Thankful Thursday

It feels like we are still adjusting to our school schedule.  Caleb didn't have. Game this week though so practices were different than a typical week.

Today I am thankful for...
~ my husband having safe travel when he had to be on the road a lot today.

~ my big boy doing well on his first progress report.  He is working hard in his classes.

~ my little guy feeling better. He had an upset tummy late Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday.  He laid on couch by me most of the day Wednesday. He felt better today.

~ being able to be home with Titus when he didn't feel good. My to do list didn't get done that day but oh well!  I'm thankful to be a stay at home Mom!

~ meal planning and how well it is working for me. It has been so helpful to do this each week. I have a paper I found on Pinterest and put into a sheet protector. I use my wipe-off markers to change it out each week. It has breakfast, lunch, and supper. I put Caleb's breakfasts and lunches on there, and it's really helped.

~ my Mom helping me get all the items ready for the upcoming kids' consignment sale.

Have a day of blessings!
   Bethany

Book: 100 days of thanks

About the book:

Focus on the things that bring you joy with 100 Days of Thanks. Short inspirational readings, space to record your thoughts, and brief Scripture references in a high-designed four-color gift book will help you find a peaceful, happier life.

The rush of a busy schedule, a barrage of disheartening news stories, and the wear and tear of everyday life can be enough to drag anyone down. Simply pausing to recognize and express thanks for the good gifts that surround you has proven to make a major difference in happiness, peace, and contentment.

100 Days of Thanks, a beautifully designed inspirational book of short readings, Scripture verses, and journaling space is the perfect tool to promote Christian mindfulness and gratitude. Whether you are looking for a thoughtful gift to encourage a loved one or a simple tool to create a habit of thankfulness, this lovely little book is a wonderful place to start.

Take a few moments out of your day to be grateful and feel your burdens get a little lighter, starting today.

My thoughts:
This book has been just wonderful to read each day.  I have really enjoyed the short devotional thoughts and questions asked to get you thinking how to apply the thought to your own life. 

This little book is beautifully done. The first thing I liked was its size.  The photos throughout really add to the beauty of the book in my opinion. It has a bookmark to keep your place as you read each day.  I found the devotionals gave me a new perspective and caused me to think about being grateful for many new things in my life. (And purple being my favorite color added to my enjoyment of the book!)

I recommend this book.  It would make a nice gift for a friend.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Have a day of blessings! 
Bethany

Thankful Thursday

Another Thursday! 

Here is my thankful list right quick!

I am thankful for...
~ my husband being home this week.

~ watching my big boy play football.  He got several tackles tonight. It is fun to hear the announcer say his name.

~ my little guy's imagination. He is so funny in the things he comes up with to entertain himself and us!

~ lunch with a friend.  It has been a while since we got together to eat and that was nice.

~ family coming to support Caleb and watch his game.  It was fun to see them, he had a big cheering section tonight!

~ fun entering things in the creative art section of the fair. I had a cake get 3rd place and one of my photos from vacation got 1st place.

Have a day of blessings!
     Bethany

Thankful Thursday

It has been a busy week and fast with the holiday we had on Monday.  This week I am thankful for...

~ my husband's safe travel on a business trip he had this week.

~ seeing my big boy's football game.  He played most of the game and it's always fun to watch them.  I had to look twice when I saw him out on the field.  I looked to make sure it was his number, he looks so big and tall out there.

~ my little guy having a fun time at my Mom's house.  He likes helping her fill the bird feeders and make "sugar water" for the hummingbirds.  They also pick the "may-tay-toes" (tomatoes) from their garden.  ( I love how he says tomatoes!)

~ the nice holiday break on Monday.  We were able to stay home which was so nice and much needed by all of us.

~ the rain we have had this week.  We've had several rainy days.  It came pouring down today, I thought we would be wet at the football game but it cleared out by game time.

~ being able to be the "JV Team Mom."  That means I make the goody bags for the boys for the away games.  I made those on Wednesday. The other Moms signed up to bring items for the bags and I made them.   I'm thankful I can do that.

Have a day of blessings!
 Bethany

Book: The Audacious Molly Bruno

About the book:
Meet Molly Bruno, the real-life prayer warrior who inspired the character Miss Clara; in the film War Room. Learn from Molly how to pray boldly, with audacity, believing that nothing is impossible for God. THE AUDACIOUS MOLLY BRUNO, written by her daughter MARIE ARMENIA, is a holy and hilarious mentoring resource for women who desperately long for wisdom from a Godly mother-someone who is a living example of practical experience and steadfast faith. It is also a wakeup call for older women of faith, encouraging them to embrace the calling of Titus 2:3-5 to mentor younger women about what's truly important in life.When I think of my mother's prayers, author Marie writes,I remember the prayer she prayed every morning without fail, 'Lord, please send someone my way today that I can tell about you.' Everyone (and I mean everyone) who met Molly Bruno fell in love with her. This includes the Kendrick Brothers, who wrote and directed the film War Room. During filming of the movie, they met Molly, calling her the modern-day Ms. Clara of War Room. She inspired them, just like she inspired everyone around her. When she prayed, she got answers. Molly lived a lifetime of believing she could boldly approach the very throne of God 'with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.' My mother didn't teach me how to pray any more than she taught me how to breathe. I saw her pray REAL prayers, using REAL words addressed to a REAL God. I learned by observing my mother's prayer life that the last thing on earth that should be edited is a prayer. Shameless audacity. Those words remind me of my mother's approach to prayer. She had no fear of God's displeasure or that He might scold her for asking for impossible things. She had no need to edit her heart to the One she loved. She knew He knew her heart. Having settled this between herself and God, she asked. And asked again. And got incredible answers time and time again.THE AUDACIOUS MOLLY BRUNO will teach you how to pray with fervent hope, deep joy and abiding faith.

My thoughts:
I finished this book a few weeks ago and needed to get my review posted. I had never heard of this book when I was asked if I wanted a copy for review.  It took me a while to read it but it was a blessing in my life.  What an amazing woman Mrs. Bruno was!  I'm glad her daughter shared her mother with us through this book. She was a godly woman of prayer.  I enjoyed the stories of her life and how God answered her prayers time and time again.  Her example is a wonderful example and reminder that we serve a powerful God who listens to our prayers. 

I was provided a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review.


Have a day of blessings!
   Bethany

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What has been the highlight of your summer so far? (It's still summer people!)
It was a very busy summer for us so there were lots of great memories. We started with a wedding on our anniversary in June (my husband's youngest brother) and ended with using our RV at the state park.  The highlight was our vacation to DC and the memories we made together. We were thankful to be able to do this as a family. We were in PA and WV part of the time too.

2. What do you wish you'd done more of this summer? Less of?
It would have been nice if we could have taken our camper out to use more.  We only did one time.  We just had a really full summer and that was the only time we could.

I thought "less" on the calendar but I'm not sure which of it I would want to take off so that isn't a good answer. 

3. Something you're looking forward to on your September calendar?
Watching my big boy play football. He is a high school freshman.

4. Best/favorite book you've read this summer?

I really enjoyed and appreciated Choosing Marriage by Debra Fileta.  I just reviewed it here.  Excellent book for couples or singles.  

5. Share something positive, encouraging, or uplifting here.

I posted here about this verse recently.

6. Insert your own random thought here.
We are getting into the new routine of high school. Caleb has football practice until 6.  He is really enjoying football and the coaches.  His classes are okay so far, he has three pre AP ones this year.  He had a 3 page paper due today for his biology class and has geometry homework most nights.  So it is long days and a busy time.  I am remembering to enjoy this time as he is growing up. 

Have a day of blessings!
   Bethany

Book: Choosing Marriage

I am so excited to share this wonderful book on the topic of marriage with you today.

About the book:

Many couples say "I do" with a combination of high hopes and fairy tale fantasies—but there's a difference between the expectations of marriage and the reality of what marriage holds. Whether you're married, single, or dating, now is the time to ask yourself: What steps can I take today to build an incredible marriage for tomorrow?

With compassion and clarity, licensed counselor and relationship expert Debra Fileta shows that when we can work through the struggles of marriage, we get to experience the joys! Learn about eight powerful choices that will encourage and equip you to take your marriage from average to exceptional and find astonishing survey results from thousands of singles and couples on topics like love and attraction, sex, conflict, and communication.

A beautiful exchange occurs when you learn what it means to choose we before me. Discover practical steps that will give you confidence and courage on the adventure of Choosing Marriage.

About the author:

Debra Fileta is a woman in love with Jesus. That love has been the driving motivator propelling her forward in her pursuits as a wife, a mother, a licensed professional counselor, speaker, and author. Debra specializes in dating, marriage, and relationship issues along with a spectrum of mental health disorders and issues. She is a regular contributor at Relevant Magazine and Crosswalk.com and has also had her work featured in numerous other Web sites and publications. She has worked with The 700 Club, Focus on the Family, and Saddleback church. The majority of her work is featured at her blog, TrueLoveDates.com, where she reaches millions of readers each year. Debra and her husband, John, have three children and live in Pennsylvania.

My thoughts:
Wow what a wonderful book!  I noticed I had read quite a few parenting books recently but not as many marriage ones.  When I received the email about the opportunity to review this book, I thought it sounded like a good one.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  I was not familiar with the author prior to reading this book, but  I enjoyed her writing style.  This book is well done with personal stories, research, and insight of the author.

I believe this book would be a helpful read for any couple, whether they are engaged or have been married for many years.  I found much practical wisdom and help for my own marriage. One chapter that was particularly helpful to me is called "Walls Will Fall....From Vulnerability to Intimacy."  In this chapter she talks about the walls we put in place to protect ourselves and how we need to identify those walls so we don't have barriers around our hearts.

This would be an excellent gift choice for a couple who will be married soon.  It is also very practical for singles. Because of how it is written, it will benefit singles as well in their relationships.

I found the audio version from our library actually and my husband is listening to it now.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings!
    Bethany