Inside-Out

A thousand times I fail . . .  Still your mercy remains. . . 

Should I stumble again . . . Still I'm calling on your grace . . .

Will above all else my purpose remain? The art of loosing myself in bringing you Praise.

I stumble.  I fall. I loose myself  in  me.  I cry out.  I wish for my purpose to bring you Praise.  But I stumble I fall. 

And when I do I sing these words . . .

My heart and my soul I give you control consume me from the inside out.
Let justice and Praise become my embrace to love you from the inside out
Everlasting your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending your glory goes beyond all things

And the cry of my heart is to bring you Praise from the inside out  oh my soul crys out. 

Beautiful words.  Beautiful video . . .



I have been singing this song alot.

I hope you enjoy.

Hello Hello Hello

I just can't help but say Hello again!
Because I am so happy to be here.  If you have been following I hope you've missed me as much as I have missed being here.  Oh does that bad?  Well I really do hope you'll start coming back around. 
Have you wondered where I've been?  Actually I have been right here.  But; I haven't had the inter-net since June.  But I have worked out the kinks and now I am back and doing a little . . .

I'll be posting much more often so I hope that you'll come by.
And I've had a few ideas and learned a few things from other bloggers lately.  So I hope you'll come by and check out the changes. 

Since I am a person that thrives on organization.  I didn't think that I am a list person but in a way I guess I am because I realize I keep myself organized through scheduling so I guess that is a little like being a list person. 

So I'll still be posting about certain topics on certain days. 

But instead of one post a day I'll still be writing a devotional or having a guest hostess share a devotional.  

I have just realized that as much as I enjoy having two blogs (actually 3 because of publish the ministry blog) I just can't keep them both us.   So I am going to combine my 'fun' blog (My Home Sanctuary) and My Journey Back. 

I think it will be amazingly fun!  I know you'll enjoy.

So come on by and say Hello

Back on The Journey . . .

47 Questions About Me

First I found this over at Carrie's blog.  And second.  I did not copy her answers.  I really think we must be sisters or cousins or somethin'!

Enjoy . . . just for fun since I cut and pasted this I left Carrie's answers.  Mine are in Bold. 

 47 questions about me and me (hehe)


1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Yes~ Carrie Nation, the temperance leader. My father named me~Carrie Nation.  No

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Today~ question # 1 made me cry.  Today

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Yes  Sort of

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Roast Beef  Ditto

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? yes Ditto

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? I sure do hope so
And again Ditto

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? yes Not usually...well actually I guess I do that's another Ditto.

8.. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS ? I only have one~not sure what happened to the other one!
Nope

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? No I would say never but I learned never to say never. Ditto and Double Ditto

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Life or Golden Grahams  Hmm toss up Frosted Flakes or Sugar Bear

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? no  here we go again. Ditto

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Yes  Have to be...that's another Ditto

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Butter~Pecan  Chocolate

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Their hands Not sure

15. RED OR PINK? pink  Red

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? I don't know.  Ditto

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My Ashley and Jessica~  Ditto well sort of I miss my Thomas and Jennifer

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Why sure!  Why sure!  O.K. well I did copy that one!

19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? lime green  Black but I wish they were lime green!

20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? chocolate Roast beef (see #4) I didn't have any chocolate in the house.

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Judging Amy Well tryin' not to.  I am at the library in a study room and the person next door is talking really loud!

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? yellow Yellow I wish but I would probably be purple or blue

23. FAVORITE SMELLS? Fresh linen, lilacs in the Spring, Apple Jack and Peel in the Fall, All Christmas smells~I make candles and love them all!  Ditto

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? my sister~ my best friend
A collegue

25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Yes Yes (but she didn't send it I found it on my visit!

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? None~sorry Ditto

27. Hair Color? brown Now or then?  I'll go then. Ditto (my sis Carrie is a few years younger than me)

28. EYE COLOR? Brown  daaadaaa Ditto!

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No  When I can afford!

30. FAVORITE FOOD? Mexican Double Ditto

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy always happy~ Double Ditto

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? A Hallmark Movie  Oh gosh I know this.  It was just out in the theater.  My daughter took me.  Hated the movie though.  Not a happy ending.  I really, really sad ending.Opp's sorry.  I think it was called
One Day.   BTW don't bother.

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Black  White

34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Both~I love all the seasons. I love a reason to celebrate! I swear I didn't copy this one!  Ditto

35. HUGS OR KISSES? Now how can a girl choose that one~Both of course  Ditto

36. FAVORITE DESSERT? Raspberry Pie~ If I had no chocolate I am sure I would say . . Raspberry Pie

37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? don't know I have to say Ditto cuz I don't get this one.

38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? don't know Double ditto

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? None~None give me an hour and that will change I am at the library!

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Nothing Nothing

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? Nothing~ Ringer

42. FAVORITE SOUND? The sounds of the country~Sorry have to copy great answer Sis

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? neither Ditto

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME??? Mexico Ditto

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? not sure? Don't think so

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Missouri  Texas

47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? Everyone  Anyone

So any other sista's out there?  So take the test and then send me the link! 

Enjoying The Journey

Thankful Thursday

Welcome to Thankful Thursday . . .
I feel so Blessed to be able to write this post today and share with you a few things
that I am Thankful for today.

 

It may sound really silly but I am thankful for paper piecing.  I have been able to do a lot of sewing lately.  I love this pattern and I would not have been able to make this quilt without the
wonderful method of paperpiecing.  I am thankful that God gave whoever figured this out the brains and the ability to share and teach this amazing method.  Thank you.  Thank you.

Next on the not so silly side.  Well sort of.  I am thankful for technology.  Anyone else wanna say
Amen!  I mean really were it not for some amazing technology a lot of us ladies wouldn't be able to get great photo's like these of our adorable grandchildren.  The photo isn't perfect because it was taken on my daughters phone.  But it captured a moment I didn't get to share.  This is my adorable grandson.  He wasn't quite 3 but boy can he stir a bowl of party mix. 

And on the very serious side.  I am really Thankful for my salvation.  I am thankful that my Father chose to give me a way to reach Him.  I am thankful too that he is sooooooooooo patient with me.  (I think I heard a little amen)

The last few months have been a huge challenge for me.  Actually the last two years have been
a huge challenge.  But when I step back and can see that God is with me.  Sometimes I don't realize that.  And sometimes I am embarrassed to say I wonder where he is.  And sometimes
I wonder about things I shouldn't.    I am Thankful that he understands. 

I read something either on a blog or on facebook yesterday about thankfulness.  It was something about if you could only have tomorrow the things that you were thankful today . . . What would you be Thankful for today?

I am making a list.  Are you?

I am linking up with Iris for Thankful Thursday.  BTW one more thing.  I am Thankful for Iris.
On My Journey with a Thankful Heart . . .

Wordfilled Wednesday 2 Timothy 3:16

Welcome to Wordfilled Wednesday and thanks for coming by. 
I found this photo awhile back when I was working on my book review blog.  The other day I was thinking it would be great to illustrate this verse because I thought . . . how cool it would be to find a statue like this over a girl reading her Bible. 
I hope your day is Blessed and enjoy WFW click here to see more posts.

The Lone Star Skate--Book Review

I don't usually review this kind of book.  And, I don't post reviews like this here but this one was interesting.  And, I am really, really waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay behind on posting reviews so I thought I would post it here and give the authors a little more traffic. 
And, well I figured some of you might be interested in Hockey so,
Here it is . . .

Yep a book about Hockey.  Forgive me but I am not really a fan of Hockey but when I was asked to review this one I thought well since I live in Texas I thought I would give it a whirl.  It was a very interesting book.

The Lonestar Skate  is filled with behind the scenes photo's and interviews with guys like Mike Madano, Norm Green, Jim Lites and others. 

The 175 pages of photo's and interviews are filled with stories and interesting facts about the players and the sport.   The hardbound book has a glossy papercover and would make an excellant coffee table book for the hockey enthusiast.  In fact I am giving my copy to a friend that has begun to play.  I know he'll love it.  If you have a hockey fan in the 'fam check it out.  

Here's a quote on the back cover  from Bob Gainey NHL Hall of Famer: I will forever be emotionally tied to Dallas and the fans of the great state of Texas.  That's why I am pleased to be a part of a publication that chronicles some of the greatest personalities in the history of hockey in the Lone Star State.  I am honored to be part of a project that pays tribute to how a great sport became part of the
landscape in a great sports state like Texas.

It is available at Amazon.  Click here for the link. 
Here's a little about the authors:

Glenn Hart owns the CHL's Laredo Bucks and was the 2006 recipient of the league's Rick Kozuback Award. In 1995, Hart purchased an IHL franchise for Houston, winning the championship in the franchise's fourth season. In 1999, Hart's hockey passion took him to Laredo, where he worked with city leaders to develop the Laredo Entertainment Center, home of the Bucks. Hart is the president and cofounder of Laredo Engery, and is a graduate of Texas A&M University.

Rusty Burson, a graduate of Sam Houston State, began his career as a newspaper reporter in Galveston. He later became and editor for numerous publications in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Burson is currently the associate editor of 12th Man Magazine and vice president of the 12th Man Foundation. Burson has written and published seven books.

For more info. check out the website.  Click here and read the forward. 

FTC disclosure:  I was offered this book for review by Amy Currie and Phenix & Phenix literary publicists. I did not receive payment of any kind and I was not asked to write a postitive review. 

Too Blessed to be Stressed . . .

Yep I could write a post with this title but someone beat me to it!  Well actually it is a book but somehow I think at least I hope that you all feel Too Blessed to be Stressed.  But just in case there are some days and I know we all have them that you are stressed here's a fun little book to get you through it . . .

Loved the cover.  If I was shopping and saw this I would pick it up and check it out.  Doesn't the cheerful cover just say fun!   As the title challenges . . . who doesn't need help with dealing with stress?

And back to that cover . . . it is just cute, cheerful and fun and I would have thought what a great gift book for a girlfriend. The 'cuteness' (no grammar checks please) of the cover continues on the inside with blue polka dots and doodles.  And, the titles, scripture and quotes are in blue lettering. This is a short book of  217 pages but it is filled with inspiration and humor that is right on. Sounds like a lot but there are 40 chapters that almost read like little short stories. Each chapter begins with a scripture are about 5 pages long including a page of questions for reflection. The book is divided into 4 sectiions: Time Management, Develop a Sense of Humor, Cultivate Relationships and Focus on Faith. 

From back cover:


Do your to do lists have footnotes? Are you imprisoned by the joy-sucking dully-funks?

Maybe it’s time for a healthy dose of truth gift-wrapped in humor. With her own offbeat brand of wit and near-wisdom, inspirational humorist Debora Coty addresses the heart-needs of desperate women drowning in the churning everyday stress-pool of busyness….
Coty addresses heart needs of women drowning in the churning stress-pool of busyness.  Heart-transforming, real-life stories and biblically based insights will encourage and delight readers, who will find just the simple, practical steps they need to arrive at healing, refreshment, revitalization of spirit, body and faith.


To celebrate the release the author is hosting the Too Blessed to Be Stressed Giveaway!


Debora has created a “Too Blessed” prize package worth over $150! One grand prize winner will receive:

* A brand new Latest Generation KINDLE with Wi-Fi and Pearl Screen

* Too Blessed to Be Stressed by Debora Coty (for KINDLE)

Hurry! The giveaway ends August 25th. Winner will be announced on the evening of the 25th during Debora’s De-Stress Facebook Party! Debora will be hosting a “life-perserver” chat (it’s okay if you haven’t read the book – who knows, you might WIN a copy!), testing trivia skills, swapping funny stories, handing out some decom-stress tips, and giving away tons of great stuff! (Chocolate, books, and more!) Hope to see you there – bring your friends!

Go by the authors site to enter the giveaway.  Click here.

Too Blessed to be Stressed is available at Amazon.  Click here

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from  Litfuse 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.

Stuck in . . .

 . . . Yes. I am stuck.  And, I am trying to get out.  Because . . .
We are in a heatwave!  Here in Texas they say it has been triple digits over 35 days.  I'm too hot to remember exactly how many days it is but it has been a looooooooooooong time!

To catch you up.  I/w (me and Cowboy and Daisy and the cat Rascal) moved to a bungalow on a lake. (well it is a block down the road) 
We opted on no cable or inter net.  We spent the first month with no t.v. at all.  We did get one of those do hikey boxes or antennae something so we can get local channels. 
But, no inter net.  The local library is only a few blocks away.  So that is where I am now.  And, I have been visiting most of my blogging friends and signing up to get email alerts.  Which I can get on my phone.  But it is too hard to type on it so.  And I haven't figured out how to comment on your posts.

I haven't been posting much here.  As my grandson would say 'Because why' ?  If the library is only minutes away. 

No a/c in the car!  And I am weenie and it is just too hot. So I am staying in and sewing and reading. 

Which by the way brings me to the book I want to tell you about!  Here's the cover photo compliments of Amazon.

I can't tell you much because I am supposed to write a review.  But I am lovin' it.  But, I had to tell you.  There is a blog tour goin' on though so check it out starting Monday. 
Here's the link to the authors blog.  Click here.

 Keep posting I'll be reading on my phone! 

Wishin' you . . .

.  .  .  a greaaaaaaaaaaat week.  (reminds me of Tony the tiger!)
Not really sure when I will get to a place that has the net (probably Thursday)
But I wanted to leave you something in case you dropped in. 
Here's a couple of photo's that make me smile.  

I want these shoes!  I know I would look adorable.  Wouldn't I!


I don't know why but I love this photo.  I have been saving it for  a Wordfilled Wednesday post.  Don't know why I love it.  But I think Gidget and Moon Doggie.  Silly I know.  But maybe it is because I live in an adorable little bungalow on the lake. 
Well even though my Moon Doggie aka Cowboy is going to be working loooooong hours this week (which is why I won't have the computer) we're going to enjoy 'life' in the bungalow. 

Have a greaaaaaaaaaaat week!  See you soon . . .

Thankful Thursday

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.

Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come before His presence with singing!


Know ye that the Lord He is God:
It is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.


Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into
His courts with praise!


Be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.


For the Lord is good;
His mercy is everlasting;
And His truth endureth to all generations."

Thankful for stillness.  Thankful for quiet.  Thankful for Mercy. 

Thank you Father God for providing a way.  Thank you for your son Jesus.

Singing a Joyful and Thankful song.   And joining Lynn for Thankful Thursday.

A silly post?

Good morning.  Today here in Texas it is hot, hot, hot.  The other day a friend (Becky click here )wrote a post and said what do you have if you drop the 't' from hot?  I didn't get ,but I bet you did!  Yes you have ho, ho, ho.  So if it is really hot, hot, hot where you are think ho, ho, ho, maybe it will cool you done.  Sorry that was really silly wasn't it!

Well I am thinking silly this morning because I am watching . . .

Yep I am watchin' Blues Clues with my 3 year old grandson.  And,  I am thankful that I am.  And, I am thankful for all the really sweet emails and comments I got the other day after I wrote this post.

And since we're watching Blues Clues I thought I would share a couple more Blue photo's with you I found.
I thought this was amazing. 

 This was a DIY project I found over here.  Amazing.  I so want to do this. 

And I found this at my friend Beth's she is an amazing DIYer and she has done an amazing job decorating.  I so want to copy her ideas since I live no where close and can't 'hang out'.   I would so love to go shoppin' with this girl!

So your thinkin' this isn't my normal post here.  But since it is a silly day I thought I would share what I normally post over  at what I call my 'fun' blog.  But it hasn't been too fun lately.  Gosh I don't remember when I got to post there? actually it was over 23 days ago because I just found out that my friend Sally has been in the hospital for that long.  She is the sweet hostess of Blue Monday.  She has been going through an awful time.  I know she would love a visit.  Her sweet granddaughters have been keeping up with her blog.  
About my fun blog . . . all of my friends over there have deserted me.  I mean really who wouldn't after so long!  So, I thought I would post here today and invite you to come and see me.  I have some amazing I think Blue posts and a few other things.  Go over and see me there sometime.  I love visitors.

Today I shared this verse on facebook . . . Trust in the Lord with all your heart.  Lean not on your own understanding but it in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. 

I'll be writing more about this verse and why I posted it so come back a little later and check it out!

Thankful Thursday

Thankful Thursday . . . it's interesting that I was planning on writing this post and then Lynn suggested that we write about Turning Points which is exactly what this post is about.  Although I didn't really know how to title it till I read Lynn's suggestion.  I planned to write today because I am so thankful for this particular turning  point.  I have to ask you dear friends to say a pray for me.  To also bear with me because this is a really, really hard post to write.  But it is an important post.  And the first in a series. 
What I have to share with you is hard to talk about.  It is hard to admit.  It is hard put into words the pain, anquish and emotional feelings that I need to express to you all.  But if this story can help even one person then it is necessary.  Here's my Thankful post . . .
Today I am Thankful that after 5 years of emotional abuse on Labor Day weekend my daughter left her husband.  The last few weeks have been a rollar coaster for all of us.  Before I go much further in this part of the story I wanted to share a photo . . .

This is Cowboy and our 3 year old grandson putting new tags on our daughters new "to her car". 
Because of the seperation she had to get a different  'unrecognizeable' car. 

I am Thankful that God provided this car.  I am Thankful that God kept her safe for the last 5 years.  I am Thankful that even though it wasn't my timing that God provided her the strength she needed and the rescources she needed to leave.  I am Thankful that miraculously the friends she is staying with happened to have a bedroom available (just two weeks before another young woman was able to move out after 2 years)  I am Thankful for an over 18 year friendship with our friends that have provided shelter for our daughter and grandson.  I am Thankful my relationship with my daughter is beginning to get back to where it was 6 years ago.  (emotionally abuse women are brainwashed)
And, I am Thankful that my daughter wrote these words on her facebook "God is faithful . . . if you don't believe that just ask me I'll tell you how I know."

Today I am praying for you.  I am praying that if you have a loved one or a friend or an acquitance.  Or, if you know someone that is in an abusive relationship that you will pray for that person.  And, pray for yourself.  Pray that God will give you the strength to trust him.  He is faithful.  Pray that God will give you patience and strength.  And most of all that God will give you the right words to speak at the right time.  God is faithful.  And, God is the only way the only 'real' resource.
And, please , please understand and realize that hitting is not the only form of abuse.  Emotional abuse is just as deadly as physical abuse. 

And, I am Thankful that you came by today.  Because I know that God sent you here for a reason.  If you need someone to talk to.   After you've prayed about it please feel free to email me.  I will pray with you.  I will talk to you.  I will listen.  Because sometimes the only thing you can do is just tell someone about your hurts will you are doing this . . .

This post is the first in a series.  I pray that by sharing 'our' story someone else can be saved.

 

Wordfilled Wednesday

Welcome to Wordfilled Wednesday . . . I have been looking at this photo for awhile today it spoke this verse. Amazingly at least for me this is one of those verses I had to go and 'look up' to get the reference right. I really seem to have a hard time remembering!
When I looked it up I stumbled onto this video. Which btw we will use Sunday for our chapel service. I thought you might enjoy it too.
Hope your day is Blessed and you get a chance to Be Still

Then My Soul Sings

“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’    “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’  “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

This one caused me to ponder  . . . prayful that I don't ignore or miss an opportunity.  (for more great songs visit Amy.)

Here's the complete passage . . .  “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.  34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ 45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’  46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

Still Thankful on Friday

Even though I didn't get to post this yesterday I am still Thankful and I wanted to share!

She smiles! And today she wrote on Facebook and I quote "God is Faithful..if you don't believe me just ask me I'll tell you how I know!" 
My darling daughter (the sunshine of my life) has been going through a tough time.  On May 25th she left her husband.  It has been a long few weeks. (4 years)

I am thankful God rescued her.  I am thankful that God kept her safe.  I am thankful that God kept my grandson safe. 

I wanted to share this photo as a follow up to post from last Saturday.  This photo is of our boys in chapel last Sunday watching the "Everything" drama video.  You can go here and read my post about the video. 

I am Thankful 33 of 43 boys were in chapel on Sunday.  I am thankful that I get to see their enthusiasm and excitement to Worship and Praise and Seek.  

I am Thankful for the ministry God allows us to be a part of. 

Even though it is Friday it seems fitting to share this list because these are things that I am Thankful for everyday.  

Stories From Grandma...A Book Review

More Stories From Grandma's Attic is Book Two in the series by Arleta Richardson is a sweet and wholesome little book.  I really enjoyed the stories about a much simpler time.  

This was an easy book to read and would be great for a younger reader.  Or for a family read along.   Here's the description from the back cover . . . Every story brings laughter or tears.  And each story proves that Grandma lived in a simpler time, some things about growing up never change.  Every one has a special message  about growing up and living in a way that honors God, and something surprising waits just around the corner anytime you step into Grandmother's attic. 

And from the publishers website: If you are young enough to love a story—and just about everyone is—here are more stories from Grandma's attic. Magical pieces of a day gone by . . . told by that natural storyteller of all loving families—Grandma, the one who never forgets the fun and laughter of a simpler, perhaps richer time.

Stories of an old rag doll that seems to come alive . . . of a newborn goat dancing stiff-legged in the old farm kitchen . . . and of a faith that gives life meaning.
Here are those marvelous tales—faithfully recalled for the delight of young and old alike, a touchstone to another day when life was simpler, perhaps richer; when the treasures of family life and love were passed from generation to generation by a child's questions . . . and the legends that followed enlarged our faith.

Interested check out the first chapter over at this blog review.  (click here)

I really enjoyed the wholesome stories and I look forward to be able to read them to my grandchildren.  I will recommend them to my dil for a homeschool resource or for a great 'read along' book for family time. 

The paperback book has 16 stories (chapters).  Each story is 8 to 10 pages.

Here's the book info. and links to purchase:
List Price: $6.99


Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: David C. Cook; 3 edition (April 1, 2011)

ISBN-10: 9780781403801

ISBN-13: 978-0781403801

ASIN: 0781403804



You can purchase at Amazon or David C. Cook

Thanks to Karen at B and B Media for providing a copy for review.

How to's . . .

I love it when someone teaches me or shares something new with me.  I especially love Titus 2sdays and all the great posts. 



 Some from new wives and mom's.  Some from more 'mature' wives and mom's (like myself).  By mature I mean age.  Not; to say that I happen to have much more wisdom, or knowledge at all!  But  I am a grandma that loves to share what I've learned and so here's a little . . .
How to . . . 
. . . So it cracked me up last night. I wish I had my camera when I walked in and found my daughter taking a mesh laundry bag out of the washer (actually 2)which was filled with . . .

Can you guess?  O.K. probably not I mean it could be basically anything right?  So here's a hint. 

I told you it cracked me up.  She was actually washing lego's in the washer.  It worked perfectly.  So this morning I wanted to post and didn't have a photo so I googled and found this.  It was too cute so had to share it with you.

And I found this How to . . .




And then I found this; just in case you want to make a Lego washing machine with all your clean Lego's.

http://youtu.be/AFaTs2nDF5w  (sorry it wouldn't load to the blog but the link works)

And as I continued to look for photo's I actually found a blog about Lego's and they had some instructions.  I think the washing machine idea is the greatest but you might want to check out the site they have all kinds of stuff about Lego's.  Click here.

So, now you know how to wash Lego's. 

Now that our Lego's are all washed I am going over to Time Warped Woman follow me over there for more Titues Tuesday posts.

"Everything" part 2

Yesterday I linked up for the regular Saturday Then Sings My Soul.  I posted a video that I happened to stumble onto yesterday morning but I didn't have time to write a post and explain why I chose it.   

I ended the post briefly with this question  "Who is your everything?


 Here is the video again along with my thoughts followed by the lyrics. 



The video took my breath away.  If  your a regular reader of my blog you know that I love horses.  So seeing this I could appreciate the beauty.  But as I thought about it and thought about the words of the song I began to wonder why someone would put this song with this video. 

I stopped and thought about My Everything and the words of ths song.  Your all I want. Your all I need.  Your are the light thats leading me to the place where I find peace. You are the strength that keeps me walking. You are the hope that keeps me trusting.  And as I thought of the question I know that I want my strength and my hope and my peace to come for Jesus.  I want my heavenly Father through his son to give me strength.  And I want to put my trust in Him.

But I began to wonder about someone, anyone that might not have that Peace.  That might be putting thier hope and trust into a relationship like the one shown in the above video. 

You see I can understand it because that is what it is like.   I have had that kind of relationship with a horse.  And I can tell you that without meaning to that yes, that relationship took precident over my relationship with God.   

One of God's commandents is ...Thou shall have no other God's before me. 

And, I know how easy it is to let something, or someone come before God. 
Is there something or someone today that if you were to think about it might be Your Everything?  Or can you say He is my Everything. 

Below are the lyrics and the original video.   

Find Me Here
Speak To Me
I want to feel you
I need to hear you
You are the light
That's leading me
To the place where I find peace again.
You are the strength, that keeps me walking.
You are the hope, that keeps me trusting.
You are the light to my soul.
You are my purpose...you're everything.
How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
You calm the storms, and you give me rest.
You hold me in your hands, you won't let me fall.
You steal my heart, and you take my breath away.
Would you take me in? Take me deeper now?
How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
And how can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
Cause you're all I want, You're all I need
You're everything,everything
You're all I want your all I need
You're everything, everything.
You're all I want you're all I need.
You're everything, everything
You're all I want you're all I need, you're everything, everything.
And How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?

Here's the video. 



Each time we show this video in chapel we have boys that finally realize that there are many things that are seperating them from the relationship with God that they crave.  And each time they leave the service with these answers . . . Your all I want. Your all I need. Your are the light thats leading me to the place where I find peace. You are the strength that keeps me walking. You are the hope that keeps me trusting. I know that I want my strength and my hope and my peace to come for Jesus. I want my heavenly Father through his son to give me strength. And I want to put my trust in Him.

Happy July 4th

 A few July 4th moments (dreams)  . . . (sources Google images)  
I have always wanted to leave in a small to town. You know one like from the t.v. show Gilmore girls or the quaint little town in Runaway Bride (loved that movie.  Didn't you?) A great little sleepy quiet town is perfect for a July 4th parades. My favorite part is the horses. So I googled and found a few images.

Adorable.  I can just see my daughter and grandson and a pony all decked out in Red, white and blue!

 My grandson.  Looks like the 4th doesn't?  Actually this one is a couple of years old.  But when I dream of small town living part of that dream is all of us living close again and I see him on the street watchin the parade. 

This one cracked me up.  Someone did a lot of work.  Very patriotic!

I hope if you live in a small town and you get to see a parade you have a great time!  Stay Cool!

Happy July 4th

Then Sings My Soul

Welcome to Then Sings My Soul Saturday.  This one opens the door I think for some discussion. 
Everything by Lifehouse an amazing video . . .



Sometimes we need to stop and think about 'What is our Everything"