If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Pages

Sunday, February 28, 2010

2010 Project 365 Week 9


Click here to join in on the fun with Project 365.  I have kinda slim pickin's this week.  For some reason I just have had very many times of taking out my camera.  But I'll show you what I got and then why don't you click up over there and see everyone else photos.  It's always a lot of fun.  And better yet, why don't you join in with us.  According to Sara, it's never to late to start.

Sunday, 2/21/2010
Here's a picture of my youngest daughter's room.  Never mind it's a little messy.  I just wanted you to see her bright green walls.  Currently this is her favorite color.  Let me tell you when the sun shines into her room it's blinding!  But she loves it, so therefore I love it.  I love for my kids to be able to have their rooms the colors they want, well within reason anyway.  They do the painting so it's okay with me.  The oldest wanted hers bright red, but when I told her that was fine, but she had to paint it back to white before she moved out, she decided maybe she didn't want to do that after all.  We figured it would take a lot of work to cover up a bright red.  So hers is white, but she has one wall covered with book shelves and the window and then her other walls are covered with posters and her artwork, so I think the white really works better for her.  She seems to like it, so as I said before, therefore I like it too.
Monday 2/22/2010
Yep, it's snowing some again.  You can't really tell here, but it was all melting a lot but it keeps snowing on and off this week.
Wednesday 2/24/2010
I received this in the mail from Nel.  More to come on this tomorrow or Tuesday!
Friday 2/26/2010
More snow!  Nooooooooo!  Ok God, I'll quit complaining because I trust you and I know you know what you're doing.  It really is beautiful!  Thank you!


Thursday, February 25, 2010

The Golden Cross by Angela Elwell Hunt

Value Fiction For Your Spring Break Part 2

Colorado Springs, CO— Fiction lovers don’t need to budget to travel this spring break with Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group’s six full-length novels by beloved Christian authors (WaterBrook, February 16, 2010). At the low cost of only $6.99, these well-read “get-aways” provide quality entertainment at a price that any reader can afford.

Full-length novels offered include:

Secrets
by Robin Jones Gunn - Jessica has moved to a new town to start a new life. But a friendly fire-fighter and a suspicious boss both want to know what she’s hiding.

Beneath a Southern Sky
by Deborah Raney – Daria Camfield is expecting her first child when her husband Nate is reported dead on the mission field. Devastated, she returns to the States and soon marries again. But two years later Nate is found alive in the jungle. How can Daria possibly choose between he two men who love her?

The Golden Cross
by Angela Elwell Hunt – Aidan O’Connor may be a poor barmaid but she’s also a gifted artists. When a famous cartographer takes her on as a student, Aidan is swept into an adventure that will bring her back to her heavenly Father, and into marriage with the love of her life.

Deep Harbor
by Lisa Tawn Bergren – Tora, Elsa, Kaatje, and Karl face trouble, tragedy, and treachery across the Wast, Hawaii , Japan , and the high seas. These four immigrants from Bergen , Norway , each grow closer to God and learn afresh the value of faith, family, and coming alongside each other in times of need.

Faithful Heart
by Al and Joanna Lacy – The adventures of certified medical nurse and dedicated Christian Breanna Baylor continue as she travels by wagon train to visit her sister, Dottie, in California . Little does she know that her most dangerous encounter might be with Jerrod, her brother-in-law, who’s suffering from dementia caused by combat fatigue.

Yesterday’s Promise
by Linda Lee Chaikin – Rogan Chantry faces danger from tribesmen, ruthless politicians, and his own family as he searches for gold in South Africa . In England , his beloved Evy is injured by a mysterious assailant. The greed and intrigue surrounding the diamond mines could very well drive them irrevocably apart.

I received 2 of these books to review.  My first review is here.


The Golden Cross  This is Book 2 in "The Heirs of Cahira O'Connor by Angela Elwell Hunt. 

Description from Back Cover of the Book:  Aidan O'Connor was raised among pickpockets and prostitutes in a Dutch colony on Java, Indonesia.  But when a world-famous cartographer discovers her natural artistic talent, she is given a chance to leave her troubled life behind.  Disguised as a boy, Aidan joins her  benefactor at sea and begins the work of drawing the flora and fauna of the new world.  This fresh beginning leads her into adventure--and to a great love.  But can this love survive the force of Aidan's past...and her ambitions for her future?


My Thoughts:  This was a pretty good book.  It takes you to some really exotic places.  I enjoyed the shipboard part of the story the most with her faking being a boy and the travel to the islands and the interactions with the natives, etc.  If you like books that take place back in the mid-1600's and that have lots of adventure, you will enjoy this book.

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Random Dozen - The Last One for February


Click here to go visit Linda at 2nd cup of coffee to read more Random Dozen Posts or to make one of your own.  You'll be glad you did.

1. Have you ever fired a gun or shot a bow and arrow?
Yes.  We took archery in gym class in high school and I fired a shotgun one time.
2. Do you know where your childhood best friends are?
Yes,  My best friends were cousins and I know where most of them are.  And now I'm starting to find school friends on FB.
3. Do you usually arrive early, late, or on time?
 Depends on where I'm going.  Probably a couple minutes early or right on time.
4. Are you more of a New York or California type?
Never been to either, but I think maybe California.
5. Do you have a special ring tone?
Yes, "Man of Constant Sorrow"  It was supposed to be just for my hubby's calls but somehow I messed it up and it's my default so that's what plays for all my calls.  I'll fix it someday...maybe.
6. What is your favorite type of chip?
Husmann's BBQ.  Man they burn your mouth up.
7. Best comedy you've ever seen is ....
Anything with Doris Day and Rock Hudson...and don't you dare ask who they are!!
8. Have you ever cut your own hair? To quote Dr. Phil, "How'd that work for ya?"
Yes...well just my bangs. And sometimes it works and then sometimes...not so much.
9. If you were going to have an extreme makeover, would you rather it be about your house or your personal self?
Definitely my house!
10. Are you allergic to anything?
Yes, penicillin
11. Why is it so hard to change?
Because the only one who likes change is a baby with a wet diaper.
12. One last question dedicated to February love: CS Lewis said, "To love is to be vulnerable." Please share one example of that assertion or share any thought you'd like to about this topic.
When you love someone, they have the power to hurt you because you care so much.  But if you're not willing to take the risk, what's the point of living.  After all...remember the Bible says....the greatest of these is love. Remember Jesus took the risk and loved us and gave His life for us.


Monday, February 22, 2010

Deep Harbor by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Value Fiction For Your Spring Break


Colorado Springs, CO— Fiction lovers don’t need to budget to travel this spring break with Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group’s six full-length novels by beloved Christian authors (WaterBrook, February 16, 2010). At the low cost of only $6.99, these well-read “get-aways” provide quality entertainment at a price that any reader can afford.
 
Full-length novels offered include:
 
Secrets
by Robin Jones Gunn - Jessica has moved to a new town to start a new life. But a friendly fire-fighter and a suspicious boss both want to know what she’s hiding.
 
Beneath a Southern Sky
by Deborah Raney – Daria Camfield is expecting her first child when her husband Nate is reported dead on the mission field. Devastated, she returns to the States and soon marries again. But two years later Nate is found alive in the jungle. How can Daria possibly choose between he two men who love her?
 
The Golden Cross
by Angela Elwell Hunt – Aidan O’Connor may be a poor barmaid but she’s also a gifted artists. When a famous cartographer takes her  on as a student, Aidan is swept into an adventure that will bring her back to her heavenly Father, and into marriage with the love of her life.
 
Deep Harbor
 by Lisa Tawn Bergren – Tora, Elsa, Kaatje, and Karl face trouble, tragedy, and treachery across the Wast, Hawaii , Japan , and the high seas. These four immigrants from Bergen , Norway , each grow closer to God and learn afresh the value of faith, family, and coming alongside each other in times of need.
 
Faithful Heart
by Al and Joanna Lacy – The adventures of certified medical nurse and dedicated Christian Breanna Baylor continue as she travels by wagon train to visit her sister, Dottie, in California . Little does she know that her most dangerous encounter might be with Jerrod, her brother-in-law, who’s suffering from dementia caused by combat fatigue.
 
Yesterday’s Promise
by Linda Lee Chaikin – Rogan Chantry faces danger from tribesmen, ruthless politicians, and his own family as he searches for gold in South Africa . In England , his beloved Evy is injured by a mysterious assailant. The greed and intrigue surrounding the diamond mines could very well drive them irrevocably apart. 
I received 2 of these books to review.  Here is the first one and I'll have the 2nd posted in the next couple of days.


Deep Harbor by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Description from back cover of the book: As they build new lives in America, Tora, Elsa, Kaatje, and Karl each experience a personal tragedy that threatens to destroy everything they left Norway to find. Tora's web of lies has cost her a successful future and the man she loves. When tragedy strikes, Elsa must draw upon her faith and all the strength she can muster to discover who she is and the path she must follow. After her husband's disappearance, Kaatje struggles to raise two young daughters and tend her farm, and Karl finds himself caught in a life of loneliness and emptiness. Only by placing their trust in God--and in each other--will they pass through these rough waters and find the safety of the harbor.

Deep Harbor is book 2 in the Northern Light Series.

My Thoughts: This book is very enjoyable. I have not read the first book in the series, but did not feel like I had missed out on anything that I needed to thoroughly enjoy this book. I loved each one of these characters. I disliked Tora at first, but as the story progressed she more and more became a favorite. Each one has their own storyline in the book and I thought at first it was a little confusing, but as I got to know each character, it became much easier. Ms. Bergren did a great job of developing each story and I totally loved this book. There was great adventure at times and descriptions of exotic places (at least to me) that I loved reading about. There were also times when the characters faced things that caused them to examine their faith and it also caused me to think about my faith. I love books that can do that. I definitely recommend reading this book. You won't be bored.

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

2010 Project 365 Week 8


Sunday 2/14/2010
No pictures
Monday 2/15/2010
 
More snow.  My beautiful swing.  We forgot to put it away this winter.  I hope all this snow doesn't break it.
Tuesday 2/16/2010
  
I had to have a medical test and this is what my hands looked like when I got home.
Wednesday 2/17/2010
  
Icicles outside the front door of the police department
Thursday 2/18/2010
  
On the way to take Kerri to school, we saw this horse rolling in the snow.  I was at a stop sign so no I didn't stop in the middle of the road to take this.
Friday 2/19/2010
  
Beautiful sunset in the subdivision where my parents live.
Saturday 2/20/2010
  
If you look closely, you can see my computer screen at the left front and Kerri is curled up in the chair on the right with her computer and there's Kelli in front of the french door on her computer.  I thought this was pretty funny.  All three of us girls being geeky.  Of course, Tracy was on his too, but he was in the bedroom.
 
More icicles...this time on one of the banks.  Kelli went inside to do her banking and I couldn't resist taking a picture.

Go visit Sara to see more Project 365 Posts

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

If I Was...

I got this from Kathleen at Heart 2 Heart earlier this week and wanted to share this with all of you that want to follow along and do the same.

If I Was...

a color, red
a verb, love
a day, Saturday
a TV show, Survivor
a taste, chocolate
an emotion, peace
a month, July
a flower, morning glory
a holiday, Christmas
a movie, Lake House
an article of clothing, sweats
a book, The Shack
a car, Mercedes
a piece of furniture, rocking chair
a scent, vanilla
an instrument, piano
store, Walmart
a shoe, Crocs
a fruit, peach
an emotion, joy
a song, What A Day That Will Be
a tree, oak
a planet, Saturn
a tool, hammer

by Cathy at Tales of the TCKK Family



Random Dozen

Linda at 2nd cup of coffee has given us another Random Dozen.  Why not link up and join us in this fun endeavor. Click here
Although this begins with a salute to the Olympics, you'll notice about half-way through these questions that I turn the corner and go off on another path as fast as a luge rounding a bend. Hence the name: Random.

1. If you could compete in one Olympic event (not necessarily winter sports) what would it be?
Figure Skating
2. Do remember a specific Olympic moment from the past?
Kristi Yamaguchi winning gold
3. Have you ever known anyone who competed in the Olympics?
No
4. If everyday activities were Olympic-worthy, which activity would you have a gold medal in?
Typing
5. Do you know anything about your ethnic heritage?
We're from Germany
6. Do you enjoy sleeping late?
Yes, but I seldom do any more.  I'm more likely to get up and then go back an hour or 2 later and take a nap.
7. Have you ever performed CPR on anyone? Do you know how? (Yes, that's two, I know. Whatevs.)
Yes I know how, No I have never done it and pray I never need to.
8. Name one country you'd like to visit and explain why.
Germany - see #5
9. Have you ever fixed up a couple romantically?
no
10. What is the last book you read?
Deep Harbor by Lisa Tawn Bergren.  I'll be writing a review of this next week.

11. Do you enjoy sleeping late? NO, YOU write the question! How's that for random?? OK my question is...Who is your favorite Christian Fiction Author?
Lori Wick
12. What is your favorite meal at your favorite restaurant?
Filet or prime rib at J Alexanders....to which Tracy and I should be going on Saturday to celebrate our 21st anniversary.

Monday, February 15, 2010

2010 Project 365 Week 7

This was a really quiet week for us...just lots of snow.  So go visit Sara at Make Music from Your Heart to the Lord and see everyone else's pictures for the week as mine are pretty boring.

Sunday, 2/7/2010
 
Hubby and I waiting in the van for the girls.  They were at a Super Bowl Party and the game was over and we were at the church to pick them up.
Monday 2/8/2010
  
Snow...this is the entrance to the parking lot where I park for work
Tuesday 2/9/2010
  
More snow was coming down this morning.  I was walking into work from the parking lot
Wednesday 2/10/2010
  
Picture of the snow from our subdivision
Thursday 2/11/2010
  
Yeah!  Survivor is back.  Heroes vs Villains
Friday 2/12/2010 - no pictures
Saturday 2/13/2010
 
We really are becoming geeks.  Tracy, Kerri and I were shopping at the computer store.  lol

Friday, February 12, 2010

To all the golf balls in our lives - have a great day.

I received this in an e-mail and just had to share it with you all.  I've seen something similar, but this one really touched me.   Hope you like it too.

The Mayonnaise  Jar
When things in your life seem almost too much to handle,
When 24 hours in a day is not enough;
remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class
and had some items in front of him.

When the class began, wordlessly,
he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar
and started to fill it with golf balls.

He then asked the students if the jar was full.
They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured
it into the jar. He shook the jar lightly.
The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.
He then asked the students again
 
if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand
and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up
everything else
He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded
With an unanimous 'yes'
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the  table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively
filling the empty space between the sand.
The students laughed.
'Now,' said the professor, as the laughter subsided,
'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.

The golf balls are the important things - God,family,
children, health, friends, and favorite passions.
Things that if everything else was lost
and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the things that matter like your job, house, and car.
The sand is everything else --
 

The small stuff. 
'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued,
'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.
The same goes for life. 

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff,
You will never have room for the things that are
important to you.

So... 
Pay attention
 to the things that are critical to your happiness.
Play with your children.
Spend time with your life partner.
 Take time to get medical checkups.

There will always be time 
to clean the house and fix the dripping tap.

'Take care of the golf balls first -- 
The things that really  matter. 
Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.'

One of the students raised her hand 
and inquired what the coffee represented. 

The professor smiled. 

'I'm glad you asked'. 

It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem,
there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Random Dozen



1. Are you pleasant when you're ill, or are you a grumpy, fussy patient?

I asked Kerri this question and her answer was, "Will I get grounded?"  Guess we all know what that means...I'm grumpy.

2. When you find out that school is canceled (due to inclement weather) what is your gut reaction?
I'm happy for them, but not for me, because I have to go to work anyway.

3. What is one domestic skill you wish you could improve?
Ironing - not because I like it, but sometimes after I iron something I still don't think it looks real good.

4. Do you decorate your home for Valentine's Day?
No

5. What song is on your mind today?
I really haven't thought about a song much today.

6. Do you prefer contemporary movies or classic?
Contemporary

7. How well do you "compartmentalize" your feelings? For example, how well can you put aside a really trying moment to deal with the immediate situation which is not related to the trying moment, e.g., putting aside a tiff with your spouse in order to finish wallpapering a room.
I can do what's necessary when I'm upset, but the unnecessary will have to wait until I calm down.

8. What is the first thing that attracted you to your spouse? (Or if you're single, to your best friend.)
His looks and talent.  He's good looking and he was the music minister at the church I started attending and man he was good at singing and playing the piano.

9. When was the last time your heart raced?
I don't know.

10. What are your memories of Valentine's Day at school?
It was a fun day and I remember in 5th grade my boyfriend got me a box of chocolates.  I thought I was hot stuff.

11. If you were going to receive candy for Valentine's Day, which would you prefer?
Anything chocolate

12. Red or pink?
Red

Be sure to go visit Linda at 2nd cup of coffee and join in on the Random Dozen

Sunday, February 7, 2010

2010 Project 365 Week 6

 

This is our week.  Why don't you come and join in on the fun with the rest of us at Sara's blog Make Music From Your Heart.
Sunday 1/31/2010
 
 The moon was so big and beautiful.  Unfortunately my pictures does not do it justice.

Monday 2/1/2010
 
Kerri wrapped in her Ohio State blanket on the computer that is now hers.

Tuesday 2/2/2010
I didn't get any pictures this day.

Wednesday 2/3/2010
 
 Kelli bought her onw laptop for college this fall.  She got an excellent deal on a really great computer.  Now all 4 of us have one.  I know the nights gonna come when all 4 of us are sitting in the living room watching TV lined up on the recliners and couch playing on the computers at the same time.  Talk about a family of geeks.  lol  (I promise when that happens to try to take pictures...it's just a matter of time)

Thursday 2/4/2010
 
I drink out of my Disney cups almost every day.  I need to get that Disney fix wherever and whenever possible.  In fact, I've been listening to Mouse World radio on the computer this week at work.  Man I've got it bad. lol

Friday 2/5/2010
This is what it looked like last night driving into town to pick up Kelli.  Folks this was not rain, it was sleet and snow.

Saturday 2/6/2010
This is what it looks like in our area now.  And we're supposed to get more this week.

Saturday, February 6, 2010

The Sunshine Award

The Sunshine Award – I Won! Check it Out! My new friend Nel at Fastenau Facts passed it on to me. I've met Nel while playing Random Dozen.  Thank you Nel this is so sweet of you.

The Sunshine Award is awarded to bloggers whose positivity and creativity inspire others in the blog world. Below are the rules for accepting this awards.


  • Put the logo on your blog or within your post.
  • Pass the award on to 12 fellow bloggers.
  • Link the nominees within your post.
  • Let the nominees know they have received the award by commenting on their blog.
  • Share the love and link to the person whom you received this award from.
I love all my bloggy friends, but I believe this time I will mostly list some friends I've just met in the last few months and a few I've known a little longer and some a really long time. 
1.  Becky Jo at Sweet Abundance 
2.  Rebecca at Knit by God's Hand 
3.  Andrea at Arise 2 Write 
4.  Joyce at From This Side of the Pond 
5.  Jenny at Flutterbye Chronicles 
6.  Amy at All Things A Ro 
7.  Jill from Jill Boyd's Place 
8.  Cathy at The Flake Chronicles
9.  Trish at Me & My Boys  
10. Robin at Bits & Pieces 
11. Maria at Calm Energy 
12. LuAnn at Daily Grace & Mercy


Wow!  That really takes some time to do.  But you know what, each one of you are worth it.  And I hope each one reading this will check all these girls out.  They are really neat people.
And again I just want to say A Special Thank-You to Nel at Fastenau Facts Everyone needs to check her out too; she is one of my newest friends!


 

Friday, February 5, 2010

Laziness Portrayed

Everyone at our house is on a snow day except me.  Hubby just sent me an e-mail showing me the height of laziness.  Of course, I had to show you.

I think she's enjoying the day more than anyone!  If you can't tell, she's laying across our bed (we throw that comforter over it so she doesn't get the bed dirty after tracking in from outside) and looks like she has some baseball magazines to look at and of course at her feet is her envelope.  Yep our dog doesn't play with toys, instead she nibbles on that envelope.  It's kind of a silky feeling mailing envelope.  She doesn't tear it up, just nibbles it.  Who knows?!?  Hey!  Actually thats my side of the bed.  Dog you better be moved by the time I get home.  Don't get too used to it!  No way you're sleeping there tonight!  Can you tell I'm jealous?!?

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Random Dozen

Linda from 2nd Cup of Coffee has posted the questions for Random Dozen Again.  Looks like she had some help from Kelley at I Didn't Know That.  Kelley gave the first 6 questions of this weeks dozen.  So click on the link at Linda's (after you've read my answers of course...lol) and get your copy of the questions and then play along with the rest of us.  It really is a lot of fun.


1. Do you use the labels various charities send you as “free gifts?”
Not usually because they always use just my name and most things I mail come from all of us or at least hubby and I.

2. What is your favorite time of day (or night) for skywatching?
Sunrise or sunset because I love all the beautiful colors.  Check out my SkyWatch Friday posts and you'll see what I mean.

3. What is the most adventurous you've ever been with trying a new food? (Keep it G-rated please)
I ate Alligator Tail and Squid and I think both were on the same vacation trip with my brother. Actually they were both pretty good.

4. Have you ever heard a rock sing? (Trust me, there's a reason for this one!)
Nope and I really don't know what this means.  (okay - thanks SouthLakesMom for the heads up on this one. Luke 19:40)  No I've never heard a rock sing and I don't intend to because I never plan to stop praising Him!

5. If you could learn a language you don't presently speak, what would it be?
Spanish

6. Al Capone's tombstone read, “My Jesus, Mercy.” If you could write your own epitaph, what would it say?
"She truly loved God"

7. If you were a famous musician who was known by one name, like “Cher,” “Sting,” or “Jewel,” what would it be? It doesn’t have to be your first name, but it can be, if you’d like.
 I have no idea...if I come up with something I'll come back and edit this.  (Maybe Lucy...just because I like that name for some reason)

8. Have you ever been inordinately “into” a television show?
I was really hooked on a soap opera one time. It was "Days of Our Lives" I was so into it, that I would get angry if I had to miss it. This was back in my 20's when I worked 2nd shift and was always home during the day. I finally decided that it was crazy to be that hooked so I gave it up completely.  Still to this day I have never watched a complete episode of that show.  I've stopped in passing a couple times for just a minute or 2 but that's it.  Now, I can really get into Survivor, but not so much that I'm actually angry when I miss it.  Maybe a little miffed, but not angry.

9. When you sneeze, do you go big, or do you do that weird “heenh!” sound that makes people think you’re going to blow your brains out? Any other variation we should know about?
I do the really big ones, and usually 2 or 3 in a row.  

10. Do you still read an actual newspaper that you hold in your hands, or do you get your news elsewhere?
Nope.  Actually I rarely ever read a newspaper other than Dear Abby and the comics.

11. Are you a good speller?
Yes, usually.

12. At what time each day do you start thinking about lunch?
We always laugh at work and say it's legal to start talking about lunch at 10:30am.


Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Valentines Girly-Girl Gift Basket Giveaway

There's a Valentines Girly-Girl Gift Basket Giveaway going on at Fresh Oil Today.  Be sure to go enter to win.  You won't want to miss out on this one.  Here's a picture of the items Jackie is giving away.  Actually she's giving away 2 Girly-Girl Gift Baskets.


THE TWO WINNERS NAMES WILL BE DRAWN
9 P.M. MT SATURDAY, FEB. 6TH