Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods: Not sure the temp but feels nice really windy and a little humid but really nice.


Things that make me happy: Mothers day wish and hugs from the boys at chapel service yesterday. God was with us and those boys made my day.


I'm reading: Just finished The Last Christian by David Gregory can't wait to write the review. Just started Embracing Your Second Calling by Dale Hanson Bourke and I am loving it already.


What I'm enjoying on TV: too much reading to do!


On the menu for dinner: chicken a la King, mashed potatoes...sounds good doesn't it? Sandra what time? I actually have no idea yet but I am thinking it is going to be something to go with hashbrown potatoes!


On my To Do List: Too long but how about what I have already done today. 2 loads of laundry, one done and put away, washed dishes that didn't fit dishwasher last night, swept the entire house. I love my new floor! Worked in our pantry (ministry), posted Mosaic Monday and Blue Monday....aren't you tired just reading this? Next on my list LUNCH!


New Recipe I tried or want to try soon: Broccoli salad leftovers for lunch the recipe which I adapted to follow!


In the craft basket: Just emptied a box of fabric scraps to use the box for something else so am thinking about stitching them up tonight. I am having sewing machine withdrawal.


Looking forward to this week:Enjoying more time outside in the patio ...stole this from Sandra 'cept I have to say my new patio at my new house!


Tips and Tricks:Fold the laundry or hang as soon as it comes out of the dryer. If not you will always be behind and have a messy laundry room! Or if you have yummy leftovers from last night. Eat out of the dish finish it off and wash. No extra plate needed. This only works if your home alone. I am not sure men and children would get the concept.


My favorite blog post this week: I have ones saved but forgot where I put it. It is from my friend Carrie's blog. I'll add it after lunch. I am starving.


Blog Hopping: Last week I loved the parade of homes at Poppiesatplay.blogspot.com I love her blog go over and visit.


No words needed:


Lessons learned the last few days: You really can use an iron skillet for anything. And it is o.k. to wash it with soapy water just towel dry and then put on the stove and cook it dry. Used mine for pork chops and cream gravy last night. It's already for those hashbrowns for tonight!

On My mind: Something I can only share with my father right now. I need his strength. I need his faithfulness.

Devotional/Scripture Reading or Key Verse: Isaiah 43:18-19 forget about what's happened; don't keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand new. It's bursting out! Don't you see it? there it is! I'm making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands."
I found this verse last night while reading Embracing Your Second Calling. God spoke to
me through this verse reminding me of his faithfulness. I am leaning on him.


BTW I am also labeling this post dummies at blogging because I lost the font...notice the change?

Happy Mothers Day

Happy Mothers Day dear ones. Photo compliments of my friend Renae. I pray your day is Blessed and filled with Happiness.

Happy Friday

A friend sent me some fun photo's this morning so I thought I would share! I am spending the day finishing getting everything out of the old house. Wish I was in a field collecting flowers with my dog!
Ya'll have a blessed day!

Faith

Faith is what it takes to get through uncertainty. Faith is not necessary when you know how things are going to work out, - that's knowledge. It's in the time of unknowing that having faith is what sees you through to the other side. Faith is what gives you strength. Faith is that light in your heart that keeps on shining even when it's all darkness outside. (found on facebook this morning )
My Faith is in my father who supplies all my needs. Who promises he will never let go. Even when waves are crashing in. Even when things look bleak he promises to always be with me.

Where does your Faith lie?

Cook Books on sale for Mothers Day

I found a box of cookbooks during our move. In honor of Mothers Day I am selling them this week for $6.00 (free shipping)
I know you won't get it time to give to your mom but why not get one for her birthday. Or Christmas or just because you have a great mom!
You can make a paypal payment right now! Our paypal account is Slegan@yahoo.com
And, I will mail tomorrow book rate. If you want it faster than that email me and we will see what the shipping is.

There are some really great recipes and your purchase will help our ministry!

Wordfilled Wednesday

Borrowing Amy's amazing illustration today. Thanking God for his security and provision. Praise God today!
You can see more Word Filled Wednesday posts at Penny's today.

Prayers for Denise

I really don't remember when Denise and I found each other through the world of blogging she has been such a sweet and dear person to me. She always encourages everyone in her posts. But the past few days she has been especially encouraging to me. She started emailing words of encouragement. The last few weeks and days have been extremely hard for me. We have been trusting God and living in faith. He has miraculously answered our prayers.
I am happy and joyful and I feel so Blessed by his provision for me and my Cowboy and for our ministry. His ministry.
But it is bittersweet when I think of Denise and her prayer needs. Tonight I am sharing a video she did a couple of days ago. If I had any extra $ I would be making a donation to their fund. Unfortunately my only help can be in the form praying and encouraging. And in asking you to pray, encourage and if God leads you to make a donation to help them out.




I think God for the Blessings he has given me the past few days. And I pray that he will provide an abundance for Denise and her husband.

Monday 4 Missions Prayers Answered

First I have to say God answers prayers and all you guys that have prayed for us and the ministry over the last few weeks. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
We started moving into the new house last night. This will be a short post. I have to go wait on cable people. But I had to share the photo's. I'll add captions later.

Photo's of the house. Do you see that tub? Yea! Jets! Yea! Almost my favorite part. I love the brick wall it is the dining room. And my kitchen! I do not deserve this! I am linking to

Mosaic Monday so I can share the good news with everyone that God is good.

Even though the house is a dream come true. Below is the better part!

It is a 50x45 space. 2 more identical spaces connected that we will be getting soon! This first space will house our automotive classes and food pantry and on Sunday our chapel service space! Praise God. Praise God!

Thanks for the prayers. I'll be back on Wed. if not before! Love you all. I hope that God is revealing himself to you. He is there just hang on and have faith!

Linking also to Blue Monday even though there isn't a lot of blue I hope Sally doesn't mind. I didn't have time to do anything Blue! I promise Sally I'll be back next week with a real blue photo!

Mosaic Monday

A crafty Mosaic Monday

Just a few of my fav's . . . some mine some others. Please don't send out the police. I have no idea where some of these came from but I loved them so I kept them because I want to make them someday. Upper left a cute pillow made with yo yo's and felt I think. Next to is "Whatever" I got this from StarShine Chic. I loved it and asked if I could use it someday. Next is a little crocheted item. I thought it was so cute. The big photo is a raffle quilt from a fundraiser for our ministry. The girls came to Mission Makeover and made quilts for charity. The cat is mine. He lived at the ministry building. The quilt top in the middle was one of the first quilts ever made at Mission Makeover. And lastly I found the planner on someone's blog. I would love to make one of these for my daughter in love's school room.


And since I was playing with craft things I thought I would put together some of the fabrics I have for sale in our Ebay shop. There is a link on my sidebar if your interested.

And you can visit Dear Little Red House for more Mosaics. I almost stole Mary's today. Go over there and see why.

Did you notice all the crafty things are Blue? Well it is Blue Monday after all.

No words needed:Favorite photo . . .

The weather in my neck of the woods: Beautiful

Things that make me happy: Watching the grandbaby sleep. Makes me smile.

Book I'm reading: Lord Teach Me To Pray in 28 Days by Kay Arthur

What I'm enjoying on TV: My Cowboy usually has control of the clicker but I really like Chopped 'cept when it is in reruns.

On the menu for dinner: This was Sandra's Cowboy Lasagne ...have to check it out! I am cooking chicken sausages stuffed with spinach and Asiago cheese. These are so yummy. Usually do them in the crockpot with a couple of potato's and green beans. Today oven roasting because I am doing a batch of French Onion soup in the crockpot. Yummy.

On my To Do List: Baking Blueberry Muffins this afternoon with the grandbaby. And getting ready for rummage sale and moving this weekend.

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon: Waitin' on Sandra to post the Cowboy Lasagne!

In the craft basket: Charity quilt the halfway house girls are working on. I am squaring up the blocks and doing the quilting.

Looking forward to this week: Moving and settling into our new house.

Tips and Tricks: I am beginning to really love my iron skillets. Once they are seasoned well they are great to cook in. Nothing sticks, you can't scratch them. They don't ruin if your Cowboy cooks on too high heat!

My favorite blog post this week: Found a new one I really like. Poppies at Play and they are having a Parade of Homes this week too. The link is on my sidebar or here.

Lesson learned the past few days: No matter how much you want the best for your kids (no matter what age) when they are grown you can't fix everything. It hurts when you see them hurting. All you can do is pray and ask God to keep them safe.

On my mind: Moving and my daughter and grandson.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses: "Give us this day our daily bread." Matthew 6:11. I am learning that God provides our needs. I am leaning and trusting him to gives us what we need.

Book Review-Bridegrooms Allison Pittman

I have to begin this review with a big 'But'....I am not a fan of historical romances. But I have changed my mind. Or at least Allison Pittman's Bridegrooms changed my mind. I really, really enjoyed this book.

I was caught up in it and was not able to put it down. For me it was one of the times when the everyday household chores we put on hold! Is that a good thing or not? You be the judge.

I have to say that I was a little surprised about the story. I expected like everyone else I am sure a Little Women kind of story. A story about the four sisters pictured on the front all looking for Bridegrooms.

That really isn't what the story is about at all. The bridegrooms in the story is a baseball team.
Cracked me up!

The story is about Vada Allenhouse and her four sisters who live with their father the towns physician.

The story begins with Vada preparing for the opening of the towns Symphony. Vada works at the musical theatre and assists the conductor Herr Johann. It just so happens that Vada's beau Garrison is in the orchestra.

Each of the other three sisters have their own stories and romances or wishes for romances.

As Vada returns home after an evenings rehearsal she finds members of the baseball team in her home. A fan had been hit by a stray ball earlier in the day. Vada's father brings the injured man home and so begins an adventure for the players and Vada and her sisters.

This was really a fun book to read. I didn't have any trouble keeping up with the characters or the plot. I think I have found that where historical romances are concerned that I like Allison Pittman's work.

I went to Ms. Pittman's website and found these two quotes there:
Praise for The Bridegrooms
"Sisters. Secrets. Squabbles. Symphony and suitors. Allison Pittman's newest historical romance, The Bridegrooms, has it all. What happens when you match up an every-man hero with a conflicted heroine? You find yourself enthralled by a story full of improbable pairings that showcase love's surprising ways. Again, Pittman has me waiting impatiently for her next compelling tale."~Mona Hodgson, author of Two Brides Too Many and Too Rich for a Bride
"Get ready to put the rest of your life on hold. The Bridegrooms will sweep you off your feet and carry you over the threshold into the hearts of Vada Allenhouse and her unpredictable sisters. Mysterious romance is not the same thing as true devotion--or is it? And can one sister tell another how to choose between them? Allison Pittman's literary sparkle shines better than ever in this story of hilarious, heartfelt love."~Karen Roth, author of Found on 16th Avenue and My Portion Forever

I loved the above quotes description of the girls as 'unpredictable'. Great description.

You can go to Randomhouse.com to purchase this book. Here's the link

I received a giveaway copy of this book so I have copies to giveaway. Check out my Book Reviews page for details.

This book was provided for review by Random House and Waterbrook Multnomah.

Book Review- Forget Me Not

I found a new author I really enjoy! I was excited to receive this book when it was offered by the publisher Waterbrook Multnomah. Only bad thing about it was there was a deadline and I already had a few other books on the stack to read! But that was not a problem. I picked this book up and was drawn in.

I did have a little difficulty keeping up with all the characters and the sub-plot but I was so drawn to the two main characters and I wanted to know what was going to happen that the sub-characters and their antics just kind of stayed in the background and I paid more attention to Benjamin and the mystery woman. Who by the end is relieved and all ends well.

There are some twists and turns in the story and honestly I didn't put it all together who was the real villain so that part was good. I mean who wants to figure it all out there's no suspense in that. Although I was a little bored with that part of the story just because it was confusing with all the players involved.

The book begins with this mysterious woman running for her life. She ends up being car-jacked and then found by an elderly man and taken to Crossroads Crises Center where she eventually meets Benjamin Brandt the owner of the center. She soon realizes she doesn't remember who she is. She remembers nothing of her past before being car-jacked. Bearing a huge resemblance to Benjamin's deceased wife doesn't help his grief stricken heart. The two are literally thrown together as they soon realize that someone is 'out to get' the mystery woman.

It doesn't take long for her to realize that she believes in God and trusts him to take care of her.

And as she begins to remember her past she realizes more and more that her faith and trust in God is what kept her safe and alive. It also doesn't take long for her to realize that because of the death of his wife Benjamin lost faith. As they are drawn together they both also struggle with their feelings as they are both so far apart in the beliefs about God.

Here's the trailer from you tube.



I thoroughly enjoyed this book. But if your still on the fence about purchasing it go here
to read a sneak peak and you can purchase it while your there.

Why I do what I do . . .

Today I want to share one prayer request from one of the girls living in the halfway house. We met this young lady three years ago. At the time we had lots of support. We leased a building and we worked daily with local kids. And every Friday morning we had the girls from the halfway house.

This particular young lady was from Louisiana. She was so funny. She was always a really picky eater. Always afraid to try new foods. She is still that way. But there are things about her that have changed in three years.

She is back at the halfway house awaiting to go a program for teen moms. She will only be with us a short time but I am glad God brought her back into our lives and that he provides provision through the Wings program.

Here's her request.

I want prayer for my child that she's very healthy, beautiful inside and out, and of God. I want my attitude, my mind frame and attitude to be positive. I want the Lord to show me his way. And be with me and my child. I want to be independent and financially stabled. I want all of me and my baby girl' needs to be met. However, I know life's not perfect but choosing God is the perfect decision and I really need Him in my life. I want a special prayer for things to get better with me and my child father relationship so that he could be a part of his child's life.

This is why I do what I do. I know life's not perfect but choosing God is the perfect decision and I want Him in my life.

Taking a break for a few days. We are planning a fundraiser for next week. And we are finishing packing and preparing to move.

Tonight and for the next few days I covet your prayers my dear sisters. As of tonight we do not know where we are moving. We have a house and a building for the ministry located. But we are waiting on God to provide the funding to make it happen. If funding isn't arranged by Friday we will loose this house.

We have till the end of the month to be out of the house we are living in. We are depending on God to provide what is needed for us to move and find a place to live.

Tonight I am sad and frustrated. It is so difficult to find a place that is perfect not only for us personally but for the ministry and not have the financial resources to move forward. We wait on God.

I am sad because I do not know where I will live. I am scared and afraid. We continue the ministry. We continue to move on because we feel called to this ministry. It is hard because there are people that tell us we need to get "regular jobs". It is difficult to listen to non supportive statements.

And then, when week after week young people are making decisions to follow Christ we are affirmed.

Please forgive me dear friends for writing this post. Please forgive me for pouring out my questions and anguish here.

Please do not give up on me. Please lift a prayer up to our Father for our ministry.

Thank you for following me on this journey and thank you for your prayers.

Book Review-Free Book Brian Tome

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17

I love this verse that Brian quoted in the following video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXII7SNpAbo

I have to say that this was a difficult book to read. Possibly it was more about where I am now than the book so I don't want to be negative. I am a little self observed with preparing to move and finding a place to live so I have taken some time before writing this review and getting it posted. I loved this point Tome makes "Freedom is being who God designed you to be." and "It's developing a healthy conscience and not allowing things in your past that you've repented and been forgiven of to taint your conscience. It's about believing that God is okay with you."

The book is not all that long 230 pages. But for me it was a little deep. Don't get me wrong it may have been more about me having a hard time keeping on track and reading it.
As your reading you are reminded over and over that Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom.
I would recommend this book. I needed to hear that Jesus wants us to go forward. One chapter covers strongholds. It talks about what a stronghold is and how to break free. I also liked the part that reminded me that we don't have to live with the burdens of past mistakes or other peoples expectations. Being reminded that we can have Joy like little children. It is within our reach. We can be free.
This book was provided by Thomas Nelson publishers for this review. It can be purchase on thier website http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=084992006X&title=Free_Book&author=Brian_Tome.
There are also other blog reviews you can find them by doing a search on google. It is also available at Amazon and there is a great video introduction there.

Dreaming of an Enchanted April

I found a give a way over at Gina's. She is offering this book. I would love to read it. The movie looks great too. Gina wanted to know where we would spend an enchanted time. Maybe a villa in Italy, or a France like the movie. I think I would feel I was in the lap of luxury in a Villa in Mexico or maybe Raton Honduras we visited there on a cruise it was so beautiful quant and not real touristy (then). I saw it not too long ago on HGTV International House Hunters. Guess it isn't so isolated anymore. Of course my dream place would be on the beach but it would also have a stable on the property filled with horses. Sounds like heaven on earth to me. Gina invited everyone over to visit her blog and enter so go on over.

Prayers Please

Dear friends I am asking for prayers today. Tomorrow I begin our Mission Makeover program at my church. The halfway house where we minister will bring a van full of girls to my church. I have ladies lined up to work with the girls. Above is a photo from an evening with another church where girls that were in our program taught the ladies to sew. Each pair made a quilt top.

Tommorrow we will have a meet and greet. And I will share what we will be doing. (sewing quilts for Christ's Have in Keller, Texas) I will also share a devotional around a great verse Phil. 4:13. I had a really rough week. I am leaning on that verse tonight as I prepare the food for tomorrow.

I covet your prayers, for the girls for the ladies. And for our ministry.

I hope you all have a Blessed Friday. Please come by and visit often and please leave me a comment.

Sending you a hug and Blessings on your Journey.

Yummy yummy . . . What you cookin' for dinner?

Looks yummy doesn't it. These yummy enchilada's were cooked by Melanie. She was kind enough to agree to reviewing our cookbook. You can go here to read her review. This is just one of the great recipes.

So if your wondering what to cook for dinner check out our cookbook. It is filled with tons of recipes submitted by ladies at our church and by volunteers.

Melanie even posted the recipe so if your thinking this looks yummy just hop over there and get the recipe!

To learn more about our ministry click here.

Book Review - HomeSchooling . . .

What a great book. I really enjoyed reading this book. I have always been an advocate for Homeschooling. I only had the opportunity to Homeschool my daughter for one short semester when we relocated. I really wish that I had the chance to read this book oh so many years ago.

For me chapter 10 Dealing with relatives would have been a great resource for me as I tried to get my family to realize the many benefits of homeschooling.

The book is filled with lots of information and is a great resource for the beginning family as well as the pro's.

It is very easy to read with lots of suggestions, charts and illustrations. I found it really easy to comprehend even with distractions. It would be easy for a mom that is already homeschooling to fit in around other activities and distractions.

I liked what the back cover says:

• Discover a realistic vision of homeschooling your family
• Help your child get excited about learning
• Find a routine that fits your goals and lifestyle

and my personal favorite

• Nurture a biblical worldview in your child's heart and mind

I loved this too from the bio on the back . . .

Sonya Haskins and her family see each day as an adventure in learning.

I urge you to check out this book and make your children's schooling an an adventure in learning.

This book was provided for review by Bethany House a division of Baker Publishing Group.

You can purchase on line by visiting thier website: www.bethanyhouse.com

Ebay Sales to help ministry

updated 4/15/10 the pig fabric is sold. I will be posting more hopefully on Saturday. Please come back.

Well I have finally taken the plunge and started listing some things on Ebay. If you click on the photo on the sidebar it will take you to the listing for that item. Then on the sidebar there you can find other items we've listed.

I have listed books,Department 56 items, fabric and quilting kits. Above are a couple of photo's of things we have listed.

Since I really don't know what I am doing I set prices based on what I thought I could sell stuff for. If you my loyal readers see anything you want let me know and I will be glad to revise the listings to give you a better deal. Most of them I put my bottom dollar price but if you find something you want I will be glad to change it if we both agree to something fair.

I am going to start putting some photo's up before I post stuff so keep coming back if your interested in fabric or cookbooks. I have a lot more stuff to list. I would rather sell it directly to you and save a little money on listing fee's especially since all the money raised goes directly to help our ministry.

I will write a seperate post about why the sudden push to rash funds so please check back. Until then you can always go here to learn more about the ministry.

Thanks for stopping in and please send your sewing or quilting friends by and tell them about the Ebay listings too.