Uncharted by Angela HuntWednesday, August 29, 2007
Book Review - Uncharted by Angela Hunt
Uncharted by Angela HuntTuesday, August 28, 2007
Notice My First Ad?
I feel very safe using BlogHer, in knowing there won't be any inappropriate ads put on my blog. I had considered doing the pay-per-post advertising, but I just couldn't grab hold of the idea of me telling you how great a product is when I have not tried it. I'm sure it works great for many people, who have more experience than I do, but it just wasn't the right fit for me right now. So, I hope the ads don't bother you, I hope they interest you! If so, be sure to click on them and see what they are all about.
So far I've seen New Balance Kids shoes and those Harvest Chips being advertised - both are products I have tried and love. I always go to the New Balance Shoe store for my eldest when track season starts. They have great customer service, personalized fitting, and a quality shoe. Harvest Chips are one of my favorite snacks, I really suggest you get your free sample and give them a try!
Monday, August 27, 2007
Movie Review Monday
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Have you hugged your girl scout today?
So, now I'm off for a WHOLE day of training. Fun!
If you have been a leader, or your daughter is a girl scout, leave me a comment on their favorite thing they've done as a GS, tips for a new leader, warnings, suggestions, etc!
Have a great Saturday!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Summer Reading Update/Book Reviews
Back in June I posted my Summer Reading List. Below is an update/quick review of what I've read so far. How are you doing on your Summer Reading Challenge? If you are participating - let me know, I'd love to see your list!Split Ends by Kristen Billerbeck - Finished this book. Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was a fluffy summer read, chick lit. I did not enjoy it as much as Kristen's other books. I can't put my finger on why though. I liked the characters, I liked the story. I guess it just felt a little too much like a "fairy tale". The main character leaves her small country town to cut hair in LA/Hollywood. She has a cousin who got her a job and is letting her live with him. The main character is thin and pretty. And yes, the character ventured out and took a chance, but she had lots of crutches there to help her that a normal person wouldn't have if they were to try something that daring. If I wanted to do something like that, I wouldn't have a cousin to pave the way for me and my thin, gorgeous, size 4 body to fit into my cousin's designer clothes and help me be a part of the LA scene.
Read it? YES
Buy it vs. Check it out from Library: Library
Uncharted by Angela Hunt - almost done - review to come soon!
The Elevator by Angela Hunt - Won this book - Woo Hoo!
The Secret Life of Becky Miller by Sharon Hinck
Diva Nashvegas by Rachel Hauck - The follow up to Lost In NashVegas, this book is about a character from the 1st book. You don't need to have read Lost In NashVegas to understand/appreciate this one. I really liked this book, maybe even more then the 1st one. The characters were interesting and the story believable. At first I did have some problems with the ethics of the main character, given this is "Christian fiction" but within contex - it fit - and I was able to see how it worked in the big scope of the plot. Very entertaining, a good summer read.
Read it? YES
Buy or Check It Out: Check it out if they have it, if not, buy! (or be checking back here in the next few months for a PASS IT ON giveaway!)
Par for the Course by Ray Blackston
Quaker Summer by Lisa Samson - Wow! This book changed me. I believe God puts people/things in our lives in His quest to mold us into who we should be. Lisa Samson's books are something He is using to open my eyes to His purpose and the path to getting there. I both appreciate and resent it. I resent it because ignorence is bliss - what I don't know, I don't realize is hurting me. Lisa has a way of making me looking at my Christian walk and then re-evaluating and questioning the path I've choosen to get there. Anyways, the story is a good one, her writing style is easy to read, and you'll be thinking about this book long after you put it down!
Read it? YES!
Buy or Check It Out? BUY! You'll want to read it more then once, or PASS IT ON to a friend!
Sisterchicks in Gondolas by Robin Jones Gunn
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!
Read it? YES
Buy or Check It Out? Library if they have it, if not buy it!
Hope Rising by Kim Meeder - Next on my list - just got from the library
Beyond the Shawdows by Robin Lee Hatcher - just got book on CD from library - will be listening to it as I drive around town
Skin by Ted Dekker
Takes the Cake by Linda Evans Shepherd
Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Caught by Neta Jackson
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
END OF SUMMER GIVEAWAY
Over at The Pumpkin Patch there is an end of summer giveaway going on. My kids go back to school Monday 8/27. Part of me is looking forward to them going back, but part likes it when they are out. During summer they come to work with me some, go to fun day camps, go to super fun overnight camps, go to grandma's house, go on beach trips. I don't have to make lunches, sign papers, get homework done, hey, during the summer, we might even skip a bath one night!My 10 favorite summer moments of Summer 2007(in no particular order):
1. Finding my son after he went missing.
2. Picking my two older kids up from 2 weeks of overnight camp.
3. The band concert at the end of eldest son's week of band camp - awesome job!
4. Spending time on the beach at at the pool with the kids.
5. Going to Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede with the family
6. Playing Putt-Putt with youngest while others were at camp
7. Getting our new puppy in June
8. Starting the new tradition of eating at the table, TOGETHER, Sun - Thur.
9. Getting back in the habit of family and personal devotions
10. Going to the Boys Jr. Olympics Volleyball Competition in Atlanta this July
So, in celebration of the end of summer, I am giving away a very special book. I have procrastinated on giving it away - not sure if I want to part ways with it, or keep for another read through. But, because books are too precious to be read only once, I am going to PASS IT ON! If you would like to win Chocolate Beach, the awesome debut fiction novel from Julie Carobini, leave me a comment. I will randomly draw a number/name on 9/3/07 - the official end of summer to me - but the start of college FOOTBALL season! Woo Hoo! I will also post another drawing on 9/3, so be sure to check back!#1 The Day You Were Born?
My b.day - Gypsy's, Tramps and Thieves - Cher
HWH b.day - Let It Be - The Beatles
Eldest Child b.day - Take a Bow - Madonna
Middle Child - Hypnotize - the Notorious BIG (who?)
Youngest Child - Family Affair - Mary J Blige
My wedding date - Jump - Kris Kross
Of the list above I only know how Let It Be and Jump go - the others, I have no clue!
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Win a Very Cute Purse!
Over at Confessions of a Housewife this very cute purse is being given away! Go here for details! 7 Loaves has donated the purse - there is a very interesting history behind it! Good Luck!We have a store in our city that sells items much like the ones 7 Loaves does and I love it! What a great idea and for an awesome cause!
Monday, August 20, 2007
Movie Review Monday
Movie Review #3
Starring: John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Amanda Bynes, James Marsden, Queen Latifah, Zac Efron Upcoming Reviews: Surf's Up, Wild Hogs, Happy Feet, Fantastic Four 2
For a Professional Review of Hairspray click here.
Coming up this week: Review of the new book from Kristen Billerbeck "Split Ends".
Click here to enter this week's PASS IT ON book giveaway!
Saturday, August 18, 2007
My First Award!
Yipee! WooHoo! I am soooooo happy and surprised! I won my first blog award! Miss Paula at "Gathering of Friends" awarded me the "Nice" Award! I enjoy Miss Paula's blog, be sure to check it out. Now, it is my duty, and honor to nominate 7 people for the "Nice" Award.
Scamp's Place - I just started reading this blog about two weeks ago. Shawna has been a big encouragment and I enjoy reading her blog.
Life With My X-Men - Kristiem10 talks with a lot of humor and patience about living with her wonderful kids!
Just Eat Your Cupcake - Maria tells it like it is! I LOVE Maria's stories of life with her kids.
Preacher's Daughter - I really identify with a lot that Jamie has to say. She has a new book out that I am anxious to get and read!
Lorie's Stitch In Time - Though it looks like she's already gotten this award, I still have to give it to her! Seeing her menus was a bit of the inspiration that led me to start making the family eat dinner together at the table, instead of in front of the TV. I have tried several of her recipes and enjoy her daily postings.
Book Splurge - Cee Cee does what I like best - gives away books! Can't get any nicer than that!
Overwhelmed With Joy - Overwhelmed has great recipes and heart-touching posts on her quest to become a foster parent/adopt. It's a must read!
Thank you all very much for the way you touch my life. I am very blessed with the way each of you share your life!
Friday, August 17, 2007
Tell Oprah What You Are Reading
I got a poll from Oprah that asked what I was reading this summer, my favorites, etc. Click here to go to the poll and fill it in yourself! I hope lots of people go and tell her what you're reading - it could be a great plug for many of the Christian Authors we all read!Favorite Preacher?
My favorite sermon that I've ever heard in person was by Tate Throndson, our youth pastor at the time. It was a long time ago, probably around 2000. He preached after our Christmas play "10,000 Hallelujahs". I loved the play, it's still my favorite! Then Tate preached, it was just a wonderful night. I have this theory that there are "fiction people" and "non-fiction people". I am a "fiction person". I prefer to read fiction. It's very seldom I read a non-fiction book. I just get bored/bogged down in details. I LOVE a good story. Tate was a preacher who used stories from his own life to relate to the Bible/lesson. His preaching always "clicked" for me! He is now starting a church somewhere in Colorado. If you live near this church, I highly suggest you stop by and hear this very gifted teacher of the Word!
Another of my favorite preachers was at one time, also a youth pastor at our church. HWH and I worked with him in the youth department. Anthony Clayborne taught me a lot about what it means to be a Christian, live as a Christian, and not let others define (or confine) my relationship with Christ (others at that time mainly being my church). His lessons taught me to deal with a lot of the guilt I had in my life, helped me look to Christ for courage to believe and do things Christ was calling me to do/believe that others had me believing were wrong. I haven't talked to Anthony since he moved on to another church, but I pray that God is richly blessing him, his family, and the youth/parents he works with.
Who is your favorite preacher/teacher - and why?
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
PASS IT ON BOOK GIVEAWAY!

Tuesday, August 14, 2007
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:
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"!Monday, August 13, 2007
Movie Review Monday
Movie Review #2Each 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 AllenRated: 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!
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Miss Paula?
Saturday, August 11, 2007
A Few Of My Favorite Blogs
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!
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Off to Women of Faith Conference
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!
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Winner of Return To Me Book Giveaway!
I will post another PASS IT ON book giveaway August 15th, be sure to stop by and enter!
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
You Just Never Know . . . .
Monday, August 06, 2007
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.
Marriott or Hilton?
My favorite Marriott? St. Kitts Marriott Resort in the Caribbean.


Sunday, August 05, 2007
Free 37" Flat Panel LCD HDTV Giveaway!

Friday, August 03, 2007
Lost My Child - The Most Terrifying 20 Minutes of My Life
Thursday, August 02, 2007
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.

Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Beach Trip
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!
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!
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Did You Win Anything?
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!
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
$300 Organic Milk Giveaway
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
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!
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Movies Anyone?
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!
Thursday, July 12, 2007
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
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?
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!)
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Pass It On
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
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!
Friday, June 15, 2007
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Summer Reading List

Review of Return to Me by Robin Lee Hatcher
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!
Friday, May 25, 2007
A Praying Life
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!
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
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. 








