Blog Book Review for "Dug Down Deep"

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)

The Mommy Interviews (The last one)

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

Wordless Wednesday

One of these people (with the non Christmas colors) just doesn't belong...which one do you think it is :) ?

Merry Christmas from Terminator, Moose, & Snake, and "Jesus is the Reason for the Season!"

Thursday Thirteen (Birthday Edition)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


View More Thursday Thirteen Participants


OK, today's Thirteen (actually posted on a Wed) is about the "13 Lessons I have Learned in my 37 Years" (Most of these lessons/thoughts were not formed by me, but through life experience I have found them to be true)

1. If you were born in a decade (like 60, 70, 80, etc) and have a birthday at the end of the year you may be prone to aging yourself before your time. In my 30's I have found this to be so true... Every year (many times) when someone asked me my age, I would end up telling them that I was a year older... let me explain...IE: 2005- Well in 2005, I knew that I would be 35, but I didn't actually turn 35 until the end of the year, but every time I would here the "05" part, I would just assume I was 35. I hope that made sense...it is kind of hard to explain in writing. I have a hunch that I won't have this problem of aging myself when it comes to my 40th :)
2. I can do things that I never thought I could do!!! I said I would never move from the town I was born in, and at the age of 33 I moved 22 hours from my home town. The Bible had this precious truth in it all along... "I can do everything through Him (JESUS) who gives me strength". I guess it just took 30 years to believe that truth.
3. Being a parent is not an easy job (I don't think any explanation is due for this statement :)
4. Marriage is hard work (again, no explanation...I know those of you who are married know this to be true as well :)
5. Having a child with Autism has been one of the best things that ever happened to me. I say that because God used my Moose as one way to help me face my anger, pride, and judgemental critical spirit of others. I could write a whole different 13 list on this subject!!!
6. A leopard can change her spots, if she lets her God help her to... I know that I have in the past, and can in the present/future leave off that last part of my statement. I often try to take credit for the changes that I have made in my life, but when I am truly operating in the Spirit I know God is the only one who gets credit for changing me. I tell others I truly don't recognize myself at times...
7. Women can truly be set free from jealousy in relationships with their friends. I often say we as women are so hard on each other, and we cause each other a lot of extra strife (putting it nicely). I have learned that when I am jealous of another friend, whether it is about what they have, or how they look, or how many other friends they have or like better than me.... it really is my problem. I have learned through many circumstances, that I can take my jealousy and give it to God, and then actually be happy for that person. All of this progress has come through God changing my heart, and Him using a good Fwend to help me see this truth. Girls on this one, a lot of freedom is at stake!!
8. God can bring you a friendship that exceeds any expectation you could have imagined (FWEND) :)
9. God can save a marriage that was headed for divorce (MINE).
10. I can be a submissive wife with God's help, and I am happy with that role (this one is hard to do at times).
11. Husbands can change if they let God have the number one position in their hearts. (I saw this happen before my eyes, and it is beautiful).
12. WORK IN PROGRESS....You, well I need to personalize this one... I can stick to a budget :)
13. You can love someone in Christ that you have never met... An example is Beth Moore. God has used this woman to speak so much truth into my life, and help me to change to be more like Him, and I have never met her. Her study on Paul was my first introduction to her Bible Studies, and God used that study to set my life on a different course. I could write a book on this one, but I will stop. I love her and her whole family, and I don't even know them. That is the connection we can have through our loving God. (I have a hunch others may feel the same way).

Well, I hope you enjoyed today's 13...no profound wisdom, but oh what a journey I have had learning some of these lessons. Blessings to you today!!!


Again, I don't really know much about the "TT" links above, but click on them if you would like to. Goofy Girl designed the header...

Casting Crowns...

OK, first if you have not read the comments from my Thankful Thursday post, please do. My hubby made a cute comment on my last post about me and concerts...

I knew that we were front row for the Casting Crowns concert, but our tickets were front row center. There were some sweet ladies that were actually sitting in our seats, but we let them sit there because we were only a few seats down, and the seats were just awesome. I am being kind of nerdy about the front row, but it was so cool. I actually took a picture of my boot and the proximity to the stage (it was to dark, and didn't turn out). I doubt there will be another time I have front row seats... not necessarily because of price (sometimes that is a factor), but because you have to be the first one waiting in line to get those seats, and I am not the type of person that would stand in line for a very long time. So, if I never sit in the front row again, I feel so blessed that I did for the CC concert.

First of all, CC was so cool. A real neat thing that happened at the end of the concert was that the band sat down on chairs on the stage, and prayed all kinds of specific prayers for the audience. Now that is cool!!!

My 30 year old self had to wear earplugs last night :) I have sensitive hearing, and the music was just too loud for me. Every once in awhile I took out one ear plug :) The worst part about wearing earplugs was that I heard myself sing (off tune). I think I sing pretty well, not like a professional, but I can carry a tune, but with earplugs I realize I am not so good... Simon Cowell picking on me, not so good :)

OK, the pictures are unbelievable because I was so close, but because of the darkness at times, some of the pictures are a bit blurry. Also, I did go to the concert with friends, but I didn't post their pictures here... I didn't ask them if it was OK. John Waller and Leeland were the opening acts. I didn't know much about either. I posted one picture of Leeland. Make sure to look for the picture of me with my earplugs. The pictures at top of our an artist and his finished painting...

Enjoy the pictures... I so enjoyed the concert!!!

Something I found in Blogville

I came across this on another blog... I thought it was cute, so I copied and pasted it here and input my info...Try it on your blog, or pick a few of your favorites and then leave them in my comment section...


Here's a fun meme!

1. MY ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car),
Bandit Van

2.MY GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie)
Mint Chocolate Chip-Chocolate Chip (Gotta love that one :)

3. MY “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name),
T-Him ( Since I don't post my name, I used my Blog name)

4.MY DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal),
Blue Cat

5. MY SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born),
Kay Ft Myers ( I did use my real middle name)

6. MY STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first),
Him-To (Blog name-on this one my real name is so much better :)

7. MY SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink),
The Red Diet Coke

8. MY NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers),
William Myrick (that sounds pretty good :)

9. MY WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names ),
Kay Allen

10. MY TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter),
MaClain Minneapolis

11. MY SPY NAME: (your favorite season or holiday, flower).
Fall Rose

12. MY CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”)
Strawberry Sweatie

13. MY HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree),
Luna Bar Weeping Willow (That sounds like a real hippy name)

14. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + A fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”),
The Party Planning Snow Tour


Have fun with this meme....

A page from our journal...

In December of 2006, a couple friend of ours (Hubby and I) gave us a blank journal. The purpose of this journal was for Hubby and I to write "love notes" back and forth to each other. The notes could be simple, short and sweet, or a very long love letter. Once one of us finished writing in the journal we were to place it somewhere our spouse would find it...discover it... Once my hubby placed mine in the fridge (he knows me so well :)

Well, today I found the journal in the front seat of my car. So far we have only 5 entries... not so good, but it is quality not quanity, right? I had the idea to share today's entry from my hubby with the blogging world. I asked his permission if I could share today's love letter, and my hubby quickly gave his permission.

Make me a promise...if you read the love note, you must read what comes after the note as well... Today's sharing has a purpose.

Journal entry number 5 written by my hubby...

Hi Hon! 9-27-07

Well, at the rate we're going writing notes in this, we may be able to pass it on to one of the kids in our 70's and still not have it filled :) I'm joking of course, as I find it more special when we write as we feel moved, not out of obligation. This business trip seemed to take an eternity! I cannot wait to get home and see you! Trips like these are good as they help to remind me just how much I love, cherish, and adore you. I think the neatest revelation I had on this trip is to realize how great a friend you are to me. I really missed our "dish time" together and connecting... ("Dish Time" is kind of like "Couch Time" for any of the "Growing Kids God's Way people-we just don't sit on a couch, we do the dishes together) the phone just wasn't the same! I'm really looking forward to our trip in a month. I love getting alone time with you...even if it is in an airplane with you falling asleep! (ME AGAIN-I hate flying..so sleeping is a good way to get through a flight) Thank you for being not only a wonderful wife, but such a great friend. I missed you more than you'll ever know on this trip, and I can't wait to see you in 8 hours. I love you...

(I can't get the italicize or bold to go off)


Why did I ask you to make sure to keep reading? Well, because this journal entry is a tribute to the Lord. If not for the Lord, my hubby and I would probably have been divorced a long time ago. If not divorced, we would be in a bad marriage to say the least. For the first 7 years of our marriage (although not all bad) we just co-existed. We didn't know that our marriage could be where it is today. God took two selfish, messed up people, and made us one.

The change happened when we both started seeking the Lord as individuals. I was so busy asking God to change my hubby, that I never looked at all the changes I needed to make. Once God showed me that I needed to work on me, I didn't even have time to think about what my hubby needed to change. Honestly, I was the only person I could change anyway... I couldn't make my husband change... My husband learned the same lesson.

Don't get me wrong, we do not have a perfect marriage...far from it... some days we revisit past failures and take up some old bad habits (that normally stems from a disconnect with the Lord in our individual relationship), but I can say that we do not stay there to long. Praise the Lord!!!

Wherever you are in your marriage...let me encourage you today!!! God can make a wonderful marriage even more wonderful...He can make a good marriage wonderful, and He can take a getting ready for Divorce Court marriage and save it quicker than you can blink your eye. God will show up on our behalf!!!

Seek Him, repent from old sinful habits if you need to (I SURE DID), and watch Him fight for you and your marriage. HE IS SO WONDERFUL!!!!

Thank you Jesus, without you I would be a mess, and so would my marriage.

Sweet Hubby, thank you for your love letter... You have turned into a Godly man right before my very eyes. I love that we are friends too!!! To Know Him (you know my real name :)

A Treasured Friend

To all the faithful readers of ToknowHim's blog,

I am writing this post (I being Toknowhim's friend @ Cookefamilyjourney), to brag on my friend a little. She does not know I hacked into her blog (Is it really hacking if I am on HER computer and I just signed in and her password was all set up?) I thought this would be a great opportunity to share with those who know her well, what a great friend she is. See, she would never tell these great things about herself (not that she would really believe them to be true anyway) on her OWN blog, so I will tell you them.

First of all, I'd like to ask why is it that when I am at home, I absolutely HATE to clean the bathroom, but yet for my friend, while she was at work, I am happily (no joyously) cleaning her bathroom. Maybe because I see how much effort she puts into her husband and children and ministry, and I just want to bless her by helping her in any way I can. This girl has been one of the greatest blessings God has given to me and I think a friendship like this is rare ~ it shouldn't be. For us, we kind of went through a process together of learning to be authentic Christians, and not wearing a mask, wanting others to think of us more highly than we really were. (A journey we will continue to travel until we are taken home to heaven). We realize the heavy burden that leaves for us to perform. God brought us together at a perfect time in each of our walks. She challenges me in my walk on a daily basis ~ really asking me the tough questions ~ questions you have to pray about before you can answer. What rich, Spiritual conversation we have.

One of the greatest blessings of this friendship is that we can share ANYTHING with each other and know we will not judge one another. Her grace for me is unending ~ and I have had to apologize a couple of times for things I have done and she is so gracious to forgive. I have learned so much from her.

This morning I woke up hearing her precious boys ask, "Mom, where is Mrs. Cooke?" I love them! They make me smile. But while my friend answered, "She is sleeping", I lie awake hearing her prepare herself (with a hectic schedule) in perfect grace and love. Often times my friend will share all her struggles and all the things that keep her from knowing God more intimately. But I want to tell of the ways He must be so proud of her ~ things she does not even realize she does so well. I have only spent just a few hours with her and I am already challenged by her ~ and even without her words ~ just by watching her live. She is so patient with her husband and kids (she would disagree ~ but I have observed). She prepares herself for her day with plenty of time to not stress over being late or yelling at her boys in the stress of it all like I can so easily get caught doing. All the while, she made sure to spend time with me before she put her head on the pillow and before she left for work this morning ~ all with such a graciousness about her.

My friend, I want you to know what a blessing you are to me! I truly cherish your friendship. You are a gift from God, a gift I do not deserve, a gift that daily reminds me of His grace .

Proverbs 17:17 says, "A friend loves at all times......."

Thank you for being such a gracious friend!

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says,

"Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:

If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!"

Thank you for walking along side me in this journey. Thank you for being there for me to pick me up every time I fall!

Proverbs 27:17 says,

"As iron sharpens iron,
so one man sharpens another.

Thank you for challenging me in my faith ~ you make me a better person!

~Blessings to you, my treasured fwend!

The Boys...

This past weekend my hubby had a company "family" picnic. At the picnic, there was a clown that did face painting. The clown's daughter made balloon animals (I missed that picture opportunity because I was eating). I always want my kids to get their faces painted. Sometimes they do not want too, but this time they all did.

At first, I went over to the table and I was looking at the sign of all the paintings the clown would do. I tried to talk my boys into what I thought would look cute on them, but soon realized they all wanted to make their own decisions (does this have to start now? :)

The paintings they chose to go on their faces really represented who they are...

Moose- My oldest. He is a happy kid... He is sweet to the core. The Rainbow was something beautiful to him, and he wanted it on his face, even though mom thought the octopus was cuter.
I love that boy!!

Snake- My middle, my thinker, and at 6 he is one that is already attune to spiritual things. I was sure that he was going to pick something really ruggedly boyish (he chose the sword as his balloon figure), but as soon as he saw the crosses, he knew that was what he wanted. I love that boy!!

Terminator- My baby, my jokester, my ball of energy. It was no surprise that he chose the T-Rex. After all, his nickname is the Terminator... When I went to take his picture he was posing like T-Rex, and he was making guttural noises. I love that boy!!

Something as simple as face painting at a picnic gave me insight into the personalities of my boys.. Now, I think that is cool!!

100th post-100 things about me list cont...

I will jump right in... Go down one post to catch number 1-10...

11. I am a bit clumsy.
12. I always wanted to be a waitress, but I fear carrying the trays... and spilling food all over people.
13. One of my biggest strongholds/struggles is FEAR.
14. I am in the process of surrendering this struggle to God.
15. I am an extrovert.
16. I can start up a conversation real easy... ask the employees at my local Convenience stores.
17. I am a people pleaser, but in the process of trying not to be.
18. I am in love with Jesus more than I have ever been in my life. He is AWESOME.
19. I have a wealth of movie/TV trivia in my brain. You want me on your team in a game if it involves this type of trivia.
20. I am super competitive... it borders on all out sin... I am seeking help for this too :)
21. I have been on some kind of diet for about 25 years... Getting help on this too :)
22. Beth Moore is my favorite Bible Study Teacher.
23. She is the mentor to me that I have never met (I know a lot of ladies out there can Amen this).
24. I love a good Hamburger.
25. I am newly addicted to Burger King's Mocha BK Joes.
26. My favorite number is 8, because it was my mom's favorite number.
27. I am passionate about Women's Ministry.
28. I also love to connect women together in hopes that they will become friends.
29. I am a big PARTY PLANNER. I go all out with the little details.
30. At one point I was massively addicted to Reality TV.
31. I tend to have an addictive personality. I must be cautious...
32. I hate to FLY (tied to fear issue)
33. I am a Florida Native.
34. I long to speak with a southern accent.
35. I am a clothes horse (I think that is the terminology-it means I love clothes)
36. But I will skimp on my shoes (I know this could make my outfit not as fabulous if I have bad shoes).
37. Walmart Rules in my opinion.
38. I love DIET COKE, and my father is a former Pepsi Man (he worked at Pepsi)... He has forgiven me.
39. I am Naive at times.
40. I now love to Read... I didn't when I was younger.
41. I love Blogging, but must keep it in check because of number 31.
42. I rode my first roller coaster, with my first Pastor in Panama City.
43. That Pastor lead me to Christ when I was nine.
44. My adopted sister and I were mistaken for twins all the time (we are nine months apart), even though we look very different.
45. We (sister and me) graduated High School with only a few tenths of a grade point average
difference (her GPA was higher)... We were on the Honor Society...
46. With the way my brain works now, you would never know I was a former Honor Society member.
47. I love to write...Maybe one day I would like to write a book.. I know I will have to give up ending and interrupting my sentences with periods..
48. I have a wonderful relationship with my In-Laws.
49. I graduated college with an Elementary Education degree and have never officially used it (because of staying home with my babies).
50. My first job was at Wendy's Fast Food Rest.
51. I also worked the Graveyard shift for a season of my life at a Hotel.
52. I long to express myself more freely in Worship to our Lord.
53. I was a Hypocrite for a very long time in my younger years.
54. The Lord woke me up one day to that Fact.
55. Now, I feel empathy for people that are Hypocritical, because I know how blind I was, and how far from the Lord I was when I was one.
56. I am starting to just understand about God's grace and mercy.
57. The Experiencing God study shed light on the truth that Jesus wanted a relationship with me that was Real and Personal (unbelievable).
58. Beth Moore was one of the first people (via video) that I saw that had one of those Real and Personal relationships with Jesus. She is head over heels for Him, and I started to believe that I could fall in love with Jesus that way too.
59. I can't really bake.
60. I can follow a recipe, but when it comes to baking...something always gets stuck to my pan.
61. Sometimes I am a big time Procrastinator.
62. I have some OCD traits (possibly related to 31 again)
63. You don't want to travel with me on a long rode trip... I need to make to many bathroom stops.
64. I lack patience, but am working on this too.
65. I sang solos when I was younger, but my voice has changed a bit. Now, I am better in the choir.
66. I like to act, but am more self conscious now, that I will pass on opportunities.
67. I like to receive mail in the mailbox, especially now that I have moved away from my family and friends.
68. I am passionate about Small Groups (comment and ask me about this one if you don't know what I mean).
69. I love Chocolate.
70. I think Billy Graham looks like a saint/prophet from Biblical Times. Beautiful in my Eyes.
71. I love Travis Cottrell's music (introduced to him from Beth Moore events).
72. I talk to myself (see numbers 15 and 16).
73. Sometimes when I am cooking, I will act like I have my own cooking show (this helps since I don't like to cook). I am no Rachel Ray :(
74. I also love Point of Grace, and Avalon's Music.
75. Casting Crowns too.
76. I am a spender, and my husband a saver.
77. I resist budgets at times...
78. I love QVC (a home shopping Channel)
79. I have purchased many Today's Special Value products on QVC.
80. My hubby had to step in and help me (see number 31) with my love of QVC.
81. I have several hair pieces/extensions purchased from HSN (the addiction did not spill over to HSN). I wear them a lot... They look so real!!!
82. I eat when I am bored.
83. Eating is another stronghold that I am working through with Jesus.
84. I love to cry when I watch a good movie.
85. I almost always cry every time I watch an episode of "Touched by an Angel".
86. I get scared when driving on Interstates.
87. Because of the Semi's on the interstates.
88. I am directionally challenged.
89. I am OK with that, but my hubby isn't... He wants to teach me how drive anywhere.
90. My best friend has 3 boys too.
91. She has been one of the biggest blessings in my life... I have grown so much spiritually because of my friendship with her.
92. I had a major anger problem.
93. God has changed me so much in this area... I still struggle at times, but in a totally different way (Need help, read... She's Gonna Blow...this book was awesome).
94. I love Christian talk Radio...
95. Focus on the Family Rules...
96. I can spend a lot of money at the Christian bookstore... I may have to create a spot for this in my budget :)
97. I have been a Christian for a long time, but am still very much a "spiritual babe" when it comes to reading my Bible.
98. 97 is changing.
99. I like the Star Wars movies.. and Lord of the Rings movies too.
100. If you read this list, then you definitly know this list was as Random as it could be... as mentioned that is the way my mind works these days.

Wow, it wasn't hard to come up with this list at all. If you made it all the way through, you deserve a medal (but I don't have one to give :)... But, do leave me a comment. Hope you are not on "To Know Him" overload :)

Blessings to you...

100th post- the right way....

OK, so I already did my 100th post, but I see that I did it wrong. Recently, I have been in blogville, and I see that you are suppose to write 100 things about yourself on your 100th post. OK, I am one not short on words, so I am sure I can do it, but do my readers really want to endure it :) I will do as many as I can. I may have to come back to the list to finish off the 100. Know that these 100 things will be in no particular sequence or any kind of timeline. My brain doesn't work that way anymore :( So here it goes...

1. I accepted Jesus Christ into my heart as my Savior at age nine, but really feel like I understood what that really means when I rededicated my life to him in my early 20's.
2. I met my husband via a computer. We both worked at Hampton Inns. Me in Florida, and Hubby in Illinois.
3. I have been married 13 years.
4. I have 3 sons.
5. My oldest son in Autistic.
6. I have 2 sisters, and one brother.
7. I grew up in the Baptist Church, my hubby's dad is a Lutheran Minister, and we now attend a Christian Church.
8. I cannot spell the word defintely (see)
9. I have huge calf muscles (like a gymnast, and I am NOOOO gymnast).
10. See I told you these 100 things would come very randomly... I will count this as one of my things.


Well, I am off to a meeting.. I will continue the 100 things later. I know you can't wait :)

Time Travel Tuesday

OK, Today's Topic is "We're Having A Baby". Tell about the childbirth experience... Well, I have had three babies. One by natural delivery, and the other two by C-Section. I really should have had all three by C-Section, my boys are cursed with the "BIG HEAD SYNDROME"... All three have pretty big heads... especially my first two. So big, that their pediatricians wanted to run some tests when they were younger... All to find out, that my hubby's head is extra big, and I think, my own head maybe a little bigger than the average adult size head. Boy, the facts that you can learn at the doctors :)

Today, I will just highlight some moments from my first baby's (Moose) delivery. I think I labored for about a full day. The funny thing is I thought I was going to have the baby when I was in the car driving to the hospital. I had only been in labor a couple of hours, but I was sure the baby was coming right then. I think I scared my hubby. The baby actually arrived about 13 hours later.

Also, before birth... I had this list of things I was never going to do.. 1. I will not get into any weird positions to have my baby. 2. Only my hubby and mom can be in the delivery room with me. I am a very super modest person. I still keep the door locked in my bedroom when I am getting dressed :) I wanted as few people as possible to see me having the baby. 3. I would try to have the baby all natural (no drugs).

Well, number 3, was ruined only a few hours into my labor... I love drugs, when it comes to labor and delivery :) Number 1, I blew when I was in my third hour of pushing. I will save you the mental image by not describing the weird position. I was willing to do anything to get my baby out. Number 2, didn't matter to me very much after a full day of laboring.. Pain makes you forget many of the things that you wanted at the beginning of your experience. I had my hubby, mom, and sisters in the room. Not to mention a nice staff of nurses and doctors.

One scary thing that happened to me was my blood pressure started to go up... They had to give me oxygen, and some medicine to keep me from the possibility of going into seizures... That was kind of scary, but I think I was in to much pain to really process that whole ordeal.

OK, I am going to share something quite personal right now. We definitely wanted to film the birth. In my mind, I was thinking something like "A Baby Story on TLC" version.. You know, the kind that is PG, maybe even G. To my surprise, a certain section of my birth video is more like "The Discovery Channel's" Version... with a R rating. What a nice surprise I get, when I decide to relive my birth experience by watching the video only to see a zoomed in shot of my "birth area" (you can probably figure out what I am talking about). I really never wanted to see that side of me :) I think my sister was the culprit, I don't think she knew how to operate our camera. Thankfully, that section of the video only lasted a short time.

Well, I pushed for about 3 hours, and with the assistance of a vacuum (not a Hoover) my little Moose came out. I remember looking at him, and seeing my face. He was all covered with stuff, and had a little cone head, but I could see that my baby looked like me.

My hubby beamed with joy, and probably was scared to death. I think we both were... We were parents, and kind of clueless. Thank goodness, parenting is kind of on the job training. Even better, my hubby and I had our Heavenly Father that would teach us to become the parents that Moose and all of our kids needed :)

Thank you Father for allowing 3 of your blessings to enter our life. We are richer and better people because of our blessings (Moose, Snake, and Terminator).

(I had an experience after Moose was born with God that was amazing... This experience was used to help lead my Grandma to Christ... I will make sure to share at a different time)

Blessings...

Confessions of a (Former) Gossip Queen

Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
I also like the verse translated from the New Living Translation... It states, "The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences."

Woe, that is a powerful verse, and I have found it to be true in my own life. I am one of those people who love to talk. My title states that I am a Former Gossip Queen... That is not a title I would have wanted for myself. I would not have been proud of myself if someone called me a Gossip Queen. But none-the-less, that is what I used to be.

This post will probably apply more to women than men. I know that there are probably a few men out there that like to gossip, but I don't believe men struggle with Gossip as much as women do. I figure that is because women are so relational, and we love to talk :)

The Lord really started dealing with me about my Gossip problem about 7 years ago. During that time, He opened my eyes to see how destructive this SIN could be... I am not sure why I liked to Gossip... I am sure having the "talker" personality did not help my situation. Proverbs 10:19 states, "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise." Let's just say, I was not very wise :)

I have also come to realize that I always wanted to be the one to have something to share... Sharing Gossip brought me the attention I desired from others. Although, when I engaged in gossip, I didn't really realize the ramifications it could have on others. But most importantly, I didn't realize that it had ramifications on me. Remember, the verse from Proverbs, "...those who love to talk will reap the consequences." Oh, yeah, I was reaping the consequences alright, I was distancing myself further and further from the Lord with every thoughtless word I uttered..

Then the Lord began to shine His light on my sin of Gossip. At first, it would be a twinge in my stomach... I would think...maybe I am not suppose to share this... Sadly, at the beginning, I made a lot of bad judgment calls. I would share, and then later feel horrible. The Lord kept working, and I was able to hold my tongue more often (which is so hard being the TALKER I am).

The Lord kept working on me, and then I would get that twinge when others were gossiping. This situation is a bit more complicated to maneuver. I think my best tactic at first was to change the subject, or say something very positive about the person being talked about.

One of the more crazy things that happened was when I would feel that old twinge when the "Gossipy" thoughts were in my head. I didn't even have to speak them, but I did have to take them to God, and ask his forgiveness for my thoughts.

I don't know all the reasons why I fell, or jumped into the sin of Gossip, but I have realized a few reasons why I gossiped. One, I gossiped to get back at those who hurt me in someway. If someone hurt me, I would often find myself saying something, not so positive about them to others. I guess that was my way at getting them back. But, in the end, I never felt good about what I said. I also used gossip to feel better about myself or my situations. Sadly, many of us fall into the trap of comparing ourselves with others to make ourselves feel or look better than the people we are talking about. THAT NEVER TRULY HELPS!!!

I truly feel that I can now call myself a FORMER GOSSIP QUEEN, not because I never gossip. But because now I feel like I slip into gossip... It is not something I am trying to do, it may be something that happens before I realize it. Now, when I do gossip, I ask forgiveness much quicker. I have even called people to tell them what I have said about them. This is not fun whatsoever, but it holds me accountable.

I was inspired to write this post after listening to a conference session from Sheri Rose Shepherd. She has created a conference, called "GIRL TALK" (I think that is the title). Sheri gives Five guidelines for Gossiping. I share them with you all, hoping they will be helpful to you as well.

Ask yourself these questions before you speak...
1. Why am I sharing this information?
2. How will it affect the person listening to what I am saying?
3. Will it change their perception of the person I am talking about?
4. Am I willing to let my name be used as a reference when it is repeated?
5. How would the person feel if they were in the room as I am sharing?

If your answers have any hint of a negative in them, then I think you are on the verge of gossip.

Sheri also stated that there is a lie out there about gossip... We think as long as what we are sharing is true, it is not gossip. Sometimes the truth about someone can be more devastating than a lie. I also heard someone once say that Christians disguise gossip as "Prayer Requests". I have found this to be true in my life and from others. I think Sheri's questions that we should ask ourselves are wonderful guidelines to help us avoid Gossip altogether.

Best of all, we have the Lord Jesus Christ that will always steer us in the direction of Pure Talk... Let our words be words of life and not death. We will reap the consequences of our words , let the consequences be blessings, instead of curses.

Blessings to you all from a sinner saved by God's grace and mercy...

Reality Hits...

If you read my post last week An Outing to the Grocery Store you would have read about my wonderful experience at my local Grocery Store. Well, today my utopia turned into my regular nightmare (I am being a bit dramatic). I had to go back to Meijers today, but first had to make a stop at one of my favorite places, Walmart. That was probably my big mistake. Behaviorally speaking, my boys can pretty much only handle one store in a single outing.

Moose, my oldest, was really the main culprit day. Moose is autistic, and I say this not as an excuse for his behavior, but to help explain some of the WHY, he acts the way he does. First of all, he had in his mind (from our last trip to Meijers) that he was going to sit in the shopping cart. Well, Walmart doesn't have the big shopping cart with the bench attached, so he had to walk with me. Oh no, no, no, he did not like that, so he started whining about it before he even got out of the car. I reminded him that his Strawberry Milk (his treat at the end of our outing) was at stake... He calmed for a second, but started up again before we made it to the door of Walmart. At this point, I should have turned around and went back home, but I have become a seasoned veteran at tuning out my kids, and ignoring the stares of shopping onlookers. So, I kept going, and Moose kept walking. However, he stopped at the entrance and told me he was going to stay right there, but he eventually started moving again.

He calmed, but soon began a very loud speech about how hungry he was... That pretty much carried on through several isles. Even though I didn't want to do this, I told Moose that he had lost his Strawberry Milk for good. That move alone was going to make my next few minutes in the store harder, but it had to be done. He tried to bargain with me several times about earning it back. You see, Moose could care less about what anyone around him is thinking... so he acts like he wants... If he wants to get emotional (like a 3 year old), he will. Thank goodness, he did not have the 3 year old tantrum.

Surprisingly, I was very calm... I only lost it one time, when I told Moose to shut up. We don't use the words shut up... Those words just seem to carry such a negative vibe... Snake, nicely reminded me of that rule of our household. I tried to justify myself to Snake, by telling him that Moose really was acting up, that he needed the strong warning. I know, not my best moment, but I regrouped, and finished my business at Walmart.

Once we got back to our Van, I nixed our second store idea. No, Meijers today... There was no way, I could have made it through that store with Moose knowing that he wasn't able to earn his Strawberry Milk back. As I left the Walmart parking lot, I remembered my last trip to the Grocery Store and how wonderful it was... But, at least for now, that is not my real life. My life consists of a lot of challenges (Parenting-Wise)...,but only through the challenges do I really grow... Grow in every area. Marriage, Parenting, My Spiritual Walk... I normally don't change so much when life is smooth sailing. Plus, I remember back 5 years ago, when a day like today could have pushed me overboard, and today I remained calm (minus the use of the SHUT UP phrase:)

I know all Praise goes to you, Jesus... Without, you I would be a total mess in every area of my life. Thank you for continually pursuing me, and challenging me to change... I love YOU!!!

PS. In the car ride home, and the first few minutes coming back in the house, Snake started crying because I didn't help him the way he wanted me to, and Terminator said that he did not like or even love me anymore (I didn't let him eat Cereal for dinner) :)

Sweet Fellowship...

Man, oh Man, or should I say Woman, oh Woman... I have been blessed with the opportunity to get to know some awesome women. These are some of my great friends... Recently, I got to go out to eat with several of my friends. I sat back and took in the conversation. One of the ladies asked a question, and wanted to get the input of all the other ladies. My old self ( I LOVE TO TALK) would have normally been the first one to offer my input, whether good or not. I resisted the urge to say anything, and what I heard instead was wonderful. Several women gave their perspective on the situation...no judgment, no you have to do this... just encouraging words that pointed the one asking the question to Christ.

I have a passion for women to develop true friendships with each other. At the beginning, I thought I could be that true friend for every person I came in contact with... SILLY GIRL... Through my friendships with my girlfriends.. I have learned so much about myself. I learned how I have a problem with insecurity (I want to be liked so desperately by all). I also learned about Jealousy. I think jealousy can sneak up on you in friendships.. IE: When I would find out that a good friend of mine would do something with another good friend of mine, and I was not invited.. Sounds silly, but that situation, and many like it drove me to become a little GREEN, if you know what I mean. So many, shall I say, "not so good"things would surface in me because of situations with my friends... That sounds really bad, but it was actually really good.

Once I saw the not so pretty sides of myself, I could finally get real with God about the sin in my heart.. The hurt in my heart. My friendships have been such a tool for God to change me, and I am so thankful. I wish that I could say I don't struggle at all with some of the things mentioned above, but I still do. Oh, but not like I used to.. I have found some Freedom in this area.

On a good Spirit filled day for me, I am so glad when one of my friends finds joy in a friendship with another. And when that little GREEN monster comes knocking on my door, it just gives me a chance to press into the one FRIEND that will truly satisfy any need in my Friendship Tank. That is JESUS!!! All I have to do is pour my heart out to Him. He always understands, and He never condemns me... Never thinks I am to weird or needy to be his Friend.

You know, I just want to come to a place where I seek JESUS and His friendship...not because one of my friends have let me down, or because I am struggling with my sin... But, just because He is who is He is, and I rather be with Him than any other person I know on this earth.

Thank you Jesus... Thank you for my Friendships on Earth. I have an enriched life because of them. You are Life, You are Sweet, You are Amazing!!!!

PS.. To all the ladies in the pictures.. You are beautiful inside and out!!!

The Trampoline

Yes, that is yours truly way up in the air. Someone said to me, "Hey, you look skinny (not model skinny, but Me skinny) in that picture", and I said that the "fat" went all up into my head :) I kind of look like I am praising the Lord :) The other pictures are of Terminator (my littlest). Sorry, I didn't fix the one picture... just tilt your head. I love the picture of Terminator just flat laying on the trampoline. No matter what you do on that trampoline, you are eventually gonna keep falling down... especially, when you have people a bit bigger than you on the trampoline. Like Momma.

The trampoline gave me a scare on this vacation. My oldest boy, "Moose" (not pictured) asked me to jump on the trampoline with him. I resisted at first, but gave in. I think it was the first jump that I did that "pop corned" him up in the air, and unfortunately he did not land on his feet. I watched in horror as he fell, and his body formed the shape of a "C". I thought his body weight would make him flip all the way over, and in the process crack his neck. But, at the last moment his body swung back down.

I watched his pain ridden face cry out that his back was hurt. He couldn't get the words out the first two times (I think he got the breath knocked out of him). Oh, that face... He was in such pain. After hearing the words about him hurting his back. I panicked!!! My sister was there, and I told her to call 911. All I could think of was that his back was broken. I had him lay flat on the trampoline, and told him to lie still.

In the first minute or so, I remember praying to Jesus to heal Moose... Pictures of me taking him home from vacation with a broken back swarmed through my mind. I flashed forward to images of my oldest in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. Of course, the guilt was starting to creep in... it was my jump that caused him to fall.

After Moose had calmed down, I asked him to move his arm. He said that he couldn't. That sent a wave of fear into my heart. I then asked him to move his foot, and he again said that he could not. I prayed more... Only a minute probably has passed when Moose started moving his hand, arms, and legs. I still had him lay pretty still, until the ambulance came.

My little Moose is autistic. He is very literal. As we were waiting, he told me that it was my fault that he fell. Talk about a guilt trip. Moose also was very excited that the ambulance was on its way to visit him. He got excited when he heard the sirens.

When the paramedics arrived, the first thing Moose said to the man that was looking him over was about his black eye (another thing Moose said was my fault, because I shouldn't have been cooking dinner... he fell off a table while he was trying to get on a trapeze swing). Not the first impression I wanted to give the paramedics.

Moose ended the ordeal telling the paramedics that they pay $2.85 for their gas. He knew that the Ambulance took Diesel. He is into the gas price thing right now. I think the whole ordeal lasted about 10-15 minutes, but it wasn't until the next day that my spirit rested.

That night, I got up twice to check on Moose while he was sleeping. I was so thankful to the Lord that nothing serious happened to him. I think that day just reminded me to be thankful for my children. To be thankful for their health. It is so easy to focus in on the negative things... I want to learn to develop an attitude of thankfulness... not to just be thankful for the gifts I have been given when those gifts maybe harmed or taken away.

So, the moral of the story is... DON'T GET ON A TRAMPOLINE.... No, I am just kidding (kinda). Be thankful for the gifts that God has given you... Even now, as I hear my "gifts" screaming at each other... I need to be thankful :)