All in a day of.....

The Real Skinny Book Review

2011-03-01T15:19:00.000-08:00

Michelle has a great sense of humor and tells it to you straight up - no sugar-coating it! She not only takes you through some inner healing of the heart, she also gives you her thoughts on different fad diets, exercise and how she feels you should really be living your life - through moderation, combining of different foods and exercise.
Some of the things we war with in life cannot be won by natural means. Their roots go deeper to an invisible place with unseen forces that do their best work through our ignorance. After all other efforts have failed, it's time to look deeper and let God show us the root of the fruit that is showing up in our lives, on our hips, and on our lips. Sometimes we have to get past ourselves to see what's really in the way. The truth hurts, but it's also medicine that can set you free. So don't despise the process. Hang in there, my sister. (pg 83)

This book helped me view my own weight issues in a new and different way. Instead of wallowing in self-pity and doubt, feeling like a failure, this book has lit a fire in me, making me want to lose the extra weight I carry around and keep it off. I am excited to begin my weight loss journey with a new mindset, for the last time. I can see myself incorporating many of the tips provided and making a lasting change in my life

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Sun Stand Still Book Review

2011-03-01T15:05:00.000-08:00

Product Description
If you're not DARING TO BELIEVE GOD for the impossible,
you may be SLEEPING THROUGH
some of the BEST PARTS of your Christian Life.

"This book is not a Snuggie. The words on these pages will not go down like Ambien. I’m not writing to calm or coddle you. With God’s help, I intend to incite a riot in your mind. Trip your breakers and turn out the lights in your favorite hiding places of insecurity and fear. Then flip the switch back on so that God’s truth can illuminate the divine destiny that may have been lying dormant inside you for years.
In short, I’m out to activate your audacious faith. To inspire you to ask God for the impossible. And in the process, to reconnect you with your God-sized purpose and potential."
—STEVEN FURTICK, from Sun Stand Still

“Steven Furtick challenges all of us—from the missionary in the third world to the family in the suburbs—to believe God for the impossible and begin living a life of faith beyond the ordinary.”
—ANDY STANLEY, senior pastor, North Point Community Church

“I don’t know anyone better positioned to challenge you to rise above mundane living and embrace faith-filled audacity than Steven Furtick.”
—CRAIG GROESCHEL, senior pastor, LifeChurch.tv

“For too long Christians have embraced a miniscule vision of faith.… Steven Furtick reminds us that the God who accomplished the impossible through the great heroes of faith still desires to do the same through us today.”
—JENTEZEN FRANKLIN, senior pastor, Free Chapel

“This book will show you that your hopes and expectations are truly just the beginning of what God can do.”
—ED YOUNG, senior pastor, Fellowship Church

Sun Stand Still is one of the most important books you will ever read. This message will inspire you to believe that God can actually do the impossible in your life, and to chase after the dreams He has placed in your heart. Not only should you read this book, but get it in the hands of the people in your life that need to embrace a bigger vision for what God wants to do through them.

In any case, there were a number of powerful insights I took away from the book.
- The key to being a disciple is being completely available to Jesus: unconditional obedience.
- Whatever you're good at, that's your calling. Wherever and wherever it may lead you, is holy ground.
- Every member of the body of Christ is a link in the life-change process of other people
- Furtick also hates the phrases "just a volunteer" and "full-time Christian ministry"
- The scope and impact of your vision will be determined by who you believe God is.
- "If you're going to pray for God to make the sun stand still, you'd better be ready to march all night!"

i received this book free from Multnomah Books as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Love Food Book Review

2011-03-01T14:52:00.000-08:00

Product DescriptionStruggling with weight issues? Do you love food? Chantel says you can have your cake and eat it, too! Encouraging you to enlist food as an ally, she helps you implement the 80/20 rule---eat healthy for 80% of the time and indulge yourself the other 20%. Her revolutionary diet-and-fitness plan works---Chantel lost 200 pounds!
Go ahead. Get passionate about the food you eat.

You don’t have to hide it. You can love food and lose weight at the same time! The secret, which you’ll learn about in Love Food and Live Well, is to know when to have carrot cake and when it’s time for just a carrot.

For most dieters, food is the daunting factor that trips up our best intentions to lose weight and get fit. Let Chantel Hobbs teach you that food is not the enemy! It’s our attitudes toward it that defeat us. Losing weight does not require being deprived of the foods you love and being forced to eat boring, tasteless meals, and left feeling hungry most of the time. Turn food into your ally by following Chantel’s 80/20 rule: A full 20 percent of the time, splurge on the foods you love and incorporate them into celebrations and social occasions. The remaining 80 percent of the time, choose food on the basis of delivering maximum fuel for your body and ultimate health. Simply by having freedom in what you eat, you can train yourself in self discipline and achieve sustainable weight loss, being free from food anxiety.

Using personal inventories, original recipes, food plans, and new, detailed exercises for strength training and aerobic fitness, Chantel will inspire you to live well in every area of life. What are you waiting for? Start the pursuit of a life lived well and healthy: body, mind, and spirit.

THis was a good read- not the normal diet or quick fix.

Thanks B&B Media for this review copy.

Book Review Jesus in Present Tense

2011-03-01T14:37:00.000-08:00

In Jesus in the Present Tense, Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe explores the “I AM” statements of God—from His burning bush conversation with Moses, to His powerful reassurances to the Israelites, to Jesus’s startling claim to be the Light of the World.

Many Christians find themselves mired in past regrets or future fears, but the name of God itself reminds readers that God wants them to live in the present. The more readers understand and apply God’s I AM statements from the Old and New Testaments, the more they will realize God’s peace and joy. Then they will be free to live, serve, and know God more richly in the present tense—which is just where He wants them to be.

Karen Davis with the B&B Media Group, Inc. sent me a copy of Jesus In The Present Tense: The I AM Statements of Christ for the purpose of my review. The book's author is none other than Dr. Warren Wiersbe, an internationally known Bible teacher, author of the popular "BE" series of Bible commentaries and the former pastor of The Moody Church in Chicago.

The "I AM" statements of Jesus found in John's gospel are some of the most poignant examples of Christ's proclamation of His divinity--and understanding them is crucial to our growth in our love for Christ. After initially dealing with the "I AM" statements that are found throughout the Old Testament, beginning with Moses' conversation with the Lord in the book of Exodus, Wiersbe addresses with the seven metaphorical "I AM" statements:

1. I am the bread of life (John 6:35; John 6:48; John 6:51)

2. I am the light of the world (John 8:12; John 9:5)

3. I am the door of the sheep (John 10:7; John 10:9)

4. I am the good shepherd (John 10:11; John 10:14)

5. I am the resurrection and the life (John 11:25)

6. I am the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6)

7. I am the true vine (John 15:1)

He also takes a couple of surprising turns in dealing with what are known as the absolute I AM statement of Christ (found in John 6:20; John 8:24; John 8:28; John 8:58; and John 18:5) and also what he calls the neglected I AM--Psalm 22:6:

"But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people."

Certainly a good read and great way to do a study on I AM.

Book Review: The Truth About Dating, Love, and Just Being Friends

2011-03-01T14:15:00.000-08:00

Product Description
Chad Eastham, with his typical wit and wisdom for teens, brings much sought after advice on girls' favorite topics including dating, love, friendship, and other important stuff.

Chad shines some much-needed light on these major issues for teens. Rather than let their feelings navigate them blindly through their tumultuous adolescence, Chad offers clarity, some surprising revelations, and answers to some of their biggest questions: How do I know who to date? When should I start dating? How should I start dating? Is this really love? And, Why do guys I like just want to be friends?

Packed with humor that adds to the sound advice, this book will help teens make better decisions, have healthier relationships, and be more prepared for their futures. Just a few things girls will learn include: Five things you need to know about love; Eight dumb dating things even smart people do; Ten reasons why teens are unhappy; and Ten things happy teens do.

Any teen can live a happier, healthier life: they just need to hear The Truth.

In this book you will learn:
* What should guys never do, what should girls never do, and do you know if someone likes you?
* If you are going to date, what kind of boundaries should you set up at the beginning to ensure a healthy relationship?
* How can you honor God through healthy relationships?
* What does being "just friends" really mean?
* What are the top 5 tips on finding true love?

All in all I think that this book should be on every teen girls book shelf. I don't know that the guys would take the time to read it as it does feel a little like it is geared towards girls but there is a lot of info just for the guys also (Why do girls go the the bathroom in groups or pairs?)

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Wild Olive giveaway

2011-03-01T11:33:00.001-08:00

Wild Olive Tees

We have taken one of our favorite graphics, “transform your mind”, and paired it up with one of our favorite things… a super-soft hoodie.

You’re going to love the way it looks AND feels.

And in celebration of our new, limited-run hoodie, we’re giving it away!

FIVE of our new hoodies, to be exact.

You can enter one of three ways… or to increase your chances of winning, enter all three ways.

Just be sure to link up below or leave a comment on our blog, letting us know what you’ve done!

1. Grab the new “transform your mind” button below and post it in the sidebar of your blog. Post about our giveaway on your blog, and be sure to link back to our site. Then link up below, or leave a comment, along with your blog’s URL, letting us know about your fancy new button. (Our “comment” link is at the top of this post…so don’t panic when you can’t find it at the bottom!)

2. “Like” us on Facebook, if you haven’t already (there’s a “like” button at the bottom of this post). You can even be “Friends” with us! If you already “like” us, then just update your status with news about our giveaway.

3. Follow us on Twitter, if you don’t already (there’s a “Tweet” button at the bottom of this post). And tweet about our giveaway.

For each of the above, you’ll receive one entry. Do all three, and you’ll receive five entries. WOOT!

Contests ends at midnight EST on March 1st. All FIVE winners announced on Wednesday, March 2nd.

Being a Voice in the dark

2011-01-17T12:04:00.000-08:00

Recently i went to a retreat- The Destiny Project through Rhythms of Grace Coahing
www.rhythmsofgracecoaching.com wow what an incredible gift and amazing time away with God.

Here is some information about the retreat which can also be a conference call:
The Destiny Project Journey* is designed to call forth women who know they were meant for more and empower them to bring lasting change to the world, in the name of Christ. We will guide you at a life-giving pace through a proven Visioneering Process using eight coaching tools.

You will learn to...

Connect with God from your heart and learn to listen as He speaks into your life.
Discover your true identity in Christ and your deepest life purpose and be able to describe them authentically.
Envision what is possible when you align your life with your unique core values.
Reframe the story you tell yourself about the obstacles that currently and historically stand in the way of fulfilling your destiny.
Create clearly defined visionary goals and next action steps that flow out of who you are and where God is at work in your life.

It will change your life forever. You walk away with a clear understanding and knowing of who you truly are. I mean deep down know the truth about your heart, values and your passion. It's made very clear.

The women that held this certain retreat also run an Organization- Generation Justice. which you will find more info out on facebook. But it's about Human trafficking and lighting up the world in all the dark places. It's about making an impact and changing lives forever, for generations to come.

I would encourage anyone who happens to read this and stumble across this blog post to get educated. Look into the Destiny project. Look into Human trafficking, Fair Trade prodcuts.

Here are a few sites to encourage you and help you on this journey- so you cna be a voice in the dark.

www.notforsalecampaign.org
www.thejusticeconference.com
www.ihsionline.org/ssblog Sak Saum amazing products handmade
www.somaly.org
www.sctnow.org
www.globalexchangestore.org

Soulprint

2011-01-17T11:50:00.000-08:00

Product Description
There never has been and never will be anyone like you. But that isn’t a testament to you. It’s a testament to the God who created you. The problem? Few people discover the God-given identity that makes them unlike anyone else. Mark Batterson calls this divine distinction our soulprint.

God would like to introduce you to yourself.

In Soulprint, Mark pours the contagious energy he’s known for into helping you experience the joy of discovering who you are and the freedom of discovering who you’re not. The wonderful fact is that your uniqueness is God’s gift to you—and it’s also your gift to God.

A “self-help” book that puts God at the center rather than self, Soulprint encourages you to recognize and explore the moments of your life that determine your future. Along the way, you’ll find that you’re not just turning the pages of a book. You’re turning the pages of your remarkable, God-shaped, world-changing life.

In his book SoulPrint: Discovering Your Divine Destiny, Pastor Mark utilizes key moments in the life of David to show the reader how to realize God’s true purpose for our lives. Past mistakes, hidden sins, and watershed moments are avenues that God utilizes to create the unique masterpiece that becomes one’s identity. By performing a self-assessment, it is possible to make the person looking back in the mirror the same person that God sees--this, Mark says, is where we find our destiny and His will for our lives.

SoulPrint was a challenging book primarily because it hit so close to home at such a critical time. I am excited about this “evolution of character” that God desires, although I know that it will require significant energy, dedication, and openness to take the steps required to fulfill the full potential of God’s destiny in my life. It is not simply a quest to redefine my image or obtain a new identity, but rather the natural result of “desperate people take desperate measures.” I strongly recommend this book for anyone seeking meaning and fulfillment in life--this can only come by seeking and finding God’s perfect will for your future

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

BookSneeze: Voices of the Faithful 2

2011-01-17T11:42:00.000-08:00

Product Description
A new year's worth of inspiring stories from the front lines of faith.

"A willingness to go is all they have in common," says Beth Moore and Kim P. Davis, speaking of their friends on the front lines who are spreading the gospel around the world and with whom they collaborated to create this book. This second book of 366 daily devotionals features stories of God's faithfulness, written by hundreds of missionaries worldwide.

From stirring miracles to heroic adventures, this second volume highlights those who daily go to the outer limits of spiritual devotion.

A follow-up to the first book which has now sold 300,000 copies.

Voices of the Faithful, Book Two" is more stories from around the world--stories of believers serving and at times sacrificing for their God. In America, we can easily forget about our brothers and sisters in other countries.

It's book like this one that help us remember to pray, and to not take our freedoms and faith for granted. Over 300 missionaries contributed to this volume, and each one will move you to a richer, deeper faith.

And an appreciation for those who are called to go and serve away from home. Or to serve where home is a dangerous place. Each devotional is a daily reading, brief but so rich!

At the end of the book there is an Index of Devotion Titles by the month including the Bible verse used, this is handy for looking up that particular story you were interested in and may want to share with someone else, to let them know what your inspiration was for the day. Looking just for the Scriptural references? There is an index for that, another lil' blessing.

Another gift at the end of this book is the gift of salvation, the steps for leading a life with Christ, I believe this is an important part in any christian book, its nice to see it in this wonderful devotional!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising

Q&A with Missy Buchanan B&B Media

2011-01-17T11:21:00.000-08:00

Q&A with Missy Buchanan

Even when age creeps up on the body and mind, and life changes from what it once was, is it still possible to have a purpose in life? When it is no longer possible to venture out and do the things you once loved, can you still find a reason to look forward to each day? Missy Buchanan, a leading expert and advocate for senior adults, believes that you can. Buchanan wants to encourage older adults to find their purpose, share their stories, and make an impact on those around them.

Q: What made you decide to start ministering to and writing books for older adults?

Well, as a middle-aged adult, I never had any intention of becoming an author of books for older adults. But because of the journey that my own aging parents were on, I realized how they had become disconnected from their church as their lives changed. They started off as active older adults and then that circle got smaller as they had more needs and physical limitations. As I would visit them at their retirement community, I would also see so many others that were just like them. They needed spiritual encouragement. And so that’s why I got started. The first book began as a project just for my own parents. I wrote devotions and kept them in a loose-leaf notebook. But others started asking for them and things just spiraled from there.

Q: What do you think children need to know about their aging parents?

What I realized personally was that I had been so caught up in my parents’ physical needs that I had neglected their spiritual needs. They were no longer connected to their church, at least in regular worship attendance, and that had been such a huge part of their lives. I almost made that mistake of just totally missing that, and that was the point where I began to write. I looked and there were other books written about older adults but not very many that were written to them and for them. So the first thing I would tell their children is to pay attention not only to their physical needs but also to their spiritual needs.

Q: What is your opinion about role reversal with children and their aging parents?

I hear the whole idea of role reversal where the older parent becomes a child and the grown children become the parent, and I understand what they are talking about because my own parents became more dependent on me. But I think that when we refer to it as a role reversal, and we begin to think of our aging parents as children, we strip away their dignity. We rob them of respect and we overlook the fact that they are not children. They have had a lifetime of experiences that a child has not had. And I think that is an important difference that grown children need to think about and pay attention to. It’s more of a role shift in responsibilities and not a role reversal. I know how much it hurts an aging parent to feel like they are being treated like a baby or like a child.

Q: Other than aging adults, who else has benefited from your writing?

A friend of mine in an assisted living facility asked me to bring some books for one of her tablemates. Her tablemate explained that these books were for her adult children. “They don’t understand what it feels like to grow old, and I can’t seem to make them understand, but your books say it better than I ever could.” My books are all written in the first person as if an older adult is speaking directly to God. There are a lot of adult children that are buying them for themselves and older adults buying them for their grown children.

And I’ve heard of different youth groups that have been reading my books in order to better understand what it’s like to grow old. Instead of just mocking their older peers, they are learning that they share a lot of the same feelings—feelings of insecurity, feelings of fear. As a result of reading the books, one youth group in Tennessee has even adopted the residents of the senior living center across from their church.

Q: How can faith change our idea of growing older?

So many see aging as a punishment, and they dread it so much. But even though it is difficult to be limited by an aging body, they need to look at it as a gift that God has given them. They still have so much to give. They have great wisdom to share and stories to share. I always tell my older friends that their story is not yet over.

Missy Buchanan is the author of Talking with God in Old Age: Meditations and Psalms and

Living with Purpose in a Worn-Out Body: Spiritual Encouragement for Older Adults (Upper Room Books).

Click here to watch Missy Buchanan’s recent interview with

Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts and Roberts’ 86-year-old mother.

Visit Missy Buchanan’s website, www.missybuchanan.com, and blog, http://missybu.wordpress.com/.

Become a friend on Facebook (Aging and Faith) and follow on Twitter (MissyBuchanan).

Talking with God in Old Age: Meditations and Psalms

In Talking with God in Old Age, Missy Buchanan sensitively address the worries, fears, and frustrations of older adults and extends hope, encouraging them to maintain an open dialogue with God. Each reading features:

· A candid conversation with God

· A related passage from Psalms

· Easy-to-read print

Seniors grappling with the aging process will readily identify with these reflections and will find reassurance of God’s Presence. Caregivers, family members, and others seeking to understand aging loved ones will gain insight into the thoughts and emotions of the elderly frail.

Living with Purpose in a Worn-Out Body: Spiritual Encouragement for Older Adults

Birthed out of real-life experience, Living with Purpose in a Worn-out Body is a big does of authentic spiritual encouragement for frail elderly who struggle to find purpose a the end of their lives. These devotionals addressed to God raise in prayer the many concerns of the frail elderly and provide opportunities to reminisce and reflect on their blessings.

Each devotional offers the following:

· Easy-to-read print

· Reader-friendly format

· Comfortable, nonacademic language

· A first-person address to God

· Brief supporting scriptures from the New and Old Testaments

For more information, contact:

Audra Jennings
Senior Media Specialist
The B&B Media Group
1-800-927-0517 Ext. 104 - ajennings(at)tbbmedia.com
Visit us on the web at www.tbbmedia.com or our blog at www.tbbmedia.blogspot.com
We are also on Facebook and Twitter (audrajennings and TBBMediaGroup)!
“A Media Communications Company”

109 S. Main - Corsicana, TX 75110
Fax: 903-872-0518

Pause for Power Book review

2011-01-17T11:08:00.000-08:00

Product Description
Topical. Relevant. Fresh. Pause for Power: A 365-Day Journey through the Scriptures with Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe will inspire readers to experience an unforgettable year of spiritual growth.

Wiersbe Bible studies and commentaries have become a trusted resource for exploring scripture. Pause for Power: A 365-Day Journey through the Scriptures continues that legacy. This unique devotional is designed to help readers discover spiritual insights through a simple, yet informative, approach to God’s word.

In just a few minutes each day, readers will encounter powerful truths that can impact their daily lives. Features include:

Select scripture readings that explore practical, everyday topics
Themed commentary from Wiersbe’s popular “BE” series
Thoughtful questions that prompt personal reflection
A small prayer that carries a big idea

Readers will experience an unforgettable year in God’s Word.

Very encouraging easy to follow along daily devotional. Year long study. Days are not marked so you choose there isn't a right or wrong. Dr. Wiersbe encourages the reader to personally apply God's Word to every situation in their life and work on developing an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. I thought it was very delightful that day 2 of the devotions was devoted to what else? Devotions!! The writing was easy to understand and interesting. Overall, this devotional had more meat on it than most I've seen, and I'd highly recommend it to those who enjoy using devotionals.

UnStuff book review

2010-12-16T14:12:00.000-08:00

God . . . and stuff. Everything in the universe falls into one of these two categories. Which is more important to you? (It’s not a trick question.) In Unstuff: Making Room in Your Life for What Really Matters, popular authors Hayley and Michael DiMarco take a close look at what’s in your wallet, your heart, your house, and your mind to reveal the pleasures and perils of stuff—and the joy, peace, and freedom that comes from learning to live with less.
In this real-life look at “how it’s done,” the DiMarcos take an uncomfortably close look at the cost of their love affair with stuff. They start by Unstuffing their house—getting rid of anything they don’t need by giving away, selling, or throwing out items that only add to their love for more. Then, kicking it up a notch, this family of three travels across the country with nothing more than they can fit in a motor home . . . and discovers that the really important stuff goes with them.

This book is 6 sections full of ideas and personal stories from the authors as to how they experienced a releasing of their stuff. These sections include:

"Wallet Stuff" which includes work, paying bills, shopping, and all things financial.
"Mind Stuff" talks about instant gratification, depression, drama, worrying about what others think.
"Body Stuff" is all about eating and weight issues and fatigue.
"Love Stuff" delves into sexual addiction, being selfish or lonely, and how giving can replace love.
"Worship Stuff" includes wanting to be comfortable, not praying, reading the Word or just being lazy.
"Future Stuff" talks about avoiding certain triggers, living within your means and learning to rest.

Disclaimer: Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in order to facilitate an honest review. Others may or may not have the same experience(s) with this book and/or company.

Booksneeze:Voices of the Faithful

2010-12-16T10:23:00.000-08:00

Product Description
A 366-day devotional with inspiring stories from the front lines of faith.

"A willingness to go is all they have in common," says Beth Moore, speaking of her friends on the front lines who are spreading the gospel around the world and with whom she collaborated to create this book. This brilliant, 366-day devotional features incredible stories of God's faithfulness in the face of uncertainty and danger, written by hundreds of missionaries worldwide.

With a foreword by International Mission Board president Jerry Rankin and an introduction by Beth, this volume also includes advice on how to hear God's voice, pray for missionaries, and understand the church's and individual's role in missions

Beth Moore compiles this set of short inspirational readings (one for every day). Each reading is one page. The objective is that you read the short essay, all of which are based on Bible verses, and contemplate the teaching throughout the day.

The essays are arranged by subject. Each month has a different theme. February - the word of God. March - prayer. Etc. Each month's essays are preceded by comments by Beth Moore.

Some of the essays are very inspiring. It takes a couple of minutes to do the daily reading, but one can contemplate it during your daily commute or throughout the entire day. Some of these messages are that good.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Blogging for Books review: If God is Good

2010-12-16T10:13:00.000-08:00

From Publishers Weekly
The crossover fiction and nonfiction author of the half-million–selling Heaven throws down a heavy response to a spate of recent bestselling atheism books. Because the main argument of atheists against the existence of God is suffering in the world, Alcorn lays out a weighty and classically reasoned argument to the problem of suffering in this thoroughly modern book. His biggest trump card is that atheists were hardly the first to ask about suffering and evil. Ancient writers did, and the fact that the Bible raises the problem of evil gives us full permission to do so. Evil and suffering are addressed in tandem but approached differently. Evil comes from human rebellion or sin, and suffering is a secondary evil brought on by that primary evil. By granting free will to humanity, God allows for an eternal good that humans don't always see now but will experience in the life to come if faithful. Not academic but well-reasoned, Alcorn may not convince atheists, but apart from them readership is wide open. (Sept.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

This is a solid, thought-provoking, and well-written book.

If God is Good: Faith in the Midst of Suffering and Evil deals with the prime questions people ask today:
Why would an all-good and all-powerful God create a world full of evil and suffering? And then, how can there be a God if suffering and evil exist?

The book is laid out well, I would suggest if you are going to take the journey through this book which will be on my top ten list, I would use it as a devotional, reading a chapter a day for each section is short enough to read in one sitting.
Alcorn deals with this tough subject using God's Word as his textbook and real life examples of people he knows and has interviewed. He never minimizes the evil, suffering and hurt of those he uses as illustrations, but sees them as heroes of the faith who have clung to God in the midst of deepest valleys.
Some section titles include Understanding the Problem of Evil and Suffering, The Origin of Evil..., Proposed Solutions..., Living Meaningfully in Suffering, Why Does God Allow Suffering?

This book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing

B&B Book Review: It's No Secret

2010-12-06T13:21:00.000-08:00

Product Description
Are you tired of life as usual? Ready to trade your everyday issues and emotional hang-ups for a life of greater intimacy and fulfillment?

Then it's time you join Rachel Olsen and discover some God-sized secrets to successful living.
Rachel's writing is lighthearted and fun. But she's serious about helping you uncover biblical secrets to energize your spiritual life and relationships. This book will help you:

* Handle petty conflicts and criticism with grace
* Overcome the competitive urges that leave you lonely
* Grow spiritually despite life's setbacks
* Relax unrealistic expectations in favor of emotional stability
* Uncover a surprising means to worshiping God amidst your busy schedule
* Discover how to make what you give away ultimately return to you
* Find adventure as you yield wholeheartedly to God

You'll explore twelve principals from scripture, and delve into the Bible yourself with end-of-chapter studies. So grab your Bible, your coffee cup, a copy of It's No Secret, and a girlfriend and come discover twelve secrets the world doesn't know that every woman should.

About the Author
Rachel Olsen's passion is helping woman see and savor God afresh. She is a popular national women's speaker, a staffer with Proverbs 31 Ministries, and a communication instructor at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington. Rachel is also general editor of God's Purpose for Every Woman. She and her husband raise two children and enjoy life in a beach town.

Coffee.

Chocolate.

Your closest friends.

This is a great bible study to work alone, but if you are looking for that next bible study for your ladies group, this is it.

What I like about this is that it addresses everyday topics that as women and as followers of Christ, we continually encounter such as issues of competition, true versus false humilty, gossip, just finding times, among the many topics that are touched and are daily struggles for a Sister of Christ.

Chapters are brief, with study questions that will really have you digging into your Bible to explore and examine Biblical truths and stories and how they apply today as they have applied throughout the ages.

These are short studies that are good for a thirty minute study if you're doing it alone or for hour(s) discussions for a group of girlfriends whose gather together and sure to touch, encouraged and challenged.

Please note: I received this book free from B & B Media Group, which has a program designed for book reviews by bloggers. The opinions that I have expressed in this review are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. For more details about the B & B Media Group, please view their websites:

B&B Book Review- The Life Book

2010-12-06T13:12:00.000-08:00

https://www.thelifebook.com/start-a-project.php

This is an incredible movement created to get the book into the hands of high schoolers and others where it generally isn't allowed.

BRING THE LIFE BOOK MOVEMENT TO YOUR AREA

Our mission is to help local churches and youth ministries give the free gift of God's Word to Every High School student in your local high school(s).

We are now scheduling The Life Book Saturations for 2010. Apply early because we have a limited number of openings.

If your church or youth ministry would like to consider being the Lead Church for The Life Book Movement for your high school(s), details are below:

What is required?

A passionate and committed point person (preferably a pastor or youth leader).
Ability and willingness to bring together a small team of caring adults to make the project a success.
Ability and willingness to involve other area churches and youth ministries in your local Life Book Project.
Commitment to regular communication with our Director of Saturations and the local churches and/or youth ministries involved.
Commitment to see the project through from beginning to end.

Action Steps:

Fill out the application below.
Speak with our Director of Saturations (He will call you)
Commit to be the Saturation Leader

Learn More...

WHAT IS THE LIFE BOOK MOVEMENT? WHO IS THE LEADERSHIP TEAM?

Founded by The Gideons International as an innovative strategy to reach high school students with God's Word, The Life Book Movement works through churches and their students to saturate high schools with God's Word. The Life Book Movement is best described as a week-long mission trip in which high school students get the opportunity to offer the gift of The LIfe Book to their classmates during school.

The Life Book’s unique design engages searching high school students with the truth of God’s Word as they are introduced to Jesus Christ. Using an interactive format with honest student comments and real-life questions in the margins, readers are drawn into the only story that can change their lives forever.

Working through local churches, The Life Book Movement provides free copies of The Life Book to Christian students to give to classmates during school. Because it is legal for students to distribute religious literature in public schools, this unique approach provides an opportunity for churches and youth ministries to get God’s Word in the hands of every student in every high school they serve.

With Saturations scheduled throughout the United States, the end goal is to eventually place God’s Word in the hands of 17.5 million high school students

WHAT IS A SATURATION WEEK?

One week where all the Christian students from local churches hand out The Life Book at their local high schools.
The Life Book Movement is simply a week-long mission trip for high school students to their schools.

HOW DO YOU GET INVOLVED?

Click HERE to view our online application. We are currently looking for Saturation Leaders for Fall 2010.

All I can say is get involved- buy some books and pass them around.

B&B Book review: It's Your Call

2010-12-06T12:48:00.000-08:00

Product Description
Discover God’s calling for your life ...

Few spiritual concepts have fascinated and confused people more than understanding God’s calling for their life. Is it primarily about a job or a role? It is precise or general? Is a calling only reserved for those who work in professional ministry?

The truth is actually amazingly profound: What we are supposed to do is what we most want to do.

This is a guide for discovering God’s design and destiny for your life. Drawing from over 20 years of experience in ministry, Gary Barkalow shares how you can:

Live alert and oriented to the voice and choreography of God.
Discover and interpret the voice of your own story.
Discern the strategic assault against your calling.
Recognize God’s intentional training in your life’s journey.

Most of all, you’ll be inspired to let the glory of your life touch the world around you.

About the Author

Gary Barkalow is the founder and director of The Noble Heart, a ministry with the express purpose of helping men and women find their life in God and their calling in this world. He has served in leadership positions at Ransomed Heart Ministries, Focus on the Family, and Campus Crusade for Christ. Through The Noble Heart, Gary speaks at conferences across the country and around the world. Gary and his wife, Leigh, reside in Colorado Springs with their four children. www.thenobleheart.com

over 20 years study on the part of the author. He calls you into the study with the likes of C.S. Lewis, George MacDonald, Oswald Chambers, Dallas Willard and many others. But don't come in expecting to "get it all" in 10 minutes. Come in with your journal in hand, a cup of your favorite beverage, and the understanding that you are going to be here awhile. Because you have been invited to join in a conversation that has been going on since creation. A conversation about life, and living. And that conversation requires commitment; but the rewards will be worth the investment.

B&B Book Review: Baby Bible Christmas Story

2010-12-06T12:37:00.000-08:00

Product Description

Christmas Bible stories made simple, interactive, and relevant for young children.
With a fresh look, The Baby Bible Christmas Storybook is an interactive and gentle-hearted way to discover and reinforce familiar Bible stories with very young children during the Christmas season.
Inside you will find:
• Simple actions and activities with Mom or Dad help tell Christmas Bible stories.
• Short story length allows for short attention spans.
• Actions and easy vocabulary works well for the small child (infancy through three years old).
• Short prayers at the end of each story help make the story relevant for little ones and teach them to pray.

The Baby Bible Christmas Storybook introduces your child to the Christmas story with bright, colorful pictures, simple prayers and suggested actions to bring the stories to life. The sixteen short stories bring parents and children together to learn the wonderful story of Christmas in an interactive manner.

I really enjoyed this Christmas storybook. The illustrations were wonderful and brought the Christmas story to life. They are bright, vivid and easy to see. My daughter was constantly pointing and naming objects, actions and places or animals. The book itself is unique because it gives suggested hand motions under each line in the story for parents to interact with their children

BookSneeze Review :The Grae of God

2010-12-06T12:28:00.000-08:00

Product Description
"Grace. It's what we crave most when our guilt is exposed. It's the very thing we are hesitant to extend when we are confronted with the guilt of others-especially when their guilt has robbed us of something we consider valuable.

Therein is the struggle, the struggle for grace. It's this struggle that makes grace more story than doctrine. It's the struggle that reminds us that grace is bigger than compassion or forgiveness. That struggle is the context for both. When we are on the receiving end, grace is refreshing. When it is required of us, it is often disturbing. But when correctly applied, it seems to solve just about everything. This struggle is not new; it has been going on since the beginning."

-Andy Stanley

We find in the pages of Scripture that the stories found there often mirror our own stories, and that we too need the very thing we do not deserve: the grace of God.

From the beginning, the church has had an uneasy relationship with grace. The gravitational pull is always toward graceless religion. The odd thing is that when you read the New Testament, the only thing Jesus stood against consistently was graceless religion. The only group he attacked relentlessly was graceless religious leaders.

Even now as you think about grace, there might be a little voice in your head whispering, "It can't be that easy!"

"What about obedience?"

"What about disobedience?"

"What about repeated misbehavior?"

"What about bad habits?"

"What about justice?"

"What about repentance?"

It's this tension that makes grace so slippery. But that's the beauty and the truth of grace. We don't deserve it. We can't earn it. It can't be qualified. But God gives it to us anyway because he loves us unconditionally.

The story of grace is your story. And as you are about to discover grace plays a larger role than you imagine.

This book is written in such a way that you will find yourself relating to every story, every situation, and every subject. It is encouraging, reaffirming, reassuring, and life-changing. You will weep as the words strike a chord in your own heart and rejoice as you realize that grace is a product of God's deep and everlasting love for all His children. You will learn that as He extends his grace to you, so should you extend grace to your neighbor. You will see the very nature of God spilled out onto every page; how His grace extends so far beyond our own reach and limited depth perception. You will see that He is a graceful and merciful God; the message is abundantly clear and unmistakable.

I highly recommend putting this book at the very top of your must-read list. Even though I haven't yet finish it, I know that I have been blessed by the reading and will continue to be blessed as I absorb each word all the way to the end. In fact, I can't wait to dive into it again today!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the book sneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

BookSneeze Review: Good Morning Lord

2010-12-06T12:01:00.000-08:00

Product Description
Delight in each day as an adventure in trusting a faithful God.

Whether facing day-to-day frustrations or long-term struggles with fear, insecurity, or the weight of a painful past, Sheila Walsh takes women by the hand and helps build unbridled trust in The One who gives hope, healing, peace, and redemption. Each 'day' starts with a devotion geared toward real life situations that women often face, and ends with questions for thought and space for journaling personal reflections. The invitation is to journey through lessons that women can use immediately to establish a deep, life-altering trust in the Father.

are approximately two paragraphs long and include two thought questions with space for journaling, a prayer, and a Bible verse. All of the devotions in this book were adapted from several other books by Shelia Walsh.

This book offers just the motivation I need to commit my days to God. The brief devotions offer me just enough to think about and to "chew on" for the rest of the day. Too often for me, morning quiet time becomes overwhelming because of my perfectionistic nature. This book allows me to do one small thing well.

I also think it is beautifully designed and would make a great gift.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Giveaway- B&B Mark of Love

2010-12-06T11:58:00.000-08:00

I have one Mark of Love available- random # selction on Dec 15th. Please post a comment below to be entered into the drawing.

The Mark of Love

The Mend Mark tells a powerful story in two words

Have you been “Marked?” The Mend Mark is a mission, a movement, an entire revolution. It is a bracelet meant to remind its wearers of Christ’s love and sacrifice, and its message is the passion of its creator, Hunter Harrison.

The Mend Mark is an innovative and distinctive bracelet that is designed to reflect the scars and nail holes of Jesus. When worn, the band resembles the deep holes of the nail driven into the wrists of Jesus during his crucifixion. By bringing the story of Jesus’ life and death to constant awareness by wearing a bracelet, Mend Mark is meant to powerfully remind wearers of the ultimate act of love Jesus made for all of humankind.

Harrison’s mission is to remind all to remember Christ’s love in both his life and death. But more than only a poignant recollection, the Mend Mark is meant to inspire and motivate wearers to live a life of service. Harrison strives to bring people together around the simplicity and power of love as lived by Jesus. But this is no example of passive love. The Mend Mark calls individuals in all walks of life to love with a profound sincerity and commitment great enough to change a neighborhood, a community, a world.

Harrison leads this call to love and sacrifice by example and joins hands with each Mend Mark bracelet purchaser to take the first step in global change. A portion of each bracelet sold goes to support Living Water International, an organization combating the clean water crisis victimizing over one billion people worldwide. Each $5,000 given will result in one well drilled, providing a community with clean water.

But wearers should be prepared to be seen. Unique in its design, the Mend Mark is sure to be noticed and gives wearers an opportunity to share the story of the profound love of Jesus for each and every person. “It was important to me that the design was simple and generic enough that the observer had to ask about it to know what it meant. But I also wanted it to appear distinctive enough that it sparked curiosity,” reveals creator Hunter Harrison. “I wanted it to require the wearer of the product to engage in conversation about the love of Christ (and hopefully show that love to others) instead of just letting the product talk for them.”

Launched in late 2009 after a year and a half of packaging, material, and design development by Harrison, the bracelet has been sold across the United States, Canada, and the UK and has been featured in retail stores as well. The Mend Mark bracelet movement has grown to further fame after being worn during performances by American Idol winner Lee Dewyze, Idol runner up Siobhan Magnus, Decifer Down, Israel Houghton & New Breed, Pillar, and Finding Favour, to name a few. Says Harrison, “I want it to be more than just another bracelet; I want it to represent a movement.” Based on the way things are going, a movement is exactly what it is becoming.

Order online for $9.99 at www.mendmark.com.

Q&A With Hunter Harrison,

Creator of the Mend Mark

Q: How did you arrive at the idea for the Mend Mark? Why a bracelet?

A: I always thought about getting a tattoo. I still haven’t, but tattoo designs frequently cross my mind, and if I ever got one I would want it to be meaningful. On one particular day, I had the idea of getting two circles tattooed on my wrist to resemble a hole. But not just any hole—the hole that killed a king. The more and more I thought about it, the more I came to realize that nowadays EVERYONE has a tattoo and it would almost be rebellious NOT to get one. (I guess you could consider me a reverse rebel.) So I decided to do something a little different, something that would reach many more people than just some ink on my wrist. I took the idea and designed a bracelet instead, and consequently, the Mend Mark idea was born.

Q: At first glance Mend Mark seems like a nebulous name. What does it mean?

A: I’ve always liked the word “mend” and I feel like it’s underused. So it was an easy decision to incorporate that into the name. It fit the product purpose, and since it was representing one of the marks of Jesus, Mend Mark was an obvious choice. Plus it had a nice ring to it and with tattoo roots it seemed natural to call it that. I wanted it to be more than just another bracelet or wristband. I wanted it to represent a movement. So the “Mend Mark” it became.

Q: What are you hoping will be accomplished through the wearing of the Mend Mark bracelet and through the Mend Mark movement?

A: There are three main things I want to be accomplished. First is that I wanted people to remember the sacrifice. I wanted to unite people—Christians (no matter the denomination) and even people of other worldviews—on one common message: LOVE. The love that Christ preached in particular. With so many books out there and theological debates on who’s right and who’s wrong, sometimes we forget the simplicity of Christ’s main message: LOVE. I figured that no matter what one believes, they can’t deny that selfless love can change the world… and sometimes we need a reminder of that. So I coined the phrase “Remember Love” to be printed on the bracelet. The second thing is that I wanted people to emulate the emotion. I wanted it to require the wearer of the product to engage in conversation about the love of Christ (and hopefully show that love to others) instead of just letting the product talk for them. I felt that if this was done properly it could force people into intentional situations where they were able to demonstrate their faith. If I was a non-believer and I saw someone wearing an obvious Christian product, I doubt I would ask that person about it because I would already know what they were going to say. But, if I saw this, I would want to know what it was. It sparks curiosity… and in turn that curiosity may open some doors for people to share the love of Christ with others. Finally, I wanted it to inspire people to change the world around them. I decided to find a cause to support through the sales of the bracelet. There was no reason for me to keep all the profits for myself. I wanted to be able to give back and share the proceeds somehow. I researched and prayed and petitioned God on what ministry to support and God led me to Living Water International. I knew I wanted to help fight malnourishment in one way or another and providing “Living Water” seemed to fit the purpose of the product—using “love” to mend. That’s what it’s all about and this product allows that to happen on a global scale.

Q: Where did the inspiration to create the Mend Mark come from?

A: My mother was the most influential person in my life. She raised me on her own, even homeschooled me in high school, and I think that extra time with her really impacted me. She passed away from cancer in 2007, but she always told me I would do great things. My wife, Morgan, has been extremely instrumental in encouraging me to take those words from my mom to heart and make them a reality. Morgan motivates me like no one else can and has been a tremendous source of love and support throughout the entire process.

Then my work in banking inspired me. All day long I am helping people achieve their dreams getting businesses and ideas started. I wanted to get out there and start doing something myself. But I wanted it to be meaningful. Since my son was born two years ago, he’s given me an added motivation to do something bigger than myself, something that will somehow leave a legacy behind.

Q: The Mend Mark is certainly growing as a movement. It’s even been worn by celebrities. What’s next for the Mend Mark?

A: The Mend Mark isn’t the first idea I’ve tried to get off the ground. It definitely won’t be the last either. By far, it’s been the most fun and the most successful, and the one I’ve been most passionate about. I’m currently working on additional product designs as well as T-shirts that will go along with the original Mend Mark purpose. The future is bright and I can’t wait to see where God takes it.

Blind Hope review

2010-11-22T13:32:00.000-08:00

Synopsis

An unwanted dog. An emotional rescue.
Two lives forever changed.

Laurie's dreams had been shattered before she came to work at Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch—the ranch of rescued dreams—where broken horses and broken children encounter healing every day. In an attempt to soothe her aching soul, Laurie reached out to save a dog in need. And she soon began to realize that the dog was rescuing her.

An inspiring true story told through the engaging voice of Kim Meeder, Blind Hope reveals poignant life lessons Laurie experienced from her ailing, yet courageous canine friend. Despite the blindness of her dog—and her own heart—Laurie uncovered what she really needed most: authentic love, unconditional trust, and true acceptance, faults and all.

As Laurie and her dog, Mia, both learned to follow the lead of a master they couldn’t see, Laurie discovered the transforming power of God’s grace even for imperfect and selfish people—and she experienced a greater love than she had ever known.

“Love is a bridge that stands firm through difficulties and connects one heart directly to another, not because of how it looks, but because of what it is.” —Kim Meeder, Blind Hope

I LOVE Kim Meeder's books and her ranch. What amazing and inspirational stories that come out of her heart and the ranch. This is a must read. and DOG is GOD spelled backwards.

I was provide a copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah for review purposes

Fasting for Aaron on Friday

2010-11-16T23:10:00.000-08:00

I am going to FAST on Friday for Aaron and for his health- would you please consider standing with me and praying?

Tomorrow afternoon (Wednesday) some folks from church are coming over to pray over aaron and for aaron. We just want him healthy and this trend of illnesses/health issues to be gone. If you think about it can you pray tomorrow afternoon for aaron and for the church folks who are praying? I don’t know the time yet but will update you.

Below are emails I sent to our church prayer chain:

Last Wednesday morning we went to Children’s Hospital Seattle for more testing.

Aaron will be having a VFSS (Video fluoroscopic Swallowing Study). We met with the pulmonary clinic/drs at Children’s a few weeks ago and they think its a good idea to have this test done to see if there is a possibility food/liquids are going into this lungs when he eats/swallows.

He is now 21 months old and has been sick for 10 months straight only a short 8 week break June-august and mid August it started again.

He is on prevacid, 2 inhalers has had 3 chest xrays, 1 upper gi, 1 surgery, VCUG and tons of tests. I just want his body to be healed.

Marco and I are soooo tired, just mentally, emotionally, and physically. Every time we try to come to church on sunday sickness gets us. One sunday marco was so sick couldn't move and about 2pm that afternoon it was gone. I am sure its something bigger (spirit of isolation) keeping us away because we have been so isolated this past year.

If you could pray for this isolation thing to go away and for our relationships with friends and families to grow in leaps in bounds. Health Health Health- for healing and strength and protection for our family. Wisdom for the doctors and for what ever is going on with Aaron to be revealed and mystery solved so we can reduce medicines and get him healthy. Also if you are praying and hear anything for us could you let us know.

Update from the testing:

The swallowing study (xray) showed that he is building a pocket of fluids up over his airway so its possible he is aspirating but at that time of the testing he would trigger his muscles and swallow instead of all of it going into his lungs. He is now due to this on a liquid restricted diet which means anything and everything that is pour able/liquid needs to be thickened. We have a dietician assigned to us from Children's and Thickening stuff we have to use.

by thickening the liquids he has to work more and harder to get things down and he uses all his muscles which makes it go down the right pipe. where thinner liquids it appears he is lazier and allows them to go down both tubes.

recheck in 3 months.

later that day we had another dr appt and found out he has alot of food allergies.

Dairy or any product in dairy category was huge. Thankfully we had taken him off dairy in June due to the fact dairy creates alot of mucous. So we were giving him almond milk and coconut milk which he is highly allergic to hazelnut, soy, coconut and almonds. so now just rice milk.

there is something that is also making his face develop a rash. We can't figure out if its the prevacid(reflux med) or a food. so we are monitoring that closely to figure out what the trigger is.

He has been coughing a lot the past few days and tons of mucous so we are hoping in the next day or 2 his body will flush away all the cold/allergy stuff and coughing will go away now that we have removed the allergens.

The drs say in time he will probably out grow everything maybe by age 4 or 5.

there is more I am sure - it was a lot of stuff to process Wednesday and then phone calls with follow up appts and children's home care yesterday.

You wouldn't know he was sick- he is in daycare- running around- being cray but gets crabby and coughs. We just need his lungs healed.

11/14 Aaron wasn’t feeling well this morning and took a nap about 10/11 ish woke up with a fever and a gunky eye. After about an hour or so we decided to take him into Children’s Bellevue Urgent Care- well he has an ear infection and pink eye. His lungs sounded okay. His fever is about 100. He is on 2 different meds for ear infection and pink eye. This means no daycare and one of us need to stay home from work to be with him and care for him.

This is almost exactly to the week when we first started with all the ER visits- last year this time he had ear infection- pink eye and pneumonia. So we are praying and breaking this- no more!!!

Can we all just pray in agreement for his healing and his body to be restored to pure health.

Tonight 11/16 Really exciting news- Aaron was having a bad day not feeling well and not eating – we tried to get an appt with our ped dr but they were full so at 5pm we went to Children’s Bellevue Urgent care.

Aaron’s ear infection is gone. After 3 doses of antibiotics it’s gone. The dr said if it hadn’t been written in his record that he had one she wouldn’t have known because there were no signs.

His pink eye is looking great you can hardly see.

So Prayer is working and we are going to keep pressing in. As I know God can and will heal Aaron.

SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by Marsha Burns -- 11/16/2010:

Be strong and do not lose heart. Refuse to give up. The enemy would have you to believe in hopelessness, but he will not succeed as long as you maintain your position of hope. Give him no ground. Take the time and make the effort to exercise your faith and to believe Me and know that I have heard your prayers, says the Lord.

2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory

B&B Media Review: Jump Into a life of Further and Higher

2010-11-12T11:46:00.000-08:00

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Jump is a powerful guide to becoming a vehicle of compassion, reconciliation, and transformation in our world.
Life is all about jumps. We jump from high school to college, school to the professional world, dating to marriage. Each leap launches us to new levels.
Even though we can’t see what’s on the other side of the wall, our faith jumps are about trusting that God is there. We experience the liberation when we jump into the arms of our Savior, then into a church family, and then into a world desperately in need.
Efrem Smith presents fresh insights into how Christians can say yes to the jump that takes them deeper into a loving, devotional, intimate life with God.

About the Author
Efrem Smith uses motivational speaking, comedy, and preaching to equip people for a life of transformation. He is the Superintendent of the Pacific Southwest Conference for the Evangelical Covenant Church, and an Itinerant Speaker with Kingdom Building Ministries. He is a graduate of Saint John’s University and Luther Theological Seminary, and the author of Raising Up Young Heroes and The Hip-Hop Church. He and his family live in the Bay Area of California.

Smith tells of his own journey of faith, of a jump into connection with the body of Christ. Influenced by the writing of Dr. Martin Luther King and the nonviolence movement for civil rights, Smith's message for the individual and the church includes a strong emphasis on justice and reconciliation. He writes from a pastor's heart, with a vision for a multiethnic and multicultural emphasis on evangelism and discipleship immersed in compassion, mercy, and justice.

I was provided a copy of this book by Audra Jennings of B&B Media Group in exchange for my honest review here.

B&B Media Review: Nudge

2010-11-12T11:37:00.000-08:00

Editorial Reviews
Product Description

Evangelism is about reaching out to others. Really? You think?

Brace yourself. In Nudge, author Leonard Sweet sets out to revolutionize our understanding of evangelism. He defines evangelism as “nudge” – awakening each other to the God who is already there. Sweet’s revolution promises to affect your encounters with others, as well as shaking the very roots of your own faith. So brace yourself.

About the Author
Leonard Sweet is the E. Stanley Jones Professor of Evangelism at Drew University and a Distinguished Visiting Professor at George Fox University, and a chief contributor to Sermons.com. Sweet is the author of hundres of articles and numberous books, including The Gospel According to Starbucks, 11, So Beautiful, AquaChurch 2.0,and SoulTsunami. To learn more visit www.LeonardSweet.com.

"Nudge evangelism is the planting of seeds. With a motivation of love, nudges meet people in their context and nourish their souls in some way. As in Jesus' parable of the seeds, planting frees us to be extravagant in love, yet leaves the results for God to germinate and grow. Nudging is an open-ended enterprise God may undertake directly. God may use others, and time and circumstance to grow. Or God may even employ a continuing involvement from us. The main thing is that nudgers are free to love without consequences. Nudgers are free to invest in the lives of others through the generosity of life as a conduit of love from God...Nudge is a a call to evangelize life and to face death so others may live."

The first section of the book explores what it means to pay attention in order to both witness and to bear witness. The remainder of the book invites us to realize how God moves and speaks through each one of our senses. Sweet's playful, encylopedic presentation is meant to both spark our imaginations and provoke each one of us to action in our own context through word and silence, touch and taste, scent and sound.

Nudge is great news about the Good News. This is a rich, lovely, inspiring read - and one that connected me more fully to my own humanity, to the One who made me, and to the world he loves. Highly recommended.

I was provided a copy of Leonard Sweet's book Nudge: Awakening Each Other To The God Who's Already There by Audra Jennings of B&B Media Group in exchange for my honest review here.

Tyndale Review:"The Surprising Way to a Stronger Marriage"

2010-11-12T11:30:00.000-08:00

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
The most significant act of love we can do for our spouse is the single act of taking personal responsibility—or “the power of one.” We cannot reach satisfaction in our marriage relationships if we don’t first look at ourselves and see where we need to change. Personal responsibility is the fuel that drives the actions of a healthy marriage.
Usually, each spouse blames the other for their problems; this attitude only leads down a path of unfulfilled expectations and heartache. But marriages can be transformed, literally overnight, when a husband or wife learns the power of one. By accepting personal responsibility for their own emotions and reactions, spouses can learn how to love their mates to the fullest and create a stronger marriage relationship—with the power of one.
From the Back Cover
Surprise! You don’t have to wait for a happier marriage. You can make a difference, beginning today—by changing yourself.
It takes two to tango, but the power of one can ignite a revolution in your relationship. By taking responsibility for your own emotions and reactions, you can improve your marriage, starting now.
In The Surprising Way to a Stronger Marriage, relationship experts Michael and Amy Smalley provide the tools to help you right-size your expectations about your mate . . . reboot your relationship with the Trillion-dollar Question . . . and communicate, validate, “lean in,” and forgive—even when your spouse doesn’t.
See how to make the tools work in Surprising Solution Scenarios. Apply the ideas to your marriage, using the study guide included. Discover how the power of one spouse, bolstered by the power of God and key principles from His Word, can change everything.
The Smalleys have seen these principles succeed, both in their Marriage Restoration Intensive program for couples on the brink of breakup and in their own relationship. Now you can watch them work in yours.
And we do mean now.

In The Surprising Way to a Stronger Marriage Michael and Amy Smalley recognize this and more. Through candidly sharing their own marital conflicts (sometimes humorous!) as well as the conflicts of some of their counseling clients, they encourage individuals to change their attitudes, which very well may change their marriages for the better.

I like this book and would recommend it to couples for a couple of reasons:

1. At 139 pages (plus a study guide in the back) it's easily read in a day or two. And since their are two people contributing it almost has a conversational feel. I liked having the point of view of both husband and wife.

2."We can't control what happens to us but we can control how we respond." The authors focus on what "you" can do in your marriage instead of blaming someone else (i.e. your spouse) for your unhappiness. They do a great job of guiding someone through forgiveness and disappointment in marriage and showing you how to respond in love (even in a hurtful situation) and work towards reconciliation.

Tyndale Publishers provided me a copy of this book for my opinion

Wild Olive Tee- Giveaway

2010-11-02T15:34:00.000-07:00

http://www.wildolivetees.com/blog/
We will be giving away TWO Women of Faith Packages. Each package contains two Wild Olive tees of your choosing, and two Women of Faith tickets for their Over The Top Event in Hartford, CT on November 19th and 20th. Amie and Stefanie will be attending this conference, and we would love for you to join us there, representing Wild Olive!

AND, for those of you who don’t live close enough to attend the conference, we love you, too! So we are giving two more prize packages, each contains TWO Wild Olive tees, winner’s choice!

So there will be FOUR winners, announced Wednesday, November 10th. Entries close at midnight EST on Tuesday, November 9th, so get crackin’!

There are three ways to enter:

1. BLOG it. 5 entries. Write up a post about our Wild Olive/Women of Faith giveaway, including a link to this post, and also a bit about Wild Olive tees. Link up below and/or post a comment on our BLOG with a link to your blog letting us know you entered.

2. FACEBOOK it. 5 entries. Friend us on Facebook at Wild Olive, and become a fan of our Wild Olive Tees page, and do a post on your wall mentioning our Wild Olive/Women of Faith giveaway, including a link. Leave a comment here AND on our FB page letting us know you have entered.

3. TWEET it. 1 entry/tweet. Follow us on Twitter, and link to our giveaway post, and mention the WO/WOF giveaway. Only one tweet/day will counted as an entry.

When you leave your comment, PLEASE let us know which prize package you’d prefer: the WO/WOF package or Wild Olive package.

For more chances to win, tune in to the live stream on WYCM, 90.1 FM Christian Radio. They will be giving away FIVE WO/WOF Packages this week. The first giveaway will be during Judy’s evening show between 6-9pm tonight. There will also be giveaways during Stephan’s morning show between 7AM- 10 AM this week, so tune in!

The B & B Media Group- Solitary

2010-10-15T23:12:00.000-07:00

Product Description

His Loneliness Will Soon Turn to Fear….

When Chris Buckley moves to Solitary, North Carolina, he faces the reality of his parents’ divorce, a school full of nameless faces—and Jocelyn Evans. Jocelyn is beautiful and mysterious enough to leave Chris speechless. But the more Jocelyn resists him, the more the two are drawn together.

Chris soon learns that Jocelyn has secrets as deep as the town itself. Secrets more terrifying than the bullies he faces in the locker room or his mother’s unexplained nightmares. He slowly begins to understand the horrific answers. The question is whether he can save Jocelyn in time.

This first book in the Solitary Tales series will take you from the cold halls of high school to the dark rooms of an abandoned cabin—and remind you what it means to believe in what you cannot see.

About the Author
The author of a dozen works of fiction, including Isolation and Ghostwriter, Travis Thrasher has been writing since he was in the third grade. His writing is known for its honesty, depth, and surprising twists. Thrasher lives with his wife and daughter near Chicago.

It's the typical new-kid-at-school experience for Chris. Almost. He defends a kid against some bullies - and even the kid being bullied tells him it was the wrong move. He meets Jocelyn Evans and her friends Rachel and Poe, and totally flips for Jocelyn. Except everyone starts warning him against her.

And then there's that church that is the church in town and the one where the pastor's sermons say nothing about Jesus but a lot about death. And the muddy footprints near the cabin; someone is watching them. And the email warnings to stay away from Jocelyn. And the small group who seem to worship by themselves. And his mom getting chloroformed. And then Chris getting chloroformed.

This is "Solitary," the first of four Young Adult novels by Travis Thrasher. The author of 11 previous novels for adults (and some ripping good books ranging from love stories to suspense), Thrasher has created in "Solitary" a combination of suspense, nightmare and the anguish of a teenage boy who is head over heels in his first love.

The pace simply doesn't let up. Thrasher has structured the novel with short chapters and sparse, clean prose that add speed and propel the reader forward.

I received this book for free from The B&B Media Group in exchange for my honest review.

The B&B Media Group- True Religion: Taking Pieces of Heaven to Places of Hell on Earth

2010-10-15T22:45:00.000-07:00

From the Publisher

A rising voice in the missional movement, Palmer Chinchen challenges Christians to a new kind of spiritual formation-one focused on pouring out our lives for others and radical dependence upon God. When we get out of our comfort zone, our souls are awakened- everything seems more alive and vibrant. So why don't we live our faith that way? Why is it that our faith can easily become an old, tired routine instead of an exhilarating, God-honoring lifestyle? Discover why true religion involves engaging the problems in our world as we go with the good news of the gospel. And in the process of pouring ourselves out for others, we'll see God radically transform our own hearts as well.

Dr Chinchen is the Pastor of The Grove in Arizona. He writes about hell on earth and how, as Christians, we are supposed to bring heaven to those areas.

The book is divided into 5 parts (Expatriate, Conflict Diamonds, Do Work, Desire and Embrace) with 2 chapters in each part. And each chapter is full of personal stories from around the world, mainly Africa, and some parts of America where injustice is occurring.

A group of people travel on missions trips to Cuba, Africa and other parts of the world to share "pieces of heaven". The stories are meant to upset you and cause you to have compassion. This word, Chinchen shares, is meant to be action not just words or pitiful feelings.

Thanks to The B&B Media Group for sending me this book to review.

Start using Mint.com to manage your money today!

2010-09-29T11:41:00.001-07:00

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Book sneeze- Your Money God's Way

2010-09-11T14:11:00.001-07:00

Product Description
Readers discover the seven "counterfeit convictions" that keep them broke and encounter proven plans and for getting out of debt, building wealth, and finding financial peace.

Money habits. Where do they come from? Can you pinpoint when you started shopping to feel better, why you can't usher grown children into financial independence, or why saving for the future is a priority in theory but not in practice?

Amie Streater, associate pastor of financial stewardship for the 10,000-member New Life church in Colorado Springs, has been there. From her own experience, she knows what it's like to look at an impossible pile of bills and a pile of toddlers wrestling in the next room. In Your Money God's Way, empowered by her own incredible journey to financial freedom, she leads readers to the dream of mastering their finances. She also expertly uncovers seven "counterfeit convictions" Christians believe that hinder their personal finance success.

The main thing that I loved about the book, was how the author used prayer and scripture references thoughout the book. This is something we certainly need in this area of our lives! We all can use more prayer and the word of God! This book is perfect for those who want to get back on track in their finances, and that are really seeking the Lord with the help and guidance to do so. I believe it could even be used in a small group study, very easily!

Here is an excerpt from the preface that I believe is smack on:
"...in order for God to bless you and change your circumstances, you have to be willing to change yourself, or more specifically, your heart, your head, and your convictions. Because if your money is messed up, the problem really isn't your money; it's you. That may sound harsh, but it's the truth. Here's why: in Matthew 6:25-31, Jesus promised that our Heavenly Father will meet all of our needs. Sure, hard times will come, and bad things will occasionally happen to good people, but if you are in a systematic pattern of not having enough, it is not because God is not providing for you, it is because you are not managing what He has already given to you."

I recommend this book because it will guide us as believers to align our thoughts towards finances and how we out to handle them with what Scriptures teach. God's Word certainly isn't vague on the subject! I would also recommend Faith-Based Family Finances as a follow-up, which will lead you into the "how" of managing finances wisely and for the glory of God as well as answer many questions. I am so grateful for the resources God has available to help us grow in this area; I personally learn so much from them!

As per FTC guidelines, I must state that I received a complimentary copy of the book "Your Money God's Way", from Thomas Nelson Publishers, to read for review. My opinions are expressly my own and are in no way influenced positively or negatively, due to receiving this review copy.

Book Sneeze- Out Live your Life

2010-09-11T14:01:00.000-07:00

Product Description

These are difficult days in our world's history. 1.75 billion people are desperately poor, natural disasters are gouging entire nations, and economic uncertainty still reigns across the globe. But you and I have been given an opportunity to make a big difference. What if we did? What if we rocked the world with hope? Infiltrated all corners with God's love and life? We are created by a great God to do great works. He invites us to outlive our lives, not just in heaven, but here on earth. Let's live our lives in such a way that the world will be glad we did.

Additional Outlive Your Life products include:

Outlive Your Life audio 9780849946134
Live to Make a Difference booklet 9780849946127
One Hand, Two Hands children's book 9781400316496
You Were Made to Make a Difference teen book 9781400316007
You Changed My Life gift book 9781404187832
Outlive Your Life DVD study 9781418543945
Outlive Your Life participant guide 9781418543952

About the Author
Max Lucado, Minister of Writing and Preaching for the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, is the husband of Denalyn and father of Jenna, Andrea, and Sara. On a good week he reads a good book, has a few dinners with his wife, and breaks 90 on the golf course

Once I started reading Outlive your Life by Max Lucado I couldn't stop. It will grab your attention very quickly.

Outlive your Life will encourage you to make a difference. It gives numerous examples on how a single person can have great impact for generations.

Today we live in a world of 1.75 billion poor people and 1 billions of them are in extremely hungry. This statistics put you in the right perspective.

If we all get "unshell" and open our hearts to compassion there is no doubt we can make a difference in people's lives.

Full of stories, anecdotes and personal experiences that will probably make you cry (I did) you will receive a boost of "I want to make a difference" type of attitude.

Chapters are very short - averaging 4-8 pages per chapter - which made it an easy book to read through; and also made it possible to digest the contents bite by bite. The book is quick to challenge your view of yourself and your view of the world around you; and brings about many points to stop an meditate on. There is a great use of story telling, metaphors, and illustration to bring to life the awesome reality that God can, and wants to use us! I would certainly recommend this book - especially to leaders that find themselves "too busy to read."

As Lucado writes, "We are given a choice...an opportunity to make a big difference during a difficult time. What if we did? What if we rocked the world with hope? Infiltrated all corners with God's love and life? What if we followed the example of the Jerusalem church?

As per FTC guidelines, I must state that I received a complimentary copy of the book "Out Live Your Life", from Thomas Nelson Publishers, to read for review. My opinions are expressly my own and are in no way influenced positively or negatively, due to receiving this review copy.

Book Sneeze Book Review

2010-09-07T12:41:00.000-07:00

Product Description
Practical instruction for living a confident life in a world filled with chaos and crisis.

In the New York Times bestseller What in the World Is Going On? Dr. David Jeremiah summarized ten prophetic clues that are coming true in our own generation. In light of these chaotic events, how can we continue to live a life of commitment and confidence? Looking through the lens of the same verses that speak of Christ's return, Dr. Jeremiah now points us to the habits we must establish that will form a pattern for living with certain hope in our uncertain times. They include how to stay:

Centered in Christ
Committed to the Word
Compassionate toward others
Connected to the church
Consistent in your walk
Calm in your heart
Certain of His coming
Confident in your faith

About the Author
Dr. David Jeremiah is the senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon, California. He is the author of several best-selling books, and his popular syndicated radio and television Bible teaching program, Turning Point, is broadcast internationally. David and his wife, Donna, have four children and ten grandchildren.

In this book the reader is challenged to stay compassionate, constructive, centered, and confident; living life with the guidance of God's Word. This is a book that I will read again, and this time, I will have the highlighters and pen out to take notes. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has issues dealing with stress in today's world.

Please note that Thomas Nelson Publishing has provided me a complimentary copy of this book for my review; however, the opinions are my own. I have not been required to publish a positive review.

Book Sneeze Book Review- the Butterfly Effect

2010-09-07T12:31:00.000-07:00

Product Description
The decisions you make and the way you treat others have more impact than you may ever realize.

Speaker and New York Times best-selling author Andy Andrews shares a compelling and powerful story about a decision one man made over a hundred years ago, and the ripple effect it's had on us individually, and nationwide, today. It's a story that will inspire courage and wisdom in the decisions we make, as well as affect the way we treat others through our lifetime. Andrews speaks over 100 times a year, and The Butterfly Effect is his #1 most requested story.

Also included with the purchase of the book is a link to view a 9-minute message of Andrews telling The Butterfly Effect story to a live audience

Great gift book- easy read- good for any age.

To comply with new regulations introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, I must post that Thomas Nelson has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book to review. I also must say that the opinions are all mine

Book Sneeze Book Review- The Boy Who Changed the World

2010-09-07T12:28:00.000-07:00

Product Description
Did you know that what you do today can change the world forever?

The Boy Who Changed the World opens with a young Norman Borlaug playing in his family's cornfields with his sisters. One day, Norman would grow up and use his knowledge of agriculture to save the lives of two billion people. Two billion! Norman changed the world! Or was it Henry Wallace who changed the world? Or maybe it was George Washington Carver?

This engaging story reveals the incredible truth that everything we do matters! Based on The Butterfly Effect, Andy's timeless tale shows children that even the smallest of our actions can affect all of humanity. The book is beautifully illustrated and shares the stories of Nobel Laureate Norman Borlaug, Vice President Henry Wallace, Inventor George Washington Carver, and Farmer Moses Carver. Through the stories of each, a different butterfly will appear. The book will end with a flourish of butterflies and a charge to the child that they, too, can be the boy or girl who changes the world.

The illustrations were wonderful, and my children loved looking for the butterflies throughout the book. From the corn fields of Iowa, to the offices in Washington, to the lab of George Washington Carver, the illustrations are beautiful and adorned with butterflies. I highly recommend this book. It's postivie and encouraging message touches the hearts of children and inspires them to greatness

To comply with new regulations introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, I must post that Thomas Nelson (bookSneeze) has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book to review. I also must say that the opinions are all mine.

Tyndale Book review 2 Corinthians

2010-09-03T11:38:00.000-07:00

Synopsis

You want your Bible study to help you grow, make a difference, and change your life. This one will. Life Application Bible Studies include thought-provoking questions, complete lesson format, full NLT text, and the most extensive commentary available in a Bible-study booklet, giving you everything you need to understand God’s Word and apply it to your life. The Studies include thirteen ready-to-use lessons to stimulate thought, discussion, and practical life application. Study questions are thoughtfully arranged, and there is generous space for writing answers, as well as special application questions at the end of each lesson to help you map out your personal action plan. With Life Application Bible Studies, you have everything you need in one place!
FEATURES:

•Contains the entire New Living Translation text of each book studied.
•Study notes are easy to use and understand, covering background, history, geography, and culture.
•Application notes help you apply God’s Word to your life.
•Contains charts, maps, and profiles of Bible people.

light weight easy book to carry around and have. Great resource

To comply with new regulations introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book

Booksneeze review: One Hands, Two Hands

2010-09-03T11:13:00.000-07:00

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
A delightful way to show little ones how their hands are a blessing from God that they can use to do help others.
Written in rhyming text and illustrated with the charming art of Gaby Hansen, this simple message of God's blessing of hands not only entertains . . . as it teaches what wonderful things our hands can do from scratching, latching, and petting a pup to washing dishes with mommy and putting toys in a box . . . but it also conveys the important message: We can use God's gift of hands to show our love for Him by helping others. The book ends tenderly with a prayer of thanks to God for hands and asks Him to use them again:

One hand, two hands,

Five fingers, ten.

God, thanks, for my hands.

Please, use them again.

The book is cute- beautiful pictures. It starts off fun and light but switches towards service and caring for others. Then the last few pages are different ways we can serve with our hands. My 5 yr old enjoyed it- I wouldn't say LOVED it but it was cute and rhyming.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from the publisher through the book sneeze book review bloggers program. I received no other compensation and all opinions presented herein are my own.}

BookSneeze book review- plan B

2010-08-18T09:36:00.000-07:00

From Publishers Weekly
This new young voice in evangelical Christian circles, a pastor and church planter in Nashville, finds a distinctive way to weave Bible stories with his own and other life stories. People develop Plan B, Wilson argues, when life does not deliver what someone wants. It also entails a firm belief that God is there both in the failure of Plan A and in the redemption that comes in Plan B. Wilson draws on other Christian writers and thinkers as well as the Bible; the foundation for Plan B comes from such Bible texts as John 16:33, in which Jesus says, 'In this life you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world.' Wilson cautions that taking only one part of this teaching—either the trouble part or the overcoming part—leads to bad theology. Good theology comes from holding these two together in tension, balancing disappointment and suffering with faith in a loving God. While the teaching is sound, the way he delivers it needs tweaking; Wilson's writing lacks the kind of humility that draws the reader in. (May)

Pete Wilson is the pastor of Cross Point church in Nashville, TN and the author of WithoutWax.tv blog. The book, Plan B, mirrors the message and the person that he presents in both the church and blog mediums.

Plan B is a book intended to help the reader deal with those moments in life where things have not turned out the way they had dreamed or hoped. Let's face it, most of us have either had one of those moments or will. Someone once said that life is what happens when we are planning for it. So how can we deal with those unexpected twists in our lives? While this book is presented from a faith standpoint and will speak very clearly to the Christian reader, it brings a lot of practical wisdom that the non-Christian reader will benefit from as well.

Pete's conversational style has a way of drawing the reader in to the inner circle of the stories he relays as examples for the lessons he has learned from his own life or from others. It is easy to laugh along and to grieve along with the persons inside that circle that Pete invites you to witness.

So what do you do when faced with that moment when the world seems to fall away from under your feet? Do you run? Do you stand paralyzed not knowing what to do? Do you struggle with who to turn to or understanding where help can come from?

I believe everyone in their life has a time where things do not go as planned. You lost a loved one to early, a spouse walked out, or you are battling a physical aliment. No matter what the situation is Pete Wilson shows us through passages of scripture the many biblical characters who lived their whole life living out Plan B and how God used their Plan B to bring healing and glory to God.

If you have someone who is going through a difficult time this would be the prefect book to pass along. This will be a book I keep on my shelf to read whenever things don't go as I had planned.

BookSneeze Book review- Wild at Heart- revised/Expanded

2010-08-17T21:39:00.000-07:00

John Eldredge revises and updates his best-selling, renowned Christian classic.

God designed men to be dangerous, says John Eldredge. Simply look at the dreams and desires written in the heart of every boy: To be a hero, to be a warrior, to live a life of adventure and risk. Sadly, most men abandon those dreams and desires-aided by a Christianity that feels like nothing more than pressure to be a "nice guy." It is no wonder that many men avoid church, and those who go are often passive and bored to death. In this provocative book, Eldredge gives women a look inside the true heart of a man and gives men permission to be what God designed them to be-dangerous, passionate, alive, and free.

If you are a woman, Wild at Heart will give you a peek under the hood of the men in your life. If you are a man, here's your chance to think about things that you would normally probably only ever talk about with a counselor or your best friend.

How often have you stepped back and thought of what it means to simply be a man? The focus in most books is on roles: our roles as a spouse, in our career, as a parent. Most men are bored, he says. Most women are tired.

According to Eldredge, men have three basic desires: adventure, a battle to fight, a beauty to rescue. Again and again he emphasizes that he's not promoting some He Man image and again and again he says that God is the source of true masculinity.

This book changed my husband's life- before he read this book and before he went to the bootcamp that Ransomed Heart offers he was not a christian but after reading this book and attending boot camp he got it and accepted christ.

the message in this book changed our lives.

Sickness- prayer request

2010-04-16T10:15:00.001-07:00

Oh where to start ….

Our family needs prayers!
Aaron has been sick since October. It’s been non stop ear infection after ear infection, pneumonia, hand foot mouth disease. We haven’t been to church since about October. Maybe once or twice since then but every weekend Aaron would spike a fever and we would be up all night with a congested sick baby. Marco and I are just exhausted. Trying to work full time, take care of all 4 kids, sleep and spend time together. We have barely been functioning.

A few weeks ago Aaron got really sick, marco and the 2 older girls were skiing. I ended up with aaron at Children’s ER.
Marco and I have been frustrated with our primary peds dr just feeling they aren’t doing a very good job. We just felt there was something else going on, there had to be a reason why he wasn’t getting better.

I was changing Aaron’s diaper one time and the urine had collected under his skin and it had swelled to the size of a softball. It was frightening. I told our dr who referred us to a urologist. The appt for that was about a month away. In the meantime the swelling had happened a few more times. I mentioned it when we were at Children’s ER, they did a urine sample and cultured it.

When Aaron and I left children’s ER he had an ear infection nothing else came back. Well that Monday AM Children’s was calling to say Aaron’s urine did grow something and they were giving him an antibiotic. Tuesday AM they called again to say the meds they gave him aren’t going to work since the bacteria was resistant to it so new meds. SO very thankful we have great insurance each med was $300. Insurance covered it all. By Thursday Aaron was a new kid, no runny nose, no cough and he had his spunk back and he slept through the night. WOO HOO 1 nights full sleep finally.

I called the urologist and moved up Aaron’s appt to be the day after his meds ended since I knew they would want to check his urine again and why not have the urologist do it.
4/6 we went to the urologist. Amazing dr. What she told us was the skin never attached to his penis and he has an extra layer of skin. We were told at birth not to circumcise him because it would not come out right and he would have problems. The urologist said we should be thankful that peds dr told us that because they were 100% right. So when Aaron goes to pee his urine builds up under his skin because his penis is buried and can’t find it’s way out.

This coming Monday 4/19 we will take Aaron to Swedish for a kidney ultrasound and a test called VCUG. They will also do a urine culture/sample. This is to test to make sure there has been no damage and that everything inside is working the way it should be.

5/5 Wednesday Aaron is scheduled to have surgery to correct his penis/skin problems. It will be a day surgery. And within a few days will be fine.
He can not be sick before he goes in- can not even have a diaper rash.

Wednesday night Aaron started puking, He had gone to daycare Tuesday. The first time in about 4-6 weeks. Well I guess 2 kids had been sick fever and stomach flu. Marco called the daycare yesterday and they said there is a highly contagious stomach virus going around that last for about 4-5 days. NO!!!!!! we can’t have this in our house. There are a total of 6 of us. Plus I leave Tuesday night for Colorado to attend and be on workcrew for Captivating. Marco will be home alone with the 4 kids and we just can’t get this.

Aaron all day yesterday was just sick- then it turned into diarrhea. I cleaned and bleached and wiped everything I could. I scrubbed and washed. We can not and will not have this in our house.
Especially Aaron before his surgery can not be sick.

We need covering- we need Aaron and Hur to help lift our arms…….

Marco and the kids protecting and covering while I am gone. For their hearts for their time together to be amazing.
Me for my time in CO
For our health- for Aaron’s surgery

For this overwhelming – frustration- isolation- overwhelmingness to all be gone – for us to be able to go to church to connect again. For us all to be rested, refreshed and renewed in him.

The Dress

2010-04-16T09:36:00.000-07:00

Julia- My 5 yr old told me the other night about how excited she is that when she grows up she could one day wear my wedding dress and be beautiful.

My Heart sank at that moment. I don't have a wedding dress and didn't have a wedding dress when i married her father.

Marco and I this August have been together 10 years. We got married 9/14/2006. It was a Thursday, downtown Seattle at the Courthouse. We had orginally planned to get married down at the Kirkland Waterfront in this beautiful little gazebo they have there. That week Julia and I both were terribly sick, I was frustrated because I was trying to plan and arrange everything. We didn't have anyone to marry us, no cake and it was exhausting. The weather report said it was suppose to be cold and raining. I think my heart was broken and I gave up. A few days prior to the Saturday wedding date I just decided it was too much, it wasn't going to come together and it just wouldn't be what my heart wanted or needed so to avoid disappoinment I said there wasn't going to be an event that we were just going to the courthouse.

Little did I know years later my longing,my hearts cry, my need and want are to have those photos, those memories to be able to pass down a dress to my princess Julia. To be able to share that moment and that day with a heart full of love and joy. I don't have that.

Every once in awhile I catch myself "Oh wouldn't it be great to get married on 10-10-10 during our 10 years together" to have something special come togehter with friends and family. To have that first dance, the song, the kiss... it just makes me cry thinking about it. It is such a deep want/need in my heart.

I remember a few years ago we went to our church's Valentine dinner, they did a slideshow of the couples. The men were suppose to send in photos of them and their spouse, wedding day photos. We didn't have anything. Not one picture of us together. Marco didn't send anything in, it hurt. It was a firey dart to the deep core part of me. "we aren't like the others" I know those things don't define us but ya know sometimes it sure does.

I just had to share - I had to get it out- becasue it's a need!

Book Review- Captivating Revised and Expanded

2010-04-07T10:24:00.000-07:00

John and Stasi Eldredge revise and update this runaway bestseller.

What Wild at Heart did for men, Captivating is doing for women. Setting their hearts free. This groundbreaking book shows readers the glorious design of women before the fall, describes how the feminine heart can be restored, and casts a vision for the power, freedom, and beauty of a woman released to be all she was meant to be.

I first read Captivating about 5 years ago. I was a non christian and I went to a Captivating retreat in CO it changed my life. I am now a Christian and fully engaged in a relationship with my heavenly father.

This is an amazing book and truly everyone should read it. I had a hard time thinking it wasn't for me, i don't feel that way and I am not "screwed up enough" well those were all lies. This book and the Ransomed Heart team have changed my life.

I truly encourage everyone who can to get this book and read it. Be patient and take the time to truly read it and asorb the material.

Book Review- How to reach your full potentional

2010-04-07T10:05:00.000-07:00

How To Reach Your Full Potential For God is the newest book by Charles Stanley. In this book, he deals with Christians who settle for less than God's best. In doing so, he points to 7 essentials to live an abundant Christian life:

Essential 1: A clean heart
Essential 2: A clear mind
Essential 3: Using your gifts
Essential 4: A healthy body
Essential 5: Right relationships
Essential 6: A balanced schedule
Essential 7: Taking God-approved risks

Principle 1: Every person has potential
Principle 2: Every person has been created to bring God glory
Principle 3: No one can reach his potential without the Father's help
Principle 4: No potential without spiritual dimension
Principle 5: Only he knows the limits of your potential

IF you are a fan of Charles Stanley, you will not be disappointed. This is a good book and easy read for any new convert or any seasoned believer who wants to review some basic Biblical principles.

I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson book review bloggers program.

Crazy Love- Spreading it around....

2010-03-25T13:34:00.000-07:00

There is a blog i follow and read every post.Linny is an amazing woman, follower of an awesome mountain moving Awe inspiring God, mother of many adopted and fighter for all.

She inspires me and often moves me to tears. She has had many trials in her life but comes out on top and through all that she shares her heart. Truthfully, honestly and humbly with us.

It's an honor to be able to read her blog to share in her life! Love ya Linny!!!

Now Crazy love if her recent post. It's pretty much about giving back, paying it forward, offering your last dime and walking in faith.

Here are some other blogs who has amazing - chill to the bone stories of "Crazy Love"

Shayleejoy

Adoption Love

Moving to Mali

Hope for Haiti

My Heart's Cry

there are several more out on Linny's blog: A Place Called Simplicity

It takes a bold move to be able to ask for help, well I know it does for me. It's hard to be weak, and humble. Don't we always want people to think we have it all together and under control.
Okay so maybe that is just me. I have so many wants, needs, and desires that I wouldn't know where to start on asking for help. and what do you ask for? what's acceptable? I would love to go on a missions trip. That has been a true heart's desire of mine for along time now. Longing to go, to truly be humbled, to look into the eyes of those who love purely from their heart with no strings attached.

Looking around me i see alot of things, things we have accumulated over the years, things that we could live without, the abundant life we live compared to so many others yet there is always something that needs to change or has to be done. I hate living paycheck to paycheck. scrapping, living in the fear of what if we don't make it and how are we going to pull that off. I don't want to live there. God is so much bigger then that and doesn't want us to live in those places. We are to lay everything down and give it over to him. Every day when i get home from work i am reminded of the things we need:new windows, new flooring, new cabinets, new bathrooms, new doors. things need fixing and improving and updating- we don't have the time or the money or the know how. The flower beds are empty, the siding on the house needs replacing as do the gutters. It's a painful reminder yet when i think of those in Haiti living in tents and their homes that have crumbled how can i ask or want or complain. I can't.

I would love to spend more time giving back to others, just truly being his light in this world.

In what ways can you help spread the love and do you need Crazy Love in your life right now?

Contest New Living Translation Bible

2010-03-23T11:11:00.000-07:00

The New Living Translation Break Through to Clarity Bible Contest and Giveaway
Visit www.facebook.com/NewLivingTranslation and click on the tab that says “Sweepstakes”
Fill out a simple form, take a quick Bible clarity survey, invite your friends to join and you’ll be entered to win one of our exciting prizes.
With each fan number milestone a new prize will be given away.
Grand Prize
Apple iPad 64G and a Life Application Study Bible
Awarded when the NLT Fan Page hits the fifth milestone
Retail Value: $829.00
2nd Prize - Already awarded
32G iPod Touch and a Life Application Study Bible
Awarded when the NLT Fan Page hits the fourth milestone
Retail Value: $300.00
3rd Prize – Will be awarded when fan count hits: 3500
Kindle DX and a Life Application Study Bible
Awarded when the NLT Fan Page hits the third milestone
Retail Value: $489.00
4th Prize Will be awarded when fan count hits: TBD
Apple iPad 16G and a Life Application Study Bible
Awarded when the New Living Translation Fan Page hits the second milestone
Retail Value: $499.00
5th Prize Will be awarded when fan count hits: TBD
Apple iPad 32G and a Life Application Study Bible
Awarded when the NLT Fan Page hits the first milestone
Retail Value: $599.00

Prize Eligibility – Recently updated to include more countries
Sweepstakes participants and winner(s) can be U.S. residents of the 50 United States, or residents of any country that is NOT embargoed by the United States, but cannot be residents of Belgium, Norway, Sweden, or India. In addition, participants and winner(s) must be at least 18 years old, as determined by the Company.

Sweepstakes Starts
March 17, 2010 @ 10:24 am (PDT)

Sweepstakes Ends
April 30, 2010 @ 10:24 am (PDT)

Wait, there’s more!
Visit http://biblecontest.newlivingtranslation.com/index.php for a chance to win a trip for two to Hawaii!
Here are the details:
Choose one of six passages of Scripture from the New Living Translation and consider:
How do these verses encourage you to know God better?
What is God teaching you in this passage?
How does this passage apply to your life?
Submit your answer and you’ll be entered to win.
Just for signing up: Everybody Wins! Win a Free .mp3 download from the NLT’s new Red Letters Project. It’s the dynamic, new presentation of the sung and narrated words of the Gospel of Matthew. You win the download just for entering! Or choose to download the NLT Philippians Bible Study, complete with the Book of Philippians in the NLT.
Every day, one person will win the best-selling Life Application Study Bible!
The grand prize: One person will win a fantastic trip for two to the crystal clear waters of the Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s North Shore in beautiful Hawaii.

Compassion Bloggers in Kenya

2010-03-04T12:09:00.000-08:00

The Compassion team landed in Kenya yesterday and they are all starting to write posts and update us. My heart just aches and goes out to people around the world. God certainly has been stirring something up in my lately to go on a trip, not a vacation but someplace where I can see his beauty and get real.

Over the years I have taken so much for granted and just relied on things well that others don't even know what they are. Running water, toilets that flush, garbage disposals.... light switches. the little things in our every day lives that we have and over look.

What i would give right now to put myself in someone else's shoes to see the grace, mercy, joy and hope real and alive. I see it now sometimes but I believe what Jennifer McKinney has captured in her pictures is REAL and is ALIVE... it doesn't get any more pure then this.

http://www.mycharmingkids.net/

Compassion Bloggers,
Thank you for making 'Help Haiti Live' a success! More than 30,000 people tuned in to see at least a portion of the concert streamed live at HelpHaitiLive.com. Thousands were donated and because of that many Haitian families will continue to receive the care they need in the wake of January's quake. Thank you. 'Help Haiti Live' would not have happened without your on-line support.

THIS MONTH:We turn our on-line attention this month to Kenya. Six bloggers are joining me and our staff in Nairobi March 4-10 to see the ministry of Compassion firsthand and post about it daily in hopes that hundreds of readers will sponsor Kenyan children on-line.

YOUR ASSIGNMENT:
1. Pray: For safety, health, families we leave behind, children awaiting sponsorship, hearts and minds of readers to be opened by God to trust and give.
2. Post: About the trip on your blog, Twitter, Facebook, etc. Link to http://compassionbloggers.com/kenya where the world can see every post, pic and video from our week in Kenya.
3. Read: Follow our blogs, link to posts you like, and encourage those who write them. Every kind word helps.Thank you in advance for making our fifth Compassion Bloggers trip a success for the children of Kenya.

Want to go on a trip with us? Got to http://compassionbloggers.com/get-involved and fill out the 'Take A Trip' form.

Shaun Groves
Blogger Manager
CompassionBloggers.com
Compassion.com
1-888-435-3336

A Friend's Haiti Update

2010-02-26T10:04:00.000-08:00

SO HE SAID, "GO FORTH AND STAND ON THE MOUNTAIN BEFORE THE LORD "
AND BEHOLD, THE LORD WAS PASSING BY! AND A GREAT AND STRONG WIND
WAS RENDING THE MOUNTAINS AND BREAKING IN PIECES THE ROCKS BEFORE THE LORD;
BUT THE LORD WAS NOT IN THE WIND.
AND AFTER THE WIND AN EARTHQUAKE, BUT THE LORD WAS NOT IN THE EARTHQUAKE.
AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE A FIRE, BUT THE LORD WAS NOT IN THE FIRE;
AND AFTER THE FIRE A SOUND OF A GENTLE BLOWING.
WHEN ELIJAH HEARD IT, HE WRAPPED HIS FACE IN HIS MANTLE
AND WENT OUT AND STOOD IN THE ENTRANCE OF THE CAVE AND BEHOLD,
A VOICE CAME TO HIM AND SAID, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE, ELIJAH?"
1 KINGS 19:11-13
Scripture used by Haitian pastor in Port-au-Prince Church on Sunday February 7, 2010

Week 1: PORT-AU-PRINCE JAN 19, 2010
I leave for Haiti on a small jet with a team from Medical Teams International. The transportation and fuel is generously provided by a private company. We fly high above the other air traffic at 44,000 ft. and descend upon Port-au-Prince.
We are given only a few short minutes to land and de-board. Each ‘slot’ on the tarmac is timed and accounted for. Aircraft quickly land and take off making room for the next arrival. The roar of helicopters, jets and massive Air Force cargo planes is deafening. UN vehicles and armed soldiers are everywhere. I see the American flag on a military ATV and am thankful that my country is already on the ground, responding to this disaster. I can’t help but notice all the Hearts for Hope HAITI wounded Haitians sitting under a tarp, lined up in chairs with casts and crutches, as though curiously watching this theatrical buzz of activity at the airport to pass away the time. Later I learn that these are only a few of the thousands of hopefuls…trying
to leave the country. I leave the airport, my pocket full of torn papers with names and addresses scribbled on them…given to me by desperate people in the mob that presses in on us while we wait for transportation to headquarters.
King’s Hospital in Port-au-Prince has about 25 beds…and new cracks in the walls that are being checked frequently by engineers.
The building is yet unfinished. It wasn’t scheduled to open quite yet, but the earthquake changed that plan. Patients with broken bones, burns and unseen emotional trauma arrive in a constant stream. Many post-ops have their ‘bed’ outdoors in the dirt under the trees. Because of fear, many others would prefer to be outdoors. When the aftershocks come, they find their way
outside… quickly. A young man in his 20’s is admitted, screaming in anguish and pain over his crushed great toe. The wound is infected. He will have to have an amputation. As I care for him, he breaks out in a familiar song, “This is the day. This is the day that the Lord has made, that the Lord has made. I will rejoice. I will rejoice and be glad in it”…He moans intermittently through the verses. This is the strength only God can give. I am amazed. In the operating room, the surgeons are completing their 4th amputation for the week. Then his case will begin.
I scrub into surgery with Dr.Lou Zirkle and his team. There is no electricity, no suction, and no X-Ray. The operating room is hot and humid. None of these obstacles seem to matter. Dr. Zirkle is gaining world renown for his SIGN method of internally fixating femur fractures in developing nations…and this disaster has provided hundreds of cases for his marvelous method to be
put to use. At the end of the long day and only 2 cases, I am sopping wet and exhausted. Placing all my weight on the broken legs to give traction for several hours while the surgeons worked is quite a workout.
One little girl particularly moves our staff to action. She comes in with serious burns to her face and neck. She had felt the initial shaking of the quake and ran out of her house, only to be run over by a car, the hot exhaust pipe severely burning her fragile body. Miraculously, she got up and ran back into the house to save her mother just before the house collapsed. MTI is able to
get her on a flight to Florida for follow-up burn care and grafting.

Week 2-BALOOSE, SUBURB OF PORT-AU-PRINCE
Dr. Steve, Carol, RN, and I are assigned to Baloose. The sight is the private grounds of the Haitian Baptist Seminary in a hilly suburb of Port-au-Prince. It is estimated that anywhere from 2,500-4000 people are camping on the grass here at night. We have come to provide medical care. It is just one of literally thousands of IDP (Internally Displaced People) camps in and outside of the city. Sheets, tarps…and star-studded sky providing the shelter for these wounded people. The night I arrive, I hear singing outside my window; I decide to go see where this ‘choir’ is practicing. As I walk down the hill, hundreds of people crowd the grounds. Standing and singings praises, their hands are lifted high in the warm night air. They are dancing and swaying to the worship music flowing out of an outdoor PA system. I join them. There is little room to move. I will never forget the feeling of this night’s experience. It is a taste of heaven in the midst of a hellish nightmare. Only the touch of God can bring such a sweet melody to a thousand broken hearts. Patients sit in chairs waiting all day to be seen by our little team. This is when I am reminded of the prayers being said on my behalf. Where does my strength come from? Where does this love come from that flows from the depth of my being? His presence is felt. I listen to countless heartbreaking stories. A 24 yo woman complains of a head wound. “A building collapsed and hit me in the head.” I remove the dressing from 42yo Sergo’s arm wound to find bone exposed and huge chunks of muscle cut away…an incredibly complicated injury. Amazingly, he has full use of his hand. We refer him to another facility where he can receive the care he needs. An 11yo girl sits on a chair in front of me, trying to hold on to the squirming 1 month old baby in her skinny arms. She is obviously ill at ease with the infant. She tells me that she is the only person able to care for the baby whose family perished. Her complaint, “The baby is not eating”. Loveson, 28y, a handsome young man, winces as I remove the poorly placed stitches from his crushed nose. His wound is infected. His face is seriously disfigured. I talk to him about the love of the Lord. He looks at me and says, “I am a Christian. I know God allowed this to happen to me because he knew I would be able to handle it.” Another young girl holds her little waif of a sister, Coraly, in her lap. I have to give Coraly painful wound care. It is so hard to inflict more pain on this precious little one…but I know it is for her good. She is one of 5 sisters
left to fend for themselves after losing their mom and 15 other family members. No dad is in the picture. Little Coraly, may Jesus help you and be your Mommy and Daddy. Francise and Tranquile are 2 elderly women in their ~80’s that Carol and I find on the grass in the heat of the midday sun. They seem so helpless just sitting in the midst of the crowd, baking to death.
They are both suffering from mild dehydration. We hang a couple IV’s on them and get them to a cooler spot. Jean, 25y, tells me how he crushed his finger while digging through the rubble of his home. I can smell alcohol on his breath and sense a profound despondency in his demeanor. As I suture his finger, I share the hope of Christ with him. I feel a deep love and compassion
for him, knowing that I, too, once turned to alcohol to deal with pain. It is so natural to talk with him in a nonjudgmental way. But for the grace of God I go. He returns for wound care several days later with a huge smile on his face sharing that he surrendered his life to Christ. Tears of joy flow from my eyes. In one day, we admit 7 patients to the Israeli hospital. Two are woman with broken pelvises who somehow find their way to our station. They have been untreated since the quake…2 weeks of living with an untreated broken pelvis. We return to headquarters in Port-au-Prince. I join a team with the 82nd Airborne Unit that has made field assessments and is accompanying our medical volunteers to IDP camps where people have not received medical attention. Several of the clinics we hold in the next few days have tense moments when we are grateful for what seems to be overkill at first: a group of fully armed soldiers in combat attire fending off the desperate crowd.

Weeks 3 & 4-LAOGANE AND OUTLYING MOBILE CLINICS
I guess Laogane is pretty close to the epicenter. Getting there is a sport: trying to get through mobs of people, traffic and cracks in the pavement. Our team spends several days at a time there. Some days the trip between camp and Port-au-Prince takes an hour. Some days it takes over 2 hours. We sleep in tents on the grounds of the Ayuda à Haiti (Help Haiti) headquarters:
a Non-profit organization from the Dominican Republic. We are joined by humanitarian aid workers from around the world. The make-shift mobile hospital is just a big circle of open tents. Examiners take their places and the hundreds of patients who are checked in early in the morning wait under tarps for their turn to be seen…sometimes all day. I seize the few
minutes I have in the morning before heading to my examining tent to sit on a broken block, and sing songs and witness to the hundreds of people gathered there. Their laughter and smiles fuel me for the long day of work ahead. It is in Laogane where I learn about the MRE: meals ready to eat (the soldiers clue me in on the best ones) and also that SOS means “Save our Ship”. In Haiti, it is a cry for food and water…or any attention at all. Handmade signs are everywhere.
At the mobile hospital it becomes clear that my dental tools might come in handy. Dr. Steve encouraged me to bring a small set. “Bring them just in case…you never know!” he said wisely before we left the US. So, in the midst of disaster relief, I find myself extracting teeth, with my audience of wishful patients growing each day. To prevent a riot, I develop my own system
of turning patients away. I draw numbers out of the hat at the end of the day, reminding my patients, “I am not God!” I guess the hardest part is knowing the disappointment of those I can’t treat. I am reminded that these people, in the midst of all their other suffering, are victims of chronic abscesses and tooth pain. Few of them have had any dental care at all before
the earthquake. Charles, 6y, comes with half of his face twice normal size as well as his eye nearly swollen shut. He has a fever of almost 103 degrees. I have a special drug that I am able to give him to sedate him and make the extraction extremely easy. Pus flows from the wound. His mother is so sweet and caring, so attentive to him. After he gets his antibiotics and medical
intervention for the fever and abscess, they are on their way. Once again, I am grateful I have something to offer these people that blesses them. We go even deeper into the rural areas to hold several mobile clinics. On 2 occasions, we actually hold clinic at the sight of voodoo temples. Apparently this area is known for its heavy concentration of voodoo practice. While we are treating the witchdoctor as a patient, our souls are being bathed with the sounds of worship from the tiny Christian church on the other side of the hedge. It is such an obvious example of the light dispelling the darkness. I only get ‘violently’ sick once…and just ‘regular’ sick another time. It is a small price to pay. At the headquarters in Portau-Prince, I have made some very special Haitian friends. It is the group of people who live and sleep outdoors on the grounds of the mission. The kids are particularly fun. When I get home at the end of the long hard day, or have been gone for several days and return, they all run up to me, take my bags and guitar…and are ready to ‘play’. I fight the urge to crash out and go outside to join them. We dance. We sing. We color and make crafts. I am so glad I don’t give in to my physical exhaustion…just yet…this is too precious of a moment to pass up. Commercial flights to Haiti are supposed to begin again on the 19th of February…just in time to take me back. It was just too perfect a ‘fit’. As I return to the devastated nation I left behind, I am reminded of a Scripture:

“BY MY GOD, I CAN LEAP OVER A WALL.”
PSALMS 18:29

It seems so a propos in the lives of those Haitians in whom I saw such tremendous inner strength, strength that came from their unwavering faith in a God that has helped them “leap over a wall”…the wall that came crashing down upon them.

Thank you for your prayers and financial support.
All His in 2010 –Kris

2-19-2010

2010-02-23T10:32:00.000-08:00

When I originally signed up to be apart of the 40 day challenge I didn’t write a lot. I honestly thought I would never get in and be selected. I wrote the bare minimum as I was also afraid to really live out loud and let others know what was really going on. How do you admit you’re not healthy and that the lifestyle you are living isn’t the best? During that time I had been praying to God to help me with the family weight and health issues. 4 out of 6 of us in our house are overweight and not active. I knew it wasn’t something I could change on my own so I kept praying. Right about that time I had also been telling my husband I really needed new tennis shoes. Then the phone call came, I was one of the 8 qualifiers for the 40 day. It started becoming real but so did all the lies, “why would you be picked, you aren’t anyone they would be interested in, you can’t do this, others deserve this more then you, you really don’t want everyone to know how overweight you are, you are going to make yourself an outcast.” But I pushed through it with strength from God. I pushed and I put myself out there, I asked friends and family for support and votes. They answered and so did the listeners and others following along. I was chosen to be one of the final 4.
The journey began- God answered those prayers and cries for help. I got my new shoes. My 2 older daughters are very interested in the bootcamp and what I am doing and want to do it with me. My husband has been very supportive. The challenges and tests came along with this process. Sickness, kids, life, it was all very real. About 4 weeks in I did want to quit. Just like I normally would with anything. It starts to feel as no one is really watching or cares and it would be so easy just to stop and not do this anymore. I’m still here still leaning on Our Father and seeking his strength.

What I realized during this 40 day challenge is it’s not about the workout, shoes, spa the radio station, listeners, it’s all about God. From a Beth Moore study the 5 Faith Statements:
1.God is who He says He is.
2. God can do what He says He can do.
3. I am who God says I am.
4. I can do all things through Christ.
5. God's Word is alive and active in me.

It is all so very true, as long as I keep my focus on God and not the failures my weight, inches, struggles it becomes easier. It’s not without pain but the freedom is amazing.
I want to win this challenge and be the grand prize winner because I want to use this to Glorify God and further his Kingdom here on Earth. I want to be his light and help others succeed.
So Many people are alone out there in the darkness like I was seeking and grasping for anything- I want to be the hand that reaches out and offers them something that they need…Love, Support, Life!
There is a song currently playing on Spirit that truly has been my anthem song during this challenge:
Before the Morning- Josh Wilson
Do you wonder why you have to
Feel the things that hurt you I
f there’s a God who loves you where is He now
Maybe there are things you can’t see
And all those things are happening
To bring a better ending S
omeday somehow you’ll see you’ll see
Would you dare would you dare to believe
That you still have a reason to sing
Cause the pain that you’ve been feeling
It can’t compare to the joy that’s coming
So hold on you gotta wait for the light
Press on and just fight the good fight
Cause the pain that you’ve been feeling
It’s just the dark before the morning
My friend you know how this all ends
You know where you’re going
You just don’t know how you’ll get there
So say a prayer
And hold on cause there’s good for those who love God
But life is not a snapshot
It might take a little time but you’ll see the bigger picture
Once you feel the weight of glory
All your pain will fade to memory It’s just the hurt before the healing
Oh the pain that you’ve been feeling
It’s just the dark before the morning

I love the part-it can’t compare to the Joy that’s coming. So much truth in that line. This challenge hasn’t been about just losing a few lbs or inches it’s been about battling my way out of the darkness to walk and live out loud in the light. I want to continue that. I don’t want it to end here. I am coming out of the valley through the desert. In the end it’s not about my looks, my hair, my clothing it’s about how I lived my life and did I live it from my heart and allow the spirit to work within me to Glorify God.

I turn 40 in a few weeks the past 40 years have been amazing. I pray my 4 kids (15, 13, 5, and 1) don’t have the challenges and struggles I did growing up. I pray that this challenge was a spring board for our lives to change so we can continue to live healthy lifestyles and be more active. We have been watching the Olympics and one thing I have been learning during that is sometimes it’s not the most popular, or the favorite sometimes it’s the under dog, the quietest one that has the most amazing story and gift to offer.

Praising God for everything he has given me!!! To him all the Glory
Thanks to all our sponsors and supporters during this- truly amazing challenge and I so much appreciate the time, effort, money and prizes we have been given during this challenge.

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Voting- final week

2010-02-23T10:29:00.000-08:00

The voting has started- its the final week of this journey.
As I reflect back over this challenge I am so amazed by the blessings. A Week ago I was ready to call it quits but right now I feel so full of life and joy i can't describe it. I have enjoyed working out in the morning and getting healthy and creating new habits. Mark with Aim To Be Fit has been wonderful. He has been working closely with my PT Kathleen Young at PT Pro to make sure I am not doing anymore damage to my neck/shoulders but still getting the top benefit from the workout. He is constantly coming by and checking on positioning and making sure I am working the muscles correctly to benefit me. My kids and I have enjoyed going to Taco Time. We were just there yesterday.It's been a nice benefit.

I love how the 40 Day challenge ended right as we moved into Lent. Another 40 days and an awesome reminder in our lives of how to give things up and sacrifice. I've learned alot about sacrifice and giving things up over this challenge.

I wasn't sure if I truly wanted a lifetime membership but sitting here today and looking back I can see how much I have changed and how much my family and I would benfit from a lifetime membership and I want to be selected as the grand prize winner.

Each of us ladies are already winners. They have been a huge blessing during this challenge. Each of us with our own stories and different lifestyles but all loving God and giving him all the Glory.

I was able to work out once with each of the Ladies - I loved it. Kat came to one of my bootcamps at shorelines and I went to Everett to Ginny & Katie's bootcamp. I got to see each one of the ladies in motion and enjoyed the companionship.

Good luck to all you listeners- you can continue to follow me and my journey on twitter at Tammiego or on my blog: http://allinadayof.blogspot.com/

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God

Encouragement

2010-02-17T12:06:00.001-08:00

God wants us to boast in our weakness so he gets all the glory, and to show us, we have done these things by the power of God, not human power but God power...Turning is not all we have to do, we need to sweep our mind clean of all the lies we have believed, and believe God instead...filling our minds with truth... Rewallpapering our minds with that which is in the word of God... Then we will know the truth and the truth will set us free....

That is why we have a great High Priest who has gone to heaven,
Jesus the Son of God. Let us cling to him and never stop trusting
him. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he
faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin. So let
us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will
receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need
it. (Heb 4:14-16 NLT)

Prayer: LORD, it is difficult to comprehend that You really
understand the pain, frustration, discouragement, and so many other
things that I feel. Yet, You do. Help me understand this and see You
not just as God and Lord, but also as my friend, companion, helper,
encourager, and One who really understands and cares about the bad
days as well as the good. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Day 38

2010-02-17T10:40:00.000-08:00

Day 38- 2 more days until this 40 day ends. and everything goes back to voting. I had an amazing workout today- I feel really good and charged. its early in the AM and I already have 1/2 my water intake for the day done. I have come to realize that drinking all of my water for the day is so extremely important. When I don't drink all my water I tend to snack and not feel full. It's been amazing to me how much of a difference 1 glass of water can make.

GREAT NEWS- I am down 12 lbs and 10". I can see it in my clothes and my face, body. I can also certainly feel it. Even though there have been alot of challenges these last 2 weeks I see the light I certainly want to continue this journey. I

T is really important i remain focused and on track. My 2 older daughters have been begging if they could come to bootcamp with me- I think they might join us ladies on Friday.

I would really encourage everyone to try the 2 free weeks.If you can FIT it into your schedule do not force it, but if it works try it. I am thankful i had this opportunity it truly has changed my life and I am motivated to finish and to keep going STRONG!!!!

Ephesians 2:8-10 For it is by the grace you have been saved, through faith- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. AMEN!!!

2-16-10

2010-02-17T10:39:00.002-08:00

I loved that devotion below that i received today- what a total gift. I love Our Father and how is works and uses everything around us to let u sknow he is there even in the darkest hours. I have 2 sick little ones at home. Had my 1 yr old at ER sunday night- I was worried about his breathing. Turned out no pneumonia just upper respiratory infection. All the kids are home this week. My 2 oldest really want to come to bootcamp with me this week- they have been dying to come and do one class since i started this journey. It's a beutiful day today and even though the 2 little ones are sick i think we may go out for a walk.

SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by Marsha Burns -- February 16, 2010:

Take courage and lean on My strength to keep moving through the difficulties that you face. You need to be patient and trust Me to lead, guide, direct and protect you at this time. Do not despair when you do not seem to have what it takes to deal with current issues. Ask, and I will give you wisdom. This too shall pass, and new focus and clarity will come forth like the first rays of sunshine of a new day. Keep looking up, says the Lord.

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

2-14-10

2010-02-17T10:39:00.001-08:00

I'm lost and hurting deeply todau- my 15 yr old ran away. my 13 yr old when weighed at the dr office before surgery she weighed in at over 200 lbs. my 2 little ones are really sick. and this is final week of bootcamp. in my first video i said one goal was to finish- right now i don't feel like finishing. I feel like this is all too much - see i focused too much on me and look what happened. my kids need me- their life depends on it- there's all the proof right there smacking me in the face. yet here is this challenge- no one truly cares- no one is commenting- or suporting- is a lifetime to this bootcamp worth this sacrifice? this is me being real and being hurt and talking from my heart that really aches right now.

2-11-10

2010-02-17T10:38:00.000-08:00

Isaiah 58:11 The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.

2-9-10

2010-02-17T10:33:00.000-08:00

It's week 5- wow this time has flown by. Celebrated my son's 1st birthday on saturday. my mother in law was in town for the weekend. Oldest daughter was at church camp. Kids are all out of school next week- mid winter break. my 1 yr old finally feels better- he was really sick last week. Praying this week the pain in my arms/neck goes away or eases up a little. that my husband and I get a super good awesome nights sleep with no kids or dog waking up in the middle of the night. Pryaing for the other ladies- remain strong and healthy. Hope folks are enjoying this weather it was a tad bit cold this morning but now the sun is out and it appears to be warming up. Remember- it's not about US- it's about HIM! How do you show his Glory/Light through you!

Ecclesiastes 11:7-8 (The Message) Oh, how sweet the light of day, And how wonderful to live in the sunshine! Even if you live a long time, don't take a single day for granted. Take delight in each light-filled hour, Remembering that there will also be many dark days and that most of what comes your way is smoke.

I shall not want

2010-02-10T13:03:00.001-08:00

Anyone out there?
I feel like I am talking to myself when I come here and there are no comments.

I haven't done my video for Week 5 yet. Maybe on Friday. Monday I needed to leave the second class was over and didn't have time to wait to do the video. Today well I overslept. I woke up and my clock said 6:14. Because Boot camp is about 30-45 minutes away I knew I wouldn't make it to the workout. Which i was bummed- disappointed- depressed. That upon the injuries. My left calf is still bothering me. My neck and nerves are reeking havoc on my arms and hands(numbness, tingling) so I have to be careful. No weights and limit my exercises.

Good news though I weighted myself and I am down 10 lbs and down 8" I can feel it in my clothes and the way i walk and stand. I am feeling lighter. it's great.

My son is feeling better but still waking up coughing and hacking at night so my husband and I was still not getting sleep- I think the most we get is 3-4 hours. We are exhausted. drained. It's hard to be motivated to workout when you can't even function to do daily living things.

4 more bootcamps to go then we go to voting.
Have a great day everyone

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, [

I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

Week 5 Force and Fit

2010-02-09T13:00:00.001-08:00

We started Week 5 of the 40 day Health and Fitness challenge. I am almost looking forward to it being over.
What I have been discovering is I am trying way to hard to "force"things into my schedule and family life, what God is showing me is to stop forcing and only allow those things in that "fit"

What a concept huh? It's hard though. I don't want to let others down, I don't want to fail, if others can do all this why can't I. The truth for me is I don't think others do it successfully or without sacrifice. I know alot has to be given up.

The workouts 3 days a week leaving the house at 5:45/6am to get to Shoreline by 6:30am and then made dash out of there at 7am to make it home by 7:30/7:45am. Trying to fit in Olympus Spa, Body by God (Puyallup) and more exercise. I think there just has to be an easier and more simplier way to do this.

Once the challenge ends I think I will do my workouts at home- get up at 6am and workout for 30 minutes. There would be alot less stress and pressure.

God certainly has shown me alot during this challenge and alot of things have changed. I am looking forward to having peace back in our lives.

Ecclesiastes 11:7-8 (The Message) Oh, how sweet the light of day, And how wonderful to live in the sunshine! Even if you live a long time, don't take a single day for granted. Take delight in each light-filled hour, Remembering that there will also be many dark days and that most of what comes your way is smoke.

Nutrition Pitfalls

2010-01-30T11:05:00.000-08:00

AVOIDING COMMON NUTRITION PITFALLS

1. Drinking too many sweetened beverages.
Fluids play a vital role in our daily nutrition, but beverages such as coffee drinks, energy drinks,
sport drinks, juices, bottled iced teas and pop can add a substantial amount of “empty” calories
to your day. These drinks often lack fiber, vitamins, and minerals and should never be used in
place of a balanced meal. In addition consider the mood, behavior & nervous system affects of
the excess caffeine found in the popular, but unregulated energy drinks. Often what we
interpret as signs of hunger may really be signs of thirst. Try a glass of water first before you
reach for a pick-me-up food or an energy drink. Drinking water also has the side benefit of
speeding up your metabolism. Bottom line: Cut back on and/or avoid these drinks. Drink
more water - At least 8 cups every day.

2. Skipping meals.
Skipping meals and snacks often sets us up for hard-to-control hunger or a disordered eating
pattern. We all know it is impossible to run an automobile without fuel. That same principal
applies to our human “machines.” Pay attention to hunger signals and eat when you feel slightly
hungry. Bottom line: Eat breakfast. Eat 3 meals and 2 snacks per day, or every 2 - 4 hours.

3. Skimping on fruits and vegetables.
Fruits and vegetables are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, water, and phytonutrients, yet they’re
low in calories. Fiber aids greatly in providing a feeling of fullness and satisfaction after a meal.
Scientific studies consistently demonstrate that people who eat more fruits and vegetables
greatly reduce their risk of developing heart disease, some types of cancer, high blood pressure,
diabetes, and other chronic diseases. Bottom line: If you do nothing else, eat more fruits and
vegetables. Aim for 6 - 10 servings a day.

4. Eating large portions of food.
Serving sizes in the U.S. have significantly increased in the past 30 years making it hard to know
what a reasonable amount of food looks like. But have no fear. You can retrain your brain to
recognize how much food is enough. Here is a simple list of common foods and ways to estimate
one serving.

FOOD ONE SERVING LOOKS LIKE…
Meat, fish, poultry 3 ounces Deck of cards
Fruit 1 medium piece Tennis ball
Rice, pasta 1 cup Rounded handful
Raw veggies 1 cup 1 baseball
Cheese 1 ounces 6 dice
Salad dressing 1 Tbsp. Thumb tip
Peanut butter 2 Tbsp. Ping-Pong ball

Bottom line: Turn super-sized feasts into moderate meals.

Week 3 Thursday

2010-01-28T12:43:00.001-08:00

It's Thursday of Week 3
Matt Case called me yesterday while I was at work and left me a message. Hilarious message!! Really love Spirit 105.3 and all the support and encouragement they have given us during this challenge.

I had some friends here from Oregon and Colorado over the weekend and they just LOVE Spirit 105.3. They kept talking about how great our radio station here is. YEAH GO SPIRIT!!!!

My 2 older daughters asked me yesterday why I wasn't up early, I forgot to mention to them it is our resting week. I love that they are interested in what I am doing and that they are supporting me.

My left leg muscle still aching and sore along with my back. I am going to go to Physical therapy on Monday to help with the muscles.

I have several friends who work downtown Seattle who have contacted me about walking during lunch hour. YEA. I have been trying to think of things I can do while away from home to get some exercise in. Any Ideas????

Alot of people that I have spoken to have been encouraged to get out and make changes in their lives- more exercise, eating right, drinking more water. WOW- I am so impressed with everyone and their commitment... GO GO GO!

Hope everyone has a great week. No School Tomorrow for the kids.

Take care everyone

Isaiah 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.

My Nephew in Haiti

2010-01-22T12:29:00.000-08:00

Below is from my oldest sister about my nephew in Haiti

A note from Jared in Haiti...

Yesterday at 7:02pm
Below is an email I received from our youngest Son Jared who is now in Haiti.

Please continue to pray for him; that God will use him mightily! Jared will experience and see things he's never seen before and I know it will be life-changing. I pray that he will come to understand that the only thing in life that matters is choosing Christ and serving others.

Here is what he shared with me:

"There is an eerie feeling in the air amongst our crew tonight. Those who remained shielded on the cutter today see in the eyes of those who went ashore what a major disaster can do to a nation. I have never seen so many grown men and women with tears in their eyes. Those who did go ashore experienced first-hand the severity of the situation.

I've been shielded today only talking over the radio to those who have seen it. Never once was there a question of professionalism in their voice. I remember in boot camp being told that the U.S. Coast Guard on the right side of our chest takes priority over our name. Today the men and women who went ashore wore coveralls without their names on them. All that was visible were the letters USCG.

Today was the first day I think I've truly been more thankful to be an American. Not because of our infrastructure or the freedoms given to us, but because as a country we will be there when a country of less fortune is in need. Haiti rarely exports anything to our country. They have no oil or major cash crop we use. But as a county we will stand together and put aside our different opinions of healthcare, war, or economy and help out those in need.

Right now we are taking it hour by hour, aftershock by aftershock, every little bit helps.

I'm going to try and get some sleep, as I've already put in a solid 16 hours. Tomorrow will be longer."

V/rBM2 Cleberg

USCGC HAMILTON (WHEC 715)

Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.-Harold R. McAlindon

Always ready! A photo of Jared and his fellow USCG crew members in Alaska. Jared is on the far left with his hood up and hand on his hip.

Ten Nutrition Tips to Live By

2010-01-21T11:29:00.000-08:00

Ten Nutrition Tips to Live By

Stay Healthy & Energetic with These Great Hints

By: 20/20 Lifestyles

Drink Plenty of Water. Water dilutes toxins and waste materials and helps remove them from the body. Your goal should be to drink 64 ounces or eight glasses per day.

Eat Breakfast Every Day. Eating a balanced breakfast gets your metabolism off to a good start. You also benefit from stimulated brain power and increased energy. Some good examples include:
High fiber bread with natural peanut butter and a piece of fruit.
High fiber cereal with low-fat milk topped with sunflower seeds.
Egg white and vegetable omelet

Get Some Fiber.Consuming a high fiber diet lowers your risk of heart disease and colon cancer. Strive for 25 to 35 grams per day. High fiber foods include beans, lentils, most fruits and vegetables, and whole grains.

Eat Your Fruits and Vegetables. Challenge yourself to eat a minimum of five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Go for color and variety. Deeper, richer colored fruits and vegetables contain higher amounts of anti-aging oxidants.

Go For "Whole" Grain. Whole grains such as brown rice, whole wheat pasta and bread contain more vitamins, minerals, and fiber than their refined counterparts. Be sure to check the ingredient list for the word "whole" before grain.

Replace Unhealthy Fats with Healthy Fats. Cut down on your consumption of trans fats and saturated fats. Trans fats are found in fried and processed foods like chips, crackers, instant rice and stick margarines. Foods high in saturated fats include high fat dairy products, high fat beef and pork. Instead choose fish, turkey, soy and low-fat dairy products as your protein sources.

Limit Sugar Intake. Stay away from sodas, candy, baked goods and even juices. Sugar adds empty calories that lead to weight gain and increase your cravings.

Reduce Salt. Too much salt or sodium causes fluid retention and increases your risk for high blood pressure. Try seasoning your foods with herbs and spices like black pepper, garlic, and ginger. Always choose foods with less than 400 milligrams of sodium per serving.

Limit Alcohol. Alcohol increases your appetite, slows down fat burning, adds empty calories and decreases your will power. Enough said.

Pace Yourself. It takes 20 minutes for your brain to get the message that your stomach is full. Put your fork down between bits and sip water. Eating small frequent meals throughout the day will keep your metabolism working efficiently.

Living Water

2010-01-20T20:57:00.001-08:00

Each day will bring challenges but the Lord will show you how to persevere.. Today's lesson was about Living Water.... Connection to God is a must if we desire to have any kind of victory in this life... Some things to keep in mind as you continue your walk with Jesus... God is the Living Water that truly satisfies... True satisfaction comes from Him. He is our all in all. Just was we need to drink water, let it remind you of your need for the Living water

Isaiah 58:11 The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.

As I think of what the Living Water does, I like to think of a fountain that has layers on it.. As God fills me, the overflow effects someone else's life and he begins to fill them, their overflow effects someone else's life.. Just as water goes down the different layers of the fountain. We are to be so full of Christ that we overflow on people too... As I think of a well-watered garden, I think of something very nurtured, very fruitful, something that has deep roots and draws the living water from deep within.. We become this well nourished person when we spend time in the Word, our nourishment..
Stay in the Word, put into practice all that you learn... Draw your strength from the Lord and His word so that soon you will be a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.. Keep depending on the Lord... He will proclaim freedom for you who are a captive, He will give you a crown of beauty, and so much more... He will rebuild, restore and renew the places that have been long devastated..

Isaiah 60:1-4 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.

Keep on keeping on..

Day 10

2010-01-20T15:48:00.000-08:00

Day 10

30 days left to go!!

The workout today was amazing! I really do enjoy the 30 minutes we get to spend there. Mark certainly does not waste time. I appreciate the fact that he walks around the room to make sure you are benefiting from the exercise and doing it correctly.

He offers a lot of encouragement during the intervals.

Here is part of a study I am doing on food/overeating- gave me a lot of insight today and something’s to process and think about.

Today we’ll discuss why we give into sinful eating practices (starving, overeating, throwing up, etc.). When we discover the answer to this question, we’ll learn how to break the sinful habit.

There are, of course, many reasons why we overeat—we might desire to find comfort, "medicate" pain, alleviate loneliness and boredom... or we might just be feeling lazy. But this lesson focuses on a more pressing and spiritual reason:

One of the reasons we want to overeat is because the human heart craves fullness and satisfaction.

Have you found (as I did) that you often turn to food for fulfillment and satisfaction? If so, you’ve almost certainly found that after a big meal, you are not truly satisfied, nor are you even really "full."

As Ecclesiastes states:
All man's efforts are for his mouth, yet his appetite is never satisfied. — Ecclesiastes 6:7

In other words: we may keep stuffing food into our bellies beyond reason, but it will never, ultimately, satisfy us.

Micah 6:14 states it clearly:

Thou shalt eat, and not be satisfied, and thine emptiness shall remain in the midst of thee. — Micah 6:14

Micah is judging Israel for her disobedience and injustice. In its proper context, Micah 6:14 is part of a list of judgments against the people of Israel for their sin. As part of their judgment by God, the nation of Israel would eat, but not be satisfied.

Micah 6:14 states that the Israelites’ emptiness would remain "in the midst" of them. This phrase is a reference to the heart; the food the Israelites eat will not satisfy their hearts or fulfill their lives. This heart-satisfaction is something overeaters seek today… but it cannot be found in eating. Food is not designed to satisfy the heart, but rather to provide nutrition to the body.

Tip from Mark:

One really good thing you can do as your body gets accustomed to all the work it's receiving (sounds like your legs are really feeling it) will sound funny, but it really helps. Take a rolling pin and roll out your leg muscles like you would with dough. Make sure the muscle is relaxed. This is like giving your muscle a massage, and the point is to get out some of that lactic acid that makes you sore, and get rid of knots which make you tender. This technique is at least as important, probably more so, than stretching.

Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.

Tips and update on progress

2010-01-19T12:34:00.000-08:00

Here are 10 tips you can do:
1. Chew more and try to eat more slowly- it takes 20 minutes for your stomach to tell your brain it's full.

2. Take smaller bites

3. Do NOT take seconds

4. Leave some of every type of food on your plate

5. Take smaller portions and leave serving bowls of food in the kitchen

6. use a smaller plate

7. try to put your fork down between every bite

8. Eat only at the table, NOT in front of the TV, computer or at the ktichen counter

9. Eat three bites of every new food

10. Drink a large glass of water 15 minutes before each meal.

Friday AM:
And back from bootcamp, kids are off to school, hubby off to work and I am working from home. I was told by a few ladies that it was a HARD workout today. That made me feel better. I did it, did the entire 30 mniutes. I gotta tell you though the last 10 minutes were hard. I had to keep breathing and listening to Mark. My legs burned but I felt great after the workout. Right now my legs are shaky.

We did squats, push ups, wall sits. My partner told me that after her 1st workout she was sore for 3 days. She said to make sure i drank my water and kept walking around. I really loved the ladies in class and apprecaited the advice and encouragement. It sure makes me look forward to monday.

Cardio intervals tomorrow and Spa Food journaling has been ok I was sick and didn't eat much for 2 days so that made it easy. I encourage everyone to keep a food journal even if you aren't exercising. It is interesting what you really eat and don't realize it. Okay gotta go drink water.

Saturday :
Woke up really sore this morning. My legs are still tender. It is hard to walk up and down the stairs. Other then that I feel great.

Met the other 3 ladies at Olympus Spa this morning. What an awesome time we had, sitting in the rooms - whispering quietly ;-) It was very relaxing and helped with the soreness. I really like the Charcoal and sand room. The heat felt great!!

I find if I drink all my water i am not hungry and the carving feeling goes away. So I am really trying to get all my water in.

I played Wii Fit with the kids awhile ago that was fun. The game wasn't too happy with it becasue it had been so many days since I had been on it. Sure doesn't like that. I love even how technology holds us accountable.

It's been a beautiful day here today! I am thankful for the blue skies we had before the rain started in.

Praying for Haiti. All the families out there trying to contact their loved ones.

2 Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.

Monday Week 2:
Off work today and kids are all out of school- MLK Day.

What a windy blustery morning. But then the sun came out and there were blue skies. The workout this morning was awesome. We did 5 stations that we roatated every 60 seconds. My legs are doing much better today. I am not as sore as i was last week.

The food has been a bit challenging. I find when I get stressed and can't control a situtation I turn to food. Becasue it's something I can control. Here is a great devotion that I am going to focus on to help with that:

Beloved, as long as your focus is on things that you have no personal control over, you will be subject to regret, disappointment and accusation. But, I would have you release what you cannot control and to put your faith and trust in Me. Only then will you be able to see that I am doing a very great and powerful work in your midst, My people, as I establish My kingdom in, around and through you. Expect change, and resolve to be flexible enough to move with grace, says the Lord.

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. I hope everyone has a great day and enjoys the day off if you have it.

Help Haiti

2010-01-14T11:44:00.000-08:00

From Shaun Groves:
http://shaungroves.com/2010/01/haiti-hurricane-compassion-international-calling-all-bloggers-please-act-now/

WHERE TO GIVE:
Please ONLY use one of the following URLs when linking to Compassion’s Haiti Earthquake Disaster Relief donation page. This will allow us to track how much is given by you and your fellow bloggers and report that back to you at a later date.

https://www.compassion.com/contribution/giving/haitiearthquake.htm?referer=105120SocialSponsorshipBlitz
OR
http://bit.ly/HelpHaitiCI

BANNERS:
Banners are available in four sizes for your blog’s sidebar at the following URLs:
http://bit.ly/HaitiBanners
OR
http://share-compassion.org/haiti

WIDGETS:
Widgets are available from the following URLs:
http://seed.sproutbuilder.com/rACFLcgkH-6l5g6n (Horizontal 400×224 for blog posts and Facebook sharing)
http://seed.sproutbuilder.com/qABcEsguH13A3SDA (Horizontal 500×280 for blog posts)
http://seed.sproutbuilder.com/4gBH0cj3H1hY0SMD (Vertical 200×350 for blog sidebar and Facebook sharing)
More widgets coming soon to: http://www.compassion.com/share/freestuff/compassion-widgets.htm

WHY GIVE TO COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL:

FINANCIAL INTEGRITY:
The FBI is warning of several Haiti charity scams that have popped up in the wake of this earthquake. http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/wayoflife/01/13/haiti.charity.scams/
They are suggesting that donations only be made to organizations monitored and rated by CharityNavigator.org and The American Institute of Philanthropy. Both organizations have given Compassion International their highest approval ranking. Compassion International is the only non-profit in it’s category to receive eight consecutive years of four star rating from CharityNavigator.org.
Links regarding Compassion International’s financial integrity:
http://www.compassion.com/about/financial/default.htm
http://www.compassion.com/press/currentnews/charity-navigator-awards-compassion-highest-rating-8th-year-in-row.htm

FIRST RESPONDER:
In this disaster it is crucial that first responders receive support quickly. Because Compassion International ministers through local churches to meet the needs of that church’s neighbors, and because these church partners are respected aid workers in their communities, Compassion is uniquely positioned to assess and meet the needs of it’s sponsored children quickly. This is an advantage of our church-based model in practice for more than 50 years.

IN JESUS’ NAME:
Compassion International does not accept government funds which could at times restrict our ability to meet the physical and spiritual needs of children in Jesus’ name. Because of this Compassion International’s primary financial support comes from individual donors.

WHERE TO GIVE:
Please ONLY use one of the following URLs when linking to
Compassion’s Haiti Earthquake Disaster Relief donation page. This will also allow us to track the effectiveness of these donation pages and make changes if necessary.
https://www.compassion.com/contribution/giving/haitiearthquake.htm?referer=105120SocialSponsorshipBlitz
OR
http://bit.ly/HelpHaitiCI
HOW DONATIONS WILL BE USED:
All funds raised in response to the Haiti earthquake will be used immediately to provide for Compassion-assisted children and families affected by this crisis. Any funds raised in excess will be stewarded by Compassion for additional and future disaster relief efforts.
You can provide immediate relief today.
$35 helps provide a relief pack filled with enough food and water to sustain a family for one week.
$70 gift helps care for their needs for two weeks.
$105 helps provide relief packs filled with enough food and water to sustain two families for two weeks.
$210 gift helps care for two families’ needs.
$525 helps provide relief packs filled with enough food and water to sustain 10 families for two weeks.
$1,050 gift helps care for 10 families’ needs.
$1,500 helps rebuild a home.
$2,100 helps supply 20 families with the basics for three weeks.
Due to the high number of responses it may take longer than normal to process your transaction.

FOR SPONSORS OF HAITIAN CHILDREN:
Children most likely to be affected by the earthquake are in projects in and around Port Au Prince. For continued updates go here: http://www.compassion.com/sponsordonor/crisisupdates/crisis-advisory-earthquake-hits-haiti.htm
To connect with other sponsors of Haitian children for prayer, support, and information join OurCompassion.org (our social networking site for sponsors) and follow this link to the group “Heart For Haiti” that has formed there: http://bit.ly/91pIXk

RELEVANT VIDEOS AVAILABLE FOR POSTING:
Explanation of Haiti’s depth of poverty and Compassion’s sponsorship ministry: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ct6WcaIak_A
Respond with Compassion: http://www.youtube.com/user/CompassionIntl#p/u/8/MxrDyeX9Dh4

OTHER LINKS AVAILABLE FOR POSTING:
Updates from Twitter: http://twitter.com/compassion
Compassion blog: http://blog.compassion.org
Compassion on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/compassionintl
Crisis Update Page: http://www.compassion.com/sponsordonor/crisisupdates/crisis-advisory-earthquake-hits-haiti.htm

IMPORTANT SPECIAL REQUEST:
In order to help people find Compassion International more easily when searching for “Haiti earthquake”, please link the words “Haiti earthquake” to Compassion’s donation page somewhere in your post if at all possible. This will help Compassion’s donation page climb to the top of search results on Google quickly and generate thousands more donations.
Here’s that donation page link again:
https://www.compassion.com/contribution/giving/haitiearthquake.htm?referer=105120SocialSponsorshipBlitzORhttp://bit.ly/HelpHaitiCI

Thank you for helping Compassion International help Haiti.
Shaun Groves
Blogger Manager
CompassionBloggers.com
Compassion.com
1-888-435-3336

Going Up?

2010-01-14T10:53:00.000-08:00

What a week it's been. Monday Night my husband called me while I was at bible study. He was sick, throwing up, woke up Aaron and just needed me home. My 13 yr old hadn't been feeling well either, she said she felt all day like she needed to throw up. Tuesday hubby stayed home. I was fine Tuesday, perfectly fine then it hit about 8pm I started to not feel well. 10pm came and as I was laying in bed I thought I know this is it and off to the bathroom I ran.

Yep I was sick. then came the chills, fever and aches. I woke hubby up and asked him to pray because I just really couldn't believe this was happening. On the Eve of what would be my 2nd bootcamp workout. No I can't be getting sick!

I was up all night just sick sick sick!

Wednesday came and I slept all day. Woke up about 2pm and felt some what able to join the human race for awhile. I was bummed though. 2 workouts I missed and I feel so far behind.

Today I am at work. I started to get really discouraged and just down. I was reading emails from the other 3 contestants and they are so awesome. Very encouraging words, pray and lots of uplifting thoughts. I love that they took the time to think of me and that we truly are in this together. They said words that I sooo needed to hear.

I went to go downstairs and go grab a coffee (yes I am feeling better) I was on the escalator. Right in front of me was this little boy (about 2yr olds) and his dad, holding hands. Right before they got to the end the dad lifted him up and off the escalator. Then they turned around to go back UP. The Dad said to the little boy " Are you ready to go UP now?, ok here we go" and the little boy stepped on. His Dad did not lift him but was holding his hand. The little boy was wobbly and shaky. But got on and up they went.

It made me think that is EXACTLY how God is with us, He is our Daddy asking us "Are you ready" and then holds us , allows us to take those steps and encourages us by offering us grace.

It was such an amazing imagine. One that I truly needed today. He has me always and he isn't going to let go becasue he is there for us.

2 John 1:3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

Day 1

2010-01-11T16:41:00.000-08:00

Today was suppose to be day 1 for me but well today has pretty much been a serious battle.

I was up at 5:45am - out the door by 6:06am the GPS couldn't find the shoreline address thankfully i had printed hte directions the night before so off I went.

Traffic was horrid- it was pouring and pitch black - I have never really been to shoreline andI am not familiar with that are at all so I missed the streets had to keep turning around after I passed them- finally found the Senior center which the campus is huge so I was in out of a few parking lots before I found the senior center door- to which the door was locked - there were only 2 cars in the parking lot and it was 6:40am.

What was suppose to be 15-20 minute drive turned into 30 and now that I was there had no idea where to go becasue it was pitch black in the building and the doors I tried were all locked.

I was frustrated- disappointed - and then all the old tapes started playing in my mind "see you shouldn't be doing this, why bother, you knew you couldn't get here on time, you are going to fail" so I was rather bummed.

I sat there until 7 becasue I wanted to see if anyone came out of the doors- about 7:02 on the other side of the building around the corner ladies started pouring out of the bldg. I drove over to see where the door was- back behind the building in the recreation center.

Then off I raced to get back home to get the JR higher to school. Traffic again horrid but i knew where i was going. got home about 7:35 got her to school.

At home they all asked me in their excited voices- HOW WAS IT- part of me wanted to hide and lie- I didn't want to let them down- I didn't want to be a failure which i really felt like it. I had already blown in a huge way day 1.

I promised i would stay real and share the expereinces with people , this is as real as I can get. I know I am not the only one who struggles. When things like this happen it is also when my food battle takes over and I want to fall to food for control and comfort.

The other 3 ladies are truly amazing and awesome we have been talking to each other every day and its been such a blessing for us to be connected like we are.

We need your prayers-

I'm IN....

2010-01-10T21:45:00.001-08:00

I got in- I am one of the Top 4!
Now it all begins, being real. There is no hiding here right becasue I asked and went public and said will you vote for me?, well that makes it real becasue the eyes are watching. I am being held accountable and this time I am so excited and JAZZED!

I am ready this time.
Ready for a forever change.
Ready for a new life
Ready to finish something (I am not good at finishing things I start)

2010 will be a great year.

I get up tomorrow at 5:45am to leave the house by 6am to get to the workout which starts at 6:30. MWF repeat 3 times a week.

I am hoping to get in at least 2-3 times a week at least a 20 minute walk. We have an eliptical and a treadmill plus the WiiFit so no more excuses right.

I weighed tonight at 9:30pm and I weighed in at 195lbs. My 5'2" frame says that is about 75 lbs too much. That is 2 of Julia and 2 1/2 Aaron (he weighs almost 30lbs)

It's gonna feel good- I am going to feel good.... so remind me of that in a few days or weeks when it gets hard and the excuses come, Will you remind me of how it will feel?

I'm IN!

Voting Time

2010-01-04T10:38:00.000-08:00

http://www.spirit1053.com/40days.php?articleID=523

Here is the link to my profile page for the 40 day Health and Fitness Challenge.
Voting is open 1/2-1/8, you click on the Vote for your top 4. you enter in your email and it takes you to a page where you can select the top 4. Some people have been entering 1 person in all 4 slots or entering in who the top 4 should be.

I can not even beging to describe the way I feel about this.
My heart is all over the place, but I really really want this.

Last night when i went to my profile page and saw the comments I had the lovely messages folks took to write to me I was honored. I had 12 comments and they are precious!!! Then I did something dumb clicked on Kathryn's name and she had 46. My heart sank. My enemy started to creep in there with the doubt and fear. "Who do you think you are?" "See no one really cares"
Then I stopped and said nope not going there. I deserve this and I want this. How do I get votes well I don't know I asked friends and family to vote for me but it's truly up to the listeners. The unknown out there, the lady i am standing next to in line at the grocery store. It might be her, she might be the deciding factor. What this taught me is that treat everyone how Jesus would treat them, you truly never know when that person is going to impact your life again. They might be the organ donor who saves your life or someone you know, they might be the deciding vote that changes your life. The reality- treat everyone as Jesus would treat them, Grace, Mercy, Compassion, Love.

Voting is open, comments are open..... I can't wait until Jan 8th/Jan 9th when we hear who is the final 4.

Thanks

It might be me.....

2009-12-30T15:32:00.000-08:00

I am so excited right now... our local radio station Spirit 105.3 is doing this 40 day health and fitness challenge. I am one of the 8 qualifiers. Starting Jan 2nd people can go out online and vote for me to be one of the 4 finalists in this challenge.

Here is the link: http://www.spirit1053.com/familyfun.php?articleID=490

What's in it for me besides losing weight- getting healthy and growing with God- well here it is:
1) Each of the 4 contestants will be sporting a new pair of New Balance 1010 cross-trainers (retail $110). These premier multi-purpose cross-trainers offer supportive and cushioning from runs on the pavements to the most grueling indoor workouts.

2) Each of the 4 contestants will have access twice a week to Olympus Spa each week allowing them to focus on their health and body relaxation after their tough workouts. This includes herbal hydrotherapy pools, earth energy rooms, steam, sauna and more for a whole day.

3) Each of the 4 contestants will recieve one meal per week throughout the competition to Taco Time. Grand prize of $100 gift certificate to Taco Time for overall winner.

4) 40 Day Extreme Makeover by God. Millennium Chiropractic will be giving all four participants: Body by God, The Owners Manual for Maximized Living book by Dr. Ben Lerner. 6 week Registration in Body By God Workshops to be held at Puyallup Four Square Church.

5) AIM Fitness - Annual Membership for Final 3 Contestants, Lifetime Membership for overall winner

I turn 40 in March and at this moment i am very unhealthy and obese. (such a yucky word) but it's the truth. So if I am chosen to be one of the final 4 i get to blog about the challenge, do the workouts with a trainer, keep a food journal... and the best thing is I can encourage others including my family.

I'll post more info when they have the profiles online and voting begins.

but right now .... It might be me!!!!

Do you know Someone?

2009-12-17T10:17:00.000-08:00

a Blog that I follow and a facebook friend is doing an amazing thing this holiday season. Read about it here: http://elisemarieliptackphotography.blogspot.com/

Elise is going to bless someone this year- someone who really deserves and needs a reminder of their family and be reminded of the JOY. Someone who has struggled- someone who might be forgotten... Do you know someone?

Please go visit Elise's blog and read about how to enter someone who really will be blessed!!

Happy Holidays

HP TouchSmart Giveaway over at MckMama

2009-12-09T12:16:00.000-08:00

http://mckgiveaways.blogspot.com/2009/12/hp-touchsmart-giveaway.html

From MckMama's site - here is how to enter over on her site:

One of you is going to be able to win your very own HP TouchSmart 600!!!!!!

Yuppers, BlogHer and HP have teamed up to allow MckMama to give one away to one of you!!!! click here to read the other reviewers.

You have five chances to win!

For more information, see the official site here.

And here is how it goes, if you'd like to try to win your very own, brand spanking new HP TouchSmart.

1. You may leave a comment on this post to get one entry.

2. You can Tweet or Facebook about this contest, linking to my blog, and then leave another comment here saying "I Tweeted!" or "I Facebooked!" for a second entry, leaving the link to the Tweet or Facebook update.

3. You'll get a third entry if you blog about this contest, link to my blog, and leave yet another comment saying "I blogged about it," leaving the blog link.

This giveaway is open to US Residents, aged 18 and older. The contest runs from today, December 9, 2009 until Christmas Eve. Winners will be announced then after having been selected via random draw and will notified by e-mail. Once I announce the winner, you will have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.Please see the official rules here: Official rules

The Language of Love & Respect Book Review

2009-12-07T12:53:00.000-08:00

This book is a retitled paperback release of Cracking the Communication Code.

Dr. Eggerichs explains that men speak the language of respect, and women speak the language of love. He also presents an easy to use approach for how husbands and wives can learn to speak each other's languages. He talks about the three cycles of marriage: The Energizing Cycle, The Crazy Cycle and The Rewarded Cycle, and gives strategies to prevent getting stuck in "The Crazy Cycle." It can be quite repetitive, but the lessons inside are invaluable to a strong marriage.

"The Language of Love and Respect" is a very good book. Dr. Eggerichs is easy to read and the applications he suggests seem realistic, and his writing style is peppered with wit and relevant anecdotes. The book is written like a good reference manual, where someone could pick it up, select a principle to briefly read, and understand it in a few short paragraphs because following each of the typical introductory paragraphs, Dr. Eggerichs includes several stories to further explain the presented concepts to his readers.

Eggerichs also explains the chairs/couple concept to explain this difference and what males and females must do in order to communicate with each other better. These concepts, as well as the TUFTS concept are presented in a clear, understandable way that makes them easy to internalize and use in real life.
I recommend the book but just take your time and try not to go through it quickly.

A Different Christmas Poem

2009-12-01T16:04:00.000-08:00

Someone forwarded this email to me and I just had to share.

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,

I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.

My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,

My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,

Transforming the yard to a winter delight.

The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,

Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,

Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.

In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,

So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,

But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.

Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,

Then thesure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble,

I struggled to hear,

And I crept to the door just to see who was near.

Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,

A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,

Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.

Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,

Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!

Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,

You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,

Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts…

To the window that danced with a warm fire's light

Then he sighed and he said, "Its really all right, I'm out here by choice.

I'm here every night."It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,

That separates you from the darkest of times.

No one had to ask or beg or implore me,

I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.

My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,"

Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."

My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',

And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while,

But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.”

Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,

The red, white, and blue... an American flag.

“I can live through the cold and the being alone,

Away from my family, my house and my home.

I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,

I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.

I can carry the weight of killing another,

Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..

Who stand at the front against any and all,

To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."

"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,

Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."

But isn't there something I can do, at the least,

"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?

It seems all too little for all that you've done,

For being away from your wife and your son."

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,

"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.

To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,

To stand your own watch, no matter how long.

For when we come home, either standing or dead,

To know you remember we fought and we bled.

Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,

That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

PLEASE, would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our U.S service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us.
LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN30th Naval Construction RegimentOIC, Logistics Cell OneAl Taqqadum, Iraq

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T09:40:00.000-08:00

I’m Thankful for You
Thanksgiving is the appointed timefor focusing on the good in our lives.In each of our days,we can find small blessings,but too often we overlook them,choosing instead to spend our timepaying attention to problems.We give our energyto those who cause us troubleinstead of those who bring peace.Starting now,let’s be on the lookoutfor the bits of pleasure in each hour,and appreciate the people whobring love and light to everyonewho is blessed to know them.You are one of those people.On Thanksgiving,I’m thankful for you.Happy Thanksgiving!
By Joanna Fuchs

Nicholas Landon Jewelry giveaway

2009-11-17T10:24:00.000-08:00

Visit http://nicholaslandonjewelry.blogspot.com/ to enter

we are giving away ONE of our nautical code necklaces to celebrate our new store!
here's how to enter,
1-first entry, leave a comment of a neat way that you celebrate the Thanksgiving season or share a sweet blessing that you have received.

2-second entry, blog about the thanks-give-away…

3-third entry, follow as a treasure...

...thanks-give-away will end at midnight on November 25th...and is open to the world!
...everyone has a place that they treasure in their heart…perhaps the location of a wedding, a proposal, favorite vacation, birth of a child or homeland…now you can wear that treasured place close to your heart in nautical code…so it can remain as special and unique as you remember it…

Book Review- The Noticer

2009-11-05T09:35:00.000-08:00

I just finished reading a fantastic book I want to recommend to all of you. Its called The Noticer, by Andy Andrews. Andrews does a fantastic job of interspersing real life advice through this story of an older gentleman named Jones...not Mr. Jones, just Jones. Jones makes his way through Orange Beach, Alabama, showing up unexpectedly when people seem to need him most. His kind words and practical advice fix many problems, including saving marriages, getting homeless young guys moving toward a positive future, and helping a dying man to make peace with his life. It was a great book, a fast and easy read...but with very good advice about dealing with people. Jones reminds us that our circumstances are a matter of perspective...we be down and out, or we can see the challenges we are facing as the valley we walk through before we climb the next mountain.

The Noticer: Sometimes, all a person needs is a little perspective by Andy Andrews soon to be published by Thomas Nelson is a quick read that packs a powerful punch. I had not heard of or read anything else by Andy Andrews, but it will not be long before I read more of his books.

Packed within the pages that tell the stories of these characters are some thought provoking one-liners. Andrews uses the characters to reveal these one-line truths about life and the perspective we should all have. A few quotes that were most memorable to me included: * Worry... fear... is just a misuse of the creative imagination that has been placed in each of us. * Remember, whatever you focus on increases. * Many of life's treasures remain hidden from us simply because we never search for them.

Once you pick it up you won't be putting it down. - go get it today!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-28T11:21:00.001-07:00

How God used Craigslist

2009-10-09T13:11:00.000-07:00

Since Aaron has outgrown alot of his stuff we have been selling things on Craigslist.
Julia's old toddler bed has been sitting in our garage for over a year and Marco decided hey we should post that to- so he snapped some shots and i posted it. Within minutes I had 2 people emailing me about it. I told the person who emailed 2nd that someone emailed right before her and I would let her know if he took it.

Well I felt that I really needed to let her have the bed. so I waited for 45 minutes and when the person didn't respond I emailed her and we set up a time for her to get it Sunday.

Sunday her and her family (husband and kids)show up... She said her daughter just started climbing out of her crib and she said it was strange she really felt God leading her to go look at Craigslist so she did and there was my post. She said "God is so amazing- this is such a blessing"

Now ok- we hadn't talked about God- she didn't know I was a Christian and walking.

Next I felt this overwhelming reminder of - "oh I have sheets and a comforter for that bed also"
The bed is a disney princess bed and the sheets/comforter Disney Princess. She said we have to pay you for them- I said No - No you don't - it's just another blessing.

That just made my day- how God orchestrated all that and how we were able to bless a family during this economy and he just showed them how much he loves them.

God uses all things for Good.

Fall is Here

2009-09-29T11:55:00.000-07:00

There is a certain excitment in the air when you know fall has arrived.
Things start changing, colors POP, there is a shift in how we act.
I have noticed people start pulling things in closer to home, preparing to hibernate for the winter months. Nothing like spring and summer where windows come flying open and everything is set free. Just make sure everything is back by Sept...... for FALL!

Can't wait to visit the pumpkin patches- harvest festivals.

What is a favorite fall memory- is it the smells, the flavors, your favorite coffee comes out, the kids in school, pumpkins, jumping in the leaves, puddle jumping.

HOPE

2009-09-22T11:41:00.000-07:00

Hope is a belief in a positive outcome related to events and circumstances in one's life. Hope is the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best.[1] Hopefulness is somewhat different from optimism in that hope is an emotional state, whereas optimism is a conclusion reached through a deliberate thought pattern that leads to a positive attitude.
When used in a religious context, hope carries a connotation of being aware of what Christians see as spiritual truth; see Hope (virtue). In Christian theology, hope is one of the three theological virtues (faith, hope, and love[2]), which are spiritual gifts of God. In contrast to the above, it is not a physical emotion but a spiritual grace. Hope is distinct from positive thinking, which refers to a therapeutic or systematic process used in psychology for reversing pessimism. The term false hope refers to a hope based entirely around a fantasy or an extremely unlikely outcome.
In some religious contexts hope changes from being a verb to a noun. For instance, when Christians say they have hope in God they are not saying they hope God will give them good things and make their lives happier but that God is in fact, their hope.

That is what the WIKI says about Hope.

The past week Hope has been a theme that has played over and over again. Either a song, scripture, a show, a devotion.. the word Hope is what remains constant. In the past it has been Faith, Grace, Mercy, trust but not this time. So I wonder what is Hope and what does it look like, Feel and how do we have Hope when we struggle.

I always thought I needed to have Faith in God and my walk with him but I am finding I need to have Hope.

TodaysMama Cricut Giveaway

2009-09-21T09:25:00.000-07:00

This is contest entry for those crazy folks at TodaysMama and Cricut. Be sure to check out Cricut's cool new cartridges and the chance at $30,000 in travel for you and your friends at the Great Gypsy Escape site! http://bit.ly/FWcud

Great Escape Meme
1. If you could escape to anywhere in the world where would it be? Greece
2. What song do you play when you are by yourself in the car? Letting Go-
3. If you had a night to yourself, and money was no object, what would you do? shopping spree with my kids- then hair- makeup- spa packages and then a night out at a great restaurant and seeing the city (which we would fly to)
4. What is your guilty pleasure? Turtles (Carmel- chocolate)
5. What is the farthest place you have traveled away from your home? London
6. Last book that you couldn't put down? Fearless
7. When you want to escape into another time, what movie do you watch? Notebook
8. What is your favorite local escape? downtown Woodinville
9. How do you escape on a budget? Camping
10. Best food you've ever had while on vacation. Taco Soup

Book Review of Fearless

2009-09-09T11:38:00.000-07:00

I received a copy of Fearless by Max Lucado from Thomas Nelson publishing. My duty as a book review blogger is to read the book earlier then release date and post a review. I love this opportunity and think it is great that they do this.

I was very excited to receive this book. I immediatley started reading it. Wow by page 6 in chapter 1 of "Why are we Afraid" I was crying. Max is an amazing writer and just really knows how to capture you with the words and how to speak to your heart.

This book is truly a must have for everyone right now during these times of unstablity and doubt. With Chapter titles like Fear of Violence and Make Believe Money. I think we all can relate on any level with fear of losing our jobs, houses, lives, relationships etc... Max takes a really close look at that and really pulls back the wool and makes you realize how trapped we are and how we need to leave the darkness and step out into the light and stop living in Fear.
Be Fearless.

I love the passages and reference to Jesus and the bible- this is great for any christian who is doubting God during these times. In the back of the book there is a discussion guide that leads you with some very thought provoking questions and scripture to help you seek

Please go pick up this book- it will be worth your time and money. so step out and stop living in fear

Hummingbird

2009-08-31T12:58:00.000-07:00

Lana- one of my friends in Colorado took these pictures Friday/Saturday and posted these on facebook and labeled them all Tammie’s Hummingbird….
She also sent me a message - She knows God uses Hummingbirds to speak to me.

Little did she know this weekend at my house there was a hummingbird that was "hanging" around. It would fly up to my sliding glass door and hover. Like it was starring at me, watching me, waiting for me to notice. 3 times this little hummingbird did this over the 2 days. I love watching them there is just something about the hummingbird that takes my breath away and gives me shivers.

Lana's note:
Just had to write a note to say hi and that you have been on my heart this week end. It started with the hummingbird..."Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established." Pro. 16:3 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of darkness....Eph. 6:12Not sure this helps you today, but felt led to send it. Blessings to you my lovely friend. Lana

Devotion I received today :-)

Is My name not called the Son of Glory? I come in this time to call you forth into the fullness of My kingdom, says the Lord. You have walked around the edges of it and you have partaken of it somewhat, but I say unto you today there is a fullness, a full manifestation of the glory and the revelation of My kingdom that must be birthed in your heart. For not only am I the Son of Glory, but I come to bestow that glory upon you; that it may change you; that it's light may adorn you; that it's splendor may captivate you. That that which I bring in this season will cause you to turn your eyes from the world and turn your eyes fully upon Me, says the Lord. For it is written and it is true that I am the author and the finisher of your faith. So come today. Come, I say. Come in your weakness; come in your helplessness; come with whatever it is that is holding you back. For My intention is to anoint you with the Spirit of My Glory that you may rise up and become exactly what My word says you will be, says the Lord God of Glory.

So God- Father- the ever so mysterious wonder- Bring on the GLORY!!

SLAM!!! or so I thought

2009-08-27T12:46:00.000-07:00

That is what it feels like right this moment- that a very large- thick heave door has been slammed shut in my face.
Well that was yesterday- I had posted the post below about 12:50pm 08/26/09 and seriously not more then 20 minutes later everything was coming down around me or so I thought.

I received this devotional very early in the morning
Get seriously quiet before Me, says the Lord, for you are approaching a turning point where you need direction and guidance. This will be a break-away moment, a line of demarcation that will separate the past from where you are now and where you are headed. Your past experiences will have very little relevance to what is upcoming, but do not be afraid. This is not a bad thing; it is only a course correction that will produce kingdom destiny in your life. Look forward to all that I have prepared for you.

1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him."

This came at 1:43pm
Come Monday I have no daycare for Aaron (6 months old) nor can we afford anything. To have him in daycare is about $1000+ a month. Which Julia is $800 a month. We had Julia tested for kindergarten and she passed with flying colors so we registered her and thought WOW this is it if she gets into full day kindy then we can have that $800 to pay for Aaron's daycare needs. Well door today SLAMMED shut- she is still on the waitlist for Full Day and per the school all spots within the full day class have been confirmed and unless someone drops out of full day which they don't see happening she is in 1/2 day- which with Marco and I both working we just can't do 1/2 day kindergarten. 9:30-12 or 12:30-3:30- it doesn't work.

I thought also God was calling me to apply for this new position and really felt everything being confirmed and then today door slammed again in my face.

so now what do i do- Aaron has no daycare come monday- julia doesn't go to kindergarten Tuesday but back to daycare which is just another "heart" issue for me since it isn't the best place for her but we can't afford "better or best"

1:50pm i got this

subject line in a new email is : Words of encouragement are inside

inside the email:
Ever notice how the top headlines in the news are often the most discouraging? It's a good thing that we have other positive things to read like a daily devotion or God's Word. Here's a passage that has encouraged me this week. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27 (NIV)

at 4pm I got this email:

4 Tips for Living a Fearless Life

If there is one thing I've learned in this recession it is that I don't have to live in fear. This is an amazing realization, actually... especially for me. As a general rule, I don't like to admit that I am afraid. I am sure that I am not alone on this. Let's be honest, we live in a fear-based culture right now. "Uncertainty" is the new buzz word for fear. When fear hits you, it can steal your joy and paralyze you. It rears its ugly head in the form of frustration, withdrawal, or outbursts of anger. You can break free from the grip of fear!

Here are four things you can do to position yourself to live a fearless life:

1.Articulate what you are afraid of to someone you trust. Calmly unpack the root cause of your frustration.

2.Start living for today, and stop worrying about tomorrow. "Each day has enough trouble of it's own." (Matthew 6:34 NIV)

3.Remember that it's not about how much you have, but who you have. Reorient your priorities around building meaningful relationships.

4.Put your trust in God. Acknowledge that God is your source, and he is in control. "Cast all your anxiety on him, for he cares about you." (1 Peter 5:7 NIV)

Today early AM I got this

The enemy is fighting for control and will not give up easily, yet he is already defeated. Refuse to allow discouragement to come when you have a minor setback because this is his last ditch effort to keep you in bondage just before you break forth into unbridled liberty, says the Lord. You are above and not beneath; he is beneath and not above you. Be strong and courageously keep pressing through. Victory is assured.

Deuteronomy 28:13 And the LORD will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them.

So then I went to go read a blog I follow and found even more inspiration check it out

MckMama

What's the lesson here and the story that's being told..... I'm not to sure but I know it's in there.

It's not about me, there is a larger story we are in so get out of the small story.

Stand strong in my Faith

Never Doubt or become disappointed or discouraged.

I will sit and wait and be patient and rest.

Next Steps

2009-08-26T12:53:00.000-07:00

Get seriously quiet before Me, says the Lord, for you are approaching a turning point where you need direction and guidance. This will be a break-away moment, a line of demarcation that will separate the past from where you are now and where you are headed. Your past experiences will have very little relevance to what is upcoming, but do not be afraid. This is not a bad thing; it is only a course correction that will produce kingdom destiny in your life. Look forward to all that I have prepared for you.
1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him."
I am at a Crossroads in my life and I am quite lost on where to place my next step.
My heart hurts, its stirring, it confused, its displaced but still alive and racing faster with every beat.

Have you ever felt like that? Like your whole life was about to be turned up-side down and there was a certain calm and peace about it. That you had enough Faith, Trust and Belief in our Father that he would come through to rescue you if needed. Have you felt that? I believe well I am pretty sure I KNOW that is where I am at. I have Faith, Trust, Belief that he will come through. He knows my heart, my desires, wants and needs. Yet here I set unsettled wondering really what is next?

We Shall See......

Recipes

2009-08-19T11:37:00.000-07:00

Taco Soup-
2 chicken breasts, cut up small- you can use any type of meat or no meat
1 onion chopped
1 can Rotelle tomatoes (Mexican tomatoes)
1 can stewed tomatoes (i don't like chunky tomatoes so I used diced instead)
1 can kidney beans
1 can pinto beans
1 can white beans
1 can corn
1 packet ranch dressing
1 packet taco seasoning
sides of sour cream, chips (we like Frito's), and grated cheese

1. Chop the onion and cook with the chicken breast, drain.
2. Add in the rest of the ingredients (the original recipe says to NOT drain the cans but rinsing the beans of the juice they are in helps reduce the "gassy" effects significantly!-so I rinse the 3 cans of beans and then add about a half can or so of water for the right consistency.
3. Add the corn in without draining it...
4. Bring to a boil and reduce to simmer for about 15-20 minutes. If you want to throw it all in crock pot and cook on low while gone for the day it tastes even better. The longer you cook it the more the flavors join together.
Top with the cheese, chips, sour cream! ENJOY!!

Easy Shepherd Pie
1 lb. ground beef
2 cups hot mashed potatoes - use instant or make fresh
4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) Cream Cheese
1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese, divided into 1/2 cups
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
1 cup beef gravy

Heat Oven to 375
Brown meat in skillet, drain
MIX potatoes, cream cheese, 1/2 cup Cheddar and garlic until well blended.
COMBINE meat, vegetables and gravy; spoon into 9-inch square baking dish.
COVER with potato mixture and remaining Cheddar. Bake 20 min. or until heated through.

Campbell's Easy Chicken Pot Pie
Prep: 10 min -
Cook: 30 min
1 can Campbell's® Cream of Chicken Soup- you can also use Cream of Mushroom or Celery
1 pkg. (about 9 oz.) frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
1 cup cubed cooked chicken (frozen chicken breast chopped or Rotisserie chicken pulled)
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
1 cup all-purpose baking mix (Bisquick)
PREHEAT oven to 400°F.
Mix soup, vegetables and chicken in 9" pie plate.
MIX milk, egg and baking mix. Pour over chicken mixture.
Bake 30 min. or until golden.
Makes 4 servings
This recipe created by Campbell's.

I have used this as a base for my recipe- instead of the Bisquick I use Puff Pastry sheets which make an awesome top. Instead of 9" pie plate I use smaller dishes to make individual cups of it and just cut the puff pastry sheets into about 4" squares.
You can use any veggies you want- frozen or canned- my kids like peas, carrots, potatoes, Lima beans, green beans.

If you use the puff pastry you won't need the egg and milk or Bisquick.
to freeze- put into individual cups place puff pastry over- cover and freeze- to eat take out, thaw and bake for about 45 minutes.
My girls have used the microwave and toaster oven to cook/reheat these.

Quick Eggplant Parmigiana
plain bread crumbs (recently i have been using panko they make it crispier)
grated Parmesan cheese
dried oregano (if you use Italian bread crumbs no need for this)
all-purpose flour
2 eggs lightly beaten
eggplant - (12 to 15 oz) trimmed, and sliced crosswise into 1/4" slices
1 cup light spaghetti sauce (I use jar spaghetti- any kind- any flavor)
2 oz finely-shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Coat two 10- by 15-inch rimmed baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray or use wax paper for super easy clean up
Place the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and oregano in a shallow dish; mix well.
Place the flour in another shallow dish and place the eggs in a third shallow dish.
Dip the eggplant slices in the flour, then the eggs, then the bread crumb mixture, coating completely with each.
Arrange the eggplant in a single layer on the baking sheets.
Lightly coat the tops of the eggplant with nonstick cooking spray.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden.
Spoon the spaghetti sauce evenly over the eggplant slices, then sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Serve immediately.

ENJOY

I won

2009-08-11T10:52:00.000-07:00

http://heckofabunch.blogspot.com/2009/08/resnackit-winner.html

http://www.resnackit.com/

I am so stinkin excited- I can't wait to start using this - I may have to order more. No More baggies in lunches.

and again... I WON-

Visit for another chance to win a beautiful piece of jewelry from www.cinnamonsticks.etsy.com http://priddycreations.blogspot.com/2009/08/we-have-winner.html

Book Review- Rick and Bubba Guide to Marriage

2009-08-10T11:53:00.000-07:00

I am not a follower of Rick and Bubba-I had never heard of them before but loved the opportunity to read this book.
I would warn people they need to be open minded when reading this book. Lighten up a little.
I sometimes find myself with books that offer advice being ready to read "the secert" the one thing that will fix my marriage. The one thing I can show my spouse and say "See- this is what I am talking about" This book does offer insight through humor and sarcasm. I think maybe we do lack these things in our marriages and we take things seriously. Maybe that is the secret we need- Lighten up!

It's realistic - definetly recommended reading for any married couple. The chapter titles everyone knows exactly what they are talking about without even having to read-
"Lost keys", "Why is our stuff the first to go", "Love and credit cards".

I love that there is 2 bonuses that come with this book- the cd in the back "the best of rick and bubba" and the last few pages of the book are 2nd book- "the book of blame"

Rick and Bubba offer a way for couples to understand eahc other and also for us to laugh at the way it is.

6 months- wow!

2009-08-05T20:56:00.001-07:00

Yes can you believe Aarom Stryker is already 6 months old.
He has been such a blessing in a house full of girls. He is loved on much.
He is just starting to find his voice and makes lots of noises.
Can't wait to see whats in store for us with this little man.

More Free stuff

2009-08-03T11:54:00.000-07:00

Visit for another chance to win a beautiful piece of jewelry from Cinnamon Sticks http://priddycreations.blogspot.com/

Visit : Yourmamareviews
Free Stuff Alert
Bumkins is giving away a Waterproof Toddler Apron to one lucky reader.

Also enter at Bumkins
Bumkins is currently having a Back 2 School Blog tour, so check out their post for a chance to win $35 at Bumkins.com. They carry a huge variety of products, from cloth diapers to towels.

the blog also lists several sites to visit for reviews and more free stuff and giveaways.

onceuponablog.org

T Shirt Giveaway and new kids tees

2009-08-03T08:45:00.000-07:00

I really like these tees- great verses and great designs. Read below about how you can enter to win one of the kids tees plus an adult tee.

Good Luck.

We are celebrating the launch of our newest line, WildOliveKids! And we want you to help spread the word about our new tees.Beginning today, through Wednesday, August 12th, you will have a chance to enter our giveaway for a prize of two kids tees and one adult tee of your choice. You can receive entries several different ways. The most important thing to remember, however, is to comment on OUR blog under the giveaway post, to let us know what you've done (see list below) and how many entries you should receive. Then be sure to visit the Blog on August 13th, when we announce our giveaway winner!
Blogs:
1 entry - Put one of our new buttons for Wild Olive Kids on your blog. (Codes for these buttons can be found on our Blog )
3 entries - Post to your blog about Wild Olive Kids and link back to our site, http://www.wildolivetees.com/.
5 entries - Do both.
Facebook:
1 entry - Update your status to say something about Wild Olive Kids, post a link, and become a fan, if you're not already: Wild Olive Tees
3 entries - Once the link has been posted, it will be added to your Boxes. Go to your Boxes, click on the pencil icon in the upper right corner and choose "Move to wall tab", which will move it to the left side of your profile's wall.
5 entries - Do both.
Twitter:
1 entry - Tweet about us, linking back to our site, http://www.wildolivetees.com/.
You can earn up to 11 entries for doing all of the above. Just be sure to let us know, and don't forget to give us a link back to your blog or Facebook profile!

Thanks for spreading the word about us and for "gettin' your verse on!"

Blessings,Wild Olive

Come on in, the water is great

2009-08-01T21:58:00.001-07:00

Julia playing in the sand at Banks Lake and Moe swimming

Monday August 3rd Fast

2009-07-31T13:58:00.000-07:00

Would you join me/us?
The Fast: Monday, August 3rd
Fast: Breakfast or Lunch or Dinner or All Three or maybe if your not ready skip having chocolate or coffee for the day.

Here are 3 great resources on Fasting and how to prepare and some scripture about Fasting.

Linny's Blog on Fasting

http://www.ccci.org/growth/growing-closer-to-god/how-to-fast/index.aspx

http://bible.org/seriespage/appendix-2-fasting-scripture

I fasted for the first time last week on Monday July27th and it was the most amazing expereince. There was such a peace and connection with God.

There is another group of us doing it again this Monday August 3rd.
I will be praying for Stellan , Kate, Marie's and other sick children out there who need healing and whose parents need comfort. Also I will be praying for our govt, the economy and for LIFE .

Will you consider Joining me? Inviting others?

Mid Summer Giveaway from Atlantic BeachLife

2009-07-31T12:04:00.000-07:00

http://www.atlanticbeachlife.com/2009/07/my-midsummer-giveaway.html

3 Chances:
Visit Atlantic Beach Life- Comment and follow (only if serious on following)

You can jump over to Nicholas Landon Jewelry and read all about the Cape Cod Pearl and Leather bracelet and check out her other creations while you’re at it. Give her some comment love, and come on back here and tell me so (on this post, remember!) and you’ve got yourself another chance.

Write about the sites on your blog.

Winner announced tomorrow- I know i am late in the game just found out about it.

Beautiful work - I love the jewlery

I'm dreaming of a White Christmas...

2009-07-30T11:10:00.000-07:00

Well sorta. I wish we had cooler temperatures outside. Yesterday when driving home from work it was 111 degrees. Yes 3 digits. Thankfully in our house we have 2 small window AC units which kept our house about 85 degrees. But still trying to sleep in that with no real breeze and its just muggy. It's sticky, wet, humid heat so all you want to do is remove your clothing because its soaked- shower and then maybe put clothes back on.

The poor dogs they wanted to go outside and run and play but then would get out there and come right back to the door and sit and pant. Then come in and lay in front of the fan. They would look at us like "you're crazy, i'm not moving and don't think about touching my fan"

Hopefully we will see cooler temps today. I think we are all becoming super creative during this heat wave. I have seen pictures of frozen water bottles in front of a fan. I have heard folks freezing wet towels and hanging in front of a fan. buckets or bowls of ice in front of the fan. Anything to create a cool breeze. Hey when your desperate you get creative right. Antyhing to surivie. But then I think do we know anything about true survival. Folks in other countries deal with things like this every day without electricity, fans, ice and sometimes no water. I know we are uncomfortable and we don't like being hot but at least we have homes to go to, cars to drive, clothes to wear and food to eat. Loving arms to come home to , a rocking chair to sit and hold a healthy baby as he goes to sleep. Some are not as forunate as us. So today for them I will not whine, I will not complain I will simply think of them and pray for them and lift them up to our Father in Heaven and ask him to be with them today. To pour the rain down on them. To give them a breeze of freshness and life.

So today I dream of Christmas- becasue Christ came not becasue it's snowy and cold.

through a child's eyes

2009-07-28T11:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I started following McKMama's blog ....http://www.mycharmingkids.net/
What an incredible story, such faith and trust in our Father. The picture she posted last night just undid me. I just sat there staring into Stellan's eyes. I saw so much in his little eyes- Our Father- the veil being lifted, the peace, the life, the hope and also I saw the faint weary little boy who needs a big miracle that I know our Mt Moving God can do.
It is hard to describe just what i felt and capture the words to put you into that moment with me. I felt the same way on Saturday when i opened the mail and received an updated picture of the child we sponsor through http://www.compassion.com/default.htm . I was so very excited to see him. He is in India and he is 7 years old. What a treasure to see through his eyes.
We write letters back and forth but there is something about "seeing" him.
Another picture is "Hudson" http://chapmanchannel.typepad.com/marybeth/ who is now at Maria's big house for Hope. The love that pours out of those eyes. It just humbles me and brings me to my knees. I feel helpless and lost. I feel there is so much more I should be and can be doing but what and how. Those eyes look at me and pierce my heart with so much love. Those are the eyes of Christ. Those are the eyes that say no matter what I Forgive you and I love you unconditionally. Just makes me want to hold my family tighter and to worship our Father so much louder.

I challenge you to take a look into those eyes around you and pause for a moment and just let it sink in. What are they saying to you, what are you missing in life and what can you "change".

Cinnamon*Sticks Boutique Giveaway

2009-07-28T10:50:00.000-07:00

http://cinnamonsticksboutique.blogspot.com/2009/07/grand-re-opening-giveaway.html

Through a friend's blog I learned of this great blog and shop on Etsy.

Canela makes wonderful pieces of jewelry and is launching a grand re-opening of her shop.

She is also giving a piece away.

Here are the rules from her site.

So to win.....
For one entry head on over to my shop then come back here and leave me a comment letting me know what your favorite item is ...
For an extra entry you can follow my blog those that are already followers will still get the entry..
For three extra entries Blog about this giveaway with a link back here for others to find :O)
So that's 5 chances all together. Just be sure to tell me in your comment if you blogged about it or are following my blog!
The giveaway will run from 7/27/to 8/1 11:59pm PST
The winner will be announced on Sunday August 2nd.

Here is some of her art work:

Monday 27th- Fast

2009-07-22T15:04:00.000-07:00

Would you join me/us?
The Fast: Monday, July 27th
Fast: Breakfast or Lunch or Dinner or All Three

For the complete story visit Linny's blog over at a place called simplicty:
http://aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com/2009/07/would-you-help-me-please.html

Waters of your Heart

2009-07-21T12:01:00.000-07:00

I posted yesterday about my Husbands wedding ring and how it was lost in the river.
Last tuesday night I was at a meeting with 11 other amazing women and our ? for the nightly discussion was "how do you see your heart?" There were alot of references to water (rivers, creeks- crossing them- laying beside them). In August there are 18 of us going to "Crooked Creek Ranch" in Winter Park CO for a "Captivating" retreat.

I thought it was a bit funny the references to rivers, creeks and we are headed to a creek.

Then this morning God was showing me that this is all tied together. Marco losing his ring in the river- the ladies going to crooked creek to seek a deeper relationship with our Father. What I didn't say yesterday was God gave Hubby a question to take back to the men- "What Passion have you lost and where are you seeking it" The ring was a symbol of something lost and fighting to find it and get it back. God was using it for something bigger. Where did you lose your passion and where are you trying to find it?

I love how he uses things to help us "SEE" and to show us things.

Someone sent this to me and I found it so appropriate.
Read Ps. 23 aloud. Are the waters of your heart still or troubled? Where do you need God to calm the storm?

Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, [a] I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

So trusting him and walking this out- How are the "waters" of my heart and where do I need him to calm the storm? God is GOOD!!!!