happenings had me guessing which character was out to get Caroline. Or was it Ryan they were out to get? After two wrong guesses I finally discovered the culprit.<br />
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Toward the end of the book Caroline's sister says, "Sometimes even the strongest need someone to take care of them." I will admit I cried. Yes, I'm a natural-born crier. But, something about that statement just hit me. Maybe it has been several things I've been working through the last few months. Maybe I just needed a cry. Maybe, just maybe, when you're reading a well-written book and you're fully immersed in that world you become so emotionally attached to a character you feel what she feels. Maybe. Or I could have been having an emotional day. <i>Shrugs shoulders.</i><br />
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RUN out to or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hearts-Made-Whole-Beacons-Hope/dp/0764212389/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1433459476&sr=8-1&keywords=hearts+made+whole" target="_blank">CLICK </a>on over to your favorite bookstore and purchase a wonderful book by a magnificent writer. You won't be sorry...although your household chores may be neglected for a few days because you can't put it down. Dust and cleaning will always be there so have some fun in the sun (or beach) and read this little beauty.<br />
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Author, Jody Hedlund, and her publisher have a great giveaway going on right now. <a href="https://promosimple.com/ps/7615" target="_blank">Be sure to enter here.</a><br />
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Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117591103950340977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3856674881006388664.post-46813386920851483892015-05-27T06:36:00.000-04:002015-05-27T06:36:49.925-04:00So many wordsSo many words are just a jumble in my mind. So many. It's hard to put my thoughts into sentences that would make sense to anyone living outside my mind. Shoot, anyone inside my mind would be yelling, "Whaaaaa?!"<br />
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Many changes have taken place and I'm trying to wrap my mind around a few things. I just wanted you to know, if anyone reads this thing called a blog (what kind of word is blog, anyway?!), I'm still around. I've always wondered when others have seemingly dropped off the face of the 'blog' if that person is okay. My mind goes to all kinds of drama and I tend to wonder. So, wonder no more, reader...all three of you. :)<br />
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I shall return soon. Carry on with your life. I know you can do it! ;)Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117591103950340977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3856674881006388664.post-87295915546443850382015-04-26T19:04:00.000-04:002015-05-04T06:55:37.982-04:00Some WeekendOh my dear friends. Some weekends are full of busyness. Some are a blessing of much needed rest and downtime. This weekend, however, has run a gamut of feelings.<br />
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Most of you know, if you've been reading long or personally know me, that our Dancer Daughter is in a foreign land. Nepal to be exact. Yes, the same Nepal that had the major earthquake. </div>
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Saturday morning I woke up early. Yes, I'm old and sleeping in is really a young person's sport. I'm in the habit of getting on the internet first thing in the morning. Don't judge. It's how I wake up. There's nothing like the bright light from the computer to get one going. Since our daughter is in a different time zone, if she emails me there is one waiting for me in the morning. </div>
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Facebook has this thing called Trending which I normally ignore. Of course that morning I had to look. First line read Kathmandu Nepal earthquake... Let's just say the blood from my face drained like it did when Writer Daughter called me telling me she was in an accident. Because EARTHQUAKE. Because buildings tend to FALL when the earth shakes. Because THIRD-WORLD country. Moms, can I get an "I hear ya" when your mind goes someplace you don't want it to go?!</div>
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After calling my husband into the room and telling him, I furiously typed a message to one of the staff of the organization who remained stateside. I didn't know if she knew yet since it was early in the morning and well, she is young and can actually sleep in on a Saturday. Within thirty minutes she responded that she was just seeing this as well and calling the director (also stateside). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRRMNOcNwa86m0Tiw2ZRKwEKMYL1yB3gH5Rzkcuc-3dq5UHZetYOjF0Yek19P6sRrKfYwoP4KBa8mebZppQYJSRCH3kj662xY3fHCT5BMfjlmOgd1i4LcOmZlBGc7vR6XV27jOmonf_Jc/s1600/pokhara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRRMNOcNwa86m0Tiw2ZRKwEKMYL1yB3gH5Rzkcuc-3dq5UHZetYOjF0Yek19P6sRrKfYwoP4KBa8mebZppQYJSRCH3kj662xY3fHCT5BMfjlmOgd1i4LcOmZlBGc7vR6XV27jOmonf_Jc/s1600/pokhara.jpg" width="320" /></a>In the meantime I found another post by the organization in which Dancer Daughter staffs telling of the earthquake and the team is safe. And, a few minutes later I heard the same news from the staff person I made contact with. My fear turned into gratefulness. </div>
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Yes, of course a plethora of concerns rolled through my head after hearing of their safety and I had to remove myself from the internet. All the what-ifs. Then my mind went back to a post I wrote on this blog before they left for the foreign land. It was something God showed me while I was in the midst of fear because of all the terrible things happening in the world. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 17.2479991912842px;"><i>All I can do is trust she is in God's mighty, strong, and powerful hands. All one can do is pray. And, prayer is everything!</i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 17.2479991912842px;"><i>As I prayed for her (and the others) and their protection, God allowed me to see a huge 'army' of extremely tall Angels surrounding them in this foreign land. Yet, it wasn't just them in this fortress of protection. People of that land were in the circle with them. I saw smiles and heard laughter even with the dreaded language barriers. And, I saw an agape* love. As the group moved, so did the Angels. Some Angels were turned in watching, some were turned out, guarding.</i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 17.2479991912842px;"><i>I prayed for the group going to have a strong sense of the Holy Spirit. To move when the Spirit whispers, "Move." To stop (immediately) when the Spirit shouts, "Stop!" To be so in-tune with God that every whisper, every song of laughter, every ungraceful movement, every bit of eye contact with others will be a Holy Moment and God will shine through bright and beautiful as He smiles at their hearts.</i></span></blockquote>
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I don't know why God protected the team and not the thousands who died. I don't know. I can't even begin to wrap my mind around that. However, I do have faith that the church in that country and others will show up in big ways. Ways that only God can provide. It's the only way to make any sense out of the tragedy. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWQHvPXIHK4gjPoqNFWiZsrnkINmAlSCA44Rpor-BFLK1oasRSOUtQr8ADQkM3qnB68BEzOSV5xii37VW4tT9UlGVFQHFEFm-wnlwW1YbJLlh_8pTixPy9uEdCL0D_ecGsKK-AbuOHY8/s1600/g+nepal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWQHvPXIHK4gjPoqNFWiZsrnkINmAlSCA44Rpor-BFLK1oasRSOUtQr8ADQkM3qnB68BEzOSV5xii37VW4tT9UlGVFQHFEFm-wnlwW1YbJLlh_8pTixPy9uEdCL0D_ecGsKK-AbuOHY8/s1600/g+nepal.jpg" width="320" /></a>Here is a great way and a safe way to give money to the rebuilding of Nepal if you are interested. Click on <b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.together4nepal.com/" target="_blank">this</a> </span></b> and 100% of your donation will go to Nepal!! Or <a href="http://www.modfund.com/projects/ywam/" target="_blank">here</a> until May 15 for a really cool t-shirt!</div>
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Our daughter is still there. There are aftershocks. All I can do is pray. I've already warned her when she comes home-home we are coming inside the airport (aka pay a ridiculous amount of money to park a vehicle) and to prepare herself for a proper hug.</div>
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And, Firefighter boy became an adult today. I blinked. I admit it. How can it be our youngest is a senior in high school and about to graduate? So, we do what my family does well...we ate our way through his birthday weekend. </div>
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I may have been stress eating just a tad. ☺</div>
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So, how was your weekend? ☺</div>
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Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117591103950340977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3856674881006388664.post-14804158975000190852015-04-04T18:47:00.001-04:002015-04-04T20:46:38.109-04:00Easter and Stuff<div>
Easter is upon us. Does it "feel" like it? Or maybe it's just me.<br />
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Honestly, Easter has sneaked up on me. Maybe it is the nasty head cold. Maybe it's extra hours put in at work. Maybe it's thinking about everything that needs to be done with graduating my youngest and throwing a party. Maybe it's just a season in my life. Maybe I'm missing my girl who is celebrating Easter in another country. Maybe, maybe, maybe.<br />
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Embarrassingly, I am a pro at coming up with excuses. Seriously, Christ died for me (and you) and I'm over here belly-achin'. God is in my life (our lives) every.single.day. And, I can't rejoice over the huge thing He did for me (and you)?! </div>
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Maybe, just maybe, I'm looking for all the good feelings when I should be in awe of what He did for me (us). It is more than Peanut Butter Eggs, Easter Egg Hunts, family meals and the "work" involved.<br />
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Jesus had a moment of "ok, God, if you want to find another way I'd be okay with that" but he was obedient. He was the sacrificial lamb that was foretold years and years before it finally came to pass. He died for our sin, our shame, our guilt. The grave couldn't hold Him...we rose from the grave!!!! I should be shouting from the rooftops!</div>
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So, as I was not feeling all Easter-y, I came across the first song (video below the lyrics). He is so good to me (us)....even in the times of yuck. He is good. I may need to look closer during those yuck times but He is there holding me (us) up, comforting me (us), loving me (us).<br />
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The last video is just a wonderful song that reminds me of how much God loves me (us). How different would my life be if He hadn't "paid it all"?<br />
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Enjoy and Happy Easter!!!</div>
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<b style="border: 0px none; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13.4399995803833px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"> "Good To Me"</b><br />
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I put all my hope in the truth of Your promise<br />
And I steady my heart on the ground of Your goodness<br />
When I'm bowed down with sorrow I will lift up Your name<br />
And the foxes in the vineyard will not steal my joy<br />
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Because You are good to me, good to me<br />
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I lift up my eyes to the hills where my help is found<br />
Your voice fills the night - raise my head up to hear the sound<br />
Though fires burn all around me I will praise You, my God<br />
And the foxes in the vineyard will not steal my joy<br />
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Because You are good to me, good to me<br />
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Your goodness and mercy shall follow me<br />
All my life<br />
I will trust in Your promise</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bKosVfAEUPE?rel=0" width="640"></iframe><br />
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<b style="border: 0px none; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13.4399995803833px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"> "Jesus Paid It All"</b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(Oh, Praise the One)</span></b></div>
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I hear the Savior say,<br />
Thy strength indeed is small;<br />
Child of weakness, watch and pray,<br />
Find in Me thine all in all.<br />
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Jesus paid it all,<br />
All to Him I owe;<br />
Sin had left a crimson stain,<br />
He washed it white as snow.<br />
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Lord, now indeed I find<br />
Thy power and Thine alone,<br />
Can change the leper's spots<br />
and melt the heart of stone.<br />
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Jesus paid it all,<br />
All to Him I owe;<br />
Sin had left a crimson stain,<br />
He washed it white as snow.<br />
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And when before the throne<br />
I stand in Him complete,<br />
Jesus died my soul to save,<br />
my lips shall still repeat<br />
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Jesus paid it all,<br />
All to Him I owe;<br />
Sin had left a crimson stain,<br />
He washed it white as snow<br />
Sin had left a crimson stain,<br />
He washed it white as snow<br />
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O Praise the one who paid my debt<br />
And raised this life up from the dead<br />
O Praise the one who paid my debt<br />
And raised this life up from the dead<br />
O Praise the one who paid my debt<br />
And raised this life up from the dead<br />
O Praise the one who paid my debt<br />
And raised this life up from the dead<br />
O Praise the one who paid my debt<br />
And raised this life up from the dead<br />
<br style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />
Jesus paid it all,<br />
All to Him I owe;<br />
Sin had left a crimson stain,<br />
He washed it white as snow<br />
Sin had left a crimson stain,<br />
He washed it white as snow<br />
He washed it white as snow</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-FHwdx5BIvc?rel=0" width="640"></iframe>Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117591103950340977noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3856674881006388664.post-80348545858615381542015-03-18T10:55:00.000-04:002015-03-18T10:55:28.162-04:00The Coffee Jitterbug <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3VY50zykVb88Q5_ZLNeBLhpbN2Ripa8d1IFEntsMeztMCBjzUH7WOM2rVLJ3XXq7GZZCfXXXNRj30NeLre2qqVJ4uwJVnUS88Q8sLueTQF6fsXw_XNzL0vNnDoKnFiDp5DzjQN9pcm4/s1600/coffee+cup.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3VY50zykVb88Q5_ZLNeBLhpbN2Ripa8d1IFEntsMeztMCBjzUH7WOM2rVLJ3XXq7GZZCfXXXNRj30NeLre2qqVJ4uwJVnUS88Q8sLueTQF6fsXw_XNzL0vNnDoKnFiDp5DzjQN9pcm4/s1600/coffee+cup.png" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
Confession. I don't like coffee. I like the smell of coffee but not the smell of gross strong/bitter coffee. As a child I used to dip my cookie in my dad's coffee just to mimic him. But, gross!<br />
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Socially, coffee is key. How many times does your friend call and say, "Would you like to meet for water?" So, when I would like to meet a friend or a friend asks me to meet it always "coffee". And, I'm not complaining. I am more than willing.<br />
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I lovingly refer to my coffee as just something to hold the cream/flavoring and sugar. I, also, tell the barista I want only half the amount of coffee in my foo-foo drink. Most of the time, that does the trick. All of this back-story to tell you....<br />
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Yesterday, I met a lovely friend for coffee. She told me she liked the 'house' coffee better than the foo-foo drinks. I asked if there was cream and sugar to add and she assured me there was enough to go around. So, I ordered a coffee...not a foo-foo drink. I felt so grown up.<br />
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I added a little bit of sugar and creamer and sipped. I hope there wasn't a camera focused on me as made a bitter-coffee-face. My friend, who adores coffee, commented it tasted like it was burnt. Great. So, we added more and more creamer and sugar just to make it drinkable. I may or may not have added a quarter cup of sugar. I'm not exaggerating.<br />
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We found a cute, little table in the corner and talked a-mile-a-minute jumping from one subject to another. We were having a grand time catching up. It had been way too long since we had seen or talked with each other. My friend is so much fun; giggles and cackling were hard to control.<br />
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In a smaller town, you are bound to see someone you know walk into the coffee shop. Well, that happened. It was good. Very good. However, as I talk I often start playing with whatever is on the table like confetti or the napkin. My hubs gets annoyed often at this and removes the item from my reach. It is only then I realize I'm playing with that object while talking. Aren't husbands just great?!<br />
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I had not finished my coffee and had about a quarter of the cup left (probably the quarter with all the sugar in it). I was talking and playing with the napkin...that was underneath my coffee cup. You know, the one with coffee still in it. (can you see where this is headed?)<br />
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I'm not sure how it happened. But.it.happened. And, not in slow motion either. Next thing I know I'm grabbing for the cup that was titling my way and spewing liquid toward and all over me. My friend has the normal reaction and gasps. What do you do when someone gasps loudly in public. Yup, all eyes were glued on me. My friend and the friend who had walked in and was talking with us grabbed napkins and became my mommy. I now know what it feels like to be a child who just spilled her milk. It was all over me, my shoes, the floor, the table. And, who knows why but everything was sticky after we wiped it up. (wink, wink--<br />
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all that sugar!)<br />
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I tried to wipe up my shirt and jeans with a napkin. Do you know what happens when you try to wipe up wet clothing with a napkin? You guessed it. I not only had a huge wet spot on my shirt and looked like I peed my pants, but now I have white "crumbles" on my shirt and jeans. Dark shirt and dark jeans with white "crumbles". Let's just draw more attention to myself why don't we?!<br />
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How embarrassing, yet how funny!<br />
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Everything is alright. I sprayed down my shoes, and put stain releaser on my clothing when I got home. I'm talking everything had a stain on it! It was so bad I had to take a quick shower before work. I thanked my friend for being my mommy and we agreed we needed to do this again...minus the coffee fiasco!<br />
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Moral of the story: never get in the habit of playing with items at the table while talking. Bad, very bad, things can happen. ☺ And, always accept the coffee invitation. There is always enough sugar and creamer!<br />
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<br />Deannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04117591103950340977noreply@blogger.com0