Studying Ruth "A Virtuous Woman"

Today I am beginning a new Bible study . . .

For the next four weeks we’ll be digging into the book of Ruth, exploring what it means to live a life of self-sacrifice and how the story of kinsman redemption relates to our lives today. Ruth is the only woman in the Bible referred as “virtuous” (3:11), and as we uncover some of those virtues, we’ll study them deeply. Ruth’s extraordinary devotion to her mother-in-law, Naomi, is an incredible love story between two women that offers us a pattern to follow in our lives.

Join us over at Darlene's. (Click here)

Date Night 2011

Last year I had this great idea to ask you guys to share your Date Nights with me. I got some amazing comments and stories. It was such fun that I wanted to do it again. It's really simple just leave a comment on any post and share your ideas. Or, write a post. Take photo's on your date with your man and post them. Then come over here and tell me. I'll even share your post with my friends.
So, help me out and share your great ideas! BTW it doesn't have to be a Date Night. It can be an afternoon, or morning or whenever you and your hubby carve out a little time!

Sharing Love

Welcome thanks for stopping by. So did you notice what is different here? 

I thought it would be fun this month to share a little love.

I stumbled onto a wonderfully illustrated song a few minutes ago.

I thought it was great!

Enjoy!

Another one of my dreams . . .

I think spring may be around the corner here in North Texas. Although it is supposed to be cold next week! I thought since I have to go to the food bank this morning I would leave you with a reminder of spring! See that green grass!

This unprofessional shot (mine) is Cody the pony. He lives at McFadden Ranch. He is blind and was donated to the ranch. Since there are no fences on the ranch he spends his days tied to big huge trees with a really, really long rope. He does have a pen and a nice shelter to sleep in at night.

It is my dream that one day we could have a real barn and some fences and a couple of horses to keep Cody company and for the boys to have the opportunity to know the true Blessing of these amazing animals.

You can read about our ministry at McFadden Ranch click here. You can read about my Biggest/Best investment here.

Thankful Thursday

Happy Thankful Thursday . . .
Today I want to share with you something I shared on Monday. 
I am thankful for . . .

I am thankful for the founders Donald and Cindy
I am thankful today the first boy comes to Hope Inn Christ
I am thankful for the vision of everyone connected with Hope Inn Christ and I am thankful that they stepped out and didn't give up and made Hope Inn Christ a reality
I am thankful that we get to provide the food and we are allowed the opportunity to be a part of this great ministry

And I am thankful for two other friends that have stepped out in faith and are beginning an apartment ministry.  This guys Rick & Vicki saw a huge need and left their comfortable home and neighborhood and have moved into an apartment complex that most of us wouldn't dream of even visiting someone there. 

As I think of the work that I do and I am sure that there are those that think I am nuts (my Cowboy and I are chaplains in a youth prison) I am humbled by what Rick and Vicki have done.  My Cowboy and I are in apartment ministry also.  I understand all the struggles and trials that Rick and Vicki will be faced with. 

But I also know and understand about the need that is out there that is not met. 

And so today I am thankful for all the men and women that step up and step out and follow God and take a minute to look around them and notice that there is need right here in our own hometown.

Thank you God for Donald,Cindy,Rick and Vicki.

For info. about Hope Inn Christ please visit our ministry blog and watch the video and then follow the link to thier site.  Click here

May the favor of the Lord our God rest up on us.
Establish the work of our hands. Yes, Lord establish the work
of our hands.  Psalm 90:17

May you find something to be thakful for today . . .

Words on Wednesday--Book Reviews

Welcome to my new weekly feature . . .
Words on Wednesday I have been thinking for a little while about making this little change.  Because I have kind of wondered if you guys that visit often are really interested in the reviews.  A few months ago I made the decision to make My Journey Back as pleasing to God as I could and for that reason I began doing some of my posts over on my 'fun'blog.  There I post about homemaking,decorating. Mainly stuff that isn't 'spiritual'.  I have felt God wants me to share here what he is teaching me.  And what he wants me to learn. 
It's my prayer through it all that you will be Blessed. 
And so today I am beginning the Blessing by inviting you back each Wednesday for a new book review.  I'll also still be posting WFW in a seperate post. 
Today I wanted to start with an amazing sweet little book I got the other day.

I was offered this book by Audra at B&B media.  And as sooon as I read the synopsis I emailed her and said 'Yes! Please send it!' I had hoped it would help me actually in my job of helping and encouraging my own mother who is 85. 
This little book is a real gem.  It is small only 93 pages but it is filled with lovely stories that are really encouraging.  They are fun to read.   Each story is only a couple of pages long so it is simple and fast to read.  And each story ends with supporting scripture from the Old and New Testament (back cover discription) The type is really large to make it easy for older adults to read. 

Here's the video trailer . . .

Here's the description I found on Cokesbury(dot)com
Living With Purpose in a Worn-Out Body is an exploration of the inner life shared by many persons in nursing homes and retirement centers. With compassion and honesty, Buchanan gives voice to mingled feelings of loss, gratitude, resignation, courage, loneliness, and love. Each meditation moves from a particular challenge of the worn-out body to the larger perspective and the faithful response. Well-chosen passages from the Psalms mirror the speaker’s feelings, and exhortations from the New Testament stir hope. It becomes clear that “living with purpose” in old age is an extension of the challenges lived all along one’s years – learning to offer one’s will to God’s, trusting God’s grace to open up seemingly closed situations, and continuing to respond with the joy and fortitude of faith.


Most impressive is Buchanan’s ability to write from the perspective of a frail elderly person. She articulates what many older people will find hard to say, and in doing so offers them the strength and comfort of being understood. But read by family and caregivers, the meditations are piercing. Buchanan lets readers know the difficult feelings of those living an assisted life: the ambivalence about being alive so long, the struggle against self-pity, the loneliness and isolation, the frustrations of limited strength and movement. She also mines the joys of living: laughter among friends, seeing grandchildren grow up, sifting through happy memories. Living With Purpose is a comfort for those who are living out their last long years and a help for those who love and care for them.

I really enjoyed this book and I would highly recommend it. I think it would be great for a church library, a senior center or retirement home.  It would also make a great gift.  And, with Valentines coming up I think it would be a great gift for a child to give to a grandparent!   

Here's where you can buy it . . .  Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Christian Book (dot)com.

Here's the product info:
Publisher: UPPER ROOM

Publication Date: 05/2008
Binding: Paperback
ISBN-13: 9780835899420

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from B&B Media Group as part of their
bloggers book review . 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.

Thanks for stopping in!  Happy reading . . .

The same thing happens over and . . .

over... and I can't seem to make it stop!

I keep getting this itch . . .

And I just have to scratch it.  And the only thing that makes it
stop is when I change my blog!  Yep it is that time again.
Someday soon like maybe February 1st you'll see the new look.  I'll give you a hint it has to do with a holiday!  And you'll see lots of Red.  I hope your looking forward to it because I am! 
I will have all new photo's on the sidebar so I think you'll enjoy the visit even if you don't have time to read a post!

But don't wait till then come by tomorrow and see what I am Thankful for . . .

Word Filled Wednesday

Welcome to my really,really late WFW post.  Each Wednesday morning we go to the food bank to pick up our order.  Then we go to two different locations to unload.  Today I got a headache (I think it was sinus or allergies) When we came home Cowboy cooked some lunch while I napped and now at almost 3:30 I am back at work!  Headache gone Praise the Lord.

About my photo this is from last Friday when 5 of our boys came to work at the food bank.  (The work we do on Friday helps pay for the food we buy on Wednesday) 

Today I want to share with you about a new ministry we will be helping. 

Hope Inn Christ is an aftercare facility that will house 9 young men that are leaving prison.  We will be supplying the majority of their food.  Last Sunday we took cases of vegtables,ground beef,roasts, cereal (3 boxes probably won't last a week!)mac & cheese, peanut butter and a bunch of other stuff.

I would love to tell you more but I suspect you came by today for WFW. So if you want more info. go here to our blog and follow the link to Hope Inn Christ. 

Don't forget to visit Amy and the other WFW posts!

May the work of your hands be established today...

Titus 2days with Time Warp Wife . . .

Welcome to my blog today.  For awhile I have been writing on Tuesday about being a Titus 2 Woman.  And then the other day I stumbled into Darlene's blog and found that she gathers other 'wanna be' Titus women together on Tuesday.  So I'll I decided to join the party!
Today I wanted to share with you something I did last year and invite you to join me this year.

I am interested in what you do as 'date night' with your husband, fiancee or boyfriend.  My Cowboy and I have been married for over 30 years.  And, we are in full-time ministry.  Most of the time I hate to admit we neglect not only ourselves but each other.  And; so, I need your help.  Would you post about what you and your man do on 'date night' or afternoon or morning.  Whatever.  It doesn't matter if it is a fancy evening out.  Or just a romantic evening in.  Or an afternoon spent taking a walk or shopping together. So would ya write a post and then let me know?  And, maybe just maybe your post might encourage someone else!
And, to join Darlene click here. 

Thanks for stopping in and thanks for joining me on . . . Friday Date Night.

May the favor of the Lord our God be upon us. 
Establish the work of our hands. Yes Lord, establish the work of our hands.  Psalm 90:17

Happy Mission on Monday

Welcome to Mission on Monday where I write about our ministry and share with you about other ideas for mission or ministry.

Today a short post...(I'll explain why at the end)

Today I am sharing briefly about my drama team. Each Sunday after chapel and on Thursday nights I work with 10 boys.  They are all 17 and 18 and are serving 9 to 12 months in an drug and alcohol rehab program. 

They are an amazing group of guys.  Some of them I hand picked from the 48 in residence.  Some of them asked to be on our team.  It is probably the most challenging, rewarding, honoring thing that I have ever done. I mean would you ever expect ex-gang members and drug dealers to volunteer to stand and pray and ask God to guide,direct and honor our work? 

Oh my goodness I promised this to be a short post. 

Because I have more to share with you I'll leave a little tease with this. . .

And leave you wondering what WIJIT has to do with the drama team.   But this is what I really wanted to share today . . .

Because I am asking for your prayers.  This is an old archived photo.  These are youth that came to us from teen court for misdemeanor offenses (fighting in school, theft, driving with a license and many others)  This is a photo of a car show benefit for our ministry that was held 4 years ago. 

This spring actually in May we are planning another car show and Wild Game Dinner.  And so the next few months are going to be really, really busy!    This fundrasier is to support our Drivers Education program.  

 98% of the youth both at the girls and boys prison units where we work drive without a license.  That is a startling statistic.  Because this means that they are driving without any formal instruction! 

Have you ever thought about what it is like where you live?  How many teens might there be that are secretly involved in drug or gang activity.   How many teens are driving around in your area without having takin' the time to or had the oppotunity to get a license. 

For more information about our ministry please visit our ministry blog.   

Thanks for your prayers.

Interested in a good book . . .

I finished reading a good Christian fiction book and I thought I would share it with your. 

Would I call this fun?  Not really.  It was suspenseful and almost a bit scary if you think about it.  But it is also about faith.   The story is about one families struggle to survive after a nuclear attack on the U.S. 
For more about the book and the author go over here to read my complete review.  
BTW I did get it 4 stars. 

Then Sings My Soul

I couldn't make a choice today so here's a few fav's.

            Enjoy!



To visit more Then Sings My Soul posts go over here. 

Don't Take The Girl

Reposting to join Tex at Good Fences . . .

from the original post . . .
Leaving you a cute photo I found in a google images search. Reminds me of a song that I played last night for a party with my drama team.
Amazingly my group of 10 ex gang members, drug dealers and who know's what else loved this song . . . I hope you do too!


Apparently he's coming town my favorite radio station is giving away tickets!

And from the original post . . .

And one of their prayer requests:
"I am asking you to pray about this certain topic.  Tell God that I am sorry about everything I did in the past and to set a straight path for me.  And walk with me in all I do.  Thank you."

Say a pray for my boys would ya?  Off to the food bank.  Have a good day!

Linking with Tex.  Click Here.





And one of their prayer requests:
"I am asking you to pray about this certain topic.  Tell God that I am sorry about everything I did in the past and to set a straight path for me.  And walk with me in all I do.  Thank you."

Say a pray for my boys would ya?  Off to the food bank.  Have a good day!

Simply Thankful

Simply Thankful today. 
. . . This wonderful poem says it all
. . .  I am thankful for my friend Denise who posted the poem
. . .  I am thankful for the amazing music Denise has on her blog! Each time I visit her I leave her blog up when I leave and open a new window and listen to the music.  

If you need to find some Joy today visit Denise and listen to her music! 
Have a Joyful day! 

Welcome Wednesday...The Truth About Dating(Review)

Welcome Wednesday my newest idea/inspiration . . . on Wednesday  after I post my WFW  I'll be sharing with either a new book, a new blog,  a new friend or just new information I have found.  Today a book.  Check this one out!

  so what is up with the loooooonog title.  Well the thing is this book is written for teens.  I think the author hits the mark and will get their attention.  It reminds me of The Life Book (click here for my review) although it is bigger.  There are doodles, and different fonts used throughout the book.  And questions posed by teens. 

 It begins with some statistics.  Some I thought were rather interesting and some I actually questioned because I was not familar with the research. 

For parents I would check out the statistics found in Chapter 1 page 6 through 10.  These statistics might blow you away. 

For teens you'll really enjoy this book.  It gives you great wisdom and insight without being 'preachy'.  In fact there are more quotes from people than there are actually scriptures.   There are quotes from people like Abraham Lincoln, Mother Teresa, Groucho Marx(do teens know who he is? I wonder); and some from people that I am clueless about but maybe the Johnny Depp quote just took me somewhere else!

Personally I don't take the lack of scripture as a negative because I see this book as an evangelism tool. 

Because I believe it could be a great evangelism tool for a young  'seeker'

If I was the parent of a pre-teen and I was a little concerned about the issue of dating then I might  wish there was a little more Biblical truth. 

But, I believe that when all was said and done the auther did an excellant job.  Here's The last paragraph of the book. . . .

"If you get lost along the way, I hope you will look to good people to help you, and I hope you will look up to God.  You are imporatant, and so is your journey.  This life is wonderful, and it is also really difficult, but it's beautiful.  I'll be here for you, hoping and encouraging, and praying for you.  These are your choices, and this is your heart; go and do good things with them. "

And the last quote of the book:

Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than you.  Dr. Seuss



I would highly recommend this book.  I would even recommend to a small group leader or to your Y.M.  check it out!

For more info. about the Author click here.

Here's the info. from the publishers website:

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.

And the product info:
Format: Trade Paper

Author: Chad Eastham
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 1400316413
ISBN-13: 9781400316410
Length: 240 Size: 5.40 x 8.10 x 0.80
Weight: 0.50 lbs Carton Qty: 36

To purchase you can find quick links at the publishers site.  Click here.  Or you can go to
Amazon or Christian Book (dot) com


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.


Thanks for coming on the Journey . . .



Wordfilled Wednesday

For the story behind this post please visit my Tuesday post.  Click Here.
And, you can see more wonderful WFW posts here.

The Best Investment Ever Made . . . Was it worth it?

Two of the biggest and best investments Cowboy and I ever made as a couple were . . .
Private School
and . . .

Train a child in the way she should go and when she is old she will not turn from it.  Psalm 22:17 (paraphrased)

When our daughter was 8 we bought our first horse his name was Jet Sail and he was to be the "family" horse. (Warning don't think buying a "family" horse satisfies.)  Within 6 months there were 3 in the family and within the year  our family had grown to a total of 4 horses, two dogs and two cats. 
Jet Sail ended up being Jennifer's horse.  He was with us until Jennifer was 15. (What God showed us and gave us throug Sail is another entire story.)  Never having owned or even been around horses we put both the kids in riding lessons and we bought and read every book we could get our hands on.  We went to seminars and trainings.  We asked questions.  We watched people we listened we learned.    We kept busy. 

When  we had to put Sail down we were not in a position financially to replace him and so Cowboy gave Jennifer his horse.  (in photo)  The kids had been riding for a few years and were ready to start traveling and going to shows.  And Jennifer and Buck began working together and became a team. . .
. . . Backing up a little I got ahead of myself.   Sail was in a boarding facility until our second horse joined the family.  The kids took lessons at the barn and were with other kids and learned a lot.  When Pal joined the family we made the decision to look for land to lease and so when we moved the horses we were then required to go twice a day to feed.  I would take the kids to school run by and throw grain in their faces (the horses) and then go about my day which usually included going home and sewing or going to a quilt class.  And then in the afternoon I would pick up the kids and go back to the barn. 

I remember many days watching Jennifer lay on Sail's back while he ate his dinner.  She would be eating a Taco Beuno burrito or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  Then there were days that she would sit in his stall and write her spelling words in the dirt while I was in the round pen with our son working and training.   This was our daily routine.  We would leave and go home for dinner do homework and then go to bed.  On Saturday mornings our first stop was the donut shop.  Sail got 6 do nut holes every Saturday.  Oh I forgot he usually got some of the PB&J. No burrito's though!  (Before you get too worried he was 32 when we put him down.)

Once Jennifer began to ride Buck she excelled.  We began doing small local shows.  We all continued to study and both kids became really interested in Reining.  Reining is a very high level type of riding.  Jennifer's horse Buck was not built to be a reiner.  He was actually a very well bred cutting horse (a cow horse).  It was in his blood.  In fact we took him to our church rodeo...Yes you heard that right our church had a rodeo every year.  In fact as I remember the first time Jennifer sat on a horse she was 3 and it was at the church rodeo. Oh I have to find the photo's she had the cutest little denim skirt with a bib top and a blouse and boots!  I made the skirt and blouse I sewed all her clothes when she was little.  ...Back to Buck he got sick at the rodeo because he could not stand not working the cattle.  He was 'high strung' when around cows.  When he wasn't he was the sweetest most docile horse. 
My kids spent everyday.  Everyweekend with their horses.  When our son (the oldest) was old enough to drive every day they went alone to the barn.  I never worried about them.  The only thing I worried about was him running out of gas.  Which he did on a regular basis because he hated to spend his money on gas.  Thankfully God was always watching over them and it only happened right close to the barn and a neighbor would always take him for gas.  That was sure a thorn in Jennifer's side! 
Oh the stories I could tell you.  I am sure you can see me smile as I write this. 

But the thing that I want to share with you is that I believe 100% that God brought these horses into our lives.  I believe without a doubt that they were the tool he allowed us to have that brought Thomas and Jennifer through the high school years and through college.  The love and devotion for these horses kept them from getting involved in the wrong crowd.  From getting into trouble from making mistakes or bad choices. 

It was the combination of going to a Christian school and having the horses I truly believe that grew them into the godly Man and Woman that they are. 

Believe me it was not from the parenting that they received.  Oh at the time I thought I was the best parent.  Now I realize how prideful I was. 

And, through all this God had a plan that we would never have imagined.  The 2nd horse we bought was the paint Pal.  He was our sons horse.  Pal is still with us but he doesn't live with us anymore. Last spring we donated him to a Children's home.  And then, in August Jennifer was looking for a job.  Searching in the inter-net she found a posting for a riding instructor.  She got the job. She worked the first session of classes and this month she was promoted and now runs the riding program.  And, the Children's Home is faith-based.  Part of the program is Training a child in the way he should go.  Each days lesson includes a Bible verse and Bible activity. 

I wanted to share my story today with you to encourage you if your child/children have an interest in horses that the best and biggest investment you could ever make is to seriously think and pray about adding to your family.  I know that most of you guys that come here are home schooling parents.  And that most of you have the same faith beliefs that I do. I know many of you have smaller children.  And I know that today is so much different than it was wow 20 years ago when Jennifer was 8.  And I know that it is much more harder now than then. 

One think I forgot to mention Jennifer played soccer and was on a select team.  Thomas played baseball and his team went to state his Junior year.  His freshman year he was moved up to the varsity team and was the 2nd string quarterback.  My kids were very much into team sports.  And through team sports they learned alot. 

But it was through loving an animal that they learned much more. 

Yes . . .
. . . it was worth it!  And I know that if God leads your family to make the decision to add to your family with a horse it will be worth the investment. 

Linking today with . . .

Mission 4 Monday

Here I am running late again today.  I have to leave shortly to go to a meeting that my Drama will be performing at!  Yea.  I'll be back to write my Mission 4 Monday post later.  Hint. Hint.  It will be about my boys.  And maybe a photo!
Until then here's something to make you smile!



This was a little mosaic that I made to post over at my 'fun' blog
My Home Sanctuary.  Go by and visit. 

Here's the new verse I am working on:
Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart.
Direct me in the path of your commands for there I find delight.
Psalm 119:34

Simple Sunday

May your
day be Blessed

When Plans Go Wrong A lost Review

I had this great review written and my computer freaked out and all that got saved was the first few lines and so since my plans went crazy I decided to through caution to the wind and have some fun for a few minutes. 

My plans went crazy (at least my blogging plans did)  I am about to leave to take my mother to a diabetes class and so I wanted to leave you with a few smiles till I can get back to finishing the review . . .

Enjoy . . .

And here's part of the review . . .

Beyond the Bady Bunch Hope & Help for Blended Families by Ray & Debbie Alsdorf
I enjoyed this book.  I have never experienced the trauma of divorce or the struggles of blending a family but I have had many friends that have been through both.  I wish I had been able to share with them some of the truths brought out in this book.

I originally reviewed this book in October over at My Home Sanctuary click here to read the complete review.

Thankful Thursday

 I am thankful I live in Texas.  And I only get to look at this . . .

I am thankful for Photography.    So that I can enjoy lovely images like these . . .

I am thankful for my eyes so that I can enjoy lovely photo's like this and so that I can read! 

I love books! 

And I am thankful that I can read the Bible and study and meditate on God's word. 

May the favor of the Lord be upon us.  Establish the work of our hands.  Yes, Lord establish the work of our hands.

Psalm 90:17.

I am thankful that I have memorized this verse! 

So what are you thankful for today?

Wordfilled Wednesday Night

Welcome to my really, really late WFW posting. I hope you enjoy this lovely illustration! This particular house is a Bed and Breakfast in New Hampshire. It is the type of home I would love to live in. I can only imagine serving the Lord here?
Although I am really, really late I am hopping to link with Amy. Go over and check out the other links to WFW posts.