Takin' Names . . . for . . . the give a away

O.K. here's the deal. I have been talkin' all week about the give a ways . I have been promising to announce what the grand prize is. So here goes . . .

photo from The Apron Chronicles

Wondering if you can guess. It is a custom made apron. Made by me. And along with the custom made apron made by me I am sending another little surprise. Sorry it is a surprise and I am not telling you what it is.

For this one you have the rest of the month to enter. Enter as many times as possible. If you follow this blog you get an entry. If you sign up to follow the Book Review blog you get another entry. If you sign up to follow my homemaking blog another entry. And, just to spice things up a bit if you get one of your followers to go over and follow the Book Review blog you get another entry. I need your help here so send your followers over. Please pretty please. And for even more incentive if I top out at 95 followers here then I'll choose two winners! What could be easier!

I know you want to win a beautiful apron made just for you. So please keep on coming by and since this blog isn't just about winning aprons I pray that you will find some encouragement or words of wisdom here. So sign up. Leave comments and send your friends by.

I am still working on the same verse this week. This one has been so hard for me. Here goes one more try.

The Lord is my strength and my shield. My heart trusts in Him and I am helped. My heart leaps for Joy and I will give thanks to Him in song. Psalm 28:7

I don't know why this one is so hard for me. Usually I can't remember the reference but for some reason. I remember the reference but not the verse.

Thanks for coming by I can't wait to make the apron for You!

Thoughts on the words of Paul . . .

I love this photo. It brings back many memories. On this evening the teenagers decided they wanted to be the teachers and they helped the older women. Some were called 'grandma' some called 'aunt' depending on how old they were.

I have a blogging friend named Michelle that shared yesterday that she needs organization. She needs schedules. I am like Michelle. I need structure. I need to have something to write about a guide or an idea. I am not real random.

I have been thinking for awhile about my blog and it's content. I have been praying to God and asking Him to direct my words and my thoughts. I haven't actually asked but I should have asked Him to send readers. To send other women that need to hear his word. Maybe for the first time. Or maybe just a reminder an encouragement.

Or maybe someone that needed an older, wiser, more mature woman's words of wisdom. I am not really sure that I deserve to categorize myself as wiser but I do fit the older and mature role if your talking about age. But I hope you get what I mean. What I am trying to say.

I want to share myself. I want to share what God is teaching me.

And I want to learn. I want to learn the things you know. The things about homemaking, and housekeeping. And how to be a good wife. How to stay in the word. Or maybe just encouragement to just 'do it'.

Here's what Paul has to say . . .
Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, (see even us older women can learn) not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

Believe I am not disrespecting Paul's words but personally I think I can learn just as much from a younger woman as I can from an older woman. Especially when it comes to loving my Cowboy. You see alot of you younger women are still in that romantic stage of marriage. And so I think you probably could help me a lot. And maybe your better at scheduling your time. Or maybe you are a woman after God's own heart and you have words of wisdom or encouragement for someone else.

I have no idea where this is going. But I do know that I want to offer myself to you. I hope that some others will decide to join me and if you have nothing else to write on Tuesday maybe you'll write something to help that will help someone else.

Today I am asking some advice from you all. My Cowboy has a new job. He works from 4-8. He leaves the house at 3 and returns after 9. He doesn't get a real dinner break. So here's my problem. How the heck am I going to feed him dinner? Yesterday we tried eating a late lunch. A good healthy meal. But of course when he came home he was hungry and actually so was I. We made nacho's. Now I remember way back a long time ago when we were dating we would nacho's after a movie. But I think that; well I know that a steady diet of nacho's or ice cream at 9 p.m. well; we all know that isn't gonna be good for us.

So I ask for your ideas and suggestions. Got any good ideas for late evening healthy meals or large snacks?

Before I end with the verse I am working on don't forget about the give ways. Leave a comment, follow me and check out my book blog and follow it to get a bunch of chances.

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my hearts trusts in Him and I am helped.
My heart leaps for Joy and I will give thanks to him in song.
Psalm 28:7

One In a Million Priscilla Shirer give a way

Can't wait for the review? Just leave a comment and then become a follower here and here. The review is over here drop over and leave a comment for another chance. I will draw a name on Sunday so enter today, and tomorrow and the next day and the next and . . .

Happy Homemaker Monday the Last Post

Today I welcome you to the last Happy Homemaker Monday . . .

Actually not the very last ever just the last post here. Read on . . . and on for a give a way info. . .

The weather in my neck of the woods: Still hot.

Things that make me happy: Being able to post Praises. God is good.

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):

I'm reading: Miss Hildreth Wore Brown (review and give way on Tuesday)

I'm enjoying on TV: I think I should just change this one. Or maybe I should just enter what Cowboy is watching on t.v. Did you realize it is football season. Oh yea. (notice no exclamation point. And yes that is just a hint of sarcasm)

Just had a brilliant idea to change the above here's my idea hope you don't mind Sandra . . .

The song on my heart:

Perfect for this week.

On the menu for dinner:
Pot roast cooked a new way.

On my To Do List: post reviews on the new blog . . . Mail the prize to Denise who answered the 'theme' question over the weekend. And begin looking for the new background because it is time to get rid of those books. I made my point I think.

New Recipe I tried or want to try: Cowboy read this or saw it somewhere.

Pot Roast recipe . . . brown really good. Stuff a bunch of garlic into slits. Add your potatoes and carrots and onions as usual. Salt and Pepper. Pour 2 cups of brewed coffee over it all and cook in a 300 oven till done. 3-4 hours.

In the craft basket: An apron that will be a prize for a give way.

Looking forward to this week: Cowboy starts a job today and gets paid on Friday!

Tips and Tricks:

Coffee filters work great when cleaning mirrors and windows. They don't leave lint behind.

My favorite blog post this week: Tiffany's new meme The 3 P's Prayers, Petitions and Praises. Go here to check it out and join up on Friday.

New blog: Today I want to share my new Book Review blog. Go here. And my homemaking blog which will be the new home of Happy Homemaker Monday. Please join me. There is a different give way at each blog. Stop over and sign up.

Lesson learned the past few days:No matter how much I wish it. No matter how much I pray for things sometimes God has different plans than I do. Sometimes we just have to remember the old Garth Brooks song Unanswered Prayers. These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

John 16:33.

On my mind: Cowboys new job and that he works from 3:30 to 8:00 p.m. it is 45 min. away. When will he eat supper? And what do I cook.

And . . . for some reason I just cannot remember the verse I am working on. I got the passage but cannot remember the verse.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:

The Lord is my strength and my shield. My heart trusts in Him and I am helped.

My heart leaps for Joy and, I will give thanks to Him in song. Psalm 28:7

And now for the giveway. You could win something like one of these . . .



All you have to do is become a follower here, go by the new book blog and follow and go by My Home Sanctuary and follow. Leaving a comment will get ya another point! The more comments the more chances. When I have randomly chosen a winner I'll visit the blog and come up with an idea for an apron just for you! (btw . . .none of the above are mine I cannot take credit. I love them and just collected photo's if you recognize them tell me where they came from)

The New Journey Part one

Father God,

Today I ask you to bless this blog. I ask you to bless those that come here. And today I rededicate My Journey Back to you. As the new week begins I pray that my readers will see you in everything that is written here. As I make changes to the types of posts and the type of content I ask you to Bless and annoint everything here.

Thank you for giving us the gift of prayer. Thank you for being a Father that cares and wants to listen to His children. Thank you that you want to hear our prayers, petitions and our praises.
Thank you for showing yourself to me. Thank you for giving me affirmation in unexpected ways and unexpected timing. Thank you for giving me a reminder today that your timing is not my timing and that you have a much better plan than mine.

Thank you for the new ministry that you have allowed us to be a part of.
And I ask you to be with my community. Open yourself to the neighbors that live around us and help us to show your love throughout this neighborhood. Give us wisdom. Give us creativity and give us strength, stamina and time. We commit ourselves to you and this ministry.

Thank you for loving us and thank you for waiting patiently and giving us a chance to come to you. Thank you for loving all our kids and for allowing us to share your love with them. Thank you for those that have already accepted your son as their savior. Give them all strength to follow your ways. I ask you God todnight to help J.Mo. and Keyon know that your watching out for them and that your involved in their situations. I pray also for Levi since he will be leaving soon.

Thank you for your word. And I ask you Father to help me as I seek to hide your word in my heart.

Thank you Father God for hearing my prayer. I ask all these things in the name of your son Jesus. Amen.

The Lord is my strength and my shield. My heart trusts Him and I am helped. My heart leaps for Joy and I will give thanks to Him in song. Psalm 28:7

The three P's is a new meme hosted by Tiffany. Join us each weekend as we share our Prayers, Petitions and Praises.

What do Priscilla Shirer, Creflo Dollar, Trish Ryan have in common? They are authors of just a few books that I have read recently. And, they are also just a few of the books that I will give away this week.
Come back on Monday for details and enter to win lots of prizes.

The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts Him and I am helped.My heart leaps for Joy and I will give thanks to Him in song. Psalm28:7

Simple Sunday

May your Sunday be simply filled with Praise



The Lord is my strength and my shield;
My heart trusts Him and I am helped.
My heart leaps for Joy and I will give thanks to Him in song.
Psalm28:7

Then Sings My Soul

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts Him and I am helped.
My heart leaps for Joy and I will give thanks to Him in song. Psalm 28:7

I am a having a give a way this weekend to announce my new blog. Go here to sign up and come back on Monday for more prizes.

Amy Wyatt hosts Then Sings My Soul for songs of Praise and Worship.

Itch scratchin' Part 2

And so well I scratched that itch and made a little change to my blog. It's not the pretty change with cute little dividers between the posts. And a cute new header to go with the background like I planned.

Nope this little change is a little more meant to get your attention. And I suspect I have it because I can just hear you thinking things like . . .
what happened to her that isn't shabby chic at all isn't that what she was planning?
or
she usually has really pretty bright and cheerful backgrounds
or
I know your thinking this . . .
that background is just almost ugly

And your right sadly it is but I wanted to get your attention because next week will be a special week around here. I will be unveiling my new blog. And to go along with the unveiling I'll be having a give way. Well actually a couple of give ways.

So you really need to come back by next week and visit and then follow the links you'll find for the prizes.

Pass the word along everyone is invited. And, I promise not to leave this background up for long!

Ok so now your thinking your not gonna have time to come back next week well o.k. then here's your chance and it'll be a really big chance . Here's all you need to do.
Guess the theme of my new blog and leave me a comment with your guess and it would be kinda nice if you decided to follow! I'll draw from all the comments this weekend and the winner will win a prize package especially created by yours truly.
So leave your comment!

I am gettin' the itch . . .

Well you see it is like this. I have had this itch . .



And no matter how much I scratch it . . .

I just can't get over this urge . . .

And no. Daisy does not have fleas. It is my itch and my urge. You see it all started when I went over here. Now trust me don't go there because you might get the itch too! Only go there if you've changed your blog background or layout or template or whatever the heck it is called. If you haven't stay here for awhile. You see she used a Shabby Blogs layout. I was hooked and so I went over there. And I found this for my sidebar

Isn't it cute? I am adding it tonight and then maybe over the weekend when I have a little more time I'll scratch that itch and make a few changes here. So when you come by if you don't recognize the decor don't worry it is only me doing a little makeover.

And for a makeover of the heart . . .

Here's the verse I am working on this week.

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts Him, and I am helped.

My heart leaps for Joy, and I will give thanks to Him in song. Psalm 28:7

Oh wait but before you go will you stop over here and give me your opinion on my question about Bible verse memory?

Thankful Thursday

Join Thankful Thursday here

I am thankful that . . .
The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults,And with my songs I shall thank Him. Psalms 28:7

I am thankful for . . .

• Cowboy has a job interview on Saturday it is part time Drivers Ed. instructor


• He has been able to sell Plasma to get us by


• I have a a job interview on Friday to clean an office and also make ready apartments


• I am thankful that these opportunities are flexible and fit into our ministry schedule


• Our church raised our level of funding!!!!!!


• Another church was going to lower our level and we were concerned it would be substantial but they only lowered it $50.00!!!!!


• I am thankful God is Faithful!

The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped, Therefore my heart exults, And with my songs I shall Thank Him. Psalms 28:7

Thanks for visiting today and Praising God with me for his faithfulness.

Before you go would you go here and answer my poll question about memorizing Bible Verses?

updated after the Lord spoke to me...Lately I have been posting my prayer needs which are many. Mostly financially and security. My thankful/Praise post shows how much my Father loves me. How even though I thought everything was out of control it really wasn't. Even when I can't see it/Him he is there working things out in His timing.

Today if your struggling whether it is financial or with other issues I want to tell you that God is with you. Even when you can't see it. Even when you can't feel Him. Even when you pray and pray and pray and you feel like he can't hear you or when you get to the point you think He has abandoned you. He hasn't. I hope that this song reminds you . . .

So tell me what you think . . .

Well I was stopping in on the Wordfilled Wednesday posts and I ended up following another Sherry around. I noticed her comments because she had left Matthew 6:33 on her comments.

I got to thinking and I realized what a great way to work on 'my' scripture memory.

So here's my 'what do you think' question. How would you feel if I ended my comment on your blog with a scripture that I am working on?

Here's the verse I am working on this week . . .
The Lord is my strength and my shield;
My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped;
Therefore my heart exults,
And with my songs I shall thank Him. Psalms 28:7

So what do you think?

Wordfilled Wednesday

Thanks for joining me for Wordfilled Wednesday. Today I am taking a poll because I am really having trouble with Picasa. And, I really love WFW would you guess please leave a comment and let me know what FREE photo edit program you use! Please pretty please!

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

Join Amy for Wordfilled Wednesday

Photo compliments of Kim

Dingle The Ice Cream Cone Delivery Dog/Review

Doesn't the cover just get you? I have to give a 5+ for the drawings. The illustrations are happy and colorful. I mean just look at Dingle's face.

I enjoyed reading this little story about a dog that is aware of his owners needs. Reminds me of Mr. Ed because he can talk too. Dingle's story is about his desire to help his owner who isn't so sure she needs a service dog.

This is a great little story book. I received the paperback version but there is a hardback version available.

Dingle is such a special dog he has his own website here. He does allow his author friend to tell a little about herself....
Hello, I'm Audrey Kinsella, author of Dingle: The Helpful Ice Cream Cone Delivery Dog.This is my first children's book, though I'm a long-time writer and medical research librarian, who has written many helpful health care articles and books on telecommunications, the elderly, and the disabled in the last 20 years. I've become progressively disabled with multiple sclerosis (MS) during these years and have learned, with great difficulty, how to accept help from people and from caring animals. It's time to share that experience with others who are just as resistant to accepting any help or support.

I would recommend this book to anyone. It is a great book to read as a family and discuss the obstacles that hinder people that have disabilities.

Dingle The Ice Cream Cone Delivery Dog is available at Amazon and Borders.

This book was provided for review by the author.

In Other Words Tuesday

“Instead of trying to fix yourself, fix your gaze on Me, the lover of your soul. Rather than using your energy to judge yourself, redirect it to praising Me. Remember that I see you clothed in My righteousness, radiant in My perfect love.”

When I read this quote the first words that came into my head were these:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.

And I must thank Him for His grace because without it where would I be.

Most of the time I get caught up in me and what I need to do. I spend more time trying to make people happy. I spend a lot of time attempting to make my house perfect. And in the past not wanting people to come over if things aren't just so. And then I kick myself for closing ourselves off from others. For not sharing Jesus when I could.

I would like to say that I am not too bothered about hair and make up and how I look. But to be truthful I really am. But in my present circumstances I have had to give up most of those things. I don't get to cut my hair often about once a year if then. My makeup is usually donated to the ministry for the girls. I get to keep what doesn't work for them. My nails well I do tend to hide them when I happen to be around people that have beautiful french manicures.

Fortunately I think God has given me peace about all those things. I just do the best that I can to look presentable. I do pray that our situation will change. I am waiting and trusting because God is giving us everything that we need.

God see's my heart. God's see's the beauty there. And God gives me grace.

While I was typing this post this song happened to come on the t.v. I hope you enjoy it.

For more thoughts on 'Fixing Your Gaze' go here.

Chasing Superwoman--Book Review

Love the book.

My rating a whopping 5+!

I really enjoyed this book. Susan (I feel like a friend may I call you that?) shares her life and her struggles juggling home, family and faith in a humorous and candid way that kept me interested through the entire book.

I tend to sometimes check out other reviews as I am looking for photo's and links to share. I noticed a couple of reviews that were not as flattering. It made me wonder if these reviewers read the entire book.

The issue is whether to be a SAHM mom or not. I loved the way that Susan gave her personal perspective. I think that if your struggling in this area trying to decide where God is calling you that reading this book will give you a good perspective. And, if you are a working mom struggling with the same issues as Susan you will be encouraged by reading her stories and how she deals with everyday life.

I loved Chapter Five and the verse she used in the opening. (each Chapter opens with a Bible verse) I had never thought of Proverbs 3:5-6 when thinking about the children starting school. As she struggled with letting her little ones go and take this step she remembered this verse. This perspective made sense to me. As my children entered school it became the first time that I had to let go and let someone else take over. I only wish I had leaned on this scripture at the time.

Here's a quote:

"Finally a voice that modern day moms can relate to. Chasing Superwoman gives today's working mothers the laughter and encouragement they so desperately need as they struggle to balance faith, family, and friendships from the front lines of working America"

Michelle LaRowe, executive director of the International Nanny Association

From the back cover:

If you've ever forgotten the preschool snacks, juggled Blackberry and diaper bag, and handled a client call over a chorus of "Mommy", this book is for you.

I would recommend this book for any mom or any grandmother (like me). I found it a delightful read and it helped me have more perspective and understand my own daughters struggles.

You can go here to read the first chapter.

You can purchase Chasing Superwoman at Borders, Amazon (I noticed it is on sale at Amazon) and Family Christian Book Stores. (click on the bold letters for links)

And after you purchase you can join the on-line book club offered over at the authors blog. Click here.

I was offered this book for review by Karen at B&B Media.

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods: Hot August nights . . . in the 100's

Things that make me happy:
Being able to be home with nothing important to do.

Book I'm reading:
Just finished Chasing Superwoman by Susan M. Dimickele (review will be posted today)

I'm enjoying on TV:
Chopped and The Next Food Network Star

On the menu for dinner:
Pinto Beans cooked in the crockpot and corn bread muffins

On my To Do List:
Put away dishes from dishwasher
A couple loads of laundry
Writing reviews for this week


New Recipe I tried or want to try soon: Kelli's Chicken Pot Pie. Go here for the recipe and there is also a cookie recipe too on the post. Visit her sidebar for a list of some yummy things she includes photo's and the recipes!


In the craft basket: Working on a baby quilt will finish the top today and post it. Still working on my daughters Cathedral Window quilt.

Looking forward to this week: Drama team practise Wednesday with "my" boys

Tips and Tricks: Cover your muffin tin with foil if you don't have a cookie sheet. Works great. And if you live in a small space you can do with out the cookie sheet.

My favorite blog post this week: I love visiting Becky and her adorable dogs. Here's a link to a post where she took us on a garden tour.

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):
I just found Chrisitie don't know how I am always stumbling onto great blogs. She has some wonderful DIY posts. Go over here for a visit.

No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):




I found this idea a while back. Sorry if this is your photo and I didn't give you credit. You deserve it though! I love your idea! Does anyone know a way to save photo's and link where you got them?

Lesson learned the past few days:
When Cowboys (or Cowboy in this case) are jerks that there is usually a reason. And that given time they will get over the bad mood.
.
On my mind:
The huge challenge of making our new apartment a home with what we already have. The challenge is using our artwork and other decorative items in such a small space.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. ~John 16:33~
Same verse from a couple of weeks ago. Today I want to dedicate this verse to 2 of our boys.
J.Mo (18 years) is in jail on an assault charge. He is innocent and we are praying that the witnesses will testify to clear him and that the family is able to hire an attorney. Keyon is in the hospital. He was shot a few days ago. Unfortunately his leg was amputated. He is 18 and played basketball. He has a long hard road ahead of him. Both of these young men are believers J. Mo is praising God he is alive and he is trusting God has everything under control. Praying that Keyon will continue to trust God as he struggles through recovery.

Peaceful Sunday

This photo speaks Peaceful to me. I can just imagine just on the other side a peaceful beach.
I can imagine sitting there in perfect weather under the shade of an umbrella listening to some of my fvorite songs. Always on the list is a couple of 3rd Day and Mercy Me. Some Casting Crowns and a few that our boys like Walk on Water and Believe. It is amazing how thier music is rubbing off on us.

Today I am praying that you have a simply peaceful Sunday. That you get the opportunity to rest in God's arms and maybe have a chance to listen to Praise and Worship songs. Allow God to open your heart to him and let him 'rub' off on you.
Here's one to get you started . . .

Do you need Provision?

I found this today over at my friend Alicia's. She wrote a great post. If you need to be encouraged today go over to Alicia'shttp://confessionsofasnowflake.com.

Thankful Thursday

Quick update and Thankfulness to share . . .

1 We leased our car hauler trailer for $600.00 cash that will carry us until Cowboy can find a job.
2 Cowboy found out he can sell Plasma for $50.00 every other day.
3 Last night the new program began at McFadden it is was great. I see that it is a time we can sit and talk to the boys. I will be a great time of discipleship.
4 Christian one of our boys really opened up last night he has only been there since May. He is learning and realizing how much God loves him and how he can lean on God. Please pray for Christian he has no home to go to once he is released.
5. One boy Joseph that was released a few months ago has been on my mind. He is in Dallas not far from us. I finally got Cowboy to call him last week and we found out he is in jail in Dallas. He was involved in a shooting. He is innocent he was attacked by another group of boys. We are very thankful he is o.k. and he gives the credit to God.
Here's his photo from Christmas

Christmas program for boys with children the bear was mailed to his son

Joseph always has this smile. He was smiling yesterday when Cowboy went to see him in the jail. He was smiling because God is with him. He is reading his Bible and praying and he said that he knows that God will take care of him and supply what he needs.

Out of the mouths of babe's

I need to remember his words.

Thanks for visiting thanks and if you think of Joseph will you say a prayer for him.