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Monday, March 1, 2010

When something is lacking . . .

Today I realized that something is lacking.

I dream of this. I dream of Friday Date Night. I dream of my Cowboy and I playing together.

And I realize today that Cowboy and I don't pray together. Oh we pray each pray regularly.
But not together.

Today when I visited Denise I read her Marriage Monday post. Todays topic at Marriage Monday is 'Prayer in Marriage'.

This is definately something that I realize we need to work on.

Right now we are struggling in many ways.

When you struggle financially it can definately take it's toll on your marriage.

Just today Cowboy got annoyed with me because I had not written and turned in a report to one of our funders before it's due date. He got really mad because I hadn't done it. This particular funder holds up our monthly check till our report is in. As I said he got really mad. He didn't want to hear my reason for not having it completed yet and turned in. In my defense I got angry with him and yelled and him. I had some perfectly good reasons for how I was handling it.
But because of the strain we are both under he wasn't too interested in hearing my reasoning.

It is especially hard for us because we are in Full-time ministry. Our ministry and our personal income is provided through donations.

I realize that we need to not only trust God but we need to trust each other. We need to lean on each others as we have faith in God.

And we need to pray for seperately for each other. And we need to pray together.

Thank you Denise for writing your wonderful post today. Thank you for being God's servant and for helping me realize how important prayer is.

1st Monday Every Month at Chrysalis

Want this button?
You can go here to join Marriage Monday

What's in a Name?

Which name of Our Lord are you leaning on today?

Today I seek my Savior. My King. My Lord.

May your day be Blessed.

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Simple Sunday


Psalm 34:8
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trust in him.
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 today I worhsip Him.
Wishing you a Blessed Day.

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Then Sings My Soul Saturday

I am sure most of you have heard this song. I was thinking about what I wanted to post today and this song came on my music package on the t.v. while I was cleaning this morning.

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

It was a wet and cold week. Perfect for snuggling in and reading a good book. I was lucky to have a couple provided for me by Random House and Waterbrook Maltnomah Publishing Group.

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


Leaving you an angel to watch over you today.
I am on My Journey . . . see you tomorrow for Then Sings My Soul.
May you have a Blessed Friday and a wonderfully Blessed Weekend.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

May I Share My Friend

I have met some really cool people since I began blogging. There have been many times when I have written thankful posts that I have mentioned how thankful I am for new friends.

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

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105

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 into Disclaimers today . . .

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


I just finished reading a fun book. Actually I read it a couple of weeks ago but I was offered the book by the publisher for a blog tour. Today is my assigned day to post. I have had to be patient because I wanted to tell you all about it as soon as I finished reading.
This was a fun read. Opp's sorry I said that already. Double Trouble is the second in a series called the PJ Sugar Series. P.J. Sugar is the main character of the book. She is a fun quirky girl trying to get her life straight and follow God's will.
In this the second book she has returned to her hometown and has begun working as an assitant to Private Investigators Jeremy Kane. The story begins with P.J. and Jeremy on a stake-out. P.J. seems to always get into some kind of trouble or scrape. She seems to read between the lines and sees drama or intrique around every corner.
And, she usually ends up right. Along for the ride is P.J.'s old/current boyfriend police Detective Boone. The two were high school sweethearts. Boone seems to be lost in the past which doesn't settle well with P.J. She wants Boone to accept her for who she is.
Personally I was frustrated with Boone's character and I would have given him the boot. He seems to constantly urge P.J. into a different 'line of work' for her safety and ignoring P.J.'s to be good at her new found occupation.
I enjoyed the story. I enjoyed the way that Ms. Warren developed the characters. I am looking forward to the next installment of P.J.'s story. I am expecting P.J. to end up with Jeremy. And of course this opens up for another story about Boone and his finding the love of his life. Sounds good to me.
I would give this book 5 stars. And as I said I definately look forward to the next book in the series.
This book was provided for review by Litfuse Publicity Group. You can go here to purchase a copy on line.
If you want to read another review check out the blog tour here.

My Day Book Entry/A Few Plans . . .

From Sherry's Day Book for Monday February 22nd 2010
Outside My Window ...
clouds and gray skies, calm cold - spring has started but winter hasn't loosened her grip completely.

I am thinking...
about baking bread today. Yum
I am thankful for...
God's mercy and patience

From the kitchen...
Monday: Crock pot roast
Tuesday: Chicken n Dumplings
Wed:Taco Soup
Thursday:Chicken Fried Steak
Friday: Leftovers
Saturday: Cowboy Cooks
Sunday:Eating out I hope
I am wearing ... warm fleece pants hand me down Ambercrombie and Fitch henley and warm socks and slippers.
I am hoping ... We don't get more snow.
I am reading... A book I am about to review
I am creating...
A beautiful new house in my mind. I have lots of new ideas found on other blogs that I want to use when I get my new house. And I am creating a mountain of packed boxes ready to move!
Around the house ...
This morning toddler toys and toddler
One of my favorite things ...
Cooking 'almost' gourmet meals

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week ... no plans other than packing and finding a house

I'm hoping for:
Warmer weather-My mother decides to move in with us

Here is picture thought I am sharing ...

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
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Saturday, February 20, 2010

Then Sings My Soul Saturday

I love this song. It is one our church sang a lot. I found this on youtube I have never seen it done in dance. What a wonderful expression of Praise.

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
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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

I took a break today from looking for a house and packing to do a little visiting in blog land.
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

Let the morning bring us word of your unfailing love,
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)
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Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Love & War Book Review

You will be drawn in when you read the introduction. I was enthralled by each chapter of this book. I have not read anything by John or Stasi before but I found Love and War to be easy to read.

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

For God so oved the world,
That He gave
His only
Begotten
Son
that whosoever
Believeth in Him
Should not perish,
But have everlasting life.
I hope you can get this. I couldn't get it to line up when it is pubished.
but if you take the verse and line it up where the red letters are in line down the page it spells Valentine.
This is the message we are using today in our worship services. May your day be Blessed with your Valentine

Happy Valentines Day

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Thankful Thurday in Photo's

Here are some other things I am thankful for in photos.
Enjoy

I am thankful that in April I will be doing this with my halfway house girls at my church.

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 I can stay inside and just look at the pretty snow

I am thankful that the other dayI cleaned out my file cabinet

I cannot believe from that one file cabinet alone I had two kitchen size trashbags. When I ran across the 1998 Mapsco I knew I was onto something. BTW it was under some files I didn't know it was there. LOL.
I am also Thankful that God gives me peace. Even though we are once again looking for a house I am at Peace about the whole thing.
I am anxious. Not in a bad way. But anxious to find some place and get moved. The living in limbo is hard. I can't wait to see my new house and start making it warm and cozy.
There are many things that we could/should be thankful for. What are you thankful for today?