To Know Him

The "What's for Dinner?" Solution Book Review

2012-01-27T12:50:00.000-08:00

The question in my title (What's for Dinner?) is one that makes me cringe and feel guilty. You see I don't have the cooking gene, as I think it skipped a generation in my family line :) All joking aside, I do get very stressed when my husband or kids ask me "What's for dinner?" I would have to say one of the main reasons I stress is because I have not planned ahead of time, and I am realizing that a little planning can go a long way when it comes to dinner time.

You may think this post today is about my inability to pull together a good meal for dinner, but actually it is a review about a great new book from Kathi Lipp (remember the Husband Project we did on this blog?) titled, "The "What's for Dinner?" Solution (Quick, Easy, and Affordable Meals Your Family Will Love). The book is appropriately titled as it is filled with over 280 recipes that are quick, affordable and easy to make. The recipes don't call for a lot of ingredients that either you have never heard of, or are outrageously expensive.

You would think from my description that this book is just a cookbook, but it is so much more than a cookbook. If you are like me you probably don't need another cookbook :) This book is really a "how to" get organized and make a plan to get dinner on the table every night, or if you are like me at least several nights a week :) Kathi has included chapters in her book that help you with organization (recipes, tools, and pantry) and she also explains how to meal plan for 31 days. Yep, a whole month... can you believe that? Kathi explains about how to freeze meals, use a slow cooker and her LOOP method (LeftOvers On Purpose Meals).

This book can be read in one or two settings and is an easy read. Depending on your personality and lifestyle you maybe able to adapt and use every strategy in Kathi's book. However, if you are like me and get a bit overwhelmed you may not implement everything in the book, but you will definitely be able to use much of the information in the book to make your "kitchen" and "dinner" time a success for your family. I am starting slow, but am excited about the changes I can make at this time in my life.

I highly recommend this book if you are struggling with the age old question "What's for Dinner?". On the other hand, I highly recommend this book if you are the seasoned chef of your home. Everyone can benefit from reading this book.

Thank you Kathi for sharing your knowledge with us, and thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Redeeming Your Minutes (I am over at the A Martha Heart site today)

2012-01-23T14:56:00.000-08:00

Click HERE to read my latest post at the "A Martha Heart" website. How do you spend the minutes of your day? That is what I am talking about today :) Join the conversation...

Know & Tell Friday (REVISTED)

2012-01-06T15:39:00.000-08:00

It has been a long, long time since I have done my "Know & Tell Friday" meme...So I decided to bring it back, or at least I am going to see how it goes. I just love to ask questions, so "Know & Tell" is right up my alley.

Today's questions will relate to a recap of 2011.... If you want to participate, there are two ways to join in. You can answer all the questions right here on my blog in the comment section, or you can answer all the questions (feel free to copy and paste the questions...grab the button to if you would like) on your blog/website. If you choose the second option, please at least leave a comment on my blog directing everyone to your website so we can read your answers... Some of the questions will be light hearted and fun, and others more reflective.

Know & Tell Questions

1. What was your best beauty product of 2011? Smashbox's Limitless liquid eyeliner pen...changed my life :)

2. What was your favorite book of 2011? Dug Down Deep by Joshua Harris

3. What was your favorite Bible Study you completed in 2011? Stuck by Jennie Allen

4. What was your favorite Christmas gift you received or gave (or both)? Going to Florida to see my family during Christmas break

5. What was one thing that God taught you in 2011? I still am trying to work or do works to earn God's favor

6. What was one of your toughest moments of 2011? Probably overall the realization that I am still bound up in many areas...holding onto my spiritual idols

7. What Bible verse encouraged or changed you in some way in 2011? 1 Timothy 4:16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

8. What was one of your biggest accomplishments in 2011? Joined a gym and physically pushed my body beyond what I thought was possible... I jumped up on a high platform :)

9. What was one of your greatest family memories of 2011? Spending 2 days at Universal Studios...

10. Spiritually speaking, what is one thing you will change in 2012? Establish and maintain a consistent Quiet time with God...Getting to know who God really is

If you stumble upon this blog, or you read it from time to time, please participate as I would love to read your answers...

Blessings

Book Review: Love Food & Live Well

2011-12-04T14:18:00.000-08:00

How could I not want to review a book with the title "Love Food & Live Well"? I have struggled with food issues since I was a teenager and sadly most of the books I have read that have dealt with food addiction have not really helped me in the long run. Why? Because food addiction goes much deeper than simple dieting, and I know that from personal experience. Chantel Hobbs also knows this truth from personal experience and that is one reason she chose to write the book "Love Food & Live Well".

This is Chantel's third book that addresses and deals with food related issues. I actually read her first book "Never Say Diet" several years ago and I loved it. It was real eye opening and very encouraging. Her first book told about her experience of losing two hundred pounds and keeping it off. Chantel now is a fitness expert and she travels around sharing the good news about how to become a more healthy person through eating right and exercising.

One of the things that I liked about Chantel's first book was that she talked about being a woman of faith (a Christian). In her new book, "Love Food & Live Well" she goes more into detail about her relationship with Jesus and how He changed her life. As a Christian I can totally relate to how Jesus is really the key to lifelong freedom from food addiction, and Chantel lets her readers know the same thing.

Now I realize that not everyone who picks up this book will be a Christian and I believe that even if you are not a person of faith you can glean wonderful practical information about how to live a healthy lifestyle through proper nutrition and exercise. Chantel has included a whole section in the book with picture demonstrations of how to complete several different exercises. Also included in the book is a detailed account of the 80:20 ratio when it comes to eating. I truly believe if you follow the 80:20 plan that you can live a healthy lifestyle and maintain a healthy weight.

I highly recommend this book as it is loaded with practical helpful information on nutrition and exercise. As a Christian I love it because Chantel reminded me that if I ever am going to be truly free from food addiction it will be because I surrender control to God, and then allow Him to set me free.

Thank you Waterbrook Multanomah for this opportunity to review this book. I loved it!
(Waterbrook Multanomah provided me a complimentary copy of this book in return for this review...opinions expressed are mine).

Visit me at "AMH" (Flooded with Thankfulness)

2011-11-29T06:22:00.000-08:00

Click HERE to read my personal story about what happened to my family this summer. It was not at all what we were wanting, but God worked it for our good.

Blessings...

Thanksgiving Thankful Thursday

2011-11-23T19:10:00.000-08:00

I have participated in the "Thankful Thursday" meme for a long time now, but today I figured I would make my thankful list a special thankful "Thanksgiving" list today. I have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, but I will limit my list to my top ten.

1. Life...that God has given me life for these past 41 years. After I turned 40 I feel like I have been more thankful for each day God blesses me with.

2. Health... I have lost two people that were close to me to cancer in the last month. I have been reminded to be thankful for each day that I am healthy.

3. My mother... Those close to me know that my mother has been so very critically ill over the last 3 years. She had 3 major surgeries, one of which was a quadruple by pass over the last 2 years. Doctors told her that she was only hours away from dying when she had a heart attack. God has given her over 2 years of life after her near death experience. She still has serious on-going health issues, but she is thanking God each day that He gives her life, and I am thankful too.

4. My husband... Over the last couple of months, I have really just appreciated what a gift I have in my husband. I have watched him allow God to work in his life and I have seen him grow and mature in his spiritual walk. He is a hard worker, a good father, and he is self-less when it comes to giving to his family. I love you Honey :)

5. My newest home-bible study group of women... Currently, I am leading a group of eight women through Jennie Allen's newest bible study "Stuck". I am so excited to see what God will and wants to do with the group of awesome sisters in Christ. I love all these women already :)

6. My boys... Parenting is super hard work, and the older my kids get I am finding out that things get even harder. However, they bring me much joy, laughter and love. God gave me these 3 boys, and He purposed that I would be their mom...what an unspeakable privilege and blessing.

7. Lord willing, I will be going to Florida with my family for Christmas. I have not seen my extended family for over a year. I can't wait to see them all.

8. My job... I absolutely love love love my job. I get to teach Pre-K kids and they are so precious, energetic and delightful. I love teaching, but I think the thing I like best about my job is working with 5 Christian women that encourage me and make me laugh my head off :)

9. My Fwend... I don't get to see her very often because she lives in New York. This year our lives have been busy and I have not got to talk with her as much as I normally have, but I know that she is always there for me. She is growing in her relationship with Jesus and it inspires me. I love you Fwend!!!

10. Jesus... I can't think of words great enough to express how thankful I am for Jesus. I know that in my daily life I often neglect and forget stop and thank Jesus for what He has done in my life. I am selfish and self absorbed, but Jesus always takes me back and reminds me of who I can be in Him. I think I am finally beginning to grasp that life is worth living because of Jesus, and that Heaven is worth going to not so much because it is Paradise, but because Jesus will be there. Jesus thank you for being patient with me and opening my eyes to Your truth. If You will it I will be blessed to discover who You are in the coming years. Thank you for giving Your life to me.

Thankful Thursday

2011-11-02T16:48:00.000-07:00

I so enjoyed doing the "Thankful Thursday" meme a couple of weeks ago, so I am back again with my list of things I am thankful for this week.

1. I am thankful for the upcoming women's bible study that I will host in my home beginning next week. A handful of women will be joining me. (We will be doing Jennie Allen's bible study "Stuck")

2. I went to a bible conference at a small church about a week ago and I really feel like the Lord spoke to me about changes I need to make in my life. I was encouraged and challenged at the same time.

3. On the same note, I am thankful for the conference speakers that had such a love for God and His glory.

4. My hubby already raked half (30 bags) of leaves from our yard... less for me to help with :)

5. We will be getting carpet very soon. We had a flood in our basement during the summer and we have been without carpeting since.

6. McDonald's peppermint mochas :)

7. Lord willing, our family will be vacationing in Florida during Christmas. I can't wait to see my family.

8. My cousin, Chris... Her life is a testimony of loving Jesus...she inspires me.

Thanks for stopping by...what are you thankful for today?

Tyndale Book Review- "Whole"

2011-10-28T17:59:00.000-07:00

Tyndale provided me with a complimentary copy of Lisa Whittle's newest book release,
"{W}hole", and in turn I agreed to write a review for the book. Up until this point I had never really heard of Lisa Whittle and her ministry, but the title of the book intrigued me. Basically the premise of the book is that we all have "holes" in our lives, but Jesus can make our holes "whole".

Overall, I really liked Lisa's book and I would definitely read other books of Lisa's in the future. I think my favorite part of the book is Lisa's writing style and how she writes with such authenticity. I was engaged from the very beginning of the book and for me that is when I make my decision of whether or not I can actually finish a book. Well, I finished the book.

Another thing I appreciated about Lisa was that she was very vulnerable with what she chose to share in the book. She shared personal stories about her life, including a very painful story about what happened to her father. One of the beautiful parts of the book is that you get to see how Jesus worked through those painful situations to bring healing and wholeness to Lisa and her family.

The book is broken up into 8 chapters including an introduction and conclusion chapter. The 6 chapters inbetween deal with 3 areas (religion, roles, and experiences) we can develop "holes" in
and how Jesus can make each of those areas whole. An excerpt from the back of the book reads, "In Whole, Lisa calls you to take an honest look at your holes, discover how to fill them with God's presence, and get to a real and vibrant place of wholeness instead." I could not have said it better myself.

In closing, "Whole" is a refreshing book that is full of scripture and pratical, biblical steps that readers can take in order to grow in their relationships with Jesus. You will feel encouraged and challenged to seek the "wholeness" and healing that Jesus provides. Most importantly Lisa reminds us that the most important thing in our lives, outside of our religion, roles, and experiences is that we have a solid relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus.

"Little Angels"

2011-10-26T17:18:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to get a sneak peek at one of Roma Downey's new ventures. I loved watching Roma for years on "Touched by an Angel" so when offered the opportunity to take a sneak peek at her newest project, "Little Angels", I jumped at the chance. I cannot say it better than the makers of "Little Angels", so below I copied and pasted the information about this new project.

Discover the joy of learning and friendship with a heavenly new collection! From Executive Producer Roma Downey ("Touched by an Angel") and Writer Phil Lollar ("Adventures in Odyssey") comes the much-anticipated faith-based educational series, LITTLE ANGELS, soaring onto DVD from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

LITTLE ANGELS is an animated DVD series created exclusively for preschool-aged children to teach not only practical learning skills, like ABCs and 1,2,3s, but also to introduce them to the spiritual, moral and ethical principles of the Bible. Of course, we think it's terrific! (We might be biased...) But don't just take our word for it - for the first time in their organization's history, MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) has awarded a Seal-of-Approval to LITTLE ANGELS.

Pre-school twins Alex and Zoe are blessed to have eight Little Angels watching over them - literally! These Little Angels "live" on the ceiling of their bedroom, painted there so they are the first things the kids see when they wake up in the morning and the last thing they see before they fall asleep at night. The angels come to life when the children need them most, helping guide them through the challenges of their young lives.

You can visit the website by visiting www.littleangels.com

Blessings to all as you take of your own "little angels" :)

"Stuck" Bible Study

2011-10-23T18:26:00.000-07:00

Here is the link to the trailer about the DVD bible study "Stuck" that I wrote a review for in an earlier post. Check it out...

Book Sneeze Book Review: "Stuck" Bible Study

2011-10-23T16:48:00.000-07:00

Since I began my experience as a book/resource reviewer for "Book Sneeze" (Thomas Nelson), I have not been as excited to receive a resource as the "Stuck" DVD based bible study. I was intrigued by the title, and I also lead Women's bible studies in my home so I knew I would request this resource as soon as it became available. I am so glad I did. "Stuck" gets my highest recommendation of any of the resources I have reviewed so far.

"Stuck's" author is Jennie Allen, and up to this point I had never even heard of her in the world of Women's Ministry. Well, I can tell you after reviewing "Stuck" I am sure Jennie Allen will be a new and upcoming leader/teacher in Women's Ministry. As I watched Jennie's teaching DVDs I fell in love with her teaching style. She is passionate, authentic and biblically sound. What more could you ask for in a teacher? (Well, I am sure there is more, but Jennie Allen will not disappoint you).

"Stuck" is set up as an 8 week DVD session study. The Bible study kit includes the 8 session DVD, a copy of the study guide (used for personal study), a leader's guide, and a set of conversation cards that coincide with the 8 weeks. The study guide is a bit different from some of the other studies I have done in the past, and that is a good thing. Jennie challenges her participants to dig deep into God's Word each week. After the "study" portion of the guide Jennie has included "projects" that are very interactive for each individual to complete. Each week's study maybe completed in one sitting, or one can break the study up and complete it in multiple settings.

The leader's guide is set up in a way that basically takes all the "work", or shall I say "fear" out of leading. Jennie walks her leaders right through the entire study so they can feel confident when they lead their own group of women through "Stuck".

My favorite part of this whole study are the "Conversation Cards" that Jennie has included in her study. Jennie has come up with multiple questions on each week's theme (IE: broken, mad, discontent, etc) and a weekly scripture to support each week's theme. She always wants to make sure that the final word on any subject comes from God, as it should be. In my experience, women love getting together and asking each other questions about life and their spiritual journeys. This study lends itself to going deep with your group if you choose that path. I think that is where true growth happens.

I think I should end my review here because honestly I could go on and on about how great this study is. I give it a 5 out of 5 stars. I will actually be beginning this study with a small group of women in my home very soon. Thank you Book Sneeze for providing this resource to me. I am ever so thankful.

(Book Sneeze provided "Stuck" to me complimentary and I in turn had to write a review).

Who is Out There?

2011-10-22T17:46:00.000-07:00

Hey Blogville,

If you have never commented and you are a regular (or somewhat regular) visitor of this blog, I would love to meet you. I know I have a very small number of people that visit from time to time but I would love to know who is out there.... I am so social :) So leave me a comment and I will stop by your blog to say hello as well.

I am planning on writing more on the blog in the coming months so hopefully we can keep in contact through the bloggy...

Blessings,
Kim

Thankful Thursday

2011-10-20T15:27:00.000-07:00

Well today I am going to start back up with my "Thankful Thursday" meme. I sure have missed Thankful Thursdays and the fellowship of other "Thankful Thursday-ers" :) This year I wanted to write more at my blog as I feel like I have a lot to say, but not a lot of time. So "TT" will help me keep up with my goal.

I will keep it simple with a top ten list of things I am thankful for this week.

1. On a sad note, my husband lost his best friend to cancer this past week... one tiny thankful in this difficult situation was that my husband found an airline ticket for 127 dollars last minute. Originally the tickets were costing anywhere from 800 to 1300 dollars. We are thanking God that he provided a way financially for my husband to be with his best friend's family.

2. To continue on number 1 a bit. My hubby's friend was a believer, and even though many are grieving for him, we do not grieve as those with no hope... We are so sad to be without him, but we know he is with his Jesus. Our Jesus...

3. I realized today that the Lord has been so good to me when it has come to my physical health... I have not been really sick (doctor's care) for over 2 years. I am blessed to have my health.

4. I belong to a Gym and I like to actually workout at that gym :)

5. I have a job I love with coworkers I adore :)

6. I am thankful to be a part of 3 blogging for books programs in which I get to keep all the books and resources I review.

7. I am thankful that I finally purchased Ann Voskamp's book "one thousand gifts"...I just began it and already I know I am going to love it.

8. I am thankful that my boys are getting to attend AWANAS at a local church. I was involved in AWANAS when I was a child and the program is wonderful.

9. My youngest child is coming out of his shell... he is surprising me.

10. My middle child conquered a fear by completing a task that he wanted to quit on.

Ok, that is all for now. Feel free to tell me something you are thankful for this week. I would love to hear it. Blessings all...

I am over at the "A Martha Heart" site today

2011-10-12T13:36:00.000-07:00

I am over at the "A Martha Heart" website today... Stop by for a visit if you can. Click HERE to link up.

Blog Book Review for "Dug Down Deep"

2011-10-06T19:27:00.000-07:00

Recently I signed up to review books for WaterBrook Multnomah and I am so glad I did. My first selection for my complimentary copy was the book "Dug Down Deep" (Building Your Life on Truths That Last) by Joshua Harris. Before I read this book, all I knew about Joshua Harris was that he was the guy "that kissed dating goodbye" :) I didn't realize that he is currently serving as the senior pastor of a church in Maryland, and that he is an amazing author with a gift for writing.

If I had to rate this book I would give it a 5 star rating out of a possible 5 stars. It was that good. Actually I was a little nervous to read this book because it is a book about theology. Words like orthodoxy and doctrine are discussed and better yet explained in this book. I always felt that only theologians could understand doctrine, but Joshua Harris helped me to understand what doctrine is and how I could actually live out the truths that are in God's Word.

Harris breaks down the basics of faith-God, scripture, Jesus, the Cross, salvation, sanctification, the Holy Spirit, and the church (taken from back cover of book). I have been a Christian for over 25 years and I still did not have a knowledge or understanding about some of the things that Joshua Harris explained to me in his book. After reading this book, I actually feel that my faith in God has been strengthened because I now understand key verses in scripture that I had not really understood before. As the title of the book states Joshua Harris wants his readers to "dig deep".

"Dug Down Deep" will be a book that I keep and refer to in the future as I study my Bible. This book is also a great book for Small Group studies because there is a discussion guide with probing questions in the back of the book for every chapter. I would actually love to go through this book as a study with a group of my peers. This book also contains a heavy amount of scripture in it which I think is a must if you were going to use it as a Bible study book in a Small Group.

In closing I think this book will appeal to all readers, not just professing Christians. I say this because Joshua Harris gives his personal testimony about how he began his spiritual journey as an "apathetic church kid" but as a young student developed a burning passion to truly know God. Joshua Harris also is very candid and shares some of his own personal struggles which helps him relate to his readers in an authentic way. I think those people who do not have a faith would find Joshua Harris refreshing. If not refreshing, at least honest and real.

Thank you WaterBrook Multonomah for this wonderful book.

(In exchange for the complimentary copy of this book, I had to write and post a review)

I am over at the "A Martha Heart" site today

2011-09-22T13:38:00.000-07:00

Hey Blog Friends,

Please take a second to click on this LINK and visit the "A Martha Heart" website. I wrote a fun article that is interactive in nature. I would love to have you answer the question I posed today :)

HINT: Think Blue...think "la la la la la la, la la la la la"

Book Sneeze Book Review: "One Call Away"

2011-09-02T15:06:00.000-07:00

I don't know much about football, but I do know who Kurt Warner is. Over the past few years I have heard some stories about his wife, Brenda as well. I know that the Warners are professing Christians and I am always encouraged when people who are well known and in the public eye stand up for Jesus.

In August, Book Sneeze (Thomas Nelson) featured Brenda Warner's new book, "One Call Away" as a choice for bloggers to read and review. Book Sneeze gave me a complimentary copy of Brenda's new book and I in turn had to read and post a review of the book. I am so glad I chose this book for review.

"One Call Away (Answering Life's Challenges with Unshakable Faith)" is a memoir. I always enjoy when I get to read some one's life story from beginning to end (or up to present time)especially when it is a good story. Well, I can tell you Brenda's life is a good story! This book is a page turner, but when I say her life is a good story it is not always because everything in her life was good. Actually it is quite the opposite. Many good things did happen to Brenda Warner, but most of the book and most of her life story is filled with very tragic circumstances.

Just in case you are not familiar with Brenda's story I will not give out too many details in this review as it is better to let the story unfold as you read the book. As I stated above, Brenda's life was filled with many tragic situations, but the best part of this book is that the reader gets to see Brenda's faith in God played out. Her faith was tested many times throughout her life, and even though it wasn't easy, Brenda eventually (sometimes quickly) put her faith in God and her relationship with Jesus Christ. I am not sure she would have survived everything that happened to her (at least mentally) if Jesus had not been the center of her world.

Another thing that I found refreshing about this book was that Brenda really put everything out there for her readers to discover. The good, the bad and the ugly. She was real about her sins and shortcomings (as well as her husband) and she wasn't afraid to admit where she got some things wrong. It felt as if I was invading the Warner's privacy as she shared many of her stories, but I found myself relating to her in many ways. Her authenticity was refreshing in a world that can be "fake" at times.

I could go on about this book and share more of the things that I thought were really great about it , but I will end here and give my full recommendation of Brenda's new book, "One Call Away". It is a must read.

Blessings and thanks again Book Sneeze!!!

"Women of Faith" Recap

2011-08-29T19:27:00.000-07:00

NATALIE GRANT... LOVE HER!!!

ANGIE SMITH-LOVE HER TOO!!!

NICOLE JOHNSON

SHELIA WALSH

MY TRAVELING BUDDY!!!

If someone offered you free tickets to go to a "Women of Faith" conference what would you say? Well I hope that your answer would be a resounding "YES". Book Sneeze (Thomas Nelson Publishing) offered me 2 free tickets to a "WOF" event anywhere in the United States, and I gladly accepted. In return for the complimentary tickets I agreed to write a review of the conference.

I invited one of my good friends to go to the conference with me, and we headed to Indianapolis a couple weekends ago. Before this event, the last time I went to a "Women of Faith" conference was probably about 8 or 9 years ago. I had heard that the original team of speakers (or at least the team I had seen last) had divided up so they could cover more of the United States. Honestly I was a little sad because I wanted to see all the original "WOF" speakers together. However, it didn't take me too long to fall in love with the new "WOF" speakers and realize that nothing was lacking from the conference... NOTHING :)

The theme of this year's conference that I attended was "Imagine". Throughout the entire event that little word "imagine" popped up here and there as the speakers gave their talks. I forgot how much I really enjoyed the "WOF" events, and it didn't take me long to immerse myself in the atmosphere of love and encouragement amongst thousands of women. I laughed out loud and cried more times that I wanted to...Actually that is not true, I LOVE TO CRY :)

I totally love the "WOF" conferences and I highly recommend this event to any woman or man, although a man might feel real out of place :) But before I close I just want to give a little informal shout out to the "Women of Faith" event team.

-Shelia Walsh- Love her, and her rendition of "How Great Thou Art" brought the whole arena to a place of worship.

-Lisa Harper- This was the first time I saw Lisa. She is a wonderful story teller and she is funny (in a good way :)

-Luci Swindoll- Luci is fearless and her whole life has been an adventure. She is honest and she is a hoot. I laughed many times as she spoke.

-Nicole Johnson-I have always enjoyed Nicole as the dramatist of the "WOF" conferences. She is so talented, but I especially loved that at this conference she shared her personal testimony. Nicole Johnson as Nicole Johnson :)

-Angie Smith- This was the first time that I had seen Angie Smith and she was a new speaker to the "WOF" team. Oh my goodness, Angie was delightful and her personal testimony was heart breaking, but through her sorrow God's light shined through. She was witty and it was just a joy to listen to her.

I could go on and on about the conference, but I will stop here. I am already thinking of planning another trip to a "WOF" event in 2012. I need to start saving my dollars and may I suggest that if you are reading this blog entry you should save your money too.

Thanks again Book Sneeze. I had the most wonderful time :)

Tyndale Book Review-"Courageous"

2011-08-12T11:35:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness, I just finished the book "Courageous", and it was FABULOUS!!! If you are thinking, "hey isn't that the name of the new movie coming out in September from the makers of "Facing the Giants" and "Fireproof", then you would be correct. If you have no idea what I am talking about it doesn't matter because this book is wonderful, even if you never see the movie.

Tyndale provided me a complimentary copy of the book, and in turn I must submit a review of the book (Thanks Tyndale). I debated whether or not to read the book, as I was so looking forward to seeing the movie and letting the storyline unfold as I watch the movie. But, curiosity got the best of me and I decided to read the book first. I am so glad I did. Randy Alcorn (author of Heaven) is the author of this book, based on the movie by the Kendrick Brothers. Alcorn states that about 20% was actually taken directly from the script and then he came up with the rest in order to turn it into a novel.

I don't want to give any of the details of the storyline away because I don't want to spoil it for those that are waiting to see the movie first. However, I will say that this book has more twists and turns that will keep your head spinning (in a good way of course). You jump head into the drama of the story in the first few pages, and it keeps getting better and better. I pride myself on being able to figure out a storyline, but this book kept surprising me as the story progressed. Alcorn is a terrific writer, and the Kendrick brothers gave him a great script that he was able to turn into a great book.

If a book can make you cry, then this book will require you to keep a box of tissues near. Don't worry you will smile too as there are some funny moments scattered throughout the dramatic storyline.

The thing that I love the most about this book is that the gospel is presented clearly, and throughout the whole book you are pointed back to Jesus. The book portrays very difficult subject matter, and Alcorn never states that if a person believes in Jesus all his problems will be solved, but he shows that Jesus can walk with us throughout our most difficult times in life and give us peace.

If I had to evaluate what the main theme of this book would be it would be the awesome responsibility of "fathers" in society today. Although the focus is on the role of fathers, this book will speak to all people (women, children, single, married, divorced, lonely, hurting, etc). I highly recommend this book, and now I cannot wait to see the movie.

Thanks again Tyndale for the opportunity to read this book!

Headed to Indy to see Women of Faith

2011-08-08T14:00:00.000-07:00

Hey Blogville,

I am beyond excited that I will be heading to Indy in less than two weeks to see the Women of Faith speakers. Book Sneeze/WOF have graciously supplied me with 2 free tickets and I am beyond thrilled. I will be blogging about my experience at Women of Faith and also will be using Facebook to upload pictures (maybe video snippets) of the event live.

I have been to the WOF conferences several times in the past, but it has probably been about 7 years or more since I have attended a conference. This year the Women of Faith speakers have split up (not the bad split up :) so they can cover more of the United States. What a wonderful idea!!!

There are 2 conferences this year: "Over the Top" and "Imagine". If you are interested in attending a "WOF" event, click on the video link above and you will be directed to their website. Or if you have never attended an event, but are interested in finding out what "Women of Faith" is all about click the video too.

Stay tuned for my recap of the event. Thanks again, Book Sneeze and to the "Women of Faith" organization...

"Extreme Couponing" Update

2011-07-31T10:55:00.000-07:00

Hello Blogville,

Well I figured it was time to check in with you all and let you know how my summer experiment with "couponing" has been going. Ok, you may have noticed that I left out the word "extreme", and I did that for a reason. I now know that I am not cracked up to be an "extreme coupon" person. Actually, I don't think I should use the word "extreme" for anything I choose do in life... My bent is toward obsession, so I should never be extreme :) Ok, I got off on a little rabbit trail there...refocus girl...

Below are things I will take away from my experiment with couponing and I will continue to do these things in my daily life...

- I will clip coupons from the Sunday Paper, but I will try not to keep the coupons I will really never use (IE: contact lens wash-I don't wear glasses :)

-I will look at Sale Circulars, and try to get the best deals on the things my family will use

-I will keep a small stockpile of things that my family uses a lot of (IE: Toiletries) and make sure to purchase those items when they are on sale. Buying in bulk is not a bad thing, and it pays off in the end.

-I will go to more than 1 store in order to get the best deals. I have 1 main store that I get 75% of my items at, but there are 3 other stores that have awesome deals that I will go to when there is a sale on.

-I will make it a habit to not blindly pick up something and buy it without comparison shopping for the best deal and price.

-I will keep visiting the websites that do a lot of the coupon work for me... This pays off big time :)

Well that is all for now... I would love to hear about your coupon experiences too...let me know.

If you missed it the first time...

2011-07-18T08:55:00.000-07:00

Hey Friends...

I am writing over at the "A Martha Heart" website today. If you missed my mini run of "The 21 Day Husband Project" make sure to click here and join the AMH website community.

The 21 Day Husband Project (A Trial Run) Day 5

2011-07-12T06:47:00.000-07:00

Ok Wives...this is the last day of our mini "Husband Project". I hope you have had a little fun with the projects, and that you may have been challenged to love your husband in a variety of different ways. I know I have.

Ok, I will let you know that I am still working on number 4's project :) We have had so much going on in our household that I barely have been able to get family meals on the table, much less a special treat for my hubby. I will work on it though. Alright, onto Day 5's project :)

Remember you can keep it going by purchasing Kathi Lipp's book "The 21 Day Husband Project"...Let me know if you do :)

Project #5
E-flirt.com
Text or E-mail Some Sweet Nothings

“I turn on my computer. I wait patiently as it connects. I go online. My breath catches in my chest until I hear three little words, “You’ve got Mail.” I hear nothing, not a sound on the streets of New York. Just the beat of my own heart… I have mail, from you.”
Meg Ryan as Kathleen Kennedy in “You’ve Got Mail”

Your Project
Send a flirty text or e-mail to your husband.

Getting Creative
 Use an e-card service (hallmark.com or americangreetings.com) to send a cute and flirty note.
 Don’t know how to text? Ask any teenager in the general vicinity.
 Most phones have a camera feature where you can send a photo message. Be sure to keep it G rated so that he doesn’t get in trouble at work.

The 21 Day Husband Project (A Trial Run) Day 4

2011-07-08T07:15:00.000-07:00

Hey Wives... We are almost done with our mini trial of the 21 Day Husband Project. Even though I have not seen many comments, I know that many of you are loving your husbands through these "acts of service" and loving attitudes. Please feel free to jump in here at the blog and let me know how you are doing with the project. After today's project, we will have one more.

So how did I do with Project 3? Actually the idea behind Project 3 has kind of become a way of life for me when it comes to encouraging and affirming my husband... Not because I have always been good at affirming my husband, but actually because I was so bad at it for so many years. Even though I fall short in this area, I have learned how important it is to "lift" up my husband with affirming and encouraging words. I try to say those words to him, but also to others.

So have FUN with Project 4 :)

Project #4

Heart vs. Stomach
A Treat Just for Him

“You can tell a lot about a fellow’s character by his way of eating jellybeans.”
Ronald Reagan

Your Project:
Get a food treat for your husband that he’s not required to share with you or any other family member.

Getting Creative

Stumped for ideas? Here are some thoughts:

Get his favorite pint of Ben & Jerry’s and hide it behind the frozen chicken. Even if you buy it on Tuesday, you’ll have it ready and waiting for his special night later in the week.

Is there a certain cut of meat that your husband loves? How about having the butcher cut something just for him? Most supermarkets will even do the marinade for you – one less thing to think about.

Is there a certain candy that your husband loves from his childhood? Check out www.candywarehouse.com. They have all the nostalgic candy you could want (Black Jack Gum, anyone?) while also carrying any modern favorite you could be looking for.

My husband’s family loves something called “noodles and mashed potatoes” (we lovingly refer to it as “The Starch Fest”). I learned how to make this special dish just for him.

My guy loves the smell of baking almost as much as he enjoys eating the treat. Have some brownies in the oven when he gets home from work or working out. (I know, it negates the workout, but isn’t chocolate always worth it?)

Our friend Scott mentioned that he loves cranberry sauce, but eats it only at Thanksgiving. His wife intentionally made the holiday treat for him this past July.

Are you a wife who is an expert at low-cal salads and other forms of chick-food? Check out The Ultimate Guide to Man Food at www.kathilipp.com for ideas

The 21 Day Husband Project (A Trial Run) Day 3

2011-07-03T14:35:00.000-07:00

Hey Wives...
I sort of completed Project 2... I know that my hubby loves football, and his dream would be for me to go to a game with him...so officially I can't complete the project now, but I will be able to when Football season comes (if it comes :) Hold me accountable Ladies... Here is Project 3...

Project #3

You da’ Man
Spreading Great Gossip About Your Guy

Your Project:
Say something nice about your husband to someone else. Make sure you tell him what you said, and to whom.

Getting Creative
Who are the important people in your husband’s life? Your kids, his parents, his friends? Be intentional about who you chat with when you brag on him – it’s almost as important as actually doing it.

Having a hard time coming up with something? I still brag on my guy for things he did years ago. He loves when I tell the story of how brilliantly he proposed (there were waterfalls and stuffed portabella mushrooms involved…).

Here are some other areas to think about when crafting your brag:

His parenting skills
His patience level
The way he treats your mom
His culinary ability
His job

This is me speaking again...It would also be great if you can say it in front of him to another person...double points...

Let me know how you do...

The 21 Day Husband Project (Trial Run) Day 2

2011-06-28T18:00:00.000-07:00

Hey Blogville... I am hoping that some of you out there are joining me with taking the 21 Day (actually 5) Husband Project challenge. If you missed Day 1's project, look down a post or 2 and read about Day 1's project. I completed Day 1's project today and it was well received.

Basically, Day 1 said to offer your husband a 30 minute down time for himself. 30 Minutes when he could just relax and do whatever he wanted to do. I didn't get to creative with Day 1's project as I just asked my husband if he wanted some down time (time for himself) when he got home home. Real original I know, but it was to the point. I have to interject a little back story here so you will appreciate his response.

In our early years of marriage my hubby would beg me for what he called some "DT" (down time, decompressing time) when he got home from work. You would think that would not be too much to ask, as he only really needed 15 to 30 minutes of time to compose himself after his long day at work. Well, actually it was difficult, as I was a stay at home mom and the first thing I wanted to do when my hubby got home was either pass a child into his hands, or share with him how stressful my day was...Needless to say, we had a rocky road for a long time until we both learned to be giving to each other.

OK, fast forward to today...when I asked him if he would like some "DT" today, he simply told me that he already gets some "DT" with the way our schedule is currently when he gets home...YEAH!!!! He then told me that he appreciated the thought though...another YEAH moment...(I hope I am using the Yeah word right...I mean that I am cheering... I always get that word messed up with the yes word).

Day 1 complete for me...I hope you all have had a chance to complete Day 1 with your husband...if not, go ahead and try to in the next couple of days, but for those of you who are ready for the next project, here it goes...

Project #2
Back in the Day

Do Something He Enjoyed Before You Got Married

“Lust is easy. Love is hard. Like is most important.” ~ Carl Reiner

Your Project:
Initiate an activity that your husband used to love. Whether it’s his favorite hobby, sport, or pastime, it’s time for you to get involved – be his buddy today.

Getting Creative
Many a man’s hobby has gone by the wayside due to matrimony. Is it possible that it’s time you learned to golf or fly fish? Don’t try to beat him, just join him.

Possibly the only thing your husband would enjoy more than playing chess with you is teaching you how to play chess. Ask for a lesson so he can teach you something that he is an expert at (or really loves). Just your willingness to learn will be a huge boost to your guy.

Pick up a magazine about your guy’s now dormant hobby. Ask him questions about why he loves it so much. Learn a couple of technical terms so that you are better able to discuss it.

Do a little research. Find out what the definitive website is on your husband’s favorite subject. Maybe there’s an event in town, a lecture to attend, or a game to watch.

OK Wives... have fun with this one, and make sure to leave me a comment that you completed this task :)

Mayce (regarding your comment)

2011-06-28T17:10:00.000-07:00

Just wanted you to know that I got your comment and I will be praying for your family... Your comment is one reason I share very personally here on my blog...if what I share can be encouraging to another than I feel so extremely blessed...

PS...Wendy, I got your comment too... come back often to visit :)

The 21 Day Husband Project (Sample) Day 1

2011-06-26T09:30:00.000-07:00

Ok Wives... Kathi Lipp assistant sent me a preview of her full book, The 21 Day Husband Project. She is allowing us to complete 5 of the 21 days to see if we want to go for the full challenge. Of course the book will go into much more detail about what the "Project" is and the "why" we should take such a challenge like this. If you want to go ahead and purchase Kathi's book, or try out the mini project here to get an idea of what the book is about.

The original idea of the book is that you would complete the project in 21 consecutive days, but for the mini project I will post a new project every other day, as I know not everyone may be on their computer everyday... Remember to leave a comment and let me know you completed Day 1. Anyone can sign on at anytime...

30 Minutes is All it Takes

Create Some Free Time When He Gets Home
“There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want.”
~Bill Watterson, Calvin and Hobbes

Your Project:
Focus on your husbands transitional 30 minutes today. Would he like to be left alone to rest and rejuvenate, or does he want some undivided attention from you? The point is to let your husband know you value what he does out in the world, and that he has a safe loving place to come home and get refreshed at the end of the day.

Getting Creative
There are plenty of reasons why it might not be easy for you to give your husband some transition time at the end of the day. You need to look at what can work for your relationship. Be creative, like the stories listed below. Brainstorm with your friends until you find a situation that will work for you and your guy.

My friend, Joann, purposely scheduled her daughter’s dance classes twice a week at the same hour that her husband gets home from work. That way, her hubby comes home to an empty house. He gets some quiet, and she gets a more peaceful man.

One husband has his workshop out in the garage. His wife encourages him to go
and hang out there for a while before dinner. (Since starting this arrangement, her
husband has started helping out with the after-dinner clean up. Nice side benefit.)

Crockpots are The Husband Project’s best friend. Set your crockpot to be finished
thirty minutes after your husband gets home from work. Let him know that you
don’t need anything until dinner is ready. Don’t know a crockpot from a flower
pot? Check out the recipes in The Ultimate Guide to Man Food at
www.kathilipp.com

Does your husband already have a great transition routine after getting home?
Find some other little thing to bless that time. Maybe it’s making sure the TV is
available, his favorite sweats are clean and ready to be changed into, or there’s a
cold soda waiting for him in the fridge. It may be so small that he doesn’t even
notice. That’s okay – you’ll know what you did.

What if your husband works from home? Maybe the best way to help him relax is
to ask what he would like the schedule to be. Does he want dinner before or after
he gets some time to recharge? Ask him what would make his night better.

Remember to leave me a comment and let me know that you completed your Day 1 Project (you have 2 days before I post the next challenge)

"Made to Crave" Online Group (RESTART :)

2011-06-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

Hey Ladies...

So I fell off the "Made to Crave" Wagon... Although I have not gone back to my old eating habits, I surely am not progressing. A standstill with maybe a few steps back. Anyhow, I am back. I just signed up at my Gym to take an 8 week challenge in which I will pushed to my limits and held accountable for my choices. The thing is... I know that no 8 Week challenge is going to conquer my addiction to food. As I see it, I could go through this challenge 3 ways...

1. I can go through and grit my teeth and take the 8 week challenge and be successful...maybe some toning up and weight loss will happen. Then 2 weeks later gain all my weight back :(

2. I go through the challenge and totally blow it...become the "loser" of the team.

Or 3. I get back on track with God and draw on His strength to help me use this challenge as one "tool" to get healthy. I pick back up my "Made to Crave" book and follow the Biblical principles of Lysa's book.

I like the third option, so that is what I am going to do. I don't know where you all are with your food choices and healthy living. The lack of comments can make me think that you maybe struggling like I have been...on the other hand you may be doing well, but just have been quiet here at the Group site. Wherever you are I am encouraging you to jump back in and let's do this thing together!!! (The last comment was for my Facebook friends, but as always anyone online can join in with us at anytime)

I will post another set of questions in a couple of days.. I may start over in the "Made to Crave" book...start reading it from the beginning again... A new start!!!

Blessings

The 21 Day Husband Project (A Trial Run)

2011-06-24T12:45:00.000-07:00

Hey Blogville!!! I have a challenge for you all to take if you are interested. A couple days ago I heard Kathi Lipp on Focus on the Family. She was talking about her book "The 21 Day Husband Project". After listening to her speak I was challenged to take her challenge. Here is a snippet of what her book is about... Go to Kathilipp.com for more details...

The Husband Project

Do you feel like your marriage has gone from "I do" to "What did I do?" Recapture the romance that made you and your husband fall in love in the first place. The Husband Project provides 21 days of fun activities to show love and honor to your husband. Kathi Lipp will help you discover:
•Proven ways to return fun and flirting to your marriage.
•Inner assurance to meet your husband's unspoken emotional needs.
•Increased confidence when it comes to meeting your husbands sexual needs.
•New levels of warmth and tenderness in your relationship.
•A deeper sense of security with your husband.
•A greater ability to boost your husband's belief in himself.

Kathi Lipp's assistant sent me a 5 day mini challenge to complete with an online community... If we like the 5 day challenge, then we can go out and buy the book, and then complete the 21 day challenge together and have a celebration at the end of the 21 days.

I am doing this mini challenge with an online Facebook group, but thought to open it up to blogville too. If you are interested, leave a comment and let me know you are on board for the mini challenge (project)... While completing this challenge you can share as much or as little as you want too...just knowing that other women are in this challenge with you will help to keep you going when the "challenges" get tough :)

I am taking this challenge because my husband is in need of some extra encouragement at this stage in his life. Plus when I love my husband well, I am serving God.

I will post the first challenge in a couple of days...let me know if you want to join in :)
Blessings!!!

The Doggy Diaries

2011-06-22T08:34:00.000-07:00

The "Pooper Scooper" Crew loving their job :)

Einstein...

Dear Diary,

I got a puppy on Saturday... My family and I have been looking for the right doggy to join our family for over two years now. Well, we finally found him. He is a little tiny puppy and he is a mix of 4 different dogs...doxie, chihuahua, beagle, spaniel mix. Talk about multiple personalities :) His name is Einstein (Einey for short) and he is adorable. Here are some things I have learned in my 3 days as a doggy owner.

-Having a puppy is HARD WORK...what was I thinking?
-Puppies are cute, but they don't look as cute when they "go" on your floor.
-Puppies can get pretty stinky... I can't wait to get that doggy perfume stuff :)
-Puppies don't always follow all the rules...especially those in listed in the all those "puppy" books.
-Puppies are CUTE and can make you smile real easily.
-There is nothing cuter than watching my boys play with their new puppy.
-Having a puppy is going to help develop responsibility for my boys...for me.
-It is super hard to get up in the wee morning hours to let your puppy out to potty.
-Routine and consistency pay off big time when raising and training a puppy.
-I can take my puppy into the Pet Supermarket store with me and shop...that is so cute :)

I will check back in soon and let you know how Einstein is adjusting to his new life. Or to let you know how I am holding up :)

What I Have Already Learned about "Extreme Couponing"

2011-06-13T21:01:00.000-07:00

Today I am going to share some tips that I have already learned about the world of "couponing". I don't think what I am doing can be considered "extreme" yet, so I will save the adjective for a later post :)

Tips from a Novice

1.Clip coupons. Get your Sunday paper (or two or three) and start clipping.

2. This kind of goes with tip 1. Save the "sale" adds from the stores you frequent so you are aware of the sales going on during the coming week.

3. Print Coupons from the Internet. There are a zillion sites where you can print coupons, but there really are only a few sites that have valid coupons that you can actually use at a store (In another post I will post some of these coupon sites)

4. Find 1 to 3 reputable, established "coupon" websites or blogs that you can utilize to help you with your couponing. Many of these sites do all the hard work for you (matching sales with coupons). I couldn't coupon if I had to do all the work myself...not enough time :)

5. Find a coupon clipping service. They do all the coupon clipping work and you get all the coupons that you would want. The people that run these services cannot charge you for the coupons, but for their time and handling. I used one so and the fees were not bad at all.

6. Take your last 3 or 4 grocery receipts and write down all the items that you purchase on a regular basis. Write down what you pay for that item (or write the average if the price changes from week to week). This is a crucial step...

I normally shop at Walmart, but was challenged when I went to the "Extreme Coupon Class" to try shopping at the grocery store that sponsored the class. They explained that with coupons and sales there would be times I could get the item cheaper at their Grocery store. They were right, but there are some items that I will get a better deal at Walmart. Having written my list I was able to see what items I could get cheaper at Walmart (especially if I use a coupon at Walmart).

What I realized is that I will probably shop at two stores (My local Grocery Store and Walmart), and that is ok for me. I am going for maximum savings when it comes to my groceries.

7. Don't overlook stores like Walgreens and CVS. They have reward programs that can save you money on certain items. I know Walgreens has their own coupons too.

8. Don't buy what you won't use...even if you have a coupon for it. Resist the temptation and only buy what you will use.

9. Don't be afraid to buy ahead, especially when it comes to toiletries and non perishable items. If there is a phenomenal sale, stock up on those items.

10. Get a friend to join you on your journey with couponing.

(I have learned a few more things, but I will stop with my list of 10 today). Please share any tips you have learned about couponing. Or if you are a novice like myself, feel free to ask a question. I might not know the answer, but I am sure I can find an answer :) Next time, I will give you some websites that have helped me on my journey...

Blessings and Saving... :)

My Summer Experiment with "Extreme Couponing"

2011-06-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

Hey Bloggy World...

I am hoping that this summer I will pay more attention to my blog. I think I have noticed a pattern with blogging...many people start out writing all the time, but then after a couple of years they don't write as often. Case in point..ME. Actually for me I have to be careful because I could spend hours and hours on the computer and that would be a waste of precious time for me.

Ok, this post is not about blogging, but about my summer trial run with couponing. It all started after I watched a few episodes of "Extreme Couponing". That show is amazing and always leaves me with my mouth wide opened. The people on the show are very extreme with their couponing and they are able to dedicate way more time to couponing than I will ever be able to do, or would actually want to do. However, the show awakened me to the fact that I could probably do some kind of saving when it comes to my grocery bills, and thus began my journey with couponing.

The thing that really kicked it off for me was an "Extreme Coupon" class that was offered by my local Grocery Store. I was amazed by what I heard, and the speaker that day broke the idea of couponing down so I could get a grasp on it. After the class, I began to think that I could actually do this thing. Not getting $1000 dollars worth of groceries for 47 cents, but maybe, just maybe I could save 25 to 50 percent on my grocery bill.

So I have committed to give this couponing thing my best try for the summer, and when the summer is done I will evaluate and see if "couponing" is something I can sustain without it taking over my life. I have already learned some very cool things and had one trial run to the grocery store in which I saved 50% on my bill. That was exciting...

I don't want to make this post too long, but I will come back here often during the summer to update you on how my journey is going, and to share tips (even though I am a novice). If you coupon, or are interested in beginning your own journey please leave a comment here. It is always more fun to try new things with a "community"...especially an online one :)

Blessings and Savings to you...

Too Much Time Can Be My Enemy...

2011-06-03T13:00:00.000-07:00

Hey Bloggy Friends...

A very weighty title for what is going to be such a short post... Actually all the title means is that summer is here and I have a lot of extra time on my hands since I am not working. I teach and so I have my summers off with my children.

I can tell you that I have plenty to do this summer...Clean, organize, purge my household of things I don't need. Then there is the matter of my children... They of course are the most important priority I have during the summer. I don't want them to waste a whole summer playing video games and just waste away mentally at the same time. This summer I want to invest in them more than I have in the past.

I have plenty of ideas of things I can do with my kids. Things that are not just fun for them, but things that will draw us closer together as a family. This summer I not only want us to draw closer as a family, but I want my kids to draw closer to Jesus. I have fallen short when it comes to investing in my kids spiritually, and as time passes by I see that I have no time to waste.

I am very aware that I can make all these wonderful plans to have the best summer ever and everything could go south. Actually, I realize I need to focus in on one thing this summer and I truly believe all else will fall into place. The Bible says to "seek first the Kingdom of God" and that right there is my answer. I personally must seek God first in everything I do this summer. Seeking Him will help me to focus in on the things that truly need to get accomplished this summer and beyond.

So I am going to leave you with a little list of things I am going to do this summer...sort of like an online accountability, and I will check back in this summer to let you know how I am doing.

-Get up early (before kids) several times a week to spend time with God in prayer and in His Word (my bed doesn't count... I have tried this already)
-Turn off the TV, and seek to fill that time with things that will help me in my walk with Christ
-Limit my time on the computer...like the TV I can get lost in the world wide web...both the TV and computer can be big stumbling blocks for me spiritually

Ok, I know this is a short list, but I don't want to get overwhelmed with a never ending list... I truly believe that if I do these things listed above change will happen.

So what about you??? What are your plans for summer? How will you draw close to Jesus this summer? (If you have never commented before, feel free to leave a comment today :)

17 Years

2011-05-29T07:00:00.000-07:00

Today is my 17th wedding anniversary. 17 YEARS...that is a big number...Almost half of the years I have been alive :) I wanted to write a little post today in honor of my anniversary. Well, really not in honor, but in praise to God for these last 17 years.

Actually, I wanted the title of this post to be "Divorce is not an option". Those were some of the first words that were spoken by myself and my husband that began the healing and saving of our marriage.

Before I begin, I just want to say that if it had not been for God's intervention, my marriage could have ended in divorce. I take no high road here and act like a divorce could never happen to me, but I do believe that as long as my husband and I keep seeking God individually and as a couple we will not head down that path. I could write a book about this subject, but I will only write a little bit of my story today in hopes of encouraging those who might stumble across my blog and take time to read this post.

Like many young couples my husband and I jumped into marriage without thinking everything through...we loved each other and that is all we thought we needed. Boy, were we wrong. Again, I could really go into a lot of details, but I don't want this post to go on and on. The "get to the point" version of this story is that my husband and I both had issues (emotional baggage) that we brought into our marriage. Since this is my story I will focus in on my issues.

I never lived on my own, basically I went right from living with my parents to living as a wife. I was extremely selfish and I didn't have a clue on how to be the wife that God called me to be. Not to mention that I indulged in a steady diet of Hollywood movies from a young age, and that perpetuated the idea of what romance and marriage should be like...A BIG FAIRY TALE with everyone living "happily ever after". Well, "happily ever after" takes a lot of work.

Take all of that, and add a nice helping of "financial woes", and you have a recipe for a marital disaster. Before I go on, I don't want you to think that all of my early years of marriage were bad, actually my husband and I had many enjoyable seasons in our early years. But we were not dealing with the deeper issues, and that in and of itself would come back to wreak havoc in our marriage.

I had said that I wanted to title this post "Divorce is not an option" that is because during our early years the word "divorce" was thrown around by myself and my husband when we were arguing. Half the time I said that word, I didn't really mean it, I just wanted to hurt my husband or maybe at some level I just wanted out of the conflict, but not out of my marriage. I think I hoped that if I said that word, my husband would suddenly wake up and act more loving toward me, or at least do what I wanted him to do. However, I never realized the damage that came from both of us throwing the word "divorce" around so easily. Not until God opened my eyes to the damage that word could cause.

During those early years, God opened my eyes to many things. One of the biggest things God showed me was that I needed to look in the mirror and stop trying to change my husband. Changing my husband was not my job, but God's job. During that time, I realized that using the word "divorce" was a destructive force in our marriage. I remember one time sitting down with my husband and having the discussion about us not using the word "DIVORCE" anymore. Even if we didn't know what to do to solve our problems, we knew that we would be together figuring it out.

It is time to bring this post to an end, but I have to say that it wasn't the fact that my husband and I stopped using the word "divorce" that saved our marriage. It was that fact that during those early years, I stopped focusing in on changing my husband and sought God to help me change, and God got a hold of my husband's heart as well and changed his heart. God was changing my husband and changing me, and at the same time He was healing and saving our marriage.

17 years later... my husband and and I are still fighting, but not in a bad way...we are fighting for our marriage. We are far from perfect, but we are committed to each other. We have a good marriage that is thriving, and I know that is because God came into our marriage and into both of our hearts and changed us forevermore.

Today on my anniversary I am reminded of God's goodness and God's power to save anyone or anything. Thank you God... You are Life and Love...

Made to Crave Monday (Online Group Meeting 4)

2011-05-28T19:30:00.000-07:00

Hey "Made to Cravers". I am back. Sorry it took me so long to get to this week's post. The end of the school year came fast and furious and it never seemed like I had a free moment to post a new set of questions. OK, enough excuses...I am back and ready to finish strong.

Since we have not "met" in over a month, let's do catch up for this week. Personally I have not been doing as good as I had been a month ago. My take on that is that I took my eyes off God as the source of breaking my food addiction, and treated this journey like a diet. Along that same line, after having some success I got into the mindset that I was doing OK, and thus I slacked off on my commitment to becoming free from my food addiction. So, here is to a fresh start...

To my Facebook Group...Make sure to answer this week's questions and hopefully we will get back on our regular weekly discussions. As always, if you drop by my blog and want to join the weekly "Made to Crave" online group, please leave a comment and let us know you are on board with us.

Questions

1. Since we have been on a little break, let's do catch up. Tell me where you are right now on your journey (whether it is breaking the bond of food addiction, or becoming more healthy with your food choices).

2. Have you been reading Lysa's book? If so, how far are you into the book? Anybody finished? What have you been learning from the book? Or like me, did you stop reading for awhile? Are you ready to pick up the book again?

OK, I am keeping the questions simple this week so that we can make a fresh start with this group. Can't wait to see what you all have been doing.

Blessings...

Tyndale Review for "unPlanned" DVD

2011-05-06T17:00:00.000-07:00

Click HERE to be directed to a trailer for the DVD...

Recently I was asked if I wanted to participate in Tyndale's Blog Tour for the new DVD "unPlanned", and I instantly said yes because I love to watch any DVD that will encourage me in my Christian walk. Tyndale sent me a complimentary copy of the new DVD titled, "unPlanned", and I in turn must write a review of the DVD on my blog. "unPlanned" is a documentary about Abby Johnson, a clinic director of a Planned Parenthood in Texas. Abby made national news when she left her position as director of Planned Parenthood to join the right-to-life- movement.

I have heard Abby Johnson speak on a couple of Christian radio stations over the last year, but I did not follow her story as it was happening. The "unPlanned" DVD is a Focus on the Family production so I felt that I could definitely trust the views presented in the film. As mentioned, I did have a little bit of knowledge about Abby's story from listening to her on Christian radio programs, but I did not really grasp the whole story until I watched the DVD. I really enjoyed the DVD, and I loved how Abby authentically shared her life story in this documentary. She shares much of her own past that lead her up to her decision to pursue a career with Planned Parenthood, and how she dealt with some of the doubts and questions she had during that time.

One of the things that impressed me was how Abby interacted with the employees from "The Coalition for Life" organization (Pro-Life). In this documentary you will see interviews with the people that were involved with "Coalition for Life", and they discuss how they built a relationship with Abby over many years as she worked for Planned Parenthood. I like that you get to get a glimpse of what some Pro-Life organization are really about, as so many negative views are out there about Pro-Life movements that are radical and the people, judgmental. You will see that the "Coalition for Life" organization reached out to women and wanted to love and encourage them by sharing God's love with them. They fought for the life of unborn children, but they also loved and cared for the women and employees that were at Planned Parenthood.

Overall, I think this DVD was very good and it would be great to watch individually or in a small group. I could even see this resource being used in a Church for the whole congregation, especially those churches that are involved with Pro-Life ministries.

Tyndale has so graciously agreed to give an "unPlanned" dvd away here at my blog. All you have to do is leave a comment and a way to reach you, and I will randomly pick one person next Friday (the 13th) to win the DVD.

If you are interested, there will be an Unite for LIFE free webcast featuring Abby Johnson on May 17 at 8:00 P.M. (in all time zones) at the website, www.uniteforlifewebcast.org . This webcast will benefit pregnancy care organizations and you will be able to purchase "unPlanned" resources at that time. 33% of all purchases will be donated to several crisis pregnancy organizations.

Again, make sure to leave a comment to enter the giveaway for a free "unPlanned" DVD.

Blessings...

Movie Review

2011-04-27T16:00:00.000-07:00

Click HERE to see my movie review for the new Faith based film "What if...". I wrote the review for the A Martha Heart Website. Blessings...

Check out my article at the AMH website...

2011-04-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

I wrote an article at the A Martha Heart website today...click here to be directed to the site. I have been writing about my journey to become spiritually free from food addiction at the AMH website as well as here at my own blog.

Blessings all...

"Quotes" from Max Lucado (Fear and Temptation)

2011-04-23T14:00:00.000-07:00

This quotes (or sections) are from Max Lucado's newest book, "Max on Life"...

(This section is actually from his book "Fearless", but is stated again in his new book)

When fear shapes our lives, safety becomes our god. When safety becomes our god, we worship the risk-free life. Can the safety lover do anything great? Can the risk-averse accomplish noble deeds? For God? For others? No. The fear filled cannot love deeply. Love is risky. They cannot give to the poor. Benevolence has no guarantee of return. The fear-filled cannot dream wildly. What if their dreams sputter and fall from the sky? The worship of safety emasculates greatness. No wonder Jesus wages such a war against fear.

Lately I would describe myself as being in a dry season in my Christian walk...a wilderness of sorts. When I read this quote from Max Lucado in his new book, I took note. Below is an excerpt from Max's new book and it has to do with temptation.

In the wilderness you think the unthinkable.... (Max then mentions about Jesus being tempted) And "one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust" (James 1:14 NASB). Temptation carries you and entices you. What was unimaginable prior to the wilderness becomes possible in it. A tough marriage can make a good man look twice at the wrong woman. Extended sickness makes the stoutest soul consider suicide. Stress makes the smokiest nightclub smell sweet. In the wilderness you think the unthinkable.

For that reason the wilderness is the maternity ward for addictions. Binge eating, budget-busting gambling, excessive drinking, pornography-all short-term solutions to deep-seated problems. Typically they have no appeal, but in the wilderness you give thought to the unthinkable.

I have struggled in both of these areas, and thought it would be beneficial to share what Max wrote here at my blog...

Book Sneeze Book Review- "Max on Life"

2011-04-18T20:33:00.000-07:00

I just received Max Lucado's newest release from the Thomas Nelson publishing company (Book Sneeze). Thomas Nelson has given me a complimentary copy of the book, and in exchange I have to write a review of the book. Well, I have reviewed several Max Lucado books, and when his newest book "Max on Life" came out I knew I wanted to review this book as well.

Max's newest book is a compilation of questions that he has received from people throughout his years as a pastor and author. Max tackles 172 of those questions and the questions are divided up into 7 different categories (Hope, Hurt, Help, Him/Her, Home, Haves/Have-Nots, Hereafter). Lucado has truly been given a gift from God when it comes to his writing. He paints pictures with his words and is a master storyteller. Even though this book feels more like a question and answer session, you still get to see Max at his best as he answers questions from people just like you and me.

Lucado fans will really enjoy this book, and those that are not familiar with Max's books will probably like this one because of the variety of topics covered in the book. Lucado does his best to answer the questions that are asked of him according to the Bible. Some of the questions that are in the book are those "tough" life questions that are hard to answer, but Max does answer them. However, Max's answers are short and to the point. They are encouraging, but for those tough questions one should seek God's Word for the answers.

I thank Book Sneeze and Thomas Nelson once again for allowing me to review this new book, and I would definitely recommend you buy it if you are looking for a good book to read. We all have questions in life and I am sure that you will find at least one question you have been wanting to ask someone in Max's newest release.

Made to Crave Monday (Online Group Meeting 3)

2011-04-04T19:35:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Week 3 of our "Made to Crave" online study. I waited to post this session so some of my friends could catch up from the last 2 weeks :) Life sure does get busy at times... I have just so thoroughly enjoyed reading the answers to the last two group sessions. There are some amazing women that are taking this journey with me, and I feel so blessed to lead this group. If you are visiting this blog and reading this post for the first time (or tenth time) feel free to join this online group, and to join in on the weekly discussions. All you have to do is just leave a comment. Also, if you have been reading any of these online posts, but have just felt a little shy to join in, go ahead and take the plunge and jump in on the discussion this week...the more the merrier :) Facebook girls...you know what to do (remember feel free to go back and answer any questions you did not get to answer...it is never too late) OK, onto Week 3's questions. QUESTIONS WEEK 3 1. In chapter 3, Lysa talks about getting a "PLAN" in place that works for you...preferably a healthy plan :). Currently, do you have any kind of plan in place when it comes to eating and developing a healthy lifestyle overall? If you answered "no", why not? If you answered "yes", tell us about your plan and if it is working for you, or does it need to be revamped? 2. In chapter 4, Lysa talks about accountability... This online group is a form of accountability, but it cannot replace having an actual person in your life that holds you accountable when it comes to your healthy eating plan (or shall I say healthy living plan)? Do you TRULY have someone in your life that holds your accountable when it comes to your food issues/addiction? If you answered "yes", please share a couple of ways your accountability person helps you? If you answered "no", is it because you don't want an accountability person in your life, or is it that you just have not found a person that can help you as of yet? 3. Please share one victory you have had since you started this group or started reading Lysa's new book. (Remember this is a spiritual battle, so please don't forget to share those victories as well) OK, we will stop at 3 questions this week. For homework, make sure to read Chapters 5 and 6 before our next session. Remember feel free at anytime to go back and answer any week's questions that you may have missed. Blessing to you, and remember as Lysa says, "We were made to crave God, not food" :)

At the "AMH" website... a letter to my younger self...

2011-03-29T17:03:00.001-07:00

I wrote an article for the "A Martha Heart" website yesterday. My challenge was to write a note to my younger self... I chose to write a letter to myself when I just had been married... Life was crazy back then, but God had a plan to intervene in my life... I sure needed Him...I still do need Him.

Click here to be directed to the article...

Blessings

"Made to Crave" Monday (Online Group Meeting 2)

2011-03-15T14:30:00.001-07:00

Hey All!!!

Welcome to Group session 2 of our online "Made to Crave" study. Currently I have 11 people participating...if you come across this blog and you want to join in, feel free. Just leave your answers in the comment section of this post. Everyone is welcome :) We are all on a journey to be spiritually free from our food issues/addictions.

To my Facebook friends...you have all just blown me away with your honesty and your incredible stories. I am so excited about this group, and my hope is that we all find true freedom in Christ when it comes to our food issues.

Below are this week's questions and homework. Make sure to post your answers in the comment section, or for my FB friends, you can post directly on our group page.

QUESTIONS

1. Go back to last week's post and read all the answers from the group members. Which person do you relate with this most? Or which person's story touched or encouraged you the most? (Please explain why)

2. Currently, what is your number one biggest struggle when it comes to your food issues/addiction?

3. Lysa Terkeurst has said many times that her book "Made to Crave" is not a "how to" book on eating and dieting, but she talked about our "want to" when it comes to breaking our food addiction. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being definitely a yes) how would you rate your "want to" when it comes to truly being free in the area of food issues?

4. If you have joined this group you are already willing to admit your struggle with food is a spiritual issue (or at least that is the direction you are heading)...Lysa talked about how she prayed over and over when she was tempted by food...crying out to God for help. Are you at a point where you are willing to take steps and fight this battle spiritually by praying to God when you are feeling weak or tempted by food.

Ok, I really could go on with more questions, but I don't want anyone to get bogged down with answering to many questions :)

Your homework this week is to read chapter 3 and 4 of "Made to Crave". Blessings and remember this group is open to anyone who wants to join...you can also answer anonymously if you don't want to leave your name or website address.

Blessings Friends... See you back here next Monday for another session :)

Journalin' the Journey (#2)

2011-03-13T10:35:00.001-07:00

Hey Friends...

As mentioned before I decided to document or "journal" my journey to become spiritually free from food addiction. This journey began the first week of January when I got back from Florida (You can read my first post if you would like by clicking here). For this post I decided to write about my victories and defeats while on this journey :)

I will start with the "defeats" (or at least I think they are defeats) so I can end on a good note.

-I think my biggest "defeat" is that I am still prone to try to battle this addiction in my own strength...treating it like a diet rather than a whole new way of thinking and eating. I have not yet really transferred this battle to the Lord and let Him help me. I know that He is faithful and will help me if I ask.

- I have such messed up thinking when it comes to food that I am still letting the scale tell me how I am doing. As Lysa Terkeurst reminded me in her book, "Made to Crave", the scale can only tell me how much I actually weigh (the number), but it doesn't tell me who I am in Christ. When I step on the scale at times, it makes me feel like a failure, and in Christ I am not a failure.

-Although I have radically changed the way I eat (at least I think it is radical) I am still struggling with portion control and eating when I am not hungry. I think this happens because as I mentioned above, I am not seeking God to help me with these very practical issues.

OK, I could name some more, but now onto the "victories"...

-I have radically changed the way I eat. For now I have given up sweets (not including fruit) because they are such triggers for me. I have had sweets, but only a few times in the last two months.

-I have pretty much not had "fast food" since January. I don't think I have had any french fries from a fast food place :) French Fries are huge trigger for me, and I know they are not a healthy choice for me. When my family has gone to fast food places, I have made the healthier choices from the menus.

-I am trying to eat more fruits and veggies. I have been taking fruit to my workplace and having fruit instead of the sweet and salty treats that my kiddies bring to school.

-I have been exercising :) I enrolled in a "bootcamp" class and have been pushing myself beyond what I have normally done in the past.

-Since January I have lost about 10 pounds... At times I have seen this as a defeat because in my past I have lost about double the weight when I have been on a diet in the same time frame. However, it is truly a victory because I am doing this the right way this time. My goal is not only weight loss this time around, but complete healing of my mind... I want to be free from food addiction once and for all... I know this is possible with Jesus leading me.

I guess I will stop here for now, and will check in again in the next couple of weeks.

Blessings and remember you can be free from any addiction or struggle if you let Jesus help you in the battle :)

Courageous - In Theaters September 30

2011-03-08T14:14:00.000-08:00

Courageous - In Theaters September 30

The preview is finally here... Click link above to be directed to preview...

"Made to Crave" Monday (Online Group -Meeting 1)

2011-03-06T19:23:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the "Made To Crave" Online Group. This is our first "meeting", and anyone who visits this site is welcome to participate. If you are in the Facebook Group, feel free to comment here at my blog as well. Let's get started...

Every Monday I will write and post a new entry for our "MTC" group. You have one whole week to read the chapters in the book, and to answer the questions that are posted here at my website. I will keep the instructions simple today...if you have any questions about this group, please feel free to leave a comment here at my blog, or visit me on my Facebook account.

Meeting 1 "Made to Crave" Online Group

Questions

1. Why are you joining this group?

2. How long have you dealt with food issues (addiction)?

3. What is one thing you hope to gain after reading Lysa Terkeurst's book "Made to Crave"?

Ok, I don't want to overload you with questions this week, so we will stop at 3. This week's homework is to read chapters 1 and 2 of Made to Crave.

Make sure to leave your answers in the "comment" section of this post. You don't have to have a blog to leave a comment. To my Facebook gals, you can either leave a comment here at my blog with the answer to the questions, or you can leave your answers on our Made to Crave Group on Facebook...just make sure to leave your answers somewhere :)

Blessings, and remember as Lysa always says "we were made to crave God, not food".

95 Reasons

2011-03-04T15:42:00.000-08:00

95 Reasons from Highland Christian Church on Vimeo.

Powerful and convicting video... I have committed so many of these sins...

Journalin' the Journey

2011-02-19T11:21:00.000-08:00

Recently I wrote a post titled, "The Freedom Dance" for the "A Martha Heart" website. I am blessed to be one of many online contributors at the AMH site. My post was about my commitment with the Lord to be free from my food addiction. Currently I would not classify myself as free from my addiction to food, but I am making progress everyday toward that goal.

I decided that I would do a monthly post about my journey to become free from food addiction at the AMH website, but I also decided that I wanted to do something similar here at my personal blog. I plan to be more in depth here at my blog about how my journey to freedom is going. My blog is like my journal (well except the fact that anyone on the web can read it :), so I want to document the process of becoming spiritually free from my food addiction.

So for today's post I just want to journal about the "why" I decided it was time to break free from my lifelong addiction to food.

(In no particular order)

-I have not been overweight my whole life, but I feel like this food issue started with me when I was very young. I feel like I have been on some kind of diet since my early teens.

-I want to be a good example to my kids. I can see that at least one or two of my kids may fight this same battle as they age.

-My mom and dad have heart issues. My mother had quadruple bypass surgery about 2 years ago. She then suffered mini strokes and had to have surgery on her carotid arteries as they were both almost 100% blocked. It runs in my family :(

-Recently I had a blood test done for some insurance type issues and it came back that my cholesterol level was at a 255 which is very high. That scared me to death.

-I am overweight. I think by today's health standards I even classify in the obese range :(

-I don't have a lot of energy... I feel tired a lot of the time.

The things I mentioned above weigh heavy on my mind, but I think the reasons I will list below are the bigger reasons why I decided that I want to be free from my food obsession.

-I am in disobedience to God when I choose food over Him. I feel like He has been so gracious to me and has given me a lifetime to make changes, and I keep choosing food. To be honest I have not ever really wanted to truly surrender this issue to God...at least 100% surrender (isn't that the only kind of surrender there is??)

-The battle in my mind over food is so exhausting and relentless. It is an all out WAR!!! I have been dealing with this mental bondage for so long that I know I am not thinking correctly or truthfully when it comes to this addiction.

-Jesus paid the price for my freedom, and I want to be Free!!! I don't know what freedom will completely look or feel like, but I know currently I am not there.

There are probably more reasons that I could list, but for today's post I will stop here. Again, I am not sure how this whole journey will play out, but I know that it has begun (I started this journey around the first week of January).

On my next post, I will write about the "how" I began this journey, and the "what" I am doing to become free.

Blessings...

Tyndale Blogger Book Review- "Coming Back Stronger"

2011-02-17T19:19:00.000-08:00

I received a complimentary copy of the book, "Coming Back Stronger" written by Drew Brees from Tyndale. In exchange for the book I am to write a review of it on my site and another consumer site. Being that this book was about football, I decided to give this book to my husband and let him read and review it. He is passionate about football, so I thought he would do a better job at writing this particular review. See review below...

“Coming Back Stronger” by Drew Brees

As a huge football fan and a man who considers himself to being a man in the pursuit of the “heart of God”, I found this book to be a good read from a spiritual standpoint, and an incredible read from a “football and life” perspective. It covers the life story of Drew Brees from childhood to where his life has taken him to this point, is well written and edited, and will appeal to the sports enthusiast.

First, from a spiritual standpoint, I found if uplifting to see the many references to God and the relationship that was forged through the many, many trials and tribulations that Drew has endured throughout his lifetime. While a couple of the statements can leave the reader questioning whether they are sound in terms of doctrine and meeting the test of truth against what the Bible states, these are few and far between, and an indication of a man who is clearly and openly learning on his journey with God (as any honest Christian would hopefully admit the same).

Second, from a football standpoint, this book cannot be beat! I remember nearly every game that was mentioned in this book (especially the ones against my beloved Tampa Bay Buccaneers), and it was so neat to be immersed in those games once again from a first person perspective. At times the cliches can be a tad redundant, but for any person who has a passion for football, this book is a must read! One word of caution: Should you buy this book for someone, make sure they are pretty knowledgeable in the game of football. My wife tried to read the book and was lost after only three pages. This book goes full bore into football terminology such as offensive and defensive sets, play reads, formation coverages, call cadence, etc. If you don't have an intermediate to advanced knowledge of football, you could become lost in some of the verbiage quite quickly.

Finally, from a life perspective, Drew opens up a lot into what has made him the Super Bowl winning, Pro Bowl quarterback who he is today. He doesn't shy away from talking about the deepest days of his life, whether it be the shoulder separation and severe damage he suffered on his throwing arm, his dysfunctional childhood, or, most of all, the death of his mother from suicide. He mentions the light-hearted and funny pursuit of his wife, and the joy of being a father. Many other things are covered that are too numerous to mention in this short review, but it leaves the reader feeling that Drew is a person just like you and me, and would be someone who would have a genuine conversation with you should you run into him without looking down on you or conveying a sense of superiority.

In conclusion, I would highly recommend this book to any sports minded fan who enjoys football. While it may not be for everyone, it is well written and a good read to be encouraged, motivated, and challenged by. I would rate it an 8 out of 10, and not shy away from telling others to invest the time in reading it!

Link to "The Freedom Dance"

2011-02-15T17:12:00.000-08:00

I wrote an article for the A Martha Heart Website today. Click here to see my article titled, "The Freedom Dance".

Blessings...

The "Name"

2011-02-02T16:53:00.001-08:00

Can you believe that a month has already gone by in 2o11? It is scary how time truly does fly (especially since I turned 40 this past November :) I surely was hoping to be a little more regular with my blog postings, but it seems that 2011 has been awfully busy so far, but today I have a moment and I wanted to get some thoughts organized into some kind of post.

Last month, I had the privilege of listening to several teachers/pastors via the web. The conference was the Passion 2011 in Atlanta. Now I don't live in Atlanta, but I was able to listen live during all the main sessions on the web. I listened to sessions from Francis Chan, John Piper and Louie Giglio. I was encouraged and challenged by all three of these sessions, but one session really stuck with me. It was Louie's message...

I will not be able to perfectly retell everything that Louie said, but the main point of his talk was to remind us that we (Christians) are representing the Name of Jesus. Louie mentioned that in today's society the word "Christian" doesn't really even stand out anymore. He is right, I see people today throw that word around very easily. Many people would call themselves a Christian just because they either go to church, or maybe they believe in God (without actually having a relationship with Him). Even in my own life when I tell people I am a Christian it really doesn't evoke a response from them.

On the other end of the spectrum when people hear the word "christian" they may think of people who have not represented Jesus they way Christians are called to do. They may think of Christians as "hypocrites" or they may have a vision of the many christian people that have "fallen from grace".

Louie also mentioned that today's society is OK when we talk about God, but it is a whole different story when we mention the name of Jesus. I find that statement to be true in my life as well. Mentioning the name of Jesus takes a conversation to the next level. I realize that I too do not always mention the name of Jesus when I am talking about spiritual things with others. I have to think that at times I may not specifically talk about Jesus because I know that mentioning the name of Jesus changes everything...

So after listening to Louie's message I was challenged with the question, "Am I representing Jesus the way I am called to-to a world that so desperately needs to know the One that can set them free???" I don't want to sink back and be afraid to talk about Jesus... He had given His all for me, and for me not to give my all to him is a sin.

Jesus, I need You... I love you, even though I know my love for you is still so little, but I know the more I seek to know You the more I will love You. The more I know you the less I will fear what people say and think of me. The world needs You!!! I need You... May I represent You the way you are to a world that so needs You Jesus ...

I leave you today with this question... How are you representing the name of Jesus????

The Mommy Interviews (The last one)

2011-01-21T13:32:00.000-08:00

Well, here is the last of my mommy interviews...this one comes right from the mouth of my youngest...the baby, although he is not a baby any longer :)

1. What is something Mommy always says to you?
I love you (I love that all my boys gave this response to this question)

2. What makes Mommy happy?
Kissing (really???)

3. What makes Mommy sad?
Fighting

4. How does Mommy make you laugh?
Tickling

5. What was Mommy like as a child?
A girl (I like this answer :)

6. How old is Mommy?
39, am I right?

7. How tall is Mommy?
(puts his hand on my head and says “Big”)

8. What is Mommy's favorite thing to do?
Work

9. What does Mommy do when you're not around?
Teach your kids

10. If Mommy becomes famous, what will it be for?
Beautiful ( I love this answer too)

11. What is Mommy really good at?
Teaching

12. What is Mommy not very good at?
Playing (maybe he was referring to my Wii skills)

13. What does Mommy do for her job?
Teach

14. What is Mommy's favorite food?
Broccoli

15. What makes you proud of Mommy?
Kissing (not sure where this is coming from)

16. If Mommy were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Spongebob

17. What do you and Mommy do together?
Play

18. How are you and Mommy the same?
Eyes

19. How are you and Mommy different?
Hair

20. How do you know Mommy loves you?
Because you kiss me (what is with this kissing theme??)

21. Where is Mommy's favorite place to go?
Store

The Mommy Interviews (Part 2)

2011-01-19T14:25:00.001-08:00

This second interview is from my oldest son...He is almost 12 :)

1. What is something Mommy always says to you?
I love you

2. What makes Mommy happy?
Being with my family

3. What makes Mommy sad?
Leaving my family

4. How does Mommy make you laugh?
By telling jokes

5. What was Mommy like as a child?
You were a little girl (makes sense to me :)

6. How old is Mommy?
40 (Dang...all my kids know my real age...)

7. How tall is Mommy?
I believe you are over 6 feet

8. What is Mommy's favorite thing to do?
Read your Bible (I want this to be true...)

9. What does Mommy do when you're not around?
Go to school and teach

10. If Mommy becomes famous, what will it be for?
Be for memorizing the Bible (my favorite answer of all)

11. What is Mommy really good at?
Teaching

12. What is Mommy not very good at?
Eating healthy (ouch..this is the second time this answer came around... in my defense, I have been talking about this a lot lately...)

13. What does Mommy do for her job?
Teach preschoolers

14. What is Mommy's favorite food?
Spaghetti

15. What makes you proud of Mommy?
Being with you

16. If Mommy were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Candace from Phineas and Ferb

17. What do you and Mommy do together?
Eat dinner with each other

18. How are you and Mommy the same?
We are in the same family

19. How are you and Mommy different?
Well, “I’m a boy and mom’s a woman (good observation Moose)

20. How do you know Mommy loves you?
Because you love me with all your heart

21. Where is Mommy's favorite place to go?
Your school

The Mommy Interviews

2011-01-16T17:15:00.000-08:00

I saw this interview on another blog and decided to copy it because it looked fun. Plus, I wanted to see what my kids think about me. I think this interview is geared toward younger children, but I thought it would still work with my kids. I will post all 3 of my children's responses to this interview over the next couple of days...

This is from my darling middle child-9 years old (I don't think he was totally in the mood to do this interview, but he did complete it) On some questions I wrote my own comments in parentheses...

1. What is something Mommy always says to you?
I love you.

2. What makes Mommy happy?
Being together with family

3. What makes Mommy sad?
Being alone

4. How does Mommy make you laugh?
By staring at me

5. What was Mommy like as a child?
I don’t know, I was not born yet

6. How old is Mommy?
40 ( I wish he didn't know this answer :)

7. How tall is Mommy?
11.5

8. What is Mommy's favorite thing to do?
Watch TV (Ouch)

9. What does Mommy do when you're not around?
Wash and clean the floor

10. If Mommy becomes famous, what will it be for?
I don’t know what that means

11. What is Mommy really good at?
Writing

12. What is Mommy not very good at?
Trying to stay healthy (double ouch...actually I have been talking about this lately to the kids...I promise I am not justifying myself :)

13. What does Mommy do for her job?
Teach class

14. What is Mommy's favorite food?
Doughnuts (totally not true)

15. What makes you proud of Mommy?
Doing the laundry

16. If Mommy were a cartoon character, who would she be?
I don’t know

17. What do you and Mommy do together?
Math

18. How are you and Mommy the same?
We both love each other

19. How are you and Mommy different?
We have different hobbies

20. How do you know Mommy loves you?
Because you help me out

21. Where is Mommy's favorite place to go?
Smokey Bones

Made to Crave : God Made You Wonderful

2011-01-05T12:24:00.000-08:00

I am about to begin this study with a group of friends...can't wait :)

Book Sneeze Review (In Constant Prayer)

2011-01-04T13:27:00.000-08:00

The latest book that I chose to review for Book Sneeze (Thomas Nelson) was "In Constant Prayer" by Robert Benson. This book is one in a series of books called "The Ancient Practices Series". Book Sneeze provides the book to me at no charge if I will write a review and post it on my blog and another consumer site. Thank you Thomas Nelson publishers.

I was drawn to this book at first because of the title. In the Bible we are told to "pray without ceasing", so when I saw the title I figured that this book would help me discover what praying without ceasing really means. The book does address this subject, but actually focuses in on a pattern for worship called the "daily office" (aka: daily prayer, divine office, canonical hours, etc). I had never heard of the daily office before as it is not commonly (or at all) practiced in my particular church denomination. In the book, it states the daily office "roots" are from the early Church, and many people that did not grow up with such a practice are very interested in it today.

Again most of the information in this book was foreign to me as I did not come from a church background with such traditions like the daily office, but I tell you after reading this book I see that a practice such as the daily office is not limited to a certain church background. After reading Benson's book I am very interested in learning more about this early church practice. There is too much information for me to share in a book review, but I would encourage all Christians to at least read through this book to see if the practice of the daily office would be something they would want to add to their spiritual practices and prayer life.

Benson's writing is very easy to read, and his transparency and honesty add to the appeal of the book. He writes just enough for you to understand the about the "daily office", but this book is a first step if one wants the daily office to become part of their daily disciplines. Benson doesn't make big promises that if one practices the daily office that there will be all these supernatural answers to prayers, although there might be. That is up to God. But he does mention how it will change us because we are taking time to honor God and give Him the praise He is due. In my opinion, Benson implies that the daily office is not another spiritual practice that is about us, but it really is about God. He becomes our focus. I don't know if that what Benson was trying to say, but that is what I took from his book.

I am planning on reading and finding out more information about the "daily office" and I could see that this practice may become a part of my daily routine and quiet time. I recommend this book to anyone searching for a deeper relationship with God. Read it and see what the Lord may speak to you about this practice.

I'm Still Alive (and some words about turning 40)

2010-12-11T08:17:00.000-08:00

Hey Bloggy Friends (I am not sure I have any left, due to my horrible lack of blog postings :)

Rule number one of blogging is that you actually write something on the blog. When I started blogging I felt like I was writing something everyday, but life has caught up with me and I can't write as much as I would like. Actually, it isn't so much that life has caught up with me, but that I am wanting to be intentional when I write here on the blog. I have always said that this is my journal, and I very much write like this is a journal...with no worries about grammar and punctuations (thus my love of multiple periods after every sentence...) So back to intentionality... I recently turned the big 40, and it really has had me thinking deeply.

(Take a peek into my deep thoughts) OK, so the average lifespan today is between 70-80 years. Of course a lifespan is not determined by statistics made up by men, but by God, but the reality of life is that no one lives forever. So with looking at the average lifespan, you could say statistically that I have lived about half of my earthly years. That thought in and of itself really stuck with me, and it has caused me to do some evaluating of my life. There are so many things that I want to do...not bucket list kind of stuff, but to me heavy duty life stuff.

-Witness to that friend that I have known forever
-Have that conversation with that family member that I have been wanting to have for years
-Be intentional with being a good neighbor to my neighbors...not good in the world's sense of thinking, but good so that a door may open so I can share Christ with them
-Really learn what it means to fast and pray
-Actually I really need to learn what it means to pray first

OK, so you get the idea... Turning 40 has made me realize that I can't keep putting these things off hoping to do them one day. I must be intentional now with the time that God has given me...each day of life is to be lived for Him fully. I have lived a lot of my life for me, and not for Him and I don't want to do that anymore.

Well, it is time for me to go, but I said all of this to say that in 2011 (God willing) I want to be intentional with everything I do, that includes this blog. This blog has been for me in so many ways, but if it is something I should continue to do I want to turn the focus more on God and how He is working in my life...that is the title of my blog after all (To Know Him)...

Blessings friends, and may you seek and find Jesus this Christmas season and beyond...

New book from Lysa Teukeurst

2010-11-23T14:39:00.000-08:00

I can't wait to read this book :) I love Lysa's ministry...

Writing at "AMH" today...

2010-11-17T18:55:00.000-08:00

Click here to see my post at the "A Martha Heart" website. I reviewed 3 Christian movies in my post.

Blessings, and stay tuned as I have a couple of posts to write about turning 40 last week :)

My Family...

2010-11-05T14:02:00.001-07:00

BookSneeze Review: DVD "The Least Among You"

2010-10-30T16:04:00.000-07:00

I was so excited to review a DVD from BookSneeze (Thomas Nelson) this time around. I love faith based movies, so when I saw that a DVD was available for review I jumped at the chance. The DVD that I reviewed was a movie titled, "The Least Among You". This movie is inspired by a true story about a man named Richard Kelly (Dr. Charles Marks).

Richard was arrested in the 1965 Watts Riots. In order to get out of prison he had to serve his probation at an all white seminary. I won't give you the rest of the story, but the movie deals with the issues of racism, abuse and forgiveness. Ultimately, the movie shows the journey of how Richard comes to really know and accept God's will for his life.

This movie was really good. There are well known actors in this movie, such as Louis Gossett, Jr., Lauren Holly and William Devane. I do not really know the actor that plays the role of Richard Kelly, but he does a wonderful job. Also included on the DVD is a featurette titled, "Rev Dr. Charles Marks-The Real Richard Kelly". I like when movies feature small documentaries of the real life characters.

One of the things that I like most about this movie is that it deals with very sensitive and life situations that are graphic, but the movie deals with it in a way that is appropriate and not at all graphic. As a Christian this is real important to me that I can watch a movie without hearing and seeing all the "stuff" that can be so offensive.

I definitely recommend this movie as one to purchase. It would also be a movie that could be watched with your family (older children). Thank you BookSneeze for making this movie available for review.

I Miss the Altar...

2010-10-19T15:04:00.000-07:00

This past week I got to visit another church with some friends of ours... I noticed during the invitation time that people could come up to the front of the church and kneel at the altar to pray...this made me think of the churches I grew up in. During the last part of the service members could come up to the front and pray at the altar... So what kind of praying was going on at the altar???

-First time decisions to receive Christ as Savior

-Prayers for healing

-Prayers of supplication

-Prayers of confession and repentance (and much more)

I remember the times I went to the altar to pray. Normally it was prayers of confession and repentance... The altar call meant business... I remember how nervous I would be getting up in front of all the people to pray at the altar, because I knew that people might be wondering why I was there (because my mind at times would think the same thing about the people that would go to the altar). It also seemed very normal to watch people (and myself) walk away from the altar in tears... Again, there was just something about going up in front of the church and visibly showing your need for Christ that made it feel more serious...The altar seemed like a sort of holy place to me.

So this weekend, I was reminded of how I wished in every church there was a time where people could go to the altar and settle whatever issues they needed to with God...BUT then I thought about the verse in Romans 12 1-2

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

These verses reminded me that I do not need a physical altar, but that my life is to be a sacrifice to God... In some sense I should be laying my life down on an "altar" daily... dying to myself, and dying to my will and desires. If I waited to do this only on days where I could go to a physical altar I would be wasting the precious time that God has given me. I can't afford to do that...

I still love the idea of going up in a church (building) and kneeling at the altar before God, but I am also reminded that I need to be laying my life down daily before God and the Church (body of believers) as that living sacrifice referenced in Romans 12.

I hope that each day I will be placing myself more and more on the altar...

Six Flags Fun

2010-10-18T18:17:00.000-07:00

SNAKE WAS SO WIGGED OUT BEFORE RIDING THIS ROLLER COASTER...

WAITING IN LINE...I AM STILL SMILING...THE WEATHER WAS GOOD THIS DAY...

DOESN'T THE JOKER LOOK MENACING HERE??? FREAKS ME OUT A BIT...

DAFFY AND THE BOYS...

I am over at the AMH website today

2010-10-15T12:31:00.000-07:00

Here is the link to an article I wrote for the A Martha Heart website...It is titled "The Least of These..."

Let me know if you get a chance to read it, and if you got to listen to the resource I referenced in the article...

Blessings...

I am Turning into my Mother :)

2010-10-09T11:54:00.000-07:00

YEP I did it... I finally brought a pair of Reading Glasses... I always smiled when I saw my mother wear reading glasses, and then to watch her move them down on her nose just did me in...Well, as I draw closer to the big 40, I am turning into my mom :) Glasses down on the nose and all...

A Martha Heart Website Link

2010-10-01T17:53:00.000-07:00

Click here to visit a new website thats focus is to have its readers "sit at Jesus' feet"... The link is to the article that I wrote today titled, "What's in Your Cup?", but make sure to stay awhile and visit all the rooms at the "A Martha Heart" website...

Blessings

Random Question :)

2010-09-30T04:55:00.000-07:00

AS Christ followers we all struggle with some sin from time to time that we cannot seem to "break free" from. I know for me I am still fighting my battle with "Fear". My sin is that I do not trust God and believe what His Word says... "Do not fear..." I am wrestling with this sin, and my hope is that I will "break free" from fear one day.

So today I have a question for you, or a fill in the blank to be more specific.

If I broke free from the sin of __________, I would finally be able to ____________ in my life. "

Here is an example of what mine would look like...

If I broke free from the sin of FEAR, I would finally be able to MAKE DECISIONS WITHOUT IMAGINING THE WORST CASE SCENARIO in my life.

I would love to hear your "break free" stories... Do Share...

No More "Mrs. Nice Girl"

2010-09-22T16:23:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I was able to attend a simulcast of a "Living Proof Live" event. One of my favorite Bible study teachers, Beth Moore was in Chicago live, and she was live via video in over 5oo other places... I think the final count of all who were attending (live and through video) numbered over 125,000....that's a lot of women, and a few brave men :)

Beth's theme verse for this particular conference was Proverbs 31:26 (New King James Version) She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness. I don't know about you, but I sure do want to open this "BIG" mouth with WISDOM, and of course I want to be KIND too. In today's post I won't touch on all eight points of why we need to speak with wisdom and have the "law of kindness" on our tongues, but one thing Beth talked about really stuck out to me.

Beth talked about how being kind is not the same as being nice. She said "nice is fine, but kind is divine". She then added that we can fake "nice"through flattery and other kind of ways, but you can't really fake "kind". God is kind.

One of Beth's eight points stated that "Kindness is not an action. It's a disposition." That really hit me. (This is me thinking now, not Beth). Kindness is not so much in the acts we do, but who we are...Who we are in Christ.

So all this kindness talk led me to ask myself if I am kind... I would have definitely described myself as kind, and honestly I think if people were to write down words that describe me they may write "kind" on the list. But after Beth went through scripture after scripture where the word "kind" was referenced I began to think of myself in a different way. I think a better desorption of me would be to call myself "nice". Ok, let me say there is nothing wrong with the word "nice", of course I want to be nice, but that statement about how "nice" can be faked but kindness cannot, convicted me.

I have been so guilty in the past, and even today of being nice to others because it somehow benefited me. Yes, I do like be be nice, but I have been nice to others by flattering them...making them feel good so that they would think good of me. I hate that about myself, but at the deepest level of my heart I still want to please people and make everyone happy with me. I have been nice and flattered others to get people to like me.... Not so good.

I could really go on and on about this subject, but for today I just wanted to say that I want to say so long to "Mrs. Nice Girl", and hello to having the "law of kindness" on my tongue so that I may truly touch others with God's kindness, not my own false flattery. This world needs a touch of kindness, and it is only God's kindness lived out through His children that will encourage a world where true kindness seems to have disappeared.

Dear Lord, teach me how to speak with wisdom, and help me to truly speak with kindness to everyone I come in contact with. May they see You in me.

First Day of School

2010-09-18T15:08:00.000-07:00

Back to School 2010... Moose, Snake and the Terminator

BookSneeze Review-(One Hand, Two Hands)

2010-09-10T16:36:00.000-07:00

I love Max Lucado, so when I saw that he had a new children's book out I requested it so I could review it. I also teach Preschool at a Church so I thought this might be a book that I could read to my class. I was right; Max's new book "One Hand, Two Hands (Oh, the ways we can help with our hands!) is a perfect book to read to my class of 4 year olds.

In this book Max shows that even the youngest children can use their hands to serve others. He also emphasizes that the hands of little ones can be used to help and show love to others, especially to their family. Max states in his book that children know that "hands" can be "kind or harsh", "helpful or hurtful", so he wanted to write this book to show how their little hands can be helpful in all kinds of ways.

The book itself is not to long, but just the right amount of pages for little ones to listen to. The words in the book (the story) are written in a bigger font, which makes it easy to read. Max also writes so that words and phrases rhyme in the story. I just love reading a book out loud that flows with a rhyming pattern. The illustrations of the book were done by Gaby Hansen, and they are really beautiful. Soft colors and full illustrations fill each page.

Max ends the story with a list of ways a child can use their hands to show love and to help others. It appears Max is giving the children that read the book a list of actions that they can complete when they are done reading the book. I like that...

I would recommend this book to parents, grandparents, and teachers. Actually to anyone who has a little one in their lives. Max is a gifted, talented writer and he can write for any audience, young or old. Once again, I am thankful to BookSneeze for allowing me the opportunity to review this book.

BookSneeze Review- "Out Live Your Life"

2010-09-10T02:00:00.000-07:00

I am so glad to tell you about the newest book that I was able to review for BookSneeze. I am in a busy season of my life right now, and have not had a chance to read many books lately. However, when I found out that Max Lucado had a new book, I jumped at the chance to review it. The title of Max's new book is "Out Live Your Life", and Max challenges his readers to do exactly that OUTLIVE THEIR LIVES.

In "Outlive Your Life" Max takes a look at how the early church lived their lives (from the book of Acts). His point is that if God worked in the lives of the early church in such amazing ways, might we expect that He can work in our lives the same way today. Lucado talks about how ordinary people can do extraordinary things for God. Throughout the entire book Max is basically calling us to come out of our "shells" and to open our eyes to see the needs of a hurting world. For all of us to do something for God that will last eternally.

I love Max Lucado's writing style, and he writes in such a way that makes every story he tells come to life. Lucado is brilliant with his use of words and phrases, but yet he writes in a way that makes it simple to understand. He is a master storyteller.

I love when I can read a book, and walk away from it feeling challenged in some way. Well, "Outlive Your Life" is one of those books. I felt convicted, challenged and encouraged all at the same time. I highly recommend this book, and you too may walk away challenged and changed after reading it.

One of the neatest things is that 100% of the author's royalties from "Outlive Your Life" products will go to benefit children and families through World Vision, and other ministries of faith based compassion (this came from the back of the book). One other thing that I like is that the back of the book has a discussion and action guide (prepared by David Drury) that relates to all the chapters in the book. This discussion and action guide make it easy for a person or group to go through this book like a study. I glanced over the guide and questions, and they were really good. I love that not only are questions posed for us to answer, but that there is a action to go with each chapter that you can perform..."Walking the Talk".

If you are a Max Lucado fan you will love this book. If you don't even know who Max Lucado is, you will still love this book. It is an easy read, but it won't always be easy to do all the things Max refers to in his book, but we have Christ to help us outlive our lives.

(I received this book from BookSneeze to review. Thank you BookSneeze.)

September's Book Giveaway

2010-09-04T12:20:00.000-07:00

I decided to go to a monthly giveaway for my book collection. The last book I sent out cost me $4.00... I am glad to do it, but weekly that might help to stretch my funds a little thin :)

So you have until the end of September to enter my book giveaway. Remember, I will only be shipping with the US.

I will be giving away Sandi Patty's book, "Broken on the Back Pew". This book is really good, and Sandi let's you into the deepest places of her heart as she shares her story of her marriage ending. She talks about forgiveness and God's grace. It is an older book, but if you have not read it, you will enjoy it.

Click here if you want to get more information on the book.

I just finished reading Mary Beth Chapman's new book, "Choosing to See" Oh my goodness this book was awesome. I will be back later to write about it...

PS. If any of my Facebook friends visit and you don't want to leave a comment on this post, feel free to leave one on my FB page.

Winner of Giveaway :)

2010-08-29T10:15:00.000-07:00

Congrats Karen...you won my book!!! Stay tuned as I will announce my next book giveaway...I know I have some Beth Moore books in my collection somewhere :) She is one of my favorite Bible study teachers...

Blessings, Kim

What I Am Thankful For This Week...

2010-08-27T13:48:00.000-07:00

I have been so, so, so busy this week. My kids are back in school, and I have been in my classroom preparing it for my new class of Preschoolers that will arrive on Sept 7th :) So one of the first things to be neglected is my bloggy... BUT so many good things have been happening that I need to write out a quick thankful list.

1. That my kids are back in school, and they are all doing so well (so far). Our family needed a regular routine to come back into our lives...school helps bring a routine to our family.

2. I am thankful to the Lord for the time He has provided to me so that I may have a regular uninterrupted "Quiet Time". I have about a block of 30 "free" minutes between the time I drop my kids off to school and the time I need to be at work. This past week I have felt spiritually revived because of this block of time. I am so thankful that the Lord has given me this gift...I have no excuse now not to have a time of prayer and Bible reading (not that I ever did)

3. I get to lead a few young women in a Small Group that has been meeting for about 8 months. These young women are some of the most wonderful, beautiful, spirited women I know. All of them are passionate about knowing Jesus more and more. I just adore them.

4. I am thankful that I get to play a small part in a new ministry that will be launched online soon...stay tuned for details. The women leading this ministry love Jesus, and they want others to know and love Him too.

5. I am thankful that my children are asking more and more questions about Jesus and what it means to have a relationship with Him.

6. I am thankful that my husband is spiritually leading our household, and that he is teaching our children about the ways of the Lord. Our boys adore Him...

7. I am thankful for the book of "James" in the Bible. I have been reading it this week, and I feel like God is opening my eyes to the many truths found in James.

8. I am thankful that when I sin, I can turn from it right away. I don't have to stay in sin. Through Christ I can overcome sin...even sin that has kept me in bondage for a very long time.

9. I am thankful for my job that will begin shortly. I get the privilege of teaching 2 classes this year, and I love-love-love the women I work with.

10. I am thankful that I had a warranty on my son's glasses that need to be replaced (I have less than a month before the warranty is up)... My son thought it was a good idea to leave his glasses on the floor while he wrestled with his brothers...too bad his brother pushed him down on top of his glasses :) But I get a new pair free :)

Well gotta go, I have about 14 people coming over in 2 hours and I still have to vacuum my floors :)

Blessings...

Book Giveaway

2010-08-22T10:27:00.000-07:00

Hey Bloggyville,

I am in the process of cleaning up my basement, and I have quite a collection of Christian books...some fiction, but mostly non-fiction. It seems that each book (well most of them) had some kind of lesson for me to learn... sometimes small, and sometimes "knock me over-BIG".

In the next couple of months, I am going to give several books away. I would say the condition of the books are nearly used or like new. So, all you need to do is just leave a comment with your name. For these giveaways I will only be shipping within the United States.

The first book I will be giving away is "Fresh Brewed Life ( A Stirring Invitation to Wake Up Your Soul)" by Nicole Johnson (Speaker at Women of Faith...at least she used to be with WOF, I don't know if she still is). Contest will end next Sunday the 29th at Noon.

Blessings, Kim

My Boys

2010-08-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

These are pictures taken in 2005... Today all my boys go back to school. My mother told me that they would grow up fast, and she was right :)

Here is "Moose". He will be in 6th grade this year.

Here is my little "Terminator". He will be a first grader this year.

Here is my precious little "Snake" :) He will be a third grader this year.

The joy of having boys : )

Despicable Me

2010-08-16T21:13:00.000-07:00

I really could have titled this post "Selfish Me", but since I just saw the movie "Despicable Me" not too long ago I decided to go with that movie title. Actually though, being selfish is kind of despicable.

Not so long ago, I posted a link to a video by Rachel Barkey (see link a couple posts down from this one). At the time she recorded the video she was dying of terminal cancer. I think Rachel died about 3-4 months after she recorded her video speech. Rachel's story blew me away, and I have rarely seen anyone like her. I now realize that is because I was seeing Jesus in her. As I listened to her talk, I saw beauty, peace and strength. Rachel said much that I will remember, but there was one part of her speech that really got to me, and actually prompted a change in my actions.

OK, so now is where the "selfish" word comes into play. One of the top sins that I struggle with is selfishness. I know to some extent we are all selfish, but for me I am really selfish. I often have said that of all my friends when it comes to being selfish (in parenting specifically) I would rate myself last, meaning that I am the most selfish parent of us all. NOT THAT I WOULD ACTUALLY TRY TO RATE MY FRIENDS AND HOW SELFISH THEY ARE :) I just use that example to prove a point that I am the most selfish of all. Don't get me wrong, I love my kids, probably too much for their liking at times, but I know deep down in my heart that I choose myself over them way too many times.

Remember I said that Rachel said something that really got to me... During her speech she talked about how selfish she was. That surprised me... I mean, here is this beautiful young mother dying a painful death, and one thing she emphasized during her speech was how sinful she was, and how much she needed Jesus. I just didn't expect that...

During Rachel's speech she said that she has been selfish with her kids. She came to a point when she realized she was saying "no" to her children all the time, and it wasn't because it was the right thing to say no, but that she was being selfish. She talked about how when her kids would ask for a snack, she would say no because she didn't want to get the snack. When her kids would jump on the bed, she would tell them no because she didn't want to make the bed up again. She mentioned that she would say no to her children when they wanted to do some type of art project because she didn't want to take the time to do the project with them (listen to her story for exact details). She then sadly said that now she says "yes" a whole lot more, because she knew how short her time was with her kids. Rachel reminded her audience not to wait until it was too late.

I was convicted immediately... I realized that I say "no" a lot to my boys. Yes, there are times when a "no" answer is appropriate, but so many times I have told my boys "no" when they asked something of me because I didn't want to do whatever they asked. I didn't want to be bothered... When I get down to the heart issue in myself I find laziness and plain old selfishness.

We are not to be selfish...God has called us to be selfless and give to others in all kinds of ways. If I can't be selfless in my own home, how I am suppose to be selfless when it comes to the world I am to be reaching for Christ? I was so thankful for what Rachel said that day, and I actually started practicing saying yes to my kids and husband more. I am still trying to say yes more everyday.

The Lord has been doing a work in my life for a long time now when it comes to me being selfish. I still find that I have to fight tooth and nail to overcome my selfish ways, but I shudder to remember what I was like 10 years ago...Let's just say not good at all... However, it is when I look back 10 years ago that I see where Jesus has brought me today, and He gets all the credit for any change in me. I wouldn't have sought on my own to change...I thought I was doing OK...It was only when Jesus shined His light into my heart that I was faced with the ugliness of my selfishness...my sin...

Thank you Lord for helping me to change, and I know I need You more than ever to keep changing my heart so that it will reflect You more. That is my goal.

A Man Called Norman part 1

2010-08-03T10:44:00.000-07:00

I posted this on my Facebook account... This story had me in tears yesterday. I was so convicted about how I treat others...my "neighbors". I have seen where I fall short, and I know where I need to go...I know that God will be with me as I journey to love Him more, and love my neighbor as myself. God is powerful, and can work the impossible in my life...

(This may only be part one of the story. Go to You Tube to hear the other parts of the story...I think there are four parts)

A Must See Video

2010-08-01T17:03:00.000-07:00

I posted a link to this Video on my Facebook, but wanted to post it here too. About a week ago, I was listening to "Revive Our Hearts" radio program with Nancy Leigh DeMoss (I love this radio program). Nancy's guest that day was Rachel Barkey. Rachel Barkey had terminal cancer and she was dying. Rachel was a young mom in her mid thirties with 2 young children (husband too), and one of the last things she did was give a talk about what she learned through this whole experience.

It was heartbreaking to watch the video, but in the middle of all the pain Rachel shared about her relationship with Jesus, and how he had changed her life. I was challenged and encouraged by her testimony, and I actually made a change in my attitude that day in regards to my children and husband because of what Rachel shared.

I know we are all busy, but you will not regret one bit watching this video. Click on this link here, and you will be directed to the homepage. The video is right on the homepage for anyone to view. Come back and let me know if you watch the video and tell me what you thought about it. (FYI: The website is www.deathisnotdying.com)

Rising Up in My Soul...

2010-07-23T09:27:00.001-07:00

I posted the lyrics to this song yesterday on my FB, but I just love them so much I need to post them here too. The song is "When the Saints" by Sara Groves. My favorite part (I will put in bold print) of the song tells of those who have gone before us...those saints that fought the good fight of faith, and suffered well for Jesus.

Over the last ten years the Lord has been opening my eyes when it comes to suffering for our faith...how it is tied to my faith/believer's faith. Most of my life I have really tried not to think much about suffering for Christ, but I can't get around it... If I am a Christian, there will be suffering... I am realizing to that in the suffering there is to be found a deep intimacy with Christ... The Lord has released blinders from my eyes, and now I am trying to take His truth and make it my reality...It is hard, but I know it will be worth it.

I actually have a lot to say about this subject and what I have been learning... As I learn, I hope to be able to share it here on the blog...OK, on with the song... Enjoy it too...

Lord I have a heavy burden of all I've seen and know
It's more than I can handle
But your word is burning like a fire shut up in my bones
and I cannot let it go

And when I'm weary and overwrought
with so many battles left unfought

I think of Paul and Silas in the prison yard
I hear their song of freedom rising to the stars
And when the Saints go marching in
I want to be one of them

Lord it's all that I can't carry and cannot leave behind
it often overwhelms me
but when I think of all who've gone before and lived the faithful life
their courage compells me
And when I'm weary and overwrought
with so many battles left unfought

I think of Paul and Silas in the prison yard
I hear their song of freedom rising to the stars

I see the shepherd Moses in the Pharohs court
I hear his call for freedom for the people of the Lord

And when the Saints go marching in
I want to be one of them
And when the Saints go marching in
I want to be one of them

I see the long quiet walk along the Underground Railroad
I see the slave awakening to the value of her soul

I see the young missionary and the angry spear
I see his family returning with no trace of fear

I see the long hard shadows of Calcutta nights
I see the sister standing by the dying man's side

I see the young girl huddled on the brothel floor
I see the man with a passion come and kicking down the door

I see the man of sorrows and his long troubled road
I see the world on his shoulders and my easy load

And when the Saints go marching in
I want to be one of them
and when the Saints go marching in
I want to be one of them
I want to be one of them
I want to be one of them
I want to be one of them

"Jimmy" (Repost)

2010-07-22T07:47:00.000-07:00

I decided to repost one of my old entries as it kind of goes along with my last 4 posts about sharing your faith... Plus, I don't have much on the old brain right now, so a repost will work fine...

I definitely paused when deciding whether or not to publish this post. Why? In the past, and sadly even today I have drawn attention to myself to get praise or feel affirmed by others. If you are reading this you know I decided to publish this entry :) I guess my hope in publishing the story is to challenge and encourage others that may act and think like me.

If you knew me, you would know how I struggle at times with being a walking contradiction. I don't like this about myself!!! My heart wants to do one thing, but my mind (and hang-ups) don't pursue the path of my heart. I could go on and on with giving you examples, but I will camp on one for today to explain what I mean.

One thing that really gets to my heart is the plight of the homeless. You know the people you run into everyday that hold up signs asking for help, work or food. Now I know not all people that hold up a sign asking for help are homeless, but I would figure that a good many of them are indeed homeless. Any time I come across someone that is asking for help or money I want to do something. Often I dig down deep into my purse to find some money, and in many cases I have given someone a dollar, or maybe five if I have it (between you and me, when I have money I could always give it).

I want to help so much more, but here is where my mind stops me, or shall I say my Fear stops me. I am just going to be honest here... Many times I am afraid to get close to what I call the homeless. Why? In short, the answer is my SIN. I think thoughts like, "What if they are sick?", or I take a look at them and see how dirty and sometimes, smelly they are, and I don't want to get to close out of fear of catching what I perceive or imagine they might have. I hate that part of myself!!! I want to love people, all people like Jesus did and does. I know I am no better, but my mind doesn't always go there with me. My heart just wants to help the homeless, and I just want to either hug them or love on them in someway, but I do not.

Recently, I have been challenged to tell the people I encounter in this way about Jesus. What good is $20.00 to someone who may not know Jesus at all? Someone that is lost and going to Hell. That is a big question I have been asked, and one that I have really been thinking about lately.

In the past I have said "God Bless You" to those that I have given money to. That is a good practice to tell people "God Bless You", but so many people, even non-Christians say "God Bless You", and in our society today it seems like it has become a catch phrase, something we say very casually without much thought to what the statement really means. I even thought that in radical cases people have even labeled themselves as gods.

A friend challenged me to ask strangers, which in this case would include the homeless, if they knew Jesus. Jesus does change everything. This has not always been easy for me, but it is something I have been convicted of in the past. OK, so I gave you all this back story to get to my real story (I hope you are still reading).

Yesterday, while in a supermarket parking lot I saw a man on a bicycle. I pretty much settled in my mind that he was homeless, or at least in a very extreme living position. From a distance, I saw him approach a woman heading to her car. Part of me wanted to help this man, but part of me wanted to hurry inside the store. I chose to hurry inside the store.

From what I saw I think the woman either ignored him or probably quickly gave him the "NO" answer to whatever he was asking her. He was not so close to me, so I thought I would make it inside the store without him seeing me.

I got out of my care and hurried to the doors, but just as quickly I heard someone behind me say "Excuse me." I knew who it was. I turned to see the man on the bike, and he asked me if I had a dollar so he could buy some sugar. I had never heard that one before, but I wanted to give him something, so I told him yes. I reached inside my bag and found a dollar and I gave it to him and he graciously told me thank you.

In that split second I was trying to think of something valuable to say to him. There was so much to say, but nothing came to me at first. The man then asked me my name, and I told him my name, and then I asked what his name was too. He said his name was Jimmy. He was smiling at me. Here is where I knew I needed to say more than "God Bless You", so I blurted out something like, "Jimmy do you know Jesus?". He replied something like, " Sure do-He's my friend-he's every body's friend."

I didn't exactly know what else to say, and I started to say something when I noticed that Jimmy started to cry, and he wiped his eyes. WOW, what an awesome moment that was for me. I can't remember exactly what my last words to Jimmy were, but after his tears I closed our conversation and told him goodbye.

I entered the supermarket feeling so many emotions. I fought back tears as I walked down the grocery store aisles. So many thoughts entered my head.
- I wished I had said more about Jesus.
-I prayed that Jesus would take my few words, and speak to Jimmy's heart.

One of the thoughts that buzzed through my mind was the fact that Jimmy asked for a dollar to buy sugar. What homeless person is going to buy sugar? I thought about how people say that many times when people are asking for money, that they will end up using it to buy drugs or alcohol instead of using it for what they really need. I have kind of adopted the belief that it doesn't really matter what they end up spending the money on. They will one day answer to God what they have done, but I just need to do as I feel led in situation like this one.

In this situation I did think Jimmy was lying, and that he probably would spend the money on something different. However, I didn't really care so much about that because I know Jesus can speak to Jimmy's heart if He chose to.

I got in line to purchase my item, and as I sat my item down I heard someone behind me say my name. I turned to see Jimmy in line behind me. Guess what he was holding? A big bag of ice, and a small box of SUGAR packets. He quickly showed me the sugar packets. I think in some way he showed me the sugar to prove to me he really did what he said he was going to do with that dollar of mine. You can imagine how humbled I felt in my heart at that moment.

I asked Jimmy what he wanted the sugar for, and he told me that he likes to drink ice tea. Me too... I wanted to do so much more to help, so I asked him if I could buy his two items. He told me that he got the sugar from the Dollar Store next door. He did that the minute I gave him the money. Humbled more.

I bought him the ice and he profusely thanked me. Jimmy's countenance looked cheerful. We talked a bit more. Jimmy asked me where I was headed and he told me where he would soon be going. I don't remember all we said, but I ended the conversation telling Jimmy that I would pray for him. Then I left the store.

I have a feeling Jimmy doesn't get talked to very often, or that he is probably isn't treated as if he matters much.

I don't want me sharing this story to come off as a look what I did story, because honestly I didn't do too much. My flesh wants to praise myself for doing a good deed, but my spirit rejoices that God used me in a small way to make Jimmy smile, and maybe even for a moment Jimmy didn't feel like an outcast.

God showed me something huge yesterday. Honestly, what are the chances that Jimmy would show up in a line behind me with a box of sugar in hand? Moments earlier I was thinking why didn't Jimmy come up with a better line than he wanted to buy a box of sugar. God was so gracious to me by allowing me to encounter Jimmy with that sugar. It just confirmed to me once again that I am not to worry about the results of what I feel God is leading me to do. I am just to obey.

I probably will never run into Jimmy again in my life, but I can rest assured that if Jesus is after Jimmy's heart heart than he will know it. I can also rest assured that God will use everyday events like this situation to humble and make more pure a wretched sinful heart like my own.

I have had a wonderful vacation so far with my family, but I think my experience with Jimmy will stay with me for a long time. It maybe one of my best memories from this year's vacation. Thank you God for meeting me and Jimmy in a supermarket parking lot.... YOU ARE GOOD!!!

God Showed Up at TGIF (Part 4...the final post :)

2010-07-18T13:43:00.000-07:00

OK, I have full confidence that I will finish up my story today. However, I have had such a good time remembering some of the experiences that have happened to me. As I age I forget things, so blogging has helped me document those important life events I don't want to forget. Again, if you are reading this post for the first time, scroll down and catch (Parts 1, 2 and 3).

OK, the last post talked a lot about how I had my own hang ups about how things should go when I go to a Christian conference. I still have my issues, but God has showed me that I just need to get over my sinful self and think about others.

Part 2 of this story is kind of where I stopped talking about what happened at TGIF's. My friends and I had just shared the gospel message with our waiter JR. He listened to us, and as I stated I think he was genuinely thankful that we shared the "good news" with him. He promised us that he would go home and think about what we said, and read the literature that we left with him.

At this point I was beyond thrilled about what had just happened at our table. On the other hand, I was getting a little anxious about the time factor. It was around 5:30 and the conference started at 6PM. Plus the fact that we had to meet two other women that I had invited to go with us to the conference made me a little more nervous. As the group coordinator I didn't want to let anyone down. BUT, I truly knew what was happening at TGIF was more important than me making it to the conference so I could see and sing with the Praise Team (Part 3 really goes into detail on this subject).

While I was thinking about all of this, something unexpected happened. JR brings his female cousin that also worked at TGIF to meet us. She was so polite and sweet... But in my mind (I think my friends too), we were wondering why JR wanted us to meet his cousin. Again, I felt like this maybe another opportunity the Lord was placing in front of us. I wondered if JR wanted my friends and I to share the gospel with his cousin too. At the same time I was getting nervous about how much time we had left to get to the conference. As small talk was passed around our table I was in a mental war as of what we should do. Do we dismiss ourselves and go to the conference, or do we share the gospel with JR's cousin? Not knowing what to do, I decide to go to the ladies room (that is always a good option when you don't know what to do, and you have had too many glasses of water :)

So I went to the restroom and tried to refocus myself...Taking that break helped a bit. To my surprise when I return my two friends are engaging JR's cousin in a talk about Jesus. WOW!!! I find out later that my one friend told JR's cousin (let's call her Tessa) that we were just talking with JR about Jesus before he brought her to our table. My friend asked Tessa if she knew about Jesus... Then much like what I did, my best friend began asking Tessa questions about her life and what she believed about God. I will say that although Tessa was as sweet as can be she had a different reaction to the things of God. Without taking too much time to go into everything we talked about, Tessa really didn't know what she believed. She sort of believed in God, but at times maybe not even so sure there is a God. My friend once again, did a wonderful job at answering some tough questions.

Things were winding down again, and we thanked Tessa for listening to us, and asked her to consider the things we said. My friend again left Tessa some information that she could go home and read that would further explain what we had been talking with her about. Although, Tessa did not respond as favorably as JR did, my friends and I were thrilled about what had just happened at our table.

Something neat happened as my friend and I were walking back to the restroom. I saw Tessa talking with two other employees, and she had the booklet opened that my friend had given her. She noticed us, and we kindly said hello. I got so tickled that she was telling the other employees about what had happened...NOW she might have been saying how there were three crazy ladies talking with her and asking her a lot of questions, and that would be OK. Whatever she was sharing with the other employees made me happy because it means she was talking about it...

Later, my best friend said something like, "no conference could be better than what we had just experienced". I so know what she was talking about... We were living out what we believed... All of us left there excited, knowing that we were just planting little "seeds" for Jesus, and in His timing He would do the reaping according to His good will.

The conference was very good, but I truly will remember what happened at TGIF's when I think about that weekend. I have a long way to go when it comes to sharing my faith...Since that night at TGIF I have missed opportunities to share my faith, but I try to use those times to challenge myself the next time an opportunity arises to tell other about Jesus.

Thanks for sticking with me through these posts... I hope they encouraged you in some way...

God Showed Up at TGIF (Part 3)

2010-07-15T12:39:00.000-07:00

I think today I will finally finish my story... we will see :)

If you want to read parts 1 and 2, just scroll down a little and you can be informed on what has happened so far...

So the story leaves off where my friends and I were thanking JR for listening to us (sharing the gospel). As things were winding down with JR, I was getting a little nervous about our time frame. Me and my two friends were due to meet two other women at the conference site at 6PM. Looking at my phone, I saw that it was around 5:30 PM. OK, here is where I need to tell another background story so you will know all the thoughts that were racing through my head.

My best friend and I (she is the one in this story who shared the gospel with JR) went to a Christian Women's conference together about 2 or 3 years ago. This event was huge, as I think there were 10,000 women in attendance (and more at a satellite site). Both my friend and I have had the wonderful opportunity over the last 1o years to go to many different Christian conferences, many of them we attended together. I would say that both of us had always gleaned something from every conference we have been too. Actually, a few of the conferences I attended were huge turning points for me in my walk with Jesus... spiritual markers.

I will speak for myself here, in the beginning when I started going to Christian conferences they were like major events...like a spiritual shots in the arm. I had a lot of expectation when I went to the conferences that I wanted to come away totally a different person...totally changed for Christ. As I have matured, now I see I put too much expectation on what the conference would do for me... The conferences should have been encouragement along the way, not my main source of change. My daily relationship with Christ should be where the most change happens.

By the time I went to this conference with my friend I had a better understanding of what I should expect from a conference. I wanted to listen to see if God wanted to show me something during my time at the conference. BUT I still did have my little ideas about how things should be at the conference... I wanted to be on time for sure. I wanted to sit close so I could really engage with worship and the speakers.... I just wanted to have the perfect little conference experience. However, this time I would have a bit of a wake up call.

First of all, my friend and I were running a little late to the conference, and as you can imagine a conference that was sold out with 10,000 women in attendance would cause a little bit of traffic congestion. So on the outside I am playing it cool, but on the inside I am a little stressed. In my head I am thinking..."there goes our good seats". My friend and I press on, and finally find a parking spot. Things are good now.

However, as we are walking to the conference center entrance my friend and I come across a homeless man. AHHH... this is where things get a little tough. You see I have such a heart anytime I see someone that is homeless or asking for help or money. My heart is always drawn deeply to do something. Sadly, fear and not knowing what to do has kept me from helping more times than I liked to admit.

There were many women still on their way into the conference, my friend and I included, and we walked right past this man into our happy little arena filled with brothers and sisters in Christ. As I walked by, both my friend and I were convicted that we should stop and talk with him, but we just didn't know exactly what to do. Also, in my head the conference had already started and I didn't want to miss any of it.

Right here, I will say that I don't know that there were not other women that day that stopped and talked with the homeless man, but from my viewpoint and that of my friend all we saw were a bunch of Christian women (us included) that were passing this man by so that we could go to a Christian conference and learn more about Jesus. Something was wrong.

My friend and I entered the door of the arena, and I think we went straight to the restroom. I could hear that the worship had already begun, so we were late. However, the weight of what my friend and I just did...walk by a man who needed help and needed Jesus... was heavy on us both. I think my friend said something about how ironic it was that all of these women are here to go to a Christian conference, and yet we all walk by and don't share the love of Christ with this hurting soul outside (paraphrasing). I so agreed in my heart.

I then asked my friend if she wanted to go back outside and talk with him. She quickly agreed and we both went outside to talk to the unknown homeless man. Nervously, we approached the man and talked with him for awhile. I wish I could remember everything that was said, but basically we told the man about Jesus. He told us he did know Jesus, but he has just been in a bad place for a long time. We encouraged him as could, and we even prayed with him. I don't know what that experience did for that man...I don't know where he is today, but according to his reaction that night I do believe that he felt Jesus loved him and didn't forget him...even in a sea of 10,000 women.

My friend and I went back into the conference and we were really late by this time... We had to sit at the tippy top of the arena...I mean tippy top, we were the last row of seats. We were way high up, and both of us probably didn't engage with the speakers as we might have if we were closer, but there was something in us that day that was filled with joy because of our experience with the man outside.

I tell this story not to "toot" my own horn... to brag that my friend and I witnessed to the man when no one else would. Maybe that man was put there by God that night just so my friend and I would be challenged to step outside of our comfort zone and practice what we had been preaching.

That night my friend showed me that it was not about us going to a conference to get our spiritual tanks filled up, but that the experience with the man is what it was all about...living out what we have been taught at all those conferences. It didn't matter that we were late and missed all of worship, and it didn't matter that we had the worst seats in the house, but it did matter if we passed a man who needed to know the love of Christ in order to go get a good seat at a conference. God used my friend and a homeless man that night to open my closed eyes... I love Him and I love her too.

Alright, I guess there will be a part 4, but I promise part 4 will be short :)

Submission DOES NOT EQUAL Slavery

2010-07-13T16:08:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer: This post is about being a submissive wife...right now I will say that I still have a long way to go to be the submissive wife God wants me to be. There are thousands of other women who are better suited to write this blog post, but I figure that there too are many women just like me that have struggled in being submissive to their husbands, so I share my story in hopes of encouraging others...

OK, I really wanted to use the not equal symbol for my title, but I couldn't find it on my keyboard :) I know my title is a bit bold, but I really find it true most of the times when I mention the word submission as it applies to a wife. Now I am not surprised at all when women that are not Christians do not understand what being a submissive wife means. In today's society I think women who do not follow Christ can get their ideas from what the "world" says a wife should be. Although, I know there are many women that are not Christians that really for all intents and purposes submit to their husbands, and easily could be labeled a submissive wife.

I guess my surprise comes when I mention being a submissive wife in Christian circles and I get the talk about how we shouldn't be slaves to our husbands. Like I said in my disclaimer above, I am no expert in the arena of being a submissive wife, but I am learning. I fail more than I would like to admit, and on a bad day you may not be able to tell that I have come a long way in this area, but I still press on. I think there are probably a couple reasons I come across the "slavery talk" when it comes to submission. One...I think women just have not been taught what being a submissive wife really looks like in real life. Two...Women just don't want to be submissive (this is where I was for a long time...In Sin). There are definitely more reasons, but that is not what this post is about.

I felt the need to write this post because a couple of things happened while I was on vacation that got me thinking about this subject. The first thing that happened was someone quickly linked something I said about how a wife should treat their husband with the idea that I was saying the woman should be a doormat...I didn't refer to anything like that... I think I said something about how a women should respect her man and not say anything bad about him. BUT it was the second situation that happened that really stuck with me and made me want to write this post.

While on vacation, my hubby and I took the boys to a restaurant to eat dinner. The restaurant was pretty empty. We sat toward the back of the restaurant (I wondered if the sight of 3 rambunctious boys made the server sit us in the back :) There was only one other couple in our area, and if I remember correctly the young couple had 3 girls with them.

We enjoyed our dinner and our kids were finishing up eating their dessert. The other couple got up to leave, and as they walked by our table the father was holding his little girl by her feet and swinging her. I think he let her go (not dropped her) and she was on the floor. The woman who I assume was his wife said something like, "Seriously, what are you doing..." He said something about this restaurant being a place to have fun. She then replied (I am paraphrasing here), "Grow up, you are embarrassing me. These people (talking about us) are trying to eat dinner." Again I don't know that I got all her words correct, but she basically said what I quoted above. The other thing that got to me was her tone with her husband...it was so cold. It was like she was mothering him.

Right away I felt sorry for the husband. A wife should not do that to her husband. I have been that wife, a million times and more. Maybe I didn't scold my husband in a restaurant in front of others, but I have surely demeaned him in front of others more times than I can remember.

-I have been sarcastic with him

-I have told him what to do

-I have acted like his mother

-I have been embarrassed of him because of the way I thought he made me look

-I have corrected him in front of others

I could go on with this list, but I don't want too...I will wrap it up here and nail it down to one big statement. I have not RESPECTED my husband the way God calls me to.

After the couple left the restaurant I said something to my husband about how sorry I felt for the husband, and the first thing that my husband said was although the wife did do something wrong that basically can cut to the core of a man's soul, she was right. I was shocked by what my husband said...he was defending the wife. I thought my husband would be so glad that I noticed what the wife did wrong, and my husband was telling me what the husband did wrong. My hubby said that in theory his wife was right. The husband was not taking into consideration the other guests in the restaurant and how they might feel by his antics. (SIDENOTE: We could care less that the man was playing with his daughter, but we realize that some patrons would have a problem with this...whether they were right or wrong).

My hubby went onto say that the wife probably thinks that how the husband acted was a poor reflection on her, and what kind of mom she is. Right or wrong, I still thought it was amazing that my hubby was trying to look at things from the wife's perspective even though he disagreed with how she treated the husband. I just want you to know that this little experience shows how the Lord has grown me and my husband in our marriage. I was looking at the situation from how the wife mistreated the husband, and my hubby was trying to imagine how the wife felt even though she was wrong in how she demeaned her husband. WOW!!!

Our God is amazing, and I am thankful that He opened my eyes to how I treated my husband. There came a point in my life that I wanted to get serious in my relationship with the Lord, and my sinful actions as a wife to my husband were keeping me from growing deeper with Jesus. I had to face the sin in my own life and own up to my part of how I was not treating my husband the way God called me to, regardless of how my husband was treating me. So I determined to go a different way...God's Way, and the most amazing thing happened.... My husband began to change too, and he started becoming the man of God that I wanted to submit to, even when it was hard to submit :)

Although my hubby and I don't do this marriage thing perfectly and sometimes not even well, God has become the center of our marriage, and He is changing us into a couple that we could not have imagined we could ever be. To Him be the Praise!!!

God Showed Up at TGIF (Part 2)

2010-07-12T15:20:00.000-07:00

This post, although titled differently is Part 2 of my last post. A disclaimer before I begin... The title of this post reads "God Showed Up..." In all reality God always shows up...He is always there, but sometimes I don't always sense His presence, but on this particular day I just knew His presence was near.

If you have not read my previous post, you probably should take a few minutes to do so...that way this post will make a little more sense. After my experience of giving out a gospel tract to the woman at the McDonald's Drive Thru, I knew that things needed to change with me being more bold in sharing my faith with strangers. I was so thankful that my friend challenged me by pushing me out of my comfort zone at McDonalds, but I knew this experience was only a small step on a very big ladder for me.

The day after my experience at McD's, my friend and I were headed to a Beth Moore conference in St. Louis. We were going to the conference with 3 other women from my Church. My friend and I were driving to St. Louis with one of the other women, and the other 2 were planning on meeting us in St. Louis.

My 2 friends and I arrived in St. Louis and checked into our hotel...we were hungry so we decided to go the TGIF that was located inside of the hotel. Our waiter was super outgoing, friendly, and adorable. Ok, I can say adorable because he was in his early 20's and I felt more like a mother figure to him. I noticed that our waiter, let's call him J.R. seemed to linger at our table longer than waiters normally do. I began to have a sense that this maybe one of those times God wanted me (and my friends) to tell JR about Him. Sensing this I began to ask JR questions about his life. JR was very forthcoming and really shared more detail about his life than I expected. Actually, he shared very personal things about his life. Once he really opened up about his life I felt convicted all the more that I (we) needed to tell JR about God.

JR had mentioned that one of his dreams was to be a singer. It was not too long after that, that I asked him to sing us a song. He quickly obliged. To our shock and enjoyment he sat down at our table and sang us a song he used to sing to his younger brother at bedtime. JR had a beautiful voice and we were quite impressed. My mind was racing, and pretty much after this I knew that I had to say something about God...This was an open door if I ever had seen one when it comes to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I forget all the details, but pretty much after JR sang I said something like "So JR, my friends and I are here to go to a Christian women's conference, so I just wanted to ask you, do you go to Church? He then said he did, and then I said something like, "Does your Church teach about Jesus?". He replied that he did know about Jesus, and then we talked a little more. Again, I so wish I remembered everything that I said, but I don't...but it wasn't too long after that JR said something about being a "good person". It was then, that I kicked (a light kick) my best friend (the one that challenged me to give a tract away at McDonalds) in the leg under the table. I wanted her to take over, and she is so smart that she realized what my kicking her meant.

My awesome friend, then went to work leading JR through some tough, but needed questions. She then was able to share with JR about what Jesus did for him on the Cross. I just knew that the Holy Spirit was working through her... The really cool thing is that I could sense that the Spirit was working in JR's heart too. It was almost as if I could see the wheels turning in JR's mind, as my friend shared the good news about Jesus. I think JR realized that it would take more than just being a "Good" person to get him to Jesus. JR responded so well, and he was so polite. I think he appreciated what we were sharing with him. My friend gave him a booklet that shared more information with him about being a Christian. I thanked JR for listening and told him that we were sharing this message with him because we care. I really think he believed us. I ended up even giving him a hug (that's me the hugger).

There is another really cool thing that happened that night at TGIF. If I tell it now, I need to give you a background story too, so I will end here for now, and continue with a Part 3 of this story soon.

I also want to say that I only shared what was going through my mind that night at TGIF. I am sure that each of my friends could write their own story as well.

Christina, if you read this please share what was going through your mind that night too.

Stay tuned for Part 3..

Pushed Out of My Comfort Zone (Part 1)

2010-07-04T13:05:00.000-07:00

I have to break this story down into separate posts, or else I think readers will see the post and think too long and say goodbye :) I have to go back a little bit to set this post up so it will make more sense to you.

I was introduced to Jesus at the age of nine and this year I will be 40... This fact tells you that I have had knowledge of Jesus for about 30 years. I accepted Jesus as my Savior at age nine, but feel I really did not understand my decision of what it means to be a true follower of Christ until my 20's. BUT regardless of that fact, I have always known that as a Christian I should be sharing my faith on a regular basis. During the past 30 years I have shared my faith, but here and there, and not on a regular basis...not as Jesus would want me to.

Over the last 5 years I have been convicted of the fact that I don't share my faith with others...that I don't share the good news of the Gospel with others... If I get real honest with myself I would just have to admit that I am down right scared to share my faith boldly, and if I am even a little more honest with myself I have been ashamed to share my faith. The bible has much to say about those who are ashamed of Jesus, and it is not at all good...it is terrifying.

In the past I have put too much stock in the approach of sharing my faith only when asked about it by others, or else when there are those NEON FLASHING moments in life that tell me that this is a good time to tell whomever about Jesus. There have been instances in life where I have brought up God with others, but only once in awhile. Things needed to change in my life, and I really felt like the Lord was showing me my sin in the area of telling others about Him.

One TV program that helped me during this time was "The Way of the Master" hosted by Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron. I could probably write a whole long post about this show, but for time sake I will just say that God used this program to show me my lack of love for those who are dying and going to an eternity without the Lord...which is Hell. Wow, it is weird to use that word anymore...I don't hear people (even in the Christian circles) talking about Hell anymore...Even I don't like to say that word to people, but Hell is real, and a place that none of us want to go when we die.

I know there are some out there that think "The Way of the Master" approach is bold and it can turn people off, but the reality is that sometimes we have to be bold...and that may put people off... The Bible is clear too that many will reject Jesus...so we shouldn't be surprised when people reject Jesus...reject us.

There are those that say we should evangelize using "relationship evangelism" (build relationships with others first, then witness). I am not ruling out this approach at all, as there are those people that the Lord will put in our lives to build relationships with and hopefully they will come to Christ as we share our faith with them. BUT how many people do we come in contact with that we will never really have a chance to build a relationship with??? More than we could ever count... When I have my eyes open to this fact I see a whole world out there that I come in contact with daily (that is if I leave my house).

OK, all this to say the Lord has awakened me to my lack and sin in the area of sharing my faith, and He is awakening me to the world around me... I am only at the beginning stage, but my eyes have been opened to those around me that do not know Christ. I do know Him, and I have a responsibility to share what I know about Jesus... I don't have an excuse anymore...not like I ever did.

I knew that I couldn't keep this post short :) So I will wrap up here with an experience that happened to me a couple of weeks ago... My best friend came to see me from New York, and I will say that she also has been on a similar journey as myself with God opening her eyes to the fact that she should be sharing her faith as well. The only thing is that she has been on this journey a bit longer and the Lord has been challenging her to share her faith boldly. She has been pushing herself out of her comfort zone for the last couple of months when it comes to witnessing to others. She has really encouraged me in this area more than she knows.

A couple of weeks ago while she was visiting we went through a McDonald's Drive-Thru. As I paid the cashier I said something about witnessing to the cashier, and then my friend told me to give a tract to the employee at the next window (I already passed the cashier)... All of the sudden I just panicked and said that I couldn't...My friend then told me that I was going to do it... I had too (not in a bossy way, but in a down right challenging and convicting way)... As I waited to get to the second window, I realized how crazy I was acting... I knew my friend was right... I had to give that employee a tract...how could I be ashamed to give a simple tract to an employee??? I was afraid, and I knew that I had to do it. I mean, if I can't give a tract (publication with the message of Jesus on it) to a stranger, how would I ever actually have a conversation with someone about Jesus. I was convicted to the core, and although I was still nervous I gave the woman at the second window the tract. This was a turning point for me, and soon I would be challenged once again in the area of sharing my faith, only this time I would be doing more than just giving a tract away.

I will end for now, and pick up with Part 2 of my story titled, "God Shows Up at TGIF".

Best Fwends...

2010-06-27T14:46:00.001-07:00

My friend visited me this past week from New York... This past weekend we went to see Beth Moore in St Louis...I didn't really get a good picture of Beth this weekend, but she delivered a very challenging teaching this past weekend.. Still processing :)

Me and my best friend at the conference...

My friend and I were blessed to go the conference with some younger women from my Small Group...Love that Britany (with the chocolate from the muffin still on her finger :)

A blurry picture of Travis and his praise team... Travis is one of my favorite worship leaders...

My friend and I at the conference (Day 1)

Me, Britany and Christina on the tram...

We went to TGIF on Friday :) We had an awesome experience when we got to tell a waiter about Jesus... PS. The waiter sang us a song after we asked him too. He blew us away :)

Us at the Crowne Plaza Hotel... Thanks goes to my hubby for treating us to this hotel :)

That's my Friend...

Getting ready to go to St; Louis...

My friend and I are reading through the book Radical, and it is "killing us" in a good way :)

My friend found my Bump-it...

After a year, we finally got to see each other... thank goodness for the phone during the in between time :)

Are you up for a Challenge?

2010-06-21T09:41:00.000-07:00

Hey Dear Bloggy Friends...

I have fallen a little short with my "Movie Monday" posts as of late, but I will soon pick that up again. I have seen some really good Christian movies, and would like to share that information with whomever would like to read it :)

But onto the reason for today's post. Last week I was listening to Nancy Leigh DeMoss on her Revive our Hearts Radio program. She had a guest on the show (Janet Pope) that had memorized 14 books of the Bible and over 100 specific chapters in various books of the Bible (that info is what I remember...not exact numbers). I was so inspired listening to Janet's story, and as her interview went on I could tell the effect that memorizing scripture has had on her life. The Word of God was truly living in her heart and had changed the way she lived.

It was so beautiful and amazing when Nancy asked Janet if should would quote certain chapters from the Bible. I don't even think Janet knew that Nancy was going to ask her to quote the chapters that she had learned from memory. I loved sitting there listening to Janet read..no not read... quote God's Word from her heart.

Last week's radio shows challenged me to do the same thing Janet did. The challenge is overwhelming and seems impossible for me, since my memory is not at good as it used be... I wondered how I would even be able to retain entire books of the Bible from memory, but I serve a miracle working God and all I can do is to step out and try. Well, Nancy's ministry had a challenge to memorize the entire book of Philippians (4 chapters) by the end of the year (I think it is by the end of the year), so I decided to take the challenge. Not only did I decide to take the challenge, but I asked my best friend is she wanted to memorize the book of Philippians with me, and she was more than happy to join me in this task :)

My friend and I are well on our way to memorizing chapter one of Philippians. It has been such a blessing to try to memorize God's Word in this way (whole passages). I am praying that what I memorize will stick with me, and not fade away...more than that I am praying that God's Word will truly work its way into my heart, and then change my heart. I don't want to memorize God's Word, just to say I memorized it. I want it to change my life, and you know what... I think it will.

So is anyone out there in blogville up for the challenge of memorizing whole books of the Bible, or individual chapters? Let me know, so I can encourage you as you embark on this wonderful adventure. In Hebrews, God tells us that His Word is living and active... I sure do want His Word to be alive and active in my heart...Do you?

(Janet Pope has a book that she wrote to help you memorize scripture... I will be getting it soon. I think the title is "His Word in My Heart")

Book Sneeze (Thomas Nelson) Book Review/ 66 Love Letters...

2010-06-12T18:31:00.000-07:00

I finally finished Dr. Larry Crabb's latest book, "66 Love Letters". I received the book from Thomas Nelson (now called Book Sneeze) to review, and 4 months later I am finally finished with the book. I normally don't take that long to review a book, but we moved into a new house and the book was about 400 pages long...I know stop making excuses. Actually, I think in the beginning of the book Dr. Crabb talks about how this particular book is not really one that you should pick up and read cover to cover in one or two settings. I too agree that it is best to go through this particular book slowly, and "digest" what Dr. Crabb is saying in this book. However, because I needed to review the book I did read the book cover to cover, and I enjoyed it thoroughly.

The format of this book is different from Dr. Crabb's other books. I have read several of Dr. Crabb's books, and have loved them. Actually, Dr. Crabb's ministry of writing has had an impact on my spiritual walk with Jesus, so I was really looking forward to reading his latest book. Basically, Dr. Crabb writes this book as if he and God were having a conversation back and forth. Dr. Crabb read through the entire Bible and he wrote what he felt God was saying to him through each individual book of the Bible. He begins with Genesis and goes all the way to Revelation.

I will say at the beginning of this book I was a little hesitant because the book is written as if God was talking with Dr. Crabb about what is in the Bible. I get a little nervous when someone speaks for God, but as I read the book I took it more as this was Dr. Crabb's view of what he felt God was saying to him through each book of the Bible. In saying that, my favorite part of the book is how open and vulnerable Dr. Crabb was in this book. Basically Dr. Crabb is talking with God back and forth throughout the entire book. He pours out his feelings, the good, the bad and at times the very ugly. I was surprised at how many times I could totally relate to everything Dr. Crabb was feeling. Although he will never realize it, Dr. Crabb and this book helped me get through a spiritual dry place that I have been in for awhile.

My only advice about reading this book would be to remember that you are reading a man's book on what he feels God is saying through the Bible. It should not be taken as complete truth, but only the Bible itself. However, in saying that I do feel that much of what Dr. Crabb said in the book lines up with God's Word.

This is a book that has opened my eyes to many things in God's Word, and it has had an impact on my walk with Christ. I look forward to now turning to God's Word and learning for myself things that Dr. Crabb learned as He read God's Word. This book is a keeper, and I look forward to rereading it at a slow pace the second time around. I do recommend this book to other's looking to dig deeper into God's Word.

Expressing Himself

2010-06-11T17:54:00.001-07:00

My oldest son, "Moose" is going through a stage where he posts notes on his door. Normally these little notes come when he has been disciplined by his dad or myself. Other times the notes show up when he is mad at his brothers. Click on the picture to read what they say...

My favorite note (I didn't take a picture of it) of Moose's read, "KEEP OUT... Due to Bible reading "

Those words just don't quite go together, do they???

Wise Words from my Middle Child

2010-06-09T10:13:00.001-07:00

I know if I don't write this down, I will forget it and I want this memory to stick with me...

This past week, the boys and I were in the car and my oldest asked why people today do not live as long as people in Biblical times. I told him that after the flood God numbered the days of man and they would not live as long as people did at the beginning of creation. I then said something about Heaven, and if we truly realized how awesome Heaven was that we would not really want to be here on earth anymore. (I was talking with a friend about man's days and I said that after the flood God numbered man's days... well, I don't know exactly that that is right, but I found this verse in Psalms that made me think that is what happened...Psalm 90:10 (New International Version) The length of our days is seventy years— or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span [a] is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.
Sometimes I pass information along that I have heard, but I must always make sure that I go to the source (Bible) to confirm its truth. So for the record, I maybe 100% wrong about God numbering man's days directly after the flood. I am not completely sure about the timing...

The boys continued their conversation, and I heard my oldest talk about how he accepted Jesus so he would go to Heaven one day... the conversation continued just a little more, and then I heard my middle boy say to his older brother something like this..."Moose" you also have to follow Jesus to go to heaven. That's not how it works, you can't just accept Jesus, you have to follow Him too to go to Heaven." Again, I don't know that I got all his words right, but the point is there.

I grew up where there was a big emphasis on accepting Jesus into your heart, but not a lot on what it meant to follow Jesus. Following Jesus, is more than accepting Him. I think many people believe in Jesus and would even say they have accepted Him, but yet they do not change their lives and follow Him. I am just now learning that truly following Him is about denying yourself and taking up your cross and following Him.

Do I follow Jesus everyday, every minute of my life? No, not always, but I am aware of when I am choosing my own way, and in that moment I have to pray that my will will succumb to God's will for my life, even when it is hard. I have learned so much the last year about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus, and it is changing my life. The Lord is doing a work in me that I can't explain, and I am realizing now how much I need the Holy Spirit in my life to empower me to follow hard after God.

With God all things are possible...for me that means God can help me stay on the "narrow way" that leads to Him, no matter how many times I jump off that way to enjoy the broad way for a time. He will always lead me back... I pray that my children will learn this lesson as well.

Random Blog Post (catching up)

2010-06-04T14:42:00.000-07:00

Oh my little bloggy, I have missed you. I just love blogging, but have not been able to keep up with it as I would want to...I think that is pretty normal when life happens though. So what has been going on with me??? I know you are all dying to know :)

-I completed Jillian's 30 Day Shred, and then the day after I got horribly sick...so sick that I lost about five pounds in one day. About the Shred, I didn't lose weight, but I definitely lost some inches...That made me happy. This brings me to another point, you know how "they" say that if you do anything for 30 days straight it will become a habit???? Well, I have proved that theory wrong several times... I think there is more to it than just completing something for 30 days.

-School is out for my kids, and I am praying that this summer I will be more intentional with my kids...The temptation to just let them do their own thing (play video games all day) is always lurking around the corner. I want to deny myself this summer and "sow" into my kids' lives. Not just with fun family activities, but "sowing" into their hearts God's Word. Any prayers you offer will not be wasted on me. I so need help in this area...

-I too am in a spiritual dry place... I can't exactly figure out why... For the most part, I think I am responsible... I should be falling at Jesus' feet in desperation, but I seem to make choices to fill myself up with the lesser things of life in order to not feel the emptiness and lack of contentment in my relationship with Jesus.

-On the other hand, I feel like the Lord has revealed to me some BIG things in my life that need to change... wrong thinking.... wrong theology... He has given me insight into my true self and I don't like what I see. But even in this season I can sense hope on the horizon... I feel like I am truly learning for the first time what it truly means to be a follower of Jesus... It is not as I thought... I am wrestling, but happy that truth has been revealed to my heart.

-My hubby turns 4o tomorrow... He will hit that number just about 5 months before I do. Now when we mark our church attendance record sheet, we will have to change categories, from the 20-30's to the 40-50's... I am not so happy about that :)

Well, I will stop here as I need to make my family dinner...Hope to check back in very soon, as many "posts" are running through my head :)

Oh, my hubby and I celebrated our 16th anniversary together last Friday... That is a praise!!! (see picture above)

David Platt Radical Book

2010-05-24T10:49:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading this book after it was recommended to me by a friend. This book has challenged me (really shaken me up) about what it means to truly be a Christian. I have been on a journey now for about 10 years trying to discover the truth of the Gospel, and what it really means to be called a Christian... A disciple of Christ. I do have many changes to make in my life, and this book helped me to see some "blind spots" in my own Christian walk. I highly recommend this book, but it is not an easy read at all.

Movie Monday (a day late)

2010-05-18T06:49:00.000-07:00

Today's review is about the movie, "The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry".

This movie is wonderful!!! It is definitely a Christian movie with the main emphasis on sharing your faith with others. The first time I saw the trailer for the movie, I thought it would be good, but I was not super excited to watch it. Actually, when I started watching the movie I still was thinking it will be a good movie, but not a great one. The movie didn't grab my attention at the start, HOWEVER, after about 15 minutes (after some story build up) I was hooked and I basically cried (sobbed at the end) through this whole movie.... The good kind of cry. (No crying promised as I could have been extra hormonal :) To me the movie trailer doesn't really capture the heart of the film.

This is a wonderful movie to watch with your whole family...young children included. Issues such as bullying, sharing your faith, forgiveness, and the importance of studying your Bible are addressed in this movie. After watching this film, I thought how the world could be different if we had more people like Jonathan Sperry in it. FYI... Jonathan Sperry is played by "Captain" of the "Love Boat"... I just love him in this film.

The best part about this film is that you don't have to buy it, although you may want to. You can rent this movie at your local video store (I know it is at Family Video and Blockbuster for sure). So go rent or buy this movie today, and then come back and let me know how you liked (or loved) it.

Blessings...

Amazing Testimony

2010-05-12T14:17:00.000-07:00

Some Thoughts on Marriage...

2010-05-08T20:45:00.000-07:00

This month I will have been married to my hubby for 16 years... In the beginning of our marriage I couldn't have imagined we would make it to 16...shoot I didn't think we were going to make it past 3 years... But because of our Great and Powerful God we are still together and we are in love...not the love that is found in a romantic chick flick, but real love...the kind that takes lots of work, and most importantly God to make it last. I don't know if I am going to be able to transfer my thoughts into something that makes sense on this blog, but I am going to try to. So here it goes...

My husband has been reading a Christian book on marriage (and no I didn't give him this one...he bought it himself which totally shocked me :) It is really having a positive effect on him. I have noticed in the last month or so that he is really trying to make some changes when it comes to our marriage...Changes of his heart. Pursuing God to help him do things that are really hard for him. If I summed it up I would say he is seeking to become less self-centered by becoming God centered. As that happens he becomes more serving to me...thinking of me before he thinks of himself.

About two months ago my hubby and I went through a rough patch... We have done so well for so long, but you can never get to comfortable in a marriage, and I believe the rough patch brought to light things that still need to be worked on in our marriage. I think that is about the time that my husband started reading the book I referenced above. The Lord also showed me many areas that I lacked in when it came to our marriage. So for the last two months my husband and I have been working on our marriage through lots of communication and prayer. It's a long process, but one worth going through.

OK, so in the midst of this process I thought of something. I do believe that my husband and I should work hard on our marriage and do everything possible to make it the best it can be, but if our focus is that we work on things in our marriage so we can be happy, then we have missed something. Don't get me wrong I do want to be happy, but even when I experience the best day with my husband there is still something that is missing deep down in my soul. A happy marriage will not totally make me feel fulfilled...it's not suppose to. God is the only one that can fill up my soul completely.

So what am I trying to say? In the pursuit of a good marriage, I need to keep my focus on God. I know that God wants me to truly serve my husband and be the wife that He created me to be. The wife that God wants me to be is impossible for me to be on my own. I totally need God to strengthen and empower me to be selfless so I can truly serve my husband. If I truly let God work through me then more than likely I will have a happy marriage, but having a happy marriage is not the end result, but an overflow of God's work in my life. And that empty feeling in my soul will be more filled because I will have been seeking God to empower me to what only He can do through me. So in the end my husband will benefit, but I think I will have even benefited more because I will have drawn closer to God. Does that make sense???

Bottom line... You can work hard to have the best marriage you can, but realize that even if you attain what the world calls a good and happy marriage, you may still feel very empty. On the other hand, work hard to be the wife or husband that God has called you to be by surrendering to God and the work He wants to do to make you the wife/husband He wants you to be. In most cases I would think you would have a good marriage, but good marriage or not you will have something that cannot be taken away from you... A closer walk and relationship with God...there is nothing sweeter in this life.

OK, it is 11:30 and my brain is shutting down, but I hope at least some of what I was trying to say was understood... Until next time...

Movie Monday

2010-05-02T19:11:00.000-07:00

Today's Movie is "The River Within" and overall I think this movie is good. I first like it because it is a Christian movie, and the movie deals with many different issues that we face today. Like...
-Unrequited love and relationships

-Issues that teens face (I don't want to give the movie away)

-The Purpose of the Church (meaning Christians) I think this was my favorite part of the movie

-People who don't believe, but have questions

I didn't recognize any of the actors in this film, but overall the acting was pretty good. The movie also comes with a Bible Study guide that you could use after viewing the movie. Again, this movie would be good to watch with a group of people, and then talk about it using the guide that comes with the DVD.

I don't think this movie is available at regular video stores, but is available for purchase online and at some Christian bookstores. I don't know if this is true (because I didn't really check it out), but it appears that you can watch some of the movie on YouTube (check it out), although I don't suggest that would be the best way to watch the movie :)

If you watch the movie, come back and let me know what you thought...

Until the next time...

Tyndale Blog Book Review

2010-04-23T15:39:00.000-07:00

I signed up to review books for Tyndale House Publishers, and the first book that I chose to review was "Sleep, It Does a Family Good" by author Dr. Archibald D. Hart. Why choose a book on sleep? Well, first because my husband always tells me I don't get the right amount of sleep :), and second I agree with him one hundred percent. Dr. Hart's book is also a "Focus on the Family" resource and that basically sealed the deal for me and so I requested the book.

After only reading a chapter or two of the book I was hooked and decided that I really did need to change my sleeping patterns. At the beginning of the book, Dr. Hart goes into much detail to show his readers that sleep deprivation is source of so many issues that people have, especially health issues. The book is supported by research and studies that have been done in the past. I think the best research was from Dr. Hart himself. He shares a bit of his own personal testimony about how changing his sleeping patterns changed his quality of living for the better.

The book also discusses how readers can help their children and teenagers develop healthy sleeping patterns. Dr. Hart's book really was written to help families as a whole. The book is full of helpful hints, resources and charts that will help the reader begin his/her journey toward sleeping better. A bonus for me was that the last chapter of the book is on sleep and a family's spirituality. As a Christian I appreciated that Dr. Hart added that chapter in the book.

I highly recommend this book for anyone. To those that know they are not getting enough sleep this book will be a great tool to get them develop those healthy sleeping patterns. And to those that think they are getting enough sleep, they maybe surprised to realize that they need even more sleep. I have already begun taking steps toward changing my sleeping patterns, and I hope to reap the benefits soon. Well, I got to go take a nap :)

Movie Monday

2010-04-19T17:45:00.001-07:00

This week's movie review is about the Christian movie titled, "Overcome" (from Wisenquest). This is a family friendly film, and the main characters are teenagers in high school. The movie is a modern day tale, based on the conversion of Paul from the Bible (Saul/Paul). Click here to see a movie preview.

I definitely recommend this movie to watch and to buy if you can. You can purchase it at your local Christian bookstore (I have seen it at Family Video), or through CBD. Overall the acting is good, but there are some scenes where some of the acting is just OK, but those scenes do not detract from the overall message of the movie.

What I love about this movie is that when the main character, "Colton" has his conversion experience, he not only seeks to change and do what is right, he also seeks ways to make amends to the ones he wronged along the way. I don't have teenagers myself (although I am getting close to that experience), but I think this movie could be used as a tool to start some really good conversations with your teens.

Let me know if any of you have seen this movie, or if you are planning on doing so. Let me know what you think. Remember to click on the link above to see the trailer.

Blessings