Sunday, February 28, 2010
Simple Sunday
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Then Sings My Soul Saturday
This was perfect for where I am right now. I hope you enjoy.
Right now I am waiting on God. I have seemed to become a broken record for the last few weeks.
Each post is about our house search.
Or about my less than great attempt at patience.
These words reminded me what I need to be doing . . .
I will move ahead bold and confident
I'll take every step in obediance
While I am waiting
I will serve you
While I am waiting
I will worship you
While I am waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race while I am waiting
And I will be leaning on God's word and His promises.
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary;
they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31
For more wonderful Praise, Worship and Inspirational music go over at vist Amy
Friday, February 26, 2010
Book Review-Yesterday's Promise
Yesterday's Promise was a good book to spend some time reading. I had a little difficulty with it and before writing this review I thought I would visit a couple of other blogger reviews.
Yesterday's Promise is the 2nd book in a 3 book series by Linda Lee Chaikin. Some reviewers said they felt that reading the first book would make Yesterday's Promise easier to read.
Personally I disagree with that thought. As I said I had difficulty reading it but I don't think it was the fact that I had not read the first book. I think I would have had the same problem either way.
What was difficult for me was that there were so many characters and some undeveloped that it was difficult keeping up. There was a lot of historical information that was interesting and it seemed to drag out the story to me.
The other thing that botherd me was that I was constantly wanting to know what was going on with Evy the heroine in the story. I hope they don't send out the reviewer police but I caught myself after reading chapter after chapter about Rogan and his adventures that I would jump ahead to see what was going on with Evy. I felt like at places that the author had just jumped off in a different direction and left us hanging.
Personally I strugged getting to the end. And honestly if I had purchased this book and was not reading it for review I probably would have gotten bored and put it down.
But I am glad that I kept reading because I really did enjoy the ending and finally figuring out what was going on. The ending piqued my interest and made me want to read the third book to see what happens with Rogan and Evy. And also Rogan's sister Arcilla.
Here's the brief discription of the book from the backcover . . .
He fought to seek his fortune. Would he lose a greater treasure: the love he left behind?
As the son of the squire of Grimston Way, aristocrat Rogan Chantry has fought hard to win his independence from Sir Julien Bley and the British South Africa Company. Now, his pursuit of a mysterious deposit of gold, marked on a map willed to him by his murdered uncle, Henry Chantry, is challenged by a new complication: the impending British colonization of South Africa. Can Sir Rogan find the gold in the midst of escalating tensions among the native tribesmen, the missionaries sent to win them, and the new colonists?Meanwhile, Evy Varley, the woman Rogan loves back in England, is headed for a brave yet dangerous confrontation with Henry’s killer–but at what price? With so much against Rogan and Evy, a reunion seems improbable, if not impossible. Can yesterday’s promise hold them faithful to the hope of future freedom and a victorious love?
I'll be writing a second review this weekend because there is a fun tour going on provided by Waterbrook Multonoma Publishing Group. Here's the information about the other books that are offered on the tour. And they are all on sale. Check them out.
Value Fiction For Your Spring Break
Colorado Springs, CO— Fiction lovers don’t need to budget to travel this spring break with Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group’s six full-length novels by beloved Christian authors (WaterBrook, February 16, 2010). At the low cost of only $5.99, these well-read “get-aways” provide quality entertainment at a price that any reader can afford.
Full-length novels offered include:
Secrets
by Robin Jones Gunn - Jessica has moved to a new town to start a new life. But a friendly fire-fighter and a suspicious boss both want to know what she’s hiding.
Beneath a Southern Sky
by Deborah Raney – Daria Camfield is expecting her first child when her husband Nate is reported dead on the mission field. Devastated, she returns to the States and soon marries again. But two years later Nate is found alive in the jungle. How can Daria possibly choose between he two men who love her?
The Golden Cross
by Angela Elwell Hunt – Aidan O’Connor may be a poor barmaid but she’s also a gifted artists. When a famous cartographer takes her on as a student, Aidan is swept into an adventure that will bring her back to her heavenly Father, and into marriage with the love of her life.
Deep Harbor
by Lisa Tawn Bergren – Tora, Elsa, Kaatje, and Karl face trouble, tragedy, and treachery across the Wast, Hawaii , Japan , and the high seas. These four immigrants from Bergen , Norway , each grow closer to God and learn afresh the value of faith, family, and coming alongside each other in times of need.
Faithful Heart
by Al and Joanna Lacy – The adventures of certified medical nurse and dedicated Christian Breanna Baylor continue as she travels by wagon train to visit her sister, Dottie, in California . Little does she know that her most dangerous encounter might be with Jerrod, her brother-in-law, who’s suffering from dementia caused by combat fatigue.
Yesterday’s Promiseby Linda Lee Chaikin – Rogan Chantry faces danger from tribesmen, ruthless politicians, and his own family as he searches for gold in South Africa . In England , his beloved Evy is injured by a mysterious assailant. The greed and intrigue surrounding the diamond mines could very well drive them irrevocably apart
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
May I Share My Friend
I have met some wonderful Women of Faith and I thank God for them. I thank God for the way he uses them to encourage me. And I am sure many others are encouraged as well.
Today I want to share my 'little sis' Alicia with you.
Today she wrote a wonderful Wordfilled Wednesday post. Her post was about one of my family verses. A verse in Deuteronomy that gives instruction to parents.
Here's part of what Alicia said . . .
"I love this picture that my sweet friend, Beth, took this picture of us. It captures the spirit of our family. We're close knit. We're always together. We're always talking. We're always having fun. But our life isn't all about fun and games.
It's also about teaching. It is our heart's desire that our son grow in the fear and admonition of the Lord. But that doesn't just magically happen. It requires intentional thought and training (and yes, lots of prayer). "
Alicia shares great wisdom and even some suggestions to help other young parents teach thier children about God. I know you'll definately enjoy your visit and I just bet you'll find a new friend. And BTW please let Alicia know I sent you!
May your Thursday be Blessed
Wordfilled Wednesday
Today's hostess is Susan
Amy Deanne is the creator of Wordfilled Wednesday. Thanks for inspiring us all to create beautiful photo illustrations of God's word.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Curve Balls
I am not a fan of Baseball. Sorry didn't mean to confuse you. But I was thinking about what is going on right now with our life. And I was looking at my blog and the header and I realized that I was thinking that God has given us a curve ball.
At the beginning of the year I posted that I wanted to dedicate this blog to serving God. I want to write things that are an encouragement to you. I want to post photo's and review books that are uplifting and encouraging or entertaining in a healthy way.
I want to share my life and my Home. And so I dedicated this year to the year of the house. My plan was to keep photo's of my house up and change my background when I get a whim. (I intended to do a Valentine background but I was sick for a couple of weeks and didn't get much done around here. )
Now with the curve ball of having to move I am confused and frustrated. I am anxious.
But I am leaning on and trusting God's word.
He says ". . . For my thoughts are not your thoughts . . . my ways are higher than your ways." Isaiah 55:8&9(paraphrased)
I Trust
He also says ". . . The Lord your God is with you, (even in the storm of life or when you receive a curve ball) he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17.
I seek his love to quiet my spirit. I seek his delight.
I pray that all that I do and all that I am is a delight to my heavenly father. I listen to hear his singing.
And as confusion, fear and frustration sets in I lean on these words more and more
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding but; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight." I pray for a straight path.
I pray God will reveal his plan his short term plan for our lives.
Have you receive a few curve balls recently? Are you going through a storm and your wondering where God is in all this? Well he is where he always is right in the middle sometimes he calms the storm and sometimes he calms the child.
I am his child and I am calm. And he fills me with Joy
Monday, February 22, 2010
Book Review- Double Trouble
My Day Book Entry/A Few Plans . . .
Outside My Window ...
Tuesday: Chicken n Dumplings
This is a quilt I finished a long time ago. I am hoping to finish the binding this week.
Thanks for stopping by and visiting I enjoy sharing my plans for the week. I hope you enjoy your visit. And when your done you can go to Peggy's to see more Day Book entries.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Simple Sunday
May your day be filled with God's love. Take time and delight in Him today.
Photo provided by Amy Deanne visit her for Wordfilled Wednesday
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Then Sings My Soul Saturday
Enjoy
I am currently reading a book about Worship and Praise. I thought this was a lovely expression.
For more Then Sings My Soul posts go over and visit Amy.
May your day be filled with God's Mercy and Blessings.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Bible Study/Reading through Journaling
I found this awhile back on another blog. Sorry I didn't keep track of where it was. I have seen this before and I was glad that
I was reminded of it through another blogger. It is amazing how God can use this medium to spread his Love and Wisdom.
I didn't get to write a Thankful post on Thursday but I am so thankful for all the people that I have already met through blogging.
I love this method of reading and studying God's word through journaling. Somedays if I just feel I can't think and want to just rest in God's word I'll go to Psalms and write the Psalm that goes with the day of the month. Like on May 15th I would read Psalm 15. There
have been times that I have written more than half of Psalms during a month. These are the times that I lean on the Holy Spirit.
When I am at a loss of words.
That is where I am right now. I feel like we are in such limbo. Trying to find a house when you are on a deadline is hard in normal circumstances. But our circumstances are no where near normal. I am waiting as patiently as I can. I am trusting God. I am praying that God will direct our paths.
I hope you'll keep coming by to visit. Even when I haven't had a chance to write a post or on those days when my mind is boggled and I can't think of anything to say. I pray that your day is Blessed and if you haven't tried this method of study try it and let me know how it works out for you.
Come let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him
with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. Psalm 94:1&2
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
May I Share My Friend . . .
I was over visiting my friend Carrie at Farming on Faith just now and I wanted to share with you what she was writing about today.
I was so impressed with her heart and the words she spoke that I want to invite you over to visit.
Her post today was about sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Specifically she was writing about sharing with those of the Amish faith.
I invite you to go over and read Carrie's post. I could not possibly say it better than she did.
And if I tried to quote or explain it here it would be a disservice to the wonderfully written words she shared.
And, while your there she happens to be having a give way so what better time than now to go over for a visit and find a new friend.
Random Post and Prayer Request
One of my favorite people and places is Rachel Anne's Home Sanctuary. I was other there today and she suggested visting another blog so I did. And then I went to another blog and found this...I loved the idea so I wanted to share it!
Rowena is trying to get people to join her in de-cluttering. I am going to join. I had a great time reading some of the other posts.
So if you need a little nudge toward de-cluttering join us.
We are still on our quest to find a new home. To day we began talking about something that I really need wisdom and guidance from the Lord concerning. And so dear sweet sisters. I ask you all to pray for us and leave me comments and words of wisdom.
This is something that I have been thinking about for a while. The other day we found a house that would accomodate us and my mother. I began praying about my mother moving in with us. Actually praying God would soften Cowboys heart to even consider it. And God did begin to move. Today during a conversation about houses I mentioned to Cowboy and he agreed.
Would you guys prayer with us. We are still house hunting but now our criteria has changed somewhat. We haven't even spoken to my mother who will need some huge nudging.
But if God softened Cowboys heart then I know he will work a miracle with not only my mother but with all the details.
I have been wanting this for awhile. As I was praying last night I was overwhelmed concerning the thought of my mommy coming to live with me. I don't get to see her often. Having her with us would be fun in a lot of ways I know. But in a lot of ways it will be a huge change.
If any of you have your elderly parents living with you and you have any words of wisdom I would surely appreciate it. And, please pray for us. All of us as we seek God's direction.
Wordfilled Wednesday
for we have put our trust in you.
Show us the way we should go.
For we lift our soul to you.
Psalms 143:8 (paraphrased)
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Love & War Book Review
It's pages are filled with wisdom and filled with openness. You are grabbed by the first few pages.
Honestly when I was asked to read this book I considered declining. I was thinking 'What another book about marriage?' I mean how many books old and new are out there on the aisles of the Christian book stores?
I was truly surprised. I expected another self help kind of book. Or something written by some doctor that I would have a hard time reading. I found honesty and personal stories that brought each topic into my reality.
Each chapter is divided into subtopics. I loved the almost back to back topics of 'Our little Quirks' and 'Speculation'. I struggle with both of these topics. The Eldredge's leave the reader with the feeling they are not alone. Every couple struggles with the same things. They take you to scripture to follow up their teaching and the wisdom they share. I enjoyed these two topics but I really still don't know why men rinse the dish out and leave it on the counter or in the sink?
I would highly recommend this book. In fact I am struggling with keeping it or giving it away here on my blog. It is the type of book that you will go back to and read again. It would make a great gift book. And I think even though most about to be married couples wouldn't think they would need it I think it would make a great wedding gift given by the right person. I know my kids would have greatly benefited from this book and they would have gladly accepted it from me.
This book is offered on-line here
I want to thank WaterBrook Multnomah for offering this book for review.
And, I want to apologize for my post being late. I spent most of last week working on a new blog and adding pages to this blog to separate the different topics that I write about. And, after hours of work something went wrong somewhere and I lost all my changes. You gotta love it!
May your Marriage be Blessed. Happy reading and happy blogging.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Happy Valentines Day
That He gave
His only
Begotten
Son
that whosoever
Believeth in Him
Should not perish,
But have everlasting life.
Happy Valentines Day
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Thankful Thurday in Photo's
We will be meeting every other Friday. The girls will learn to sew and we will make quilts that will be donated to charity.
I am thankful that the other dayI cleaned out my file cabinet
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Word Filled Wednesday/Menu Planning
Monday, February 8, 2010
The Simple Womans Daybook/Mosaic Monday
Outside my window...Wet...water everywhere
I am thinking...God is good and will see me through
I am thankful for... that I can have faith
I am wearing...warm fleece old navy pants and looong sleeve tshirt
I am remembering...all the things I need to do!
I am going... try to trust
I am currently reading...Free Book (to review soon)
I am hoping... I am hoping to finish so I can start Jenna's Cowby
On my mind... finding a house. The house we thought we found last week fell through
Noticing that...I have way more to do than I think I can
Pondering these words...
From the kitchen... frency fries and barbque sandwichs for lunch
Around the house... boxes and chaos
One of my favorite things...my camera and chapel services at McFadden
From my picture journal...
I have been collecting valentine and heart photo's for a year. Some of my favorites.
Peggy had trouble getting Mr. Linky up today. Hope you get it working. I am also linking with Mosaic Monday.
Have a Blessed Day
And the winner is . . .
Anyway Cowboy was running late and I didn't get to ask him. The only other people around this morning are a 20 month old that only says Bye, Mama, Dada, Moo and a couple of other words I don't quite get. And my dog Daisy that only sits up and shakes hands. And a cat that lays around and sleeps.
So . . .
You'll have to wait till Cowboy calls or comes home.
Thanks to everyone that left a comment last week.
Good luck.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Faith & Fruit on Friday & Giveway
It has been a somewhat rocky road this week. For me personally and for staff of our state's youth prison system. On Monday two boys from our facility found car keys in a volunteers coat pocket. They walked out the front door took the vehicle and ran. They were found a couple of days later. But the incident has caused many new rulers. And repercussions for some. Along with just annoying paper work etc.
The incident really doesn't effect our ministry except that we now have to through a new 2 hour training. No biggy really. But a couple of people that have become friends of mine through a working relationship have incurred lots of more duties and have had to deal with complaints from volunteers. So they have had really a bad week.
They have both been on my heart this week and so I have prayed for them and sent emails to encourage and lift them up.
Personally I am stuggling with keeping up the faith that God is control and will take care of us and provide. The corporate funds that we are expecting has been delayed so that delays our move. We did find a house but we promised to be able to pay deposits by today. That can't happen now. So I am on my knees and turning it over to God. Faith. I am working on it.
I could say alot more but it would end up ramblings from a tired, nyquil induced brain.
I hope that you are encouraged a little. Maybe just to look around you. Maybe God will show you someone that needs to be encouraged. Say a prayer for a friend or send a card. Or you might even leave a comment here and win this . . .
Praying you have a Blessed Friday and if you go on a date write about it and let me know! Friday Date Night is still underway.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Thankful Thursday
Welcome please forgive me for leaving the mat out and not meeting you at the door. I am under the weather. I have been battling a cold for a few days and I have officially lost the battle. Right now I can hardly put a coherent thought together.
I will try to continue to list some things in the shop today so if your a quilter come back over.
I do want to list a couple of things I am thankful for...
I am thankful I slept last night and this morning didn't get up till 9:30!
I am thankful for nyquil.
I am thankful God provides what we need.
I am thankful God is patient with me.
I am thankful for all my sweet friends that are praying for the house, for the shop and now please pray I get better.
I am also thankful for the erase button....I deleted the whinny sentence.
May your day be Blessed
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Announcing My Etsy Shop
Soon I'll be moving the shop info. to the bottom of the page. But I wanted to highlight in for a few days. I need to get some stuff sold and moved out.
Because I am moving out. We did find a house in Southlake. If you have heard of it don't get all weird on me I am moving into a slum house compared to the other houses in the city. We love the little house.
But it is going to take every dime we can scrape up to make it happen. So the opening of The Mission Shop. I have lots and lots and lots of fabric to sell. If your a quilter or seamstress please begin checking I'll posting some things everyday.
I also have a few vintage kitchen items, and sewing supplies too. And I'll post a few quilts too. Just keep coming by and stay tuned.
Also dear friends please pray for us. My lifestyle has already changed this year due to ministry but once we move I'll be working a lot more in the fundraising efforts mostly writing grants but it will keep me from posting as much. I have a lovely office of my own that I will not have to share as long as I get some grants written and some funding coming in.
And if (strike over...I don't know how to do that) when I do then I hope to get back to the sewing room and making more Angel's and Santa's like the ones I have posted already.
Thanks for visiting. I know I need to get the background changed and I need to clean up the sidebar but with packing and getting stuff up for sale I am having a hard time keeping up. Please bear with me and please come back.
Don't forget I am still doing a book giveway. Go to my Monday post and leave a comment.
Or just comment here and say "I want the book".
Blessings and Hugs
Word Filled Wednesday
39 Jesus stood up and commanded the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind stopped, and it became completely calm.
40 Jesus said to his followers, "Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?"
Mark 4:38-40
Last night the words Sometimes he calms the storm kept going through my mind. I thought of this verse.
And then the rest of the lyrics say . . .
For some reason the lyrics of this song keep going through my head. I thought I would share it too. If your going through a storm right now remember he whispers. "Peace be still."
Penny Raine is the hostess today. You can see me WFW entries here.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Praises and Prayer for Spring
Monday, February 1, 2010
Downsizing and a Giveway
Today I want to begin Giveway this is a book that I wrote a review on. You can go here to read the review.
The giveway is simple. And there are lots of chances to get your name in:
1 leave a comment here
2 become a follower, leave me a comment and let me know
3 come back everyday and leave a comment
Wow that's lost of chances. I'll do the drawing on Sunday night and announce the winner. I think this book just might make a great Valentines Day gift so I want to get it in the mail by Wednesday.
I'll be posting a give a way every Monday through February. Don't forget to check Tuesday Trade Days. I'll be adding more things there.
Hope your Week is Blessed
The Simple Womans Daybook
Outside my window
I am remembering
I am going
I am currently reading
On my mind
Noticing that
Pondering these words
From the kitchen
Around the house
One of my favorite things
From my picture journal
Wishing you a Blessed Day you can visit more daybook entries at Peggy's