Women Of Faith Review

I attended the Women of Faith "Amazing Freedom" Conference and Pre-Conference on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. If you have never gone to one of these events, I highly suggest you and a girlfriend go next time they are near you. It is such a fun, inspiring time. You laugh, you cry, you learn, you refresh, you worship.
Beth Moore did the Pre-Conference this year, and it was really good. She is such a gifted teacher, I always learn something new that helps me in my walk with Jesus. This time she spoke on 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 - The cult of Comfort. Here are a few notes on the wonderful lesson:

The first description God gives of Himself is the compassionate one. Compassion is the emotion, comfort is the action. God can not feel compassion and not be moved (comfort). Americans today suffer from AGLIOPHOBIA - fear/paranoia of pain/discomfort. We need to drop out of the cult of comfort and be driven by the love of Christ. If not, we will:

1. Live in a rut of relational disasters

2. Sign up for a life of addiction

3. Miss the full measure of our callings

4. Miss the presence of God

When God brings you comfort it is by bringing us Himself. When we are busy trying to comfort ourselves with people/substances, we miss God. Sometimes we never get alone enough to see He's right there with us. We give up on relationships because they no longer can be our comforter. We get bitter at people because they eventually can not provide the comfort our soul seeks.

God comforts us in our troubles, sufferings, dispair, sense of death.

Don't fear pain/discomfort, God uses it to bring us closer to Him.

Be compelled by the love of Christ, not Comfort!
There was more to the message, but that is the summary. It was a timely message for me, as I'm struggling with some issues in regards to my lifestyle and this helped address that.

The other HUGE highlight was hearing Nicole C. Mullen sing! She has a new CD - Sharecropper's Seed - and sang some new and old songs. One new song that brought tears to my eyes is "One Touch". Beautiful! If you ever get the chance to see her perform - do it! She is an awesome singer/dancer, a beautiful soul! At the very least download the song "One Touch"!

Movie Review Monday

Movie Review #2

Each Monday I am planning on posting a review of a movie I have recently seen. It may be a new release in the theater or a rental I got online/through the mail at Blockbuster. This week the review is of:

The Bourne Ultimatium

Starring: Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, Joan Allen

Rated: PG-13 - violence and intense sequences of action

Type of Movie: Action

Description: All he wanted was to disappear. Instead, Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) is now hunted by the people who made him what he is. Having lost his memory and the one person he loved, he is undeterred by the barrage of bullets and a new generation of highly-trained killers. Bourne has only one objective: to go back to the beginning and find out who he was. He must travel from Moscow, Paris, Madrid and London to Tangier and New York City as he continues his quest to find the real Jason Bourne—all the while trying to outmaneuver the scores of cops, federal officers and Interpol agents with him in their crosshairs.

OK for Kids?: Not really. I probably wouldn't let my kids watch something like this until they are 16 or so. There is a lot of killing/violence and some mild profanity. Don't remember any sex - think there was a time he was kissing his girlfriend, nothing memorable.

See it in theater or rent? I would suggest to see it in a theater. It was fast paced and the filming left me dizzy sometimes. If you haven't seen the first two in the series, rent them and watch before seeing this one.

Opinion: The Bourne Ultimatium was a fast, action packed movie. I enjoyed it, but I must admit I was disappointed/surprised by the ending. I won't give anything away, but I wish what was revealed was different.

Rating: (out of 5)

Other Notes:

My favorite movie review site is Christian Spotlight on Entertainment.
To see review #1 of "No Reservations" click here.

Leave me a comment telling me the last movie you saw and what you thought of it. Or, suggest a movie for me to review!

Miss Paula?

I'm looking for Miss Paula! I can't get to her blog from any message she has sent me! I NEED to get to her, I won something on her blog and don't remember how to get to her blog! HELP! If you know her blog address please leave it for me.

A Few Of My Favorite Blogs

I haven't updated my sidebar with some of my favorite blogs as of late! But when I do it will include (in no particular order):



Book Splurge

Scamp's Place

Preacher's Daughter

Lorie's Stitch In Time

5 Minutes for Mom

A Brand New Life

Accidental Poet

Baseballs and Bows

Beach-Lit Blog

BooMama

Callipidar Days

Choosing Joy

Life on The Road



Ok, I'm tired now! That's only about half of my daily list - but I highly suggest you check them out, they are great blogs. I will post more next week!

Off to Women of Faith Conference

I am leaving today for Atlanta, GA! It is about a 7 hour drive. One of my good friends and her sister are going with me to the Women Of Faith Conference. It should be a very fun girl's getaway! I have been to one other WOF conference a couple of years ago, and it was really good. My favorite is Patsy Clairmont, she is such a hoot! We are attending the pre-conference that Beth Moore is doing, and she is always such a blessing.

I am soooo in need of this getaway, time with friends, and uplifting messages that God has for me. I love the worship music (far different then the traditional hymns we do at our church)! Plus, for the past year and a half, since leaving our prior church, I have not stayed as faithful to my relationship with Christ as I need to be. I haven't been in His word everyday, my daily prayers are shorter, my service to my church/community has slacked off.

Right or wrong, these events (conferences) have a way of kicking me in the behind and getting me in gear again.

I have started making some changes at our house, getting back to doing devotions with the kids, eating dinner together as a family. So, I feel like I'm headed in the right direction. The hard part for me is consistency, sticking to it.

I may update you when I'm away - just depends on how tired I am, how much fun I'm having!



Have you ever been to a WOF or perhaps a Beth Moore Living Proof Live event, or something similar? Leave me a note and tell me about it!

Winner of Return To Me Book Giveaway!

B at Journey of 1000 Stitches has won the PASS IT ON drawing for Return To Me by Robin Lee Hatcher. Congrats! Hope you enjoy!

I will post another PASS IT ON book giveaway August 15th, be sure to stop by and enter!

You Just Never Know . . . .

You just never know when it's going to be your time to leave this earth. That idea scares me and I try not to think about it, but I do. Especially after my terrifying 25 minutes at the beach - I was scared my son was dead.

The people on the bridge in Minn. that collapsed had no idea that was going to happen to them.

The man that died in this accident is a forest firefighter, returning home from some out of town training. An 18 wheeler crossed the highway and hit him head-on. A pregnant lady and her young son were hurt badly as well.

I am sorry this post is so depressing. I've just been thinking about these things a lot lately. The fragility of life makes it important to me to live my life to it's fullest, always telling those closest to me how much they mean to me. Not putting off the fun times I wish to have.

I certainly don't want me or any in my family to exit this world prematurely. But, I do find comfort in knowing that after this journey, the reward is waiting, with Christ - the one way, the only way to Heaven. He is my Savior, my best friend, my Abba, father. Do you know Him as your Savior? If not, NOW is the time, there may be no later . . . . . .

Movie Review Monday

I am trying something new! Each Monday I am planning on posting a review of a movie I have recently seen. It may be a new release in the theater, or a rental that I got online at Blockbuster. This week the review is for No Reservations. I hope you enjoy my thoughts!

Starring: Catherine Zeta-Jones, Aaron Eckhart, Abigail Breslin

Rated: PG (sensuality and language)

Summary of plot: Master chef Kate Armstrong (Catherine Zeta-Jones) lives her life like she runs her kitchen at a trendy Manhattan eatery—with a no-nonsense intensity that both captivates and intimidates everyone around her. Kate’s perfectionist nature is put to the test when she ''inherits'' her 9-year-old niece Zoe (Abigail Breslin), while contending with a brash new sous-chef who joins her staff. High-spirited and freewheeling, Nick Palmer (Aaron Eckhart) couldn't’be more different from Kate, yet the chemistry between them is undeniable. Rivalry becomes romance, but Kate will have to learn to express herself beyond the realm of her kitchen if she wants to connect with Zoe and find true happiness with Nick.

OK for Kids?: No. There are some kissing scenes and implied sex, no nudity. Would bore most kids out of their mind. And because of the premarital sex I would not advise for teen girls either.
See it in theater or rent? This is a renter! I would not advise you to pay full price for this movie.

Opinion: No Reservations was a cute movie that I would definitely rent, but not worth the $8.00 plus popcorn/drink $ to see it in the theater. A fun chick movie. I found the characters enjoyable and the plot interesting - it just moved too slowly. The ending is predictable, which I liked, just not enough happened in the movie to keep it flowing enough so that my mind would not wander and think about other things.

Rating: (out of five)

Marriott or Hilton?

I myself am a Marriott person. Given the choice I will ALWAYS choose Marriott over Hilton hotels.

Why?

My experiences have usually been bad at Hilton hotels. Their customer service absolutely stinks! Both on the reservation line and in the hotels. They act snobby and definitely do not subscribe to the "customer is always right" policy. They have openly blamed me for mistakes that were obviously their fault. They never apologize for their mistakes. They do not go out of their way to make me feel wanted or desired as a customer.

Marriott, on the other hand has EXCELLENT customer service. ALWAYS going out of their way to help me out, find out how they can serve me and make my stay better. When I have a problem they apologize and fix it right away.So, when I travel for pleasure or when I have a choice I choose Marriott hotel brands.

Unfortunately, with work, I often have to stay at Hilton Hotels (I won't be specific about where the worst Hilton I've ever stayed at, it was in this city where we once lived when my husband was in the Coast Guard, in Virginia, at the beach - and I have to stay there every year. Torture!)Last month in Atlanta I stayed in a GREAT Marriott - very near the GWCC.

This weekend I will have to stay at a Hilton very near the GWCC. I am praying for a good experience at this Hilton.
My favorite Marriott? St. Kitts Marriott Resort in the Caribbean.

My least favorite Hilton Hotel? Well, I'm not going to say where EXACTLY it is - but here is a picture, and it is in Virginia.

So, what's your preference and where is your favorite?

Free 37" Flat Panel LCD HDTV Giveaway!

5 Minutes for Mom is giving away an Insignia 37" Flat Panel LCD HDTV! Someone has to win - why not you! Go to the website and enter by August 17th! Best Buy donated the TV - how awesome are they! HWH loves Best Buy - it is his favorite store - he wishes he could spend as much time in it as he does Home Depot! :)

Lost My Child - The Most Terrifying 20 Minutes of My Life

Because this blog is anonymous - I will tell you this story. I suppose it is not something I should admit to - to the people I know. It probably makes me look like a very bad parent. And yes, I see that I made a mistake. But no, I'm not a bad parent. I am certainly a very thankful one, that is for sure.Monday morning about 10am I made my way out to the beach with 4 kids (my 3 and my niece). The kids plopped down all their beach gear, threw their shoes close by, and took off for the ocean. They were all together, ages 12, 10, 7 and 5. They know their limits in regards to how far out they are allowed to go when I'm not in there with them. I go about getting a chair from the lifeguard, getting it set up, along with spreading out the kids blanket, collecting all the shoes, getting our spread all organized.I then go down to the ocean to play with the kids. Oldest and 10 yr. old are swimming and diving in the waves. 7 yr. old niece is ankle deep looking for shells and those small sand digging crab like things. 5 year old is . . . 5 year old is . . . . well, where is 5 year old? I scan the area where I expect him to be. No 5 yr old. I scan the area to the left and right of where he should be. Still no 5 yr old. I look on the beach, out of the water. Still, can not find him. My heart is racing now. I call 12 yr. old out of water - "do you know where your brother is?" No. He begins looking. I call 10 yr and 7yr over, "do you know where your little brother is?" No. We all look. We can.not.find.him! I tell 12 yr. old to go get lifeguard and bring him to me as I keep looking. Tears are threating to fall. I am glad I have on my sunglasses to hide my panic. This is a very busy beach. People are looking at me. At this point I get the feeling that my son is gone from this world. I feel sure he has drowned. Panic starts to sieze my heart. I pray. It's all I can do. I pray for the Lord to give me my son, alive. I pray to get him back in my arms. I ask the Lord that if for some reason that is not His will, that He at least allow me to have his body. If he is dead, I want to know. I don't want to live with him missing, always wondering, no closure. I think of the girl lost in Aruba. I put this in God's hands, but I was SO afraid. I was so scared.Lifeguard arrives, I give him the description of what 5 yr. old is wearing - a very cute bathing suit I got on sale at www.cwd.com - blue with green lobsters. Tell him 5yr old's name, description. Lifeguard tells me, "we'll find him. This happens at least 4 times a week". I reply in tears, "but not to me! My son is not a wanderer. He is not adventuresome." I think about how he doesn't even like to go into a room unless someone else turns on the light. He won't go upstairs when no one else is up there. He HATES to sleep alone. If we don't let him sleep with his sister we have to lay with him to get him to sleep. I think about his hugs and kisses. How he steals my "sugar" from under my neck. Of how this unexpected, unplanned child is so loved, treasured and a part of me that I can't imagine my life without him. "Please God, help me find him!"I try calling my HWH who is playing golf, he doesn't answer.5 minutes pass. Another 5 minutes go by. Lifeguard comes to me - "We've found him". I don't get my hopes up. I don't want to be disappointed. The supervisor pulls up on his ATV and gives me a ride. We pass 3 hotels, then, about 1/2 mile down pull up to a lifeguard stand. There he is. Smiling. I get him down and hug him so tight I'm sure that's why when I looked at his face next - he was crying. I squeezed the tears right out of him! I kissed him and held him and told him how much I loved him. Never in my life had I been so happy to see anyone.We ride the ATV back to our spot, where the other kids were sitting - anxiously waiting for our return. I sit down with 5 yr. old, hug and kiss him more. Get him a drink and snack, then I go play with him in the ocean. When we get out of the water he wants to play in the sand with his niece. I walk back to the chair. I want to walk backwards, never taking my eyes off of him. I should have. But I don't.People are watching me. Talking, thinking their thoughts. I've thought them. I've probably said them. "She should have watched her children more closely." "Who would send their teenage daughter to a foreign island without their parents with them?" "I am so glad that is not me." Some of them may have been my customers. Some of them came up to talk to me (some offered to get me anything I needed). But I didn't really care what they thought. I was too busy thanking Jesus for my son. That day could have ended up so differently. 5 hours later as we walked to our car, I thought of how I could be returning to my car without him. The thought itself almost brought me to my knees. And yes, I have been thanking God every time I think about it. But now, after reliving this, typing it out, I want to go now, and get on my knees, and really thank Him and worship Him.

Book Giveaway - Return to Me by Robin Lee Hatcher

My next PASS IT ON book giveaway is a book I reviewed in June - Return to Me by Robin Lee Hatcher. I enjoyed the book and I'm anxious to read more of Robin's books! (Once I make my way through the pile sitting by my bed!)

Leave me a comment if you'd like to win - I'd love to hear the last book you read and if you liked it or not.

I will randomly draw the winner on August 8th.

You can go by http://www.overwhelmedwithjoy.blogspot.com/ to enter more drawings for free books!

Also, stop by The Diaper Diaries to enter for two book drawings!

Wordless Wednesday

Eldest playing a game at overnight camp this summer.

Beach Trip

Just got back from a couple of trips to the beach. We left last Friday and went to Kure Beach with my sister, her kids and my mother. Stayed at a friend's apartment (for free!) and had a fun time. Relaxing? No. Fun? Yes. But, when you have six kids (sister has 3 - ages 1, 5, 7) (and I have 3 - ages 5, 10, 12) - you don't expect relaxing very often!

Sunday evening I left Kure beach with my 3 kids and sister's eldest - and went to Myrtle Beach for a work convention. Fun? Yes. Relaxing? No. Work, kids, not too much time to relax. But the villa we stayed in was bigger then the apartment at Kure Beach - so the kids had their own space I could send them to while I had a few moments to unwind.

Check back on Friday to hear about the most terrifing 25 minutes of my life. It was awful!

Winners!

The winners of the giveaways are listed below:

Dog Days of Summer:
Snitch by Rene Gutteridge - Kristiem10 at Life With My X-Men

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan - Merci at Spit Out the Cat

PASS IT ON giveaway:
Death of a Garage Sale Newbie - Cee Cee at Book Splurge

Congratulations to the winners!

Did You Win Anything?

OK, so I entered like 300 drawings through Shannon's Dog Days of Summer Giveaway Links! What fun! I didn't get any work done at home or work, but I entered for lots of free stuff! I so hope I win something! At least one thing! How pathetic it would be for me to enter all those drawings and not win one thing!!!! I especially want a purse or jewelry or books, but really, I only entered ones where I wanted/could use the prize.

Let me know if you won something and if so, what! If you didn't win, still comment - you'll need to whine to someone!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY . . . . . . . .

$300 Organic Milk Giveaway

The way my family goes through milk, this would help me out a lot! Check out this giveaway at 5 Minutes for Mom - it's Moooovulous!

Tons and Tons of Giveaways

You've never seen so much free stuff! You HAVE GOT to visit Shannon at Rocks In My Dryer. She is hosting the Dog Days of Summer Giveaway. She has links to OVER 460 websites that are having drawings for FREE STUFF! Yes, it will take you days and days to sort through it all, but sadly you only have till the end of the week, so hop to it! Have fun!

I am combining this giveaway with my PASS IT ON giveaway for the week - I will be giving away the following two books (they have been read by me, but are in good condition) in two drawings, good luck! Drawing will be August 2nd at 9am (I am going out of town until then!) See the post below to enter for a previous drawing that is still open - for Death of a Garage Sale Newbie!

To enter, go to the bottom of the comments section and click on "POST A COMMENT"

Drawing for:

1. Snitch by Rene Gutteridge - I enjoyed this book, but not as much as Rene's Boo series, which I checked out at the library. It was a fun read, here is the Amazon.com description:

Convinced he has a greater chance to die–of boredom–at his desk job than he ever faced in narcotics, Las Vegas police sergeant Ron Yeager agrees to slip off the retirement track long enough to head up an undercover task force designed to combat the recent surge in auto thefts.

Then he meets his inexperienced team of officers, most of whom seem completely incapable of infiltrating the seamy underbelly of Sin City. In particular, Mackenzie “Mack” Hazard’s determination to wear her faith like a badge threatens to send Yeager’s blood pressure skyrocketing. And then there’s maverick Jesse Lunden, who thinks he’s learned all he needs to know in his three years of undercover work.

As Yeager gambles his reputation on transforming this group of egos and eccentrics into a force to be reckoned with, he stumbles onto a much bigger scheme than anyone expected. This could be the showstopper of their careers–if his back doesn’t give out first.

This second book in the Occupational Hazards series blends wacky characters, sincere faith, and surprising plot twists into one hilariously addictive read.


2. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See - I read this book with my book club. It was different from what I usually choose for myself, but I really enjoyed it. It was an emotional book and taught me a lot about ancient Chinese culture. Amazon describe it this way:
Lily at 80 reflects on her life, beginning with her daughter days in 19th-century rural China. Foot-binding was practiced by all but the poorest families, and the graphic descriptions of it are not for the fainthearted. Yet women had nu shu, their own secret language. At the instigation of a matchmaker, Lily and Snow Flower, a girl from a larger town and supposedly from a well-connected, wealthy family, become laotong, bound together for life. Even after Lily learns that Snow Flower is not from a better family, even when Lily marries above her and Snow Flower beneath her, they remain close, exchanging nu shu written on a fan. When war comes, Lily is separated from her husband and children. She survives the winter helped by Snow Flower's husband, a lowly butcher, until she is reunited with her family. As the years pass, the women's relationship changes; Lily grows more powerful in her community, bitter, and harder, until at last she breaks her bond with Snow Flower. They are not reunited until Lily tries to make the dying Snow Flower's last days comfortable. Their friendship, and this tale, illustrates the most profound of human emotions: love and hate, self-absorption and devotion, pride and humility, to name just a few. Even though the women's culture and upbringing may be vastly different from readers' own, the life lessons are much the same, and they will be remembered long after the details of this fascinating story are forgotten

Good Luck, and don't be a stranger! I hope you'll come back often and read my thoughts and enter my giveaways!

Movies Anyone?

Over at Lille Punkin' Reviews there is a contest sponsored by Cute Kid, for movie tickets! Check out her website to win!

What is the last movie you saw? In a theater - well I'm not going to tell you. I let my friend pick it and it was just horrible - ok, you drug it out of me - Waitress. Please, don't waste your time. The last one I saw on DVD was Mrs. Potter and I enjoyed it very much. A friend has asked me to go with her this weekend to see Hairspray - not sure it's something I'll like, but I will humor her and go. I'm looking forward to going to see No Reservations - it looks like a fun Chick-Flic!

A great giveaway!

Over at Overwhelmed With Joy there is a Pay It Forward Book Giveaway very similar to my "Pass It On" giveaway. Check it out!

Also, over at Lorie's Stitch In Time Blog she is "Passing On" "Uncharted" by Angela Hunt - enter soon!

I LOVE free books! I enter to win as many as I can find, and I tell you, 4 of the last 10 books I've read were given to me from contests on the internet! It has opened me up to read authors I would not have ever read on my own. In most cases I have searched out more of their books either at the library or book store to read.

Enjoy your reading this summer! Right now - I'm reading for my Book Club (they pick heavier - non-fluff, non-chicklit - serious books) Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" have you read it? Your thoughts?

Book Winner

The winner of the drawing for my "PASS IT ON" copy of Potluck Club - Trouble's Brewing - is Accidental Poet. Check out her blog, it's on my "must visit" list!

Book Giveaway

I just finished "Death of a Garage Sale Newbie" by Sharon Dunn. This is the first book I read by Sharon Dunn and I really enjoyed it. The characters were fun and the pace of the book was perfect. I didn't want to put it down, just wanted to keep reading to find out the who-done-it! Check it out and if you're interested in getting my "PASS IT ON" copy - leave a comment below and I will give it away August 3rd. Here's the catch - I will only give it away if I get comments from 10 different people. So, send your friends to this blog to win!

Too Much Paper?

Do you have too much paper junking up your space? Kid's artwork, report cards, recipes, receipts, the list goes on and on! If so - here is a great product to consider! Neatrecipes - Scanalizer
You can also go to 5 Minutes for Mom blog to enter to win. Hurry! Today is the last day!
Ohhhhh, I hope I win! It could save my marriage! (HWH can not stand my piles of paper in the kitchen!)

Pass It On

Almost always, after I have read a book, I pass it on to a friend. What good is a book sitting on my shelf? It just takes up space and collects dust. I write my name in the front and a sentence or two on what I thought of the book.

I will be passing on the book I just completed "The Potluck Club - Trouble's Brewing" by Linda Evans and Eva Marie Everson (see review below). If you'd like to be the one who gets the book - leave me a comment below with your email address. I'll enter all in a drawing and mail the book to the winner. Happy Reading!

Couple of Book Recommendations

I just finished two great books. They weren't on my Summer Reading List, but I read them anyway and loved them both.

1. The Potluck Club - Trouble's Brewing - book 2 in the series, by Linda Evans Shepherd and Eva Marie Everson



This is a fun summer read! I would suggest you start with book 1 - "The Potluck Club", to learn about all the interesting story lines and characters.
Each chapter starts out with a recipe from the character whose point of view the chapter is written in. I passed on the first book too fast, before I got the chance to try any of the yummy sounding recipes. I will not make that same mistake this time! I must try the Upside-Down Hamburger Casserole (because really - can't we all use a new/different way to serve hamburger!), Lazy Beef Stew (I'm all about easy), One Pot Spagetti (yes, another ground beef recipe!), and well, the Red Velvet Punch - I love punches!

The Potluck Club is made up of six women who live in a small town in Colorado. My favorite character is Donna. Through these six women we see pieces of ourselves and how we have the opportunity to be a true friend to those around us.

2. Savannah From Savannah by Denise Hildreth



Loved this book. This is the first in a series of three, and I will definetly be getting the other 2! I read this at the beach/pool so it is water logged, but I will still pass it on to one of my friends in town.
This story is about a young woman named Savannah who lives in Savannah, GA. Savannah is learning to live life on her own and to become her own person after having graduated college. Her mother does not make this an especially easy task. You will fall in love with Savannah, she is smart, funny, cute, well dressed, and really likeable! I could see this as a sitcom or movie even.

I highly suggest this book!
Favorite Line: "I know this city. I know it the way a couple who have been married fifty years know where the lines came from around each other's eyes."

Leave me a comment and tell me what you've read so far this summer!

Way Cool Contest!

Really, you Have to go to 5 Minutes for Mom blog - they have a very awesome contest going on right now - their July 4th Giveaways!

Check Out This Contest!

Hurry! It's over tonight at midnight! Go here to win!

Summer Reading List

Below is my summer reading list:

Split Ends by Kristen Billerbeck

Uncharted by Angela Hunt

The Elevator by Angela Hunt

The Secret Life of Becky Miller by Sharon Hinck

Diva Nashvegas by Rachel Hauck

Par for the Course by Ray Blackston

Quaker Summer by Lisa Samson

Sisterchicks in Gondolas by Robin Jones Gunn

Death of a Garage Sale Newbie by Sharon Dunn

Hope Rising by Kim Meeder

Beyond the Shawdows by Robin Lee Hatcher

Skin by Ted Dekker

Hope Rising by Kim Meeder

Takes the Cake by Linda Evans Shepherd

Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Caught by Neta Jackson

Not sure I'll get them all in this summer - time and money constraints (hey, if you have any of the above books, email me connievail at hotmail dot com - and perhaps I have some we can trade!).

If you have suggestions of books to add or one above I should put at the bottom of the list - let me know! Right now I'm reading Quaker Summer. I will try to review each one when I'm done. Happy Reading!

Review of Return to Me by Robin Lee Hatcher

I have been a regular reader of Robin Lee Hatcher's blog, but had never read one of her books. Return to Me was my first experience with one of her novels and I was NOT disappointed! Below is my review:

If I knew Robin Lee Hatcher personally, I’d think she wrote this book about me. But, I think that is what is appealing about Robin’s writing. She crafts stories that we can all identify with in one way or another.

You may be the parent who feels the pain of a child leaving, worrying about them, praying they’ll return.

You may be the sibling who misses their brother or sister, yet feels like the one who left and eventually returns reaps rewards that are undeserved.

You could be the lover or friend who loses that someone special and must move on.

Whichever you are, this book has something for you.

This is the first book I’ve read by award winning author, Robin Lee Hatcher. Several of her books will be on my Summer Reading List, the hard part will be deciding which of the over 50 it will be. The skillful way in which Robin weaves her tale made me feel as though I was an eye-witness to each scene.

When Roxy returns home the author writes “It was the reception she’d longed for but hadn’t dared hope to receive. Roxy didn’t deserve his love. She wasn’t the woman he’d raised her to be.”, I was in tears.

“God takes my mistakes, my stupid choices, my failures, and even my successes and the pride that can go with them, and when I trust Him with it all, He turns it into good results in my life.” The key word for me here is trust.

“It’s not easy, this walk of faith. But the walk is good and so is God.” Amen.

Pick up a copy, find yourself in the story, and see God’s love for you, no matter who you are or where you’ve been.

Luke 15:32 says “But we had to celebrate and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found.” That’s what life’s all about folks, being found, returning to Him!

A Praying Life

Was listening to a CD today "Power Praying" by Jennifer Kennedy Dean she says this:

The enemy wants you to think God is grading you on prayer and you are just barely passing.

He wants you to feel discouraged and guilty so that you then find 100 other “religious” things to do so that you don’t have to do the thing you feel such a failure at.

Prayer is not a group of words you sandwich between “Dear God” and "Amen". Prayer is not an activity in which you engage with a stop and end, that the "religious" do for 1 hour and the "not so religious" for 10 minutes. You don’t have a “prayer life” – like you may say you have a "home life", "work life", etc.

You have a praying life. A praying life is not me going to get His attention to impress upon Him what is on my heart. It is God coming to me to impress upon me what is on His heart. He instigates it. The living Jesus is praying in me, reproducing in me His very own heart, His very own desires.

I'm telling you - this "Live a Praying Life" Bible Study just keeps getting better and better. I'm going to have to do it several times to get it to all sink in though!

Off to the Boy's East Coast Volleyball Championship in Richmond, VA this weekend. Eldest is big into playing Boy's volleyball - which is tough in North Carolina - because there is very little boy's volleyball going on there. But we've found a great club and he gets to play and travel to tournaments.

Check out Shannon's blog if you want some food for thought/controversy.

Have a safe weekend!

3rdchild of the Family

My third child was a huge surprise. He's also been a huge blessing. I got married to HWH when I was 20. We had our first child when I was 23, our second (we had just decided we would only have 1 - but whoops! actions didn't correspond with decision) when I was 25, and our third when I was 30. Third child was never supposed to happen, we were done after 1 after all! But, the Lord had different plans! I am a better parent now, at this age then when I had the first two. I am a better parent now, after having experience. I can't imagine my life without any of them. But this post is about 3rd child. Here are some recent things he's said or done that have melted my heart.

1. He just recently lost his first tooth. I told him he could call the tooth fairy (919-846-6011). I didn't mention to him it was a recording, so he thought he was actually talking TO the tooth fairy. When I had him the phone he says "I lost a tooth". She kept talking. "Hello, I lost a tooth!" She kept talking. "HELLO! I TOLD YOU I LOST A TOOTH!" To me (who is about to die laughing) "Mom, she's not listening, I think she's talking to her Dad." Wish I had this on video!

2. For the past two weeks after I get the kids to bed, I've had to go back to the office for another 4 hours or so, to get ready for a huge event I am in charge of. Last Saturday evening as I was tucking 3rdchild in, he was laying under me, I was propped on my elbows over him. He put his arms around my neck and looked at me and with the most sincere, sweet voice said "Mommy. I don't want you to EVER. LEAVE. AGAIN!" I bust out crying. I don't wanna leave honey. Really, I don't. Ohhhh, to know that feeling of always wanting me won't be around forever breaks my heart.

3. Made the mistake of letting him watch ET. (When I look back at the movies I was allowed to watch when I was a kid - I'm like - well that explains a lot. No wonder I turned out this way!) Besides the bad language at the beginning (which he did not notice), the first part is ok. It's when ET gets sick, and so does Elliott that the movie gets too much for him. "Why is Elliott sick?" "Well honey, they are connected, when one feels something, so does the other. When one hurts, so does the other." "Oh" he replies.

Then, out of nowhere, three days later, he weaves his fingers together as says to me "I just don't get how they were connected". And lifts up his fingers all woven together. Ahhh, the mind of a child! I should have used this as a discussion of how we are connected to God, but absent-mindedly replied "it was a strange thing, wasn't it". "Remember, it's just a movie, not real, there are not really any aliens like ET." "Good" he said. Yet, for a week he insisted on sleeping with his door open.

Not to leave out my other 2 wonderful kids:

The 2ndchild turns 10 this week - trying to decide what to get her besides the coveted Webkinz.

Pop got her Heelies. Any suggestions?

The 1stchild is the one I would have to say I'm closest to. They are all special and the relationship with each is special and different. I love them all equally and abundantly. Is it wrong that I say that I'm "closest to" him? Perhaps it's just his age, perhaps it's because he's so like me. Perhaps it's because he's so laid back and easy going, not high-maintance and emotional like 2ndchild. Regardless - they are all my light and joy.

Lastly, let me not forget my HWH - he is my treasure on Earth. That God chose to give me such a wonderful reward before getting to Heaven blows my mind, but I thank Him every day for it. (Though HWH may not feel the love and thankfullness everyday - it's always there!) Here he is with his precious hunting buddy - who will soon have one of her half-brothers living with her!

Hug a Little Tighter

This week has been a hard one. A 17 year old boy from the youth group I worked with at our previous church died. His parents were our Sunday School Teachers. He had a twin brother. It is not known (by the public) if it was an accident or suicide. It doesn't really matter, all that matters is a sweet kid is gone. Hard to imagine it was suicide, no note, no known problems, wonderful family. He shot himself. The whole family was home, he got up out of the living room and went to his bedroom. They heard the shots. Oh, what they must have found.

It makes me think of my children. Still young - 12, 10, and 5. I pray they never feel like the only answer to life is to end it. I have felt that a few times in my life. Thus, the determination to give my children a better life. One with a mother and a father. One with morals, standards, expectations. One where they learn about Christ, His love, His forgiveness, His pursuit of them. One where they learn about Hell, and the choice they will have to make. A life in which they don't get all the "yes" answers they want, but they do get enough to know they are special to us and to God. A life HWH and I are involved in.

The kid that died had all that too. It didn't change the course of events. I know this boy is home with Jesus right now though. And his parents cling to the day when they'll see him again in heaven. I pray, I beg the Lord, please don't ever make me go through something like that.

I think about that evening (Monday) - and what they must be thinking. "If only we'd gone out to eat. If only I followed him into his room. If only I hugged him one more time and told him how much I love him. If only . . . . Maybe he'd still be alive." That's what I'd be thinking.

The visitation tonight lasted 4 1/2 hours for them. I'm sure they appreciated the love and support. But if you ask me, it would have been 4 1/2 hours of hell. I wouldn't want to get out of bed for weeks. Though I know I would be able to lean on the Lord to get through it all.

All things work for God's glory. This too shall do so. It's not for me to understand or agree with. My responsibility is to trust God, that He knows what He is doing.

I now make it a point to hug my kids a little tighter. Hold on a little longer. Kiss a few more spots on their face. Smile at them more often. Keep my words and tone a bit sweeter. Treasure them like the gift they are.

I do NOT wanna outlive any of my children.

Treasure them, talk to them, take them to church, pray with them, smile at them, stay married for them, get along for them, love them. Once you bring them into this world, it is no longer all about you and what you want, feel or desire. It's about producing happy, secure, normal kids. Be a parent, be a spouse - it's a choice you have to make, a choice you must make every day, sometimes every hour. But they are worth it. every little bit . . . .

Over at 5 minutes for Mom there is an awesome drawing for a Phillips Digital Frame, check it out and enter!

As you can tell from my sporadic posting, I only write when something is weighing on my heart. Well, obviously since I haven't written since March, nothing has weighed on me too much. Except the couple of times I've made a complete idiot of myself in front of a group of people. Too embarrassing to write about! Or the time I accidentally insulted some visitors at church. Mortified!

I have read two secular books that I haven't mentioned on the website, and I guess I could tell you about them - but really, I'd rather stick to promoting the Christian authors who I really enjoy and whose writing I prefer.

I will encourage you to consider going to a Women of Faith conference! They are awesome and such a great road trip for you a friend or two. I am going to the Atlanta conference in April. If you can't get to one of those, another great conference is Beth Moore - she always kicks me in the tush to take Action in my Christian life. Tonight I am going to a local conference - Whole Women's Day, an event I've been to before and changed me forever. I just love road trips, inspirational speakers, all centered around the word of God - can't get much better for me! I vow to take my son to see Brock Gill, an awesome Christian Illusionist he's very anxious to see!

Oh, I have thought of one thing weighing on my mind. The $1600 final payment due on May 1st to the kids summer camp - Ridgecrest/Crestridge - and only 1 paycheck before then that will not cover it. Fun, fun! So prayers would be appreciated here.

Oh, and another thing - my daughter is CRAZY about getting a WEBKINZ which are all the rage in elementary school girls. They are impossible to find - and buying them on the Internet at Amazon and such they charge double to triple the price you pay when you find them in stock in a store. What an idea! I wish I had thought of these things! You buy a stuffed animal - they come with a web log-in code and you can go to the website and play games/earn money to build on-line houses/treats for your webkinz animal. Genius! If you have any tips on how to get one and not pay too much, let me know!!!!

Oh, yes and last thing - the newest addition to our family was born last Sunday - April 15. We don't have pictures yet - but his parents, Bruno and Holly can be seen here. We'll be bringing home the bundle of joy around June 10th. My HWH is sooooo excited!

I must get back to work, but I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Heartfelt

I wrote this after a friend told me about his marriage problems, the wife was leaving him. Though, I think you'll be able to tell it comes from a very personal place within myself. I wanted to give it to my friend, but never did. . . . .

Remember and Choose
by Vail

You think you don’t love me anymore.
That’s because you don’t want to.
You’ve taken your heart back.

Think . . . . . .
Feel . . . . .
Remember the moment we first touched, the way you tingled.
Remember looking into each others eyes as we exchanged rings and made promises
Remember when our first child was born, the love we felt for each other and the baby
Think back to those moments that you were sad and I wiped your tears
We had fun times, hanging out, playing, being silly, being together, being friends
Picture me with our children, making a card for you on your birthday, love in our hearts and hands
I’d do anything, give you anything, take you anywhere, all at a moment’s notice.

Are you sure leaving is what you want?
Is what’s out there worth your choice not to love me anymore?
Is it worth the hurt and tears you’ll cause our children when we tell them we won’t be together anymore?
Is it worth the time away from them you’ll spend, not knowing how their day was?
What’s out there is fun right now, but it too will grow old and tiresome.
You’ll miss our family.

Please think about it,
Remember our past and be sure you don’t want a future.
Be sure that whatever is out there is more important than our children’s right to a family.
Then choose.
Choose to not love me
Or choose to give me back your heart.
No matter the issues – that is what it all comes down to.
You have the power to make those choices.
You have the power to change many people’s lives.
Make the choice and know that if you change your mind, you can call me,
But it may be too late.
So, be sure.

I love you.

Dumps

I am generally a happy, optomistic person. I don't stress too much over anything (though I think there are many things in my life I could stress oer). I know God is in control and that helps me not to worry. However, I do get in periods in my life - when I like to throw myself a pity-party. Which is soooo silly - because really my life is just soooo good, almost perfect.
Right now, I'm down because I'm still adjusting to the new church we are attending. I need to focus on my relationship with Jesus, and things will fall in place. It's just soooo easy to know - and my undisciplined self has trouble MAKING myself do things. (Hence why my diet is not going too well either.)
Ok, I got the complaining out of my sytem. Hopefully, now I can move on and Do what I know needs to be done.
I don't wanna be sad, I don't wanna be bored, I don't wanna weigh what I weigh. boo-hoo me.

Book Recommendations

I want to make a few recommendations of books that you should read. These are books that I have read in 2007 and really enjoyed and liked.

Watching the Tree Limbs and Wishing on Dandelions by Mary DeMuth

I would really suggest reading them both, Watching the Tree Limbs first and then Wishing on Dandelions. Watching was a powerful story about finding your voice. And Wishing was a wonderful story about learning to rely on God when you're in the valleys. (There are important lessons in the valleys, plus they make the mountain tops that much more beautiful!) I'm not going to give you a summary of the plot or characters, there are other sites that do that. I am just going to tell you these stories are well written, emotional, and you won't want to put them down until you are done! Once I do start my Christian Book Club Watching the Tree Limbs will be one of the first choices! I will definitely keep an eye out for future books from Mary and buy them all (I personally hope there will be a 3rd book in this series, I'm dying to know how Mara's life goes from here . . . .)

calm, cool & adjusted by Kristin Billerbeck

Fun, Fun, Fun! Out of the 3 books in this series I'd have to say this one was my favorite. I loved the others, and I totally do not identify in any way with Poppy, the herbal, earth-loving vegetarian. Well, except that I too find change hard. I too find that there are still "issues" from my childhood I need to deal with. This is a great story about being optimistic, holding onto God through the pain, forgiving others, choosing to remember the good memories, and cherishing our real friends. A must read (along with the other 2 of the Spa Girl series - She's All That and What a Girl Wants and really - anything Kristen wrote!), especially for chick-lit readers.

Lost In NashVegas by Rachel Hauck


This was a Christmas gift from my sister (ok, yes, I picked it out and asked her to give it to me!). I was done by New Years Eve. What are you afraid of? This book made me look at my fears and determine that they won't rule my life. Robin, the main character in this book suffers stage fright, yet her heart's desire to to write and perform in Nashville. By leaning on God's strength, all things are possible. It is an easy read, well written, and fun and I'm looking forward to the follow up due in May! I will be checking out her other books as the year progresses.

Live a Praying Life by Jennifer Kennedy Dean


Wow! If you are looking for a Bible study to begin, this IS one you should consider. This study will change your prayer life into a PRAYING LIFE. And that will change your life! It's also available as a group Bible Study (which I hope to some day be a part of!) It's hard to put into words just how much this impacted me. It helped me understand how to pray and why we pray. It opened up the scripture to me in such a different way, I will forever be grateful to Mrs. Dean! My relationship with Jesus is so much deeper after having done this study!

That's it for now! I have a couple more books on my shelf waiting to be read:
Chocolate Beach by Julie Carobini and Trouble's Brewing - Potluck Club #2 by Everson & Shepherd. I'll let you know how they turn out after I've read them! If you have any suggestions, email me and let me know!

Random Thoughts

I haven't posted in a long time. Work is busy. Home is busy. We just got a computer for home, so perhaps I will begin doing it there. But to be honest, by the time I've gotten the kids to bed, made lunches for the next day, and cleaned up the kitchen, I am ready to just sit down and watch TV. At 11pm I usually do my Bible Study/prayer time until about 12am. I love my life, but it is a busy one. Especially now with two kids playing basketball and one on a travel volleyball team.

No matter though, no one really reads this blog, so no one will be missing it! :)

I do have a couple of suggestions though:
Excellent Bible Study I am doing right now - Live a Praying Life by Jennifer Kennedy Dean. Prayer has always been difficult for me - knowing what and how to pray. This has been a life changing study!

Books I have read this year:
Watching the Tree Limbs and Wishing on Dandelions by Mary DeMuth - both excellent books!
Lost in NashVegas - a very fun read! By Rachel Hauck
Rachel Hauck

I'm looking for some new music to listen to - any suggestions? Here is a sample of what I like, Contemporary Christian - favorites - Third Day, Chris Tomlin, David Crowder, etc. I just need a NEW artist - I am getting tired of listening to the same albums over and over.

Movies I watched on DVD this Weekend and LIKED:
1. The Illusionist - Loved it!
2. Broken Bridges - Made Me Cry! A "fluff" movie, but sometimes I just need a non-thinking movie!

Blog posts I'm still thinking about:
Life On The Road - wish Auny a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Living the Dream - sad, but happy it hasn't crushed his spirit
Escaping the Gray Twilight - again, sad, but it hasn't crushed her spirit!
A Life In Pages - Ghostwriting, wrong, wrong, wrong

Book my Book Club picked for the month (host gets to pick, I had nothing to do with the choice) - if you've read it, let me know what you thought of it!
The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

What I really wanna do this year:

1.Start a Christian Book Club. However, I do not know very many people who would be interested/could commit. I LOVE getting together with book club, but the one I do attend are mostly younger then me, the books are far from what I would consider Christian, and are friends of a friend - I don't really know them and that probably won't change (we'd not get together outside book club).

2. Write a book. (Thus the Wannabe!)

3. Finish the remodel of my living room, kitchen, hallway.

Have a great week! Check back once in a while!

Beauty From Ashes

Beautiful radio broadcast from Anne Graham Lotz that you can listen to online:
http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Focus_on_the_Family/archives.asp?bcd=2006-9-25

Time well spent!

Legacy of Prayer

This morning I went to a PrayerForce conference, it was an awesome event. If one comes near you, I strongly encourage you to go. I bought the Bible Study "Live a Praying Life-Open Your Life to God's Power and Provision". I've always struggled with prayer - especially praying aloud. I don't want to be selfish in my prayers, and I've often struggled with what to "say" to God. I'm excited about this journey - I'll keep you updated.

At the conference Jennifer Kennedy Dean spoke about the Legacy of Prayer and how it builds up a spiritual trust fund for generations. She referenced a beautiful quote from O.Hallesby, Prayer:

Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven. - Matthew 6:20

The longer you live a life of this kind, the more answers to prayer you will experience. As white snowflakes fall quietly and thickly on a winter's day, answers to prayer will settle down on you at every step you take, even to your dying day. ...This shower of answers to prayer will continue to your dying hour. Nor will it cease then. And when you pass from beneath the shower, your dear ones will step into it. Every prayer and every sigh which you have uttered for them and their future welfare will, in God's time, descend upon them as a gentle rain of answers to prayers.
Our family has been a believing and praying family for three generations. The elders have prayed faithfully for their descendants. During my whole life I have walked in the prayers of my forebears and in the answers to these prayers. A quiet rain drips steadily upon me.

What an awesome thing to leave my children, I want them to have that knowledge and security.

Conflicted

Have you ever listened to Dr. Laura? I listen to her everyday. I wish that I had listened to her at the age of 18, my life may have turned out differently. I am not a stay-at-home Mom. I never wanted to be, until the birth of my 3rd child. I'm know I was selfish and immature, but I didn't think I could handle it. I work in a family business and am poised to take over in a few years when my father retires. My mother-in-law kept/keeps my kids while I work.

What Dr. Laura lacks that I do have is the perspective of life as a Christian (she is Jewish). She is not an advocate of unrequested forgiveness or taking your problems to Christ. So, I do find myself disagreeing with some of her advice.

But, on the subject of child rearing I find that she is winning me over, and I agree with her more, the older I get. However, I am not going to change the position I am in. I feel like such a Hypocrite.

Thanks for letting me have my little pity party. I don't talk about it because no one wants to hear me feel sorry for my own self and decisions. BUT, since this is an anoymous blog, that very FEW people read, I feel like I can blog WHATEVER I want!

Anyways, if you happen to be a new Mom, struggling with the decision on if you should return to work, or stay home - STAY HOME! I honestly believe it is the best thing for you and your kid!

Thankful thoughts

A post last week at the Motherhood is Not for Wimps blog got me to thinking. How blessed and thankful I am for my life. What a great, loving HWH I have. What wonderful children (3) I have. My youngest, who is 4 1/2, and was a TOTAL surprise, is such a sweet gift. I live for the moments when he says to me "Mommy, you're warm". He'll snuggle into my arms and lap and lay contently until his 4 yr. old attention gets drawn to something else. He lights up and runs into my arms when HWH brings him through the door after a day at Pre-school. I know I will miss those moments. Perhaps because I feel certain he's our last little one, or perhaps because I'm a bit older and more patient now then I was 7 years ago when my oldest was 4, I enjoy youngest childs youth more than any of the others.

I don't mind them growing up, but I still wanna have those snuggle moments when my kid tells me "I'm warm" and finds peace, security, and comfort in my arms. I can't imagine a much better feeling in my life as a parent.

A Fine Line

A couple of post lately from my favorite blogs have me again pondering the fine line between and the difference of opinions/belief paradigms . . . . .

Tell me what you think.

Saturday, August 26, 2006-from Life With Brock Gill

what does worldly look like?
recently some of my friends were accused of being worldly because of the way they look and dress. a group of fundamentalist pastors decided to pick on my friends because they were doing ministry and being worldly. they claimed that they are using worldly methods, and it was disgusting to God. they had problems with the way they do their hair, saying they didnt comb their hair or something. my friends that i am talking about are professional skaters and bmx riders who also bring they message of jesus at their shows. these guys skate in front of thousands of people at their shows, why not give the gospel i ask. if the way a person looks on the outside is a reflection of the way they are on the inside then lets use this logic and have some fun. ok? ok, here we go.what does worldly really look like? if someone dresses with baggy pants and messy hair then they are worldly. using this same logic lets turn it around. if you wear a button down shirt with some tan pants then you look just like the doctor i saw on tv last night who does abortions for teenage girls. abortion is murder therefore you dress like a murderer. Click here to read the rest . . .

And I agree with Brock's point, we must be creative in the ways we reach people. To reach those that aren't going to go to church or aren't friends with Christians, what Brock and many others do I believe is great!

But, what concerns me about events such as those, or say, Billy Graham Crusades, or what not, is the follow-up. Now, know that I have NOT YET gone to one of Brock's shows or a Crusade, so perhaps I'm speaking out of ignorance - I just worry that they'll "accept" Christ, and that will be the end of it - they won't know what to do next. (This is what happened to me decades ago when I accepted Christ as my Savior at a Vacation Bible School.)

Watch Hell's Best Kept Secret at Way of The Master and they discuss this as well.

Women of Faith

I will not be able to make this years Women Of Faith conference, if you possibly can - DO! It is a great time! I highly recommend this year's pre-conference - with my favorite, Patsy Clairmont. I have been sure to put next year's conference on my 2007 schedule, I want to be sure I can go. I won't be going to the one closest to me, in Charlotte, NC (for some reason it is always the weekend before Halloween, which happens to be my birthday). But, that is OK, because at the Atlanta and the Washington, DC conference Beth Moore is doing the pre-conference, what an awesome weekend it will be! Make your plans, and don't delay. Tickets do sell out and hotels book up!
For information visit: Women of Faith

Also visit: www.bethmoore.org

Spontaneous

I was reading a blog today that posed the question - "why do you lose your spontaneity when you get married"? It's my experience it's not the getting married part - it's the having kids situation that puts an end to spontaneity. I have three kids, and no spontaneity (unless you consider a last minute announcement that we're going to the pool Saturday morning, or we're having those cinnamon rolls out of the can for breakfast instead of fronzen pancakes, or I - surprise! pull into the movie theater parking lot for a special movie night.) Was it a fair or worthy trade? YES, YES, YES! Their spontaneous kisses, hugs, laughs, one-liners - all make up for the loss of freedom, spontaneity, sleep, etc.
I wanna be fun and interesting and spontaneous, even if sometimes my kids are the only ones who think I am!

Boston Market

I'm listening to Rush Limbaugh promote on a commercial Bostom Market. However, last time I ate there I noticed that they got a "B" on their recent health inspection (I had already gotten my food). Sorry Rush, as quality a guy I think you are, doubt you'd ever actually eat at a BM. And personally, if you won't eat there - I wouldn't promote it! Perhaps you should talk to Sean Hannity - he promotes Ruth Chris Steakhouse - bet they never got a "B".

Deep Thoughts

I wanna have deep and interesting thoughts. But how? I mean, you can't force them can you? Is it my fault that my mind thinks about the things it does. I feel ditzy and shallow sometimes. I'm not an uneducated person, I graduated from college. Any suggestions on how to think deeper, naturally?

First Book Club Meeting

Well, I went to my first book club meeting, we read "Angry Housewives Eating Bon-Bon's". I enjoyed the book and enjoyed the meeting. I was invited by my sister-in-law, who is 10 years younger than me - and all the girls there were around her age. They were also the type I never got to hang around with when I was in high school/college - the really cute and popular girls. Guess this is my chance!

This month me will be reading "Snow Falling on Cedars". I read a couple pages so far, seems deep and serious. Not typically the type of book I read, but I wanna be well read, so I'll endure. Let me know if you have read it!

Don't quite get it . . . .

Many of the bloggers I read and respect seem to show admiration and respect for former President Jimmy Carter. I don't get it though. I know I was young when he was president - but didn't we have like 20% interest rates, gas lines, misery factors, etc. when he was in office? That he goes around now, bashing the US and President Bush just makes it so I can not respect him. Same would be true if former President Bush went around bashing Carter or Clinton. It's not nice. And, I wanna be nice and respectful, even if I disagree.

http://www.nationalreview.com/impromptus/impromptus050302.asp

Project Complete!

Finished to redecorating on the bedroom. HWH gets home Wednesday, I hope he likes it! The green is not quite the shade it looked to be on that little card. Not what I had wanted, but it works ok. I really like the new room! Hope he does too!

I went again for the 5th time to the church we are considering. I really like the preaching, the Sunday School, the people. It's looking like a keeper and I'm getting excited! I'm looking forward to seeing what God has in store for us on this journey.

Watched a movie this weekend - "Inside Man". Shouldn't have. The language was terrible! Why do that have to put such language in an interesting film? I've got to be more careful in my selection!

Tomorrow night is the first meeting of a book club I've been invited to join! I've always wanted to be a part of a book club! Now, tonight I have only about 100 more pages to finish the book!!!

David Crowder Band - Wholly Yours From the album A Collision
You are holy, holy, holy
All Heaven cries, holy, holy God
You are holy, holy, holy
I want to be holy like You are

I wanna be holy, like He is

Surprise For HWH

My Hardworking Husband (HWH) is going on his annual motorcycle trip this Tuesday. He and a few other guys each year go for about a week to a different part of the country and just ride and view the scenery. I stay home with the 3 kids. I get my girl's vacation time in smaller bits throughout the year.
I have decided this year to redo our bedroom while HWH is gone. When I first starting planning this I was excited. Keep in mind, he is usually the one that does all our painting/decorating, etc. He is the artistic one, I have NEVER painted a room, my eye for color/decoration is not the best. I am having my sister help me with the painting, she helped me pick out a sofa for the "sitting area" of the bedroom.
Please pray that:
1 - I get it all done in the 8 days he is gone
2 - That it turns out looking good
3 - That he likes it
4 - That he is not mad that I did this without consulting him
When I started planning, I honestly never considered he could get mad - but the idea has popped up. It's just he's been working so hard on relandscaping the yard this summer, and we are working on pretty much redoing every room in our house - I just wanted to surprise him with this. I think he'll like it. It may not be what he would of done, but I think he'll appreciate my effort and be relieved that there's one less room for him to do.
I just wanna be as good a wife to him as he is a husband to me. I have a long way to go!

I Also Wannabe

I also want to be a writer. I want to write contemporary Christian novels. I know I have a gift for writing, the problem is that I don't feel I'm the most creative type of person. I have ideas, but to actually think up a plot . . . .
I've been researching writing, it sounds so technical, the steps of moving your characters through conflict, point of view, etc. Perhaps I should leave it to the professionals. I feel like the Lord told me about a year ago he wanted me to try this, I've tried to ignore it and not do it, but I haven't had peace. Plus, I am generally the type of person that when 9pm comes, and I've gotten the kids in bed, dishwasher loaded, clothes put away, that I just want to veg-out and read or watch TV. I seriously lack self discipline to make myself "work" at the end of a long day.

I've been meditating this week on this verse:

1 Thessalonians 5:13 -15 (The Message)
Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part. Our counsel is that you warn the freeloaders to get a move on. Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. And be careful that when you get on each other's nerves you don't snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out.

Not Inspired Yet

I want to be a blogger . . . .

I want to start a blog, really I do. It's the "in" thing. I love reading other peoples blogs. My favorites are

http://auny.blogspot.com/
http://www.brockgill.com/blog/
http://marklee.typepad.com/
http://octagus.typepad.com/steph/
http://www.10ft2ft.com/
http://randyelrod.typepad.com/
http://www.faithchick.com/
http://www.markdroberts.com/#feb1306
http://www.aaronshust.com


Just to name a few. But, I honestly don't have anything to write about.

I could write about how while I was gone on vacation the pastor at my church resigned. Big Surprise. I love my church. It's the first church I've ever been a member of. I've made my first "adult" friend (all my others are leftovers from middle/high school) at this church. Now, she may be leaving the church. Very sad, I am. Don't know why the pastor resigned, sounds like he was kind of pushed out. I just don't get it. Sometimes I just want to whop some people upside the head and tell them to "Love Jesus More" - if we just kept our hearts and eyes on Jesus, and love Him more and follow his example of Love - then we as Christians would be much better off. Like I said, I could write about that, but nah, not going to do it.

Anyways, until I figure out what to write - I'll just keep thinking . . . .

Thoughts of a Wannabe Blogger