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

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Monday, August 30, 2010

Another Freshman

I've spent the last week or so talking about my oldest daughter starting college. Well, I have another Freshman too. Kerri is a Freshman in high school. Today was her first day! Here's a couple pics of her in her classroom.


I bet you wish your Freshman classroom was sitting by an indoor and outdoor pool in Florida!  You see Kerri's doing an online virtual school this year, so her classroom is anywhere she can take her laptop and have wifi.  Man, all I know is I never got to do anything like this.  Today is the first day for her and she turned in her first work and got an "A"!  Way to go Kerri! 

I'm so proud of both my Freshmen!!!  Love you girls!

Saturday, August 28, 2010

It's Official

It's official.....she's a college freshman now!
But to me she'll always be my little stuffed animal loving girl.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Almost Packed

Well my livingroom is packed sky high with boxes and stuff that Kelli has packed for school. I think she's getting close to being done. At least I hope so, since we're leaving Wednesday morning early to take her to college. The rest of us are getting close to being packed too, although I'm not sure there's going to be room enough in the van for our stuff. lol

If you're interested, click on the link in the sidebar to Kelli's blog and get an interesting take on her thoughts of leaving her room. I don't think she's going to miss any of us to much, but it sounds like she's really gonna' miss that room. I haven't gone in and looked yet to see if it's about empty or not. I imagine from all the boxes in the livingroom it must be. I bet if I looked I'd even be able to see what color the carpet is. You see it's been a long time since anyone has even been able to see it.  Here are a couple pictures.  Oh and by the way, I grabbed these from her blog, so it's nothing she minds being in the internet.  Actually, I have to be honest, these are from her being in the process of packing.  (But honestly, it got about this bad quite often, even before she ever started packing for school)

A clean room has never been a priority to Kelli. And at about age 10-12 I finally decided it just wasn't worth the battle anymore and I just learned to leave the door closed. I figured that's what doors are for anyway. There are enough battles worth fighting for, but this was one that wasn't. She was happier and I was happier to not be yelling for the room to be cleaned. And as long as I didn't have to go in the room, there was no problem!

Now, though I'm a little concerned for her college roommates. Hope they like a bit of a mess! lol

I probably won't be back to post for a couple days. Hopefully, I'll get some pictures of our trip and be able to show you a little of where she is and of the moving process. Then our plans are to stay a few extra days and Tracy, Kerri and I hope to go to the beach and do a few other fun things. So I'll probably be talking to you soon.

Sure would appreciate some prayers for a safe trip and hopefully not too many tears upon departure.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Skies This Week

I love it when I see unexpected things in the sky. It seems that balloons are fairly common in my area, but I don't see a blimp real often. What about in your area of the country, do you ever see blimps or hot air balloons?
I saw this balloon while waiting for Kerri and my sister-in-law to come out of the "Y".


And we saw this blimp as we were driving home after Sunday afternoon lunch with the in-laws.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Flashback Friday



Click here and play along and/or check out other's answers. 
Continuing with the back-to-school theme. . . .

What type of extra-curricular school activities did you participate in during your school days? Clubs? Spelling bees or other contests? Cheerleader or drill team? Sports? Journalism? Choir or theater?  Were there any memorable events related to those? Did you receive any awards? Were football games a big deal at your school? Did you usually attend - and was it with a group or as a date? What was Homecoming like?

I'm truly sorry, but my answers for this week are pretty boring. Actually I was never involved in too many after school activities.  We lived in the country and had to ride the bus home so we really couldn't stay after school.  I did belong to FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) and Spanish Club, but there were very few meetings the years I was involved in them.  I didn't play any organized sports ever.  I think that's why I was glad my girls played volleyball and basketball.  I did take piano lessons from 2nd grade until I graduated high school.

The only award I received was being inducted into National Honor Society which was pretty cool.  I never attended even one basketball or football game when I was in high school.  I did go to several when my older brother and sister were in school.  I only had 2 dates in high school.  One was to a Cincinnati Red's baseball game and I attended my senior prom.  Never went out with either boy again after those dates.  

I had quite a few friends, but my parents just never let us run around after school hours. Usually if I went places with someone it was my older sister or a cousin from church.  It's just the way it was and I usually didn't mind.

So since my answer is pretty boring to this week's prompt, I thought I'd post this video so you can leave my blog with a good laugh.


Thursday, August 19, 2010

Really?!?

I cannot for the life of me believe that this little thing is leaving for college in less than a week. Can't be true!

Waiting on the school bus for first day of Pre-School


Bride Gown and Missing a Tooth
Where have the years gone?

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Random Dozen


Click here to participate in Random Dozen this week.  It's really a lot of fun so you ought to play along.
1. What is your favorite fair/carnival food?
Funnel Cake
2. Are you holding onto something you need to let go of?
Some extra pounds
3. What is your favorite gift to receive?
A good book
4. When was the last time you tried something new?
I'm not sure. I'm kind of a creature of habit I think.
5. What is your favorite and least favorite book genre?

Memoir, Mystery, Political Intrigue, Romance, Humor, Historical Fiction, Historical nonfiction, Chick Lit, Self-Help, Other
Christian Fiction is my favorite.  Least favorite is a textbook. 
6.Silver or Gold?
Gold but either is fine.
7. What makes you sigh?

Seeing my hubby and girls succeed at something they try.
8. If you didn't know how old you are, how old would you claim you are?
40
9. Would you break a law to save a loved one? To protect a loved one?
If you mean like a traffic law...such as speed or run a red light to get them to a hospital, then yes.
10. If you had to teach something, what would it be?
piano
11. You're having lunch with 3 people whom you respect and admire. They begin to criticize a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend. What do you do?
I'd probably try to defend my friend in a nice way.
12. Which of the 5 Love Languages is your prominent means of experiencing love?
Quality Time
Physical Touch
Acts of Service
Gifts
Words of Affirmation
Quality time and Words of Affirmation were my 2 most prominent.
Not sure which is your most prominent love language? Take the quiz!
       


Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Getting Old

As of yesterday, it's official. I'm getting old. I went to the eye doctor and I now have to have bifocals! I can't believe it!  I just hope it's awhile before hubby needs them so we don't end up like this too soon! 


Have a great day!

Monday, August 16, 2010

Substance!

A Blog With Substance…I can't believe it!

My friend Nel at Fastenau Facts, chose me as one of her recipients of the Blog of Substance award.  I can't believe it.  Thank you so much.   Nel is a really sweetie eveyone and strongly suggest you go visit and check out her blog.

According to Webster’s Dictionary the meaning of substance includes substantial or solid character or quality. Substantial meaning of ample or considerable amount or size.

As part of the acceptance of the award you have to choose 5 words that sum up the philosophy, motivation and experience of your blog. You also have to pick 5 recipients deserving of the award. This is a hard task because there are so many good blogs out there it is hard to choose.

The words I chose to represent my blog are:

Sharing God, Life, Laughter & Books

Here are 5 bloggers I choose as recipients of this award.

Beth at Playing with the Paulsons
Lindsay at The Cross Stitch House
Robin at Life in a Small Town or I'm Not a Control Freak
Rebecca at Knit by God's Hand
Laura at Goose Hill Farm

Check out these blogs.  You'll be glad you did.

Thanks again Nel!


Sunday, August 15, 2010

You Raise Me Up

While writing the review yesterday on Sheila Walsh's Book, "Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God", I ran across this video on YouTube and wanted to share it with you.



Dear Lord, please raise me up to all You want me to be!

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Beautiful Things Happen When A Woman Trusts God by Sheila Walsh

“Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God” by Sheila Walsh

Book Description:
Delivering a big message with strong biblical insights and heartening personal stories, author and Women of Faith speaker Sheila Walsh shows women the life-changing power of trusting in God.
Most Christian women live with a deep sense that they can't seem to get things right, that if only they could be a little better, life would straighten out. Through her own personal hardships, Sheila Walsh has learned that the Christian life is not about getting things right or back to "normal." She writes, "Christ comes not to get us out of our difficulties but to live in us through them." She wants to show women that God has a stunningly beautiful moment of redemption for them that leads to a lifetime of peace and joy.
In this eye-opening message for women, she presents a moving look at her own story as she dives into the lives of Bible characters, drawing out lessons from their trials that women can use immediately to establish a deep, life-altering trust in the Father.

Video of Sheila Walsh talking about her Trust in God:

My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book and feel like I learned some good stuff. My favorite was a statement she made close to the end of the book. “If the whole point of the journey is to learn to become more like Jesus, which is to trust God 100 percent, then the places we have been or where we are headed seem to fade into insignificance.” It just never dawned on me that that is what it means to become more like Jesus…just trust God 100%. If we do that everything else just falls into place. If we trust Him we’ll have joy. If we trust Him we’ll have peace. It all hinges on trust. Thank you Sheila for this and many other wonderful insights into being a woman who trusts God!
I highly recommend this book to every woman who trusts God.

FTC disclaimer: This book was provided for review by  Book Sneeze
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Book Sneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

Click here if you would like to purchase this book from Thomas Nelson.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Rough Edges and Sandpaper

"So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper." James 4:7 MSG

" Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double‑minded man, unstable in all he does.
The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business. Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." James 1:2-12 NIV

If we must go through hard times (and everyone does sooner or later) we might as well learn something along the way and benefit from it.  I just consider it as though I'm a piece of wood and Jesus is using the hard things as sandpaper and is taking away my rough edges.  Sure does hurt, but in the end I hope to be more like Christ.

I just viewed this video at "Shout a Joyful Noise!" and just had to share it here too.


So let's be encouraged and keep on keeping on!

Friday, August 6, 2010

Flashback Friday


Click here to join up and play along on Flashback Friday with Mocha With Linda.

Flashback Friday Prompt: What did you want to be when you grew up? Why did you want to be that, and did you do it? Did you consistently plan to be whatever it was, or did you change your mind often? Did you do anything like volunteering or interning to give you a taste of your future occupation/role? Were you as happy/satisfied with what you became as you thought you would be? What surprised you? Would you choose it again? Do you still want to be something else - either in addition to or instead of?

 I always wanted to be a mother.  I don't know why except that's what my mom was and that's what I wanted to be.  I guess I just thought that's what you were supposed to be.  Then when I got a little older (like high school age)  I never seemed to be able to pick out a career that I wanted.  So since I couldn't think of a particular career to go to college for I got a job instead.  34 years later I'm still working at the same place (although I've changed positions) and I'm still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up! lol 


I am happy with being a mother and I like my job too, but I think now I'm really just waiting to retire and enjoy some traveling with my hubby.  Of course this is still a few years away.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

500 Posts - Random Stuff

This is actually my 509th post, but I missed noticing when the 500th went out, so I'll celebrate 509 instead!  Who would've thought that I ever would have lasted this long doing a blog.  It'll be 2 years in September.  I never knew I would love it as much as I do.  I enjoy writing and telling people about my life and my faith, but most of all I enjoy getting to know all of you.  I feel like I've made some really awesome friends!  I love the fact that I can call on your for prayer when I need it or call on you to celebrate my happiness or just to share my normal day to day life.  I love that you feel free to ask me to pray or celebrate with you too.  That's what friends do and you all are really great friends.  I hope some day to get to meet all of you.  If not here on earth, than in heaven.  We can have a great big blogging party up there some day!  Won't that be awesome!

Facebook.  I've been enjoying Facebook and getting to know and see some of you there too.  If you're on FB and we aren't friends yet, please click on my FB badge on the left sidebar and friend me.  I love reading the little status updates on everyone there.  I think it makes us seem even closer.

Twitter.  I do Twitter once in a while too and would love to follow you or have you follow me if we don't already!  Just another way to keep in touch.

If you're a friend on FB, then you probably already know that today is my birthday.  It's been a good day too.  I mean I worked a normal day and then came home and hubby and I made Paula Deen's recipe for "Not Yo' Mama's Banana Pudding" and then grabbed a quick bite to eat with the girls and went to church.  After service, almost everyone stayed and we ate the banana pudding and they even sang "Happy Birthday" to me.  That was embarrassing, but fun too!  lol  If you've never tried that recipe, man it's to die for.  Here's a picture of what we made and for the link to Paula Deen's recipe, click here.   It's super simple and super rich and super good!  I think I finally found something I can make for family get-togethers and church dinners that people will actually eat!  haha



Okay, I guess that's all the random I've got for now.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Not a Sparrow Falls by Linda Nichols

"Not a Saprrow Falls" by Linda Nichols Click on title if you are interested in purchasing this book.

Back Cover:  Mary Bridget Washburn is tired of running, tired of being haunted by the empty shell her life has become. How in the world did the little girl she once was become a woman on the wrong side of the law?
Determined to make a new start, she escapes to the quaint city of Alexandria, Virginia, where she takes on her mother's identity and finds sanctuary in the shadow of a decades-old church. But a little girl's plea proves to be her undoing, and the reverend•well, someone's got to open his eyes before disaster comes calling.
Can Mary Bridget and her tainted past stay hidden long enough for her to bring hope to a family falling apart?

Author:  
Linda Nichols, a graduate of the University of Washington, is a novelist with a unique gift for touching readers' hearts with her stories. She is also the author of the acclaimed novels If I Gained the World and At the Scent of Water. She and her family make their home in Tacoma, Washington. Visit Linda's Web site at www.lindanichols.org
My Thoughts: This was a very good book and I enjoyed reading it.  It's a lot about relationships, past and present, but mostly to me it's about redemption.  About how we can know God and fall away, but He's always ready to forgive and take us back.  My favorite line in the whole book is:  "You can't out-sin the cross."  That is so true!  Thank you, Lord!  I highly recommend this book.
FTC disclaimer: This book was provided for review by the Bethany HousePublishers.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”