Proverbs & Prayers: Week #22

Here is the memory verse for the coming week:

Proverbs 12:22

"The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful."


Do you have any prayer requests to share this week? I'll be praying for...


~ Anderson. He was hospitalized this past week. They were thankful it was just a stomach bug and not a cancer related problem. His surgery is coming up on June 16.


~ family involved in car wreck. One of my online friends shared with me about this family--The family was involved in a car wreck on their way home after a baseball game. The mother, father and their infant are okay, but their 5 year old daughter died and their 7 year old son is in ICU.


~ Debra's family in their recent time of loss.

~ Michele and her husband as they continue their cross-country trip.

~ our family as we begin our trip with the church group to New Mexico.

Have a blessed week!

Thinking about the tongue...part 4

I hope you have enjoyed the posts this week about the tongue. It has made me more aware of the words I speak and what comes out of my mouth.

The memory verse for the past week has been related to the tongue also.


Proverbs 12:18--"Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."


I pray that my words will not be reckless but that I will be wise in my speech so that I can bring healing instead of hurt.


Have a great weekend!

Thinking about the tongue...part 3

Monday I talked about the way our tongues can hurt others, and Wednesday I talked about the blessings we can give with our tongues. Today I'd like you to consider the words you are saying to others, specifically about your husband and children.


How do you speak about your husband to others? When you are talking to a friend, are the words about your husband positive or negative? Do your children hear you talking down about their Dad? Do you lash out at your husband as soon as he comes home from work because he forgot to bring home a loaf of bread or is five minutes later than normal?


I've noticed how women often talk negatively about their husbands...how they don't do anything right, they don't know how to take care of the kids, they're forgetful, they were late, etc....I have come to really notice and pay attention when a woman lifts up her husband positively too because it is much less common. (And I've heard husbands talking about their wives too in the same way.)


What about your children? Do you gripe about them all the time? Do you get annoyed that they ask a million questions? Do you speak harshly to them? What does your tone convey? Do they know how to show respect to others because they've seen you model it?


I notice when Mom's talk about their kids with negative words instead of positive. I know that things aren't always nice, perfect, and pleasant in households--that's life. But it hurts me to constantly hear parents berate their children and never say anything positive about them....they're in a bad mood, they didn't get a nap, they talk to much, they won't leave me alone, they're too slow, I'll be glad when the weekend is over so they will go back to school, this is a terrible age, etc. It feels to me too often parents get upset about their children being children rather than giving them the love and respect they need and crave.


Many of the blogs I read are those of mothers with children. It always blesses me to read mothers who are clearly in love with their husbands and who are proud of their children's activities and accomplishments. You can tell these women have pure love and joy for their families and that is uplifting to me. Thank you, you're doing a great job and encouraging me!


Are you blessing your husband and children with your tongue? Do they know your love and your thankfulness for them? Do you need to work on this area of guarding your tongue? Give yourself a challenge: Try to go a day without saying anything negative to your husband. Can you go a week without saying anything negative to others about your husband? You could try the same challenges with your words about your children. The words from our tongues need to lift up and encourage our husband and children. I hope you will make it a goal to speak positively. You might be surprised at the results and how others will notice your positive attitude.


To conclude today, many of you are on Facebook and may have noticed on Thursdays I use my status for friends to leave a comment of something they are thankful for. I am going to start adding a day every now and then for you to speak positively about your husbands and another day for children. It is good to think about our husbands and children in a positive light, and we can let others know the ways they bless our lives instead of everything they do wrong. I hope you'll join me if you're one of my Facebook buddies.
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"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." Romans 12:10

Thankful Thursday: Voice of God/Obedience

Today Lynn at Spiritually Unequal Marriage has chosen "voice of God/obedience" for our theme for Thankful Thursday. Join us!

As I think back to stories from the Bible, there were many ways God spoke to His people...angels, prophets, a burning bush, and dreams. And why did God speak to the people? He was giving them a warning, making them aware of a situation, or trying to get their attention about something. Are you listening for God to speak to your heart today? I have felt prompted to do things by Him in my own life and feel He is making me aware of situations and things I need to work on in my own life through things I read or hear. I pray I will be obedient to what He wants me to do.

I'm thankful for...
~ my wonderful husband of nearly 8 years. More on that next week on Tuesday!

~ the fun times we've had watching our son play t-ball this spring.

~ feeling cool breezes in the midst of the Texas heat.

~ our recent trip to Lifeway on Monday. I had a gift card plus a 25% off coupon. I found a new little Bible. I'd been thinking I'd like to get a small one to carry with me and found a cute red one with a flower magnet closure on the front that is New Century Version (I don't know anything about this version but found some of my favorite passages and read them before I bought it) marked down to $6.24. I got it for $4.68. I know these exact prices because there were some problems with how I was charged for two boxes of their cards that were buy one get one free so I spent time at the register figuring this out. Also, they had a table of Christmas cards for "less than $1.00" so we got two more boxes of really nice Christmas cards for $.74. Anyway, it was a fun shopping trip and I liked having the gift card and saving money.

~ delicious food to eat.

Have a blessed day! Thank you for visiting.
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"The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior!" Psalm 18:46

Thinking about the tongue...part 2

Monday I shared about the hurtful ways the tongue can be used. If you'd like to read that, please click here. Today I'd like to flip the coin and see the opposite way we can use our tongue.

Kind words also produce their image on men's souls; and a beautiful image it is.~~ Blaise Pascal

Many times lessons I've heard over the James 3 passage cover the negative aspect of our tongue because that is really what the passage teaches. While thinking about the tongue, let's not forget the blessings our tongue can give too.

Have you ever been having a really bad day and someone unexpectedly said something to you that blessed you and helped improved your mood...and the rest of the day? Do you make it a point in your day to speak words of blessing to others? It isn't hard to do. Ask someone a question about their day. Say "thank you" when someone holds a door open for you instead of just going inside. Tell someone "have a good day" as you hang up the phone or leave their check-out line. Give a friend a compliment on the way she handled a situation, or even let her know you notice her new cute shoes.

While our tongues often do unrepairable damage if we aren't careful, they can also give blessings to brighten days and offer hope to those who are sad and hurting. You will probably never know the impact your words left but that person might never forget.

Do you have other ideas you'd like to share about ways to use your tongue to bless others? You'll be blessed by the smiles and kind words you get in response.

As long as it is called Today: Christian homekeepers (May)

Welcome to "As long as it is called Today." Our focus on the fourth week of the month is to encourage one another as Christian home keepers. I hope you will join me each week on Tuesdays as we encourage each other in our daily lives as Christians, spouses, parents, and home keepers.

Be sure to read the answers to last week's question or leave an answer.

Today's question: Share your favorite meal you prepare for your family that is fast and easy.

My answer: I like to make individual pizzas when I need something quick for supper. I buy little buns at the bakery from the grocery store. I cut them in half, spread sauce on them and then add cheese and whatever other toppings we have.

Leave your answer in the comment and come back next week to read the answers left by others to get some ideas to add to your family's menu this summer.

Thinking about the Tongue...part 1

Recently I heard a radio broadcast on the famous passage from James 3 about our tongues. Well, this past week I read two writings in the devotional book I'm reading about this same passage. When I run into the same passage multiple times in a short period of time, I try to pay attention.
First, I want to share the passage for you to read and think about.

James 3:1-12
Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.
When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

It is amazing to me, really mind-boggling, to think about the power of the tongue. I've heard many lessons over this passage through the years. One misspoken word can crush a friendship or destroy some one's trust for years. I'm sure we all have examples of how a spoken word has hurt us and left a scar across our heart. It's not easy to forget those hurtful words.

We know words can hurt, but how careful are we to really guard the words that come out of our mouths? Think for a minute about the words you say to the people you are with everyday. If you are at home like me, you may not have very many people that your words reach. Remember that those little ears are listening to every word you say. Are the words you say worth their repeating? How do you handle the salesperson who interrupts your lunch? Are your answers to your children's repeated questions said in kindness? What kind of impression do your words leave on the person standing behind you in line at the grocery store? Do you use kinder words with the clerk at the gas station than you use with your spouse?

Cold words freeze people, hot words scorch them, and bitter words make them bitter.~~ Blaise Pascal

I am going to be focusing on the tongue in my posts this week. I think we (myself included) need reminders from time to time about guarding our tongues.

2009 Book List #24: Spilt Milk

Zondervan has a new release from author Linda Vujnov called Spilt Milk. This is a collection of 60 short inspirational thoughts for Mom’s written by a Mom. She uses her experiences with her children and family to write stories with biblical applications for every day living. Mom’s will enjoy this book and appreciate the author’s honesty in dealing with the ups and downs of raising children.

I enjoyed reading this book. It made me laugh several times as I read. I liked how the author finished each writing with a Bible verse of encouragement. This is a good book to have to pick up to read as you have a few extra minutes in your day to be encouraged. It made me feel like I was reading entries from a blog because the stories were short and to the point with a practical application for busy Moms.

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"The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statues of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple." Psalm 19:7

Proverbs & Prayers: Week #21

This week's verse is Proverbs 12:18:

"Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."

Wow, what a verse. I will be sharing more thoughts on the tongue this week.


Do you have any prayer requests for this week? I'll be praying for:

~ Anderson.


~ Michele and her husband as they travel.


~ graduating seniors.

~ Clenton, a man from our church having brain surgery this week.

Have a blessed week!

Question from Caleb

One day Caleb asked Gramma, "why don't babies have teeth?" She gave him an easy-to- understand explanation that they don't need teeth when they're born because they don't eat food. This got me thinking well if they DID have teeth COULD they eat food, which I said aloud. Mom said with teeth they might hurt themselves as newborns and bite their mouth or tongue. Good point.

God's plan is so good like that. He had a reason to not give baby teeth. He knew babies wouldn't need to chew up food. They get the nutrients they need from milk as they begin life outside the womb.

The same is true for each of us. He knows what He is doing and has the timing for our lives figured out. We may want more of something right now, but He knows what is best for each season and moment of life. He knows what we can handle and what might hurt us. He knows when we're ready to move from one stage to the next. He has the best in store for us. We just need to be patient and accept the growing process as all part of his plan.

Join us for Spiritual Sundays or visit others who've participated.

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"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Thankful Thursday: Nature

*** Are you having trouble with my page loading? It is giving me an error message when I try to click to view the blog. Then I refresh and it comes up. Let me know if you are having troubles. I don't know what I'll do, but I am wondering if it is a blogger issue or just my computer.

(taken by my Mom of her flower bed)

Lynn at Spiritually Unequal Marriage has chosen the wonderful topic of nature for today's Thankful Thursday.

One of my favorite songs that came to mind regarding nature is "Hallalujahs" by Kathy Troccoli from her Sounds of Heaven cd. Here are the lyrics. You can go here to Rhapsody (and I hope you will) to listen to this beautiful song or here through CMT. Or here is a karaoke version by Chris Rice.

This week as I was reading through parts of a Bible I'm reviewing for Thomas Nelson, I came across a writing about astronaut John Glenn when he was a member of the Space Shuttle Discovery Crew in 1998. I'd like to share that today. He said, "To look out at this kind of creation out here and not believe in God is to me impossible, ... It just strengthens my faith. I wish there were words to describe what it's like."

I am so thankful for the beautiful creation we are surrounded with on a daily basis. I think too many times we forget to stop and notice and appreciate little things in life like tiny flowers, green grass, chirping birds, amazing sunsets, and budding trees. Spring in Texas is the perfect time to pay attention to the beauty that surrounds us.

~ I'm thankful for my husband teaching me to notice specifics about creation. I remember one time we saw a beautiful sunset, and he asked me what colors I saw. I named a couple, and he kept asking me...what else? I never before had really noticed every little color that's part of a sunset, but every time I see a sunset now I think about this and take time to notice all the colors.

~ I'm thankful for my son finding the tiny things of creation to show me. He always points out little ants, butterflies, and lady bugs that I otherwise would have missed.

~ I'm thankful for eyes to see the creation and my ears to hear the things God created (like birds!).

~I'm thankful for all the verses in the Bible that speak of our Creator. (When I'm reading and come across one of these I mark it in the margin.)

I look forward to reading your thoughts of thanksgiving about nature! Have a blessed day!~~~~~~~

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." Psalm 19:1

Review: The American Patriot's Bible, NKJV

Thomas Nelson Publishers has published The American Patriot’s Bible, NKJV. This Bible is filled with examples of the role of Christianity in our Nation’s history. In a time when Christianity is being attacked by many, this is a timely publication. The stories show the role of religion in the lives of our forefathers through stories, quotes, and beautiful illustrations. Throughout the Bible are full-color two to three page inserts about a variety of subjects including the Civil War, Faith of the Founders, Bible and American Education, and Monuments to American Patriotism.

I read through the book of John as well as other various chapters and verses in this Bible. It was interesting to find the stories interspersed from various famous Americans through the pages of the Bible. I would not use this as a study Bible. It would be nice to have as a reference for some of our nation’s history. This is a very thick hardcover edition of the Bible with words that are printed in an easy-to-read font. Also included is a concordance, subject index, and a few maps. This would not be a Bible I’d purchase for myself because I have never been much of a “history buff.” However, it would make a nice gift for someone who enjoys American history.

What were you made to do?

Over Mother's Day weekend we visited my Mom. Friday night we arrived to town later than normal because Caleb had a ball game before we left town. We got ready for bed after playing with Mom's new Wii. (Such fun!) It was a cool night, and we'd left the window open before going to bed. I looked forward to sleeping in a little bit on Saturday morning. It was such a nice thing to sleep and not wake up till something like 5:30 the first time. (I don't always sleep all night through at home because I'll hear Caleb or he'll come try to get by me in bed so I'll take him back to his bed.)

It was nice to fall back to sleep at 5:30. Later I looked around and realized it was morning. Besides the sun shining in the window (which I really noticed because at home I have a room darkening shade!), I could hear some birds chirping away. I thought to myself why did we leave that window open? Those birds seem so loud. Maybe they wouldn't be so loud and keep me from sleeping a little bit later if we'd closed the window. Then I thought to myself, but isn't that what they are supposed to do? Didn't God make them to sing their little songs, morning after morning, with the rising of the sun ? Those little birds were just doing what they were made to do, and I changed my attitude as I stayed curled in bed listening to them chirp.

What about you? What were you made to do? Are you doing that? Do you keep doing that thing you were made to do no matter what, or do you let yourself get sidetracked? Do you let fear of what others think or worry about not being good enough stop you from doing what you were made to do? Do you think it pleases the Father when you make excuses for not doing what you were made to do?

I'm glad God gives us little reminders like happily chirping birds to remind us we are made to serve and worship Him.
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"Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his footstool; he is holy." Psalm 99:5

As long as it is called Today: Christian parents (May)

Welcome to "As long as it is called Today." Our focus on the third week of the month is to encourage one another as Christian parents. I hope you will join me each week on Tuesdays as we encourage each other in our daily lives as Christians, spouses, parents, and home keepers.

Be sure to read the answers to last week's question or leave an answer.

Today's question: What fun activities do you do with children on rainy days?

My answer: We had a lovely rain Saturday. It made me smile to hear the boys in the garage laughing and laughing. When I went to check they were tossing a white ball back and forth across the garage. Daddy was catching it in one of Caleb's plastic hats and Caleb was using a sand pail.

Please leave your ideas in the comments and come back next week to read the ideas of others.

2009 Book #23: Catching Fireflies

We are told to let our light shine, and if it does, we won't need to tell anybody it does. Lighthouses don't fire cannons to call attention to their shining-- they just shine.

Dwight L. Moody

Catching Fireflies by Patsy Clairmont is an excellent book that I thoroughly enjoyed. I first heard of the book back in March when we attended the Women of Faith conference. It was a joy to hear Patsy speak, and I knew I'd enjoy her book if it was anything like the bright, spunky gal who shared at the conference.

This is one of those books that is so enjoyable to read that you want to keep reading to find out what stories and little flickers of encouragement the author will share next. Each chapter focuses on a different type of light source, such as lamplights, candlelights, flashlights, Christmas lights, starlight, lighthouses and of course fireflies to name a few. The chapters begin with a story of some sort about that particular type of light, has a few thought-provoking questions, and then concludes with "Bright Ideas" which relates that light to a Bible story.

I can say this book taught me a lot. First of all, it reminded me of all the references to light in the Bible. My theme verse for my life is Matthew 5:16. This book showed me that everyone can be a light. Even a simple act done for another can offer a flicker of hope to keep someone from giving up. Some people in our lives are strong towering lighthouses while others just consistently give us rays of sunshine amidst the regularity of daily life. Both types of people are necessary. The important thing is to SHINE.

Thank you to Patsy Clairmont for this excellent book and enjoyable read. As Patsy says, "Shine, girlfriend, shine!"
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"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16

(I have another book review today also, see below!)

2009 Book #22: Turning the Paige

I finished reading Turning the Paige by Laura Jensen Walker, which is a "Getaway Girls Novel" and a new release from Zondervan. This is a new author for me, and I did enjoy reading it once I got familiar with the characters.

The Getaway Girls is a book club of women. The group reads books and then participates in various adventures from the stories, like hot air ballooning and a trip to Paris.

Paige Kelley is one of the "Getaway Girls." At 35 years old, divorced and childless, she isn't really sure what she wants to do with the rest of her life although she thinks working in a call center isn't it. She is responsible for caring for her ailing mother as well since her two siblings have escaped the responsibility by moving away.. Paige feels the weight of this responsibility growing heavy on her shoulders as she must take her mother to doctor appointments, fix her meals, and do household chores for her. Her girlfriends encourage her to set some boundaries with her Mom and not feel guilty about having a little bit of freedom for herself.

I enjoyed getting to know Paige as she struggles with her past, her divorce, her desire for children, and her difficult relationship with her Mom. She wants to be there for her Mom, but at the same time desires to have her own life too. The characters are believable and likable. It seems like the Getaway Girls would be a good group of friends to have. I look forward to reading more from Laura Jensen Walker.
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"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

Proverbs & Prayers: Week #20

This week's memory verse is Proverbs 12:15, 16:

"The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice. A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult."



I have several prayer requests to share with you this week. If you have any to add, please let me know.


~ Debra and her family.


~ a little boy named Anderson. He had an MRI this week that showed growth of one of the three tumors in his brain. He is scheduled for surgery June 16. Pray for the tumors to be gone!


~ Christy has brought this story to my attention regarding the American soldiers who were killed by a fellow soldier. Let's pray for those involved. Thank you Christy for sharing. Go read what Christy wrote from her own perspective being very close to this situation.


~ Also, I'm thankful for my hubby's safe return from Arizona.


Have a blessed day!

You're Gonna Miss This....Moment #5

Today I'm linking with Pam for You're Gonna Miss This...moment.

While my husband was on his business trip to Phoenix this week, Caleb and I went back to Gramma's house. Over the past four years we've done this often when Daddy's been away traveling for multiple days. Caleb likes to visit at the school where my Mom works as a secretary or go eat breakfast with her in the cafeteria. It's always a little mini-vacation for me because Mom cooks or we go out and I don't have regular chores to do while I'm here (I finished two books though since no chores!).

I had the realization this will be the last time we're able to do this. School is nearly out and Caleb will be in school next year. Whenever Daddy has trips next year we'll be at home so Caleb can go to school.

It's been fun to come to Mom's. I think about how much Caleb has changed through the years. When he was little, just crawling around, he'd sit at her bedroom door and cry when she'd go take her shower at night. He couldn't wait for her to come back. When she'd leave for work in the mornings he'd cry and sit by the window to see if she was pulling into the driveway. Through the years this has changed. He still misses her and says he wants her, but he doesn't sit and cry during her showers anymore or when she leaves for work.

We're gonna miss this...

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"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven..." Ecclesiastes 3:1

Hearts at Home University

Motherhood is a valid profession.

It is that belief that inspired Jill Savage and a group of women to plan the first Hearts at Home conference 16 years ago. Today these conferences are a place where moms can go to find the encouragement and education they need to do this mothering thing right!

The problem is, not everyone can attend a Hearts at Home conference, so Hearts at Home University was created!

Hearts at Home University is a new resource designed to encourage and equip you in your journey as a parent! These live web casts, affordably priced at $15 each, allow you to tap into continuing education as a mom on a regular basis right from the comfort of your own computer.

The topics that will be covered over the Spring and Summer Semester include:

“Is There Really Sex after Kids” with Jill Savage

“She’s Gonna Blow” with Julie Barnhill

“Redefining Romance” with Mark and Jill Savage

“Keeping Your Ducks in a Relative Row” with Karen Ehman

For information on dates and times, or to register go here.

I began reading Jill Savage's books after hearing her on a broadcast of Focus on the Family. I am sure you will be blessed if you participate in one of these web casts.

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"The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed in majesty and is armed with strength." Psalm 93:1

Thankful Thursday: Wisdom

Join us today with Lynn the birthday girl at Spiritually Unequal Marriage for Thankful Thursday.

Today's theme is wisdom. I'm thankful that God gives us wisdom when we ask. I've always found it interesting that Solomon could have asked for anything yet he asked for wisdom. This tells me how important it is. In my memory verses this year in Proverbs there have been so many verses that talk about wisdom and being wise. So if wisdom is such an important thing, I ask myself what am I doing to seek after wisdom? Would I ask for wisdom if I had the choice to ask for anything or would I ask for something else of less importance?

This week I am thankful for:
~ my sweet husband. He had a safe trip to Phoenix Wednesday for which I'm thankful. He's gone for business. He got up at 2:30 Texas time Wednesday morning to catch his flight. He called me to say he was at his hotel at 12:30 Texas time which was 10:30 Arizona time. He is one tired husband!! (It is nice for my blogging friends from the area have offered to help if he needs anything. Thank you!)

~ my sweet son. It is so fun to watch him grow and change. He is such a blessing!

~ a lovely weekend with family and visiting my Mom.

~ air conditioner! We have started needing to turn it on in the late afternoons. I'm so glad we have it!

~ my Dad being able to come to visit and go to Caleb's tball game Monday night.

So what are you thankful for today? Hope your day is blessed! Thanks for visiting!

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"The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation." Psalm 118:14

2009 Books #20 and #21

I have two more books I've finished recently.


The first I picked up at a library book sale. I've been reading it off and on for a while. It's a short little hundred page study guide called Rx for Worry: A Thankful Heart by James P. Gills, M.D. Reading this book made me think about what causes me to worry. God doesn't want us to worry. He wants us to replace the worry in our hearts with thankfulness.


The next book is called Taking Care of the Me in Mommy by Lisa Whelchel. I saw this on the sale table when we went to Women of Faith so I looked it up at the library when we got home and checked it out. It has been very beneficial and I would recommend it to all of my mommy blogging friends.

As Moms too often we don't take care of ourselves. In this book Lisa Whelchel gives ideas for caring for your mind, body, and spirit. The book is divided into three parts based on these 3 topics. Within these parts are chapters regarding various ideas such as exercise, beauty, friends, marriage, mind, fun, housekeeping, finances, praise, and keeping the Sabbath. After each chapter is a "rest stop" in which Whelchel gives tons of ides to take care of that aspect of your life. For example, in the "rest stop" on prayer she gives the idea to pray for specific family members as you clean different rooms. In the "rest stop" on cooking she gives some of her favorite cookbooks as well as some ideas for making freezer meals with other Moms to share. There are so many practical ideas in this book, I just loved reading it.

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"The steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children." Psalm 103:17, NRSV

As long as it is called Today: Christian wives/husbands (May)

Welcome to "As long as it is called Today." Our focus on the second week of the month is to encourage one another as Christian wives/husbands. I hope you will join me each week on Tuesdays as we encourage each other in our daily lives as Christians, spouses, parents, and home keepers.

Visit here to read answers to last week's question or leave an answer.


Today's question: Share an idea for a cheap date night activity.


My answer: I love walking with my husband. It takes me back to our time at our college during our dating days. It is special to walk and talk, holding hands and sharing our hearts.


Leave your answer in the comment section and check out others' answers next week. God bless you! Thanks for your encouragement.

Voting today

Just wanted to remind you today is the day to vote over at the contest put on by Amanda at I am Mommy. Please consider voting today for your favorite blogs in each of the various categories.

It is an honor to me to be nominated and I think it was a fun idea for Amanda to get all of this together.

Click here to vote.
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"In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely.7 And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.8 Teach the truth so that your teaching can't be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us." Titus 2:6-8

Proverbs & Prayers: Week #19

Happy Mother's Day! We've had a nice weekend celebrating my Meemaw's 78th birthday with some family as well as Mother's Day.

This week's verse is Proverbs 11:30:

"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise."
Do you have any prayer requests this week?

I'll be praying for ...

~ Marsha/Michele's family during their time of loss.

~ my husband on his business trip to Phoenix.

~ teachers at the end of the school year. This is a busy time for everyone at a school so pray for things to go smoothly at the close of the year.

Have a blessed week!

2009 Books #18 and #19

I have two books I've finished this week and thought I'd post the reviews together since they really go together anyway. A long while back I won the first book Love As a Way of Life by Gary Chapman from Mocha with Linda. Then more recently the devotional for the book was one of the books in another giveaway I won at the same site! Thank you, Linda!

Gary Chapman is the author of the popular The Five Love Languages. Love As a Way of Life is another excellent book that I enjoyed reading. He writes about seven keys that are the secrets to love. These seven include kindness, patience, forgiveness, courtesy, humility, generosity, and honesty. A chapter is given to each of these keys as well as applying these keys to your marriage, parenting, and workplace.

This book holds a wealth of practicality. Love is an area in which everyone has room for improvement. The author weaves wonderful examples into the chapters to apply the keys to real life. Some of the things seemed so obvious when I read them because I could really relate to the author's words. It made me think about how I treat the people in my life. Do I show love through my lifestyle to my family members as well as strangers? What areas do I need to improve?

One thing the author talked about in the chapter on courtesy was the value of every life. He writes, "But everyone we meet has an unquantifiable value that we will see if we only take the time to watch and listen." This is a great thing to remember as we go about our daily lives. If you remembered this and lived by this, how would your life be different?


The second book is the devotional book for Love As a Way of Life. It is a book of 90 devotionals, each a page and a half in length including a verse and prayer or action step. The chapters of the book follow the seven keys to love.

I enjoyed reading this book as a companion to Love As a Way of Life. It would be great to read regularly to keep the keys of love alive and fresh in your brain. Each day is a new story or application of someone making love a way of life.

I would recommend both of these books to you. They'd make a nice gift as well.

Thanks for visiting. Have a good weekend!
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"Be made new in the attitude of your minds." Ephesians 4:23

Thankful Thursday: A Mom

Thanks to Lynn at Spiritually Unequal Marriage for hosting TT today. I was glad to see the theme for today's post being "A Mom."


I could write pages about my Mom and how special she is to me and my family. She's always been my friend. I appreciate it now when I see a girl walking with her mother through a store. It reminds me of me and my Mom. So many times Mom's gripe about how their teen daughters act or teens can't stand to be seen with their mothers, but this was never the case with us. I'm thankful for how she loves my husband and treats him as her own child. She is a wonderful Gramma too and my son is blessed to have her. I'm thankful for her prayers for me over the years and her continuous love. Happy Mother's Day, Best Mom!

It is a blessing to have my son and be a Mom this Mother's Day. He is such a joy, and it melts my heart and makes me laugh with all the cute things he says and does every day.

I would ask you today to remember and say a prayer for all those who are hurting this Mother's Day weekend. I listed them on my prayer request list this week but will mention them again here. There are many women who will be sad because they aren't holding a child in their arms due to miscarriage in the past year. Other women have struggled with infertility for years. Some mothers will be sad missing their children who've gone to Heaven this year. Other women will be sad missing their mothers and grandmothers on this first Mother's Day without them. Remember those who are hurting and let them know you're thinking of them.

I wish all of my fellow bloggers a Happy Mother's Day!
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"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her..." Proverbs 31:28

Walgreens freebie

Just wanted to let you know that you can get a FREE 8 x 10 today from Walgreens. It is today (Wednesday, May 6) only! Take advantage of this great offer just in time for Mother's Day! I've gotten their free 8 x 10s in the past and the really are free, no strings attached.

Go to Walgreens to upload a picture and enter the coupon code MOTHER to order a print to pick up at your local Walgreens. It's really easy and who doesn't like FREE??!!
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"God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:17

As long as it is called Today: Christian women/men (May)

Welcome to "As long as it is called Today." Our focus on the first week of the month is to encourage one another as Christian women/men. I hope you will join me each week on Tuesdays as we encourage each other in our daily lives as Christians, spouses, parents, and home keepers.

Visit here to read answers to last week's question about organization or to leave your answer. Thank you for sharing!

Today's question: Share your favorite Psalm.

My answer: It is so hard to pick just one. Psalm 121 is special to me. It was one I memorized and read during my pregnancy with Caleb. It was read at Peepaw's funeral as well. Here it is:

1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;

4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;

8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.



Please leave your answer in the comments! Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day!

Marriage Monday: Seasons of Marriage

Today for Marriage Monday Christine at Fruit in Season is the hostess and the theme is Seasons of Marriage.

Next month my husband and I will have our 8th wedding anniversary. Though that is not as long as many have been married, we've still gone through various seasons together. I must say many times I still feel like we've just been married a short time and feel like a newlywed. I still have that "in love" feeling with my husband. He just keeps getting better (and I pray I am getting better for him too!). But at the same time I can see growth and change. We aren't the same as we were 8 years ago when we said our vows. We wouldn't be who we are today though if we hadn't gone through the various seasons we've faced together. We've had some great times together and what I consider some really hard times too along the way. We faced uncertainty about jobs after we both graduated from college. When I graduated there was talk actually of closing elementary schools. Not really the best news for a first year teacher! Yet God provided me with a job right in town near our apartment while my husband finished his degree. After he graduated we again weren't sure where we were going to live or where we'd find jobs. Again we could see God's hand in this. He used these times to help us trust Him and learn more about one another. One of the darkest, hardest seasons has to be the time surrounding our miscarriage of our first child. After the extreme joy and elation to find out we were pregnant, neither of us were ever expecting to lose our baby so quickly. My husband was an amazing support to me in this dark season of my life. While we've faced some sadness and heartaches, we've also experienced amazing blessings and joy together in our marriage. The first that comes to mind is our wonderful son! Another is the blessing that I can be at home and my husband is willing and able to provide for us. Looking back we can see the pieces fitting together even though the seasons weren't always fun to go through at the time. God had a plan for each event.

When spring comes everyone seems happy and alive again after enduring months of winter. We wouldn't appreciate the sunshine and the new flowers of springtime if they were always there. God had a purpose in giving us seasons. The same is true in marriage. We would never grow if we didn't go through some hard times together. We wouldn't be able to appreciate the blessings of today if we didn't have some difficulties yesterday. While it's not fun or easy to go through the more difficult seasons of marriage, God does have a purpose.
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"There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven:a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace." Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Our weekend trip

Friday morning we left for San Antonio. We arrived about lunchtime so we stopped outside of Sea World for our lunch at one of our favorite BBQ places--Rudy's.

After lunch we headed down the road to Sea World!

I'd checked out the deals online and found they have a card called a "Fun Card," which was the same price as one-day admission You can use it to get in as many times as you want throughout 2009 which was what I was looking for because I knew we'd be going two days this weekend so we got one of those for both myself and Caleb. We got my hubby a season pass. It cost $25 more than the Fun Card, but we got free parking with it which by itself would have been $30 for both days plus 10% off the food and souvenir purchases in the park. So it was a good deal for us.

We started off at the dolphin tank feeding the dolphins. I loved the sweet smile on Caleb's face as he saw the dolphins up close.

Here is a cute little guy we saw eating a snack on the way to the aquarium.

Next Caleb rode the Shamu coaster a few times. He loved it last time we went and it was one of his favorites this time too! He is the kid in the middle card with the hands up (he's so brave, huh!).

Next we fed some ducks on the way to the Shamu show "Believe."

Here are a couple of pictures from "Believe." Caleb walked down, down, down the steps and we all got soaked! I had warned him we'd get wet!

We fed the ducks again and had some ice cream.

Caleb kept telling us he wanted to ride this big huge water ride. He rode it the first time with Daddy. One of the really nice things about going on Friday was there were virtually no lines for the rides. Then I rode it with him the second time. He loved it!

We all enjoyed the show with the seals, sea lions, otter, and walrus.

The park closed at 6 on Friday so we went to our hotel and then to eat at our favorite place Alamo Cafe.

Saturday morning we first went to the SAS factory. Last time we were in town we went, but it was really close to closing and we didn't get to look around so we wanted to go back. It is a general store and a fun place to browse. My husband has worn SAS shoes to work for several years. This time he got a new brown pair, a style he hasn't had before. They told us they just came out with tennis shoes, something they've not made before. I tried some on and they were SO comfortable. I ended up buying them with some of my birthday money. I told my husband how neat it was as we left to have the money to pay for the shoes. They aren't really cheap but we know they are good quality and will last. I had been needing a new pair of tennis shoes because mine were worn out and my foot's been hurting me lately. Anyway, I have a "clothing envelope" that I put cash into each pay day so we had the cash available to buy the new shoes...hooray for no credit cards!!

Then we went to the "boy store" (Home Depot in case you don't refer to it as a boy store!) for the kids workshop. Caleb has been to them each month and we had time so we went in San Antonio! He built a wheelbarrow flower planter for Mother's Day.

We headed back to Sea World after a quick lunch. Saturday was spent mostly playing and looking at the animals since we'd seen all the shows on Friday. We left Saturday night tired and worn out!

Sunday we checked out. They ended up giving us a $30 discount because for some reason housekeeping didn't clean our room anytime Saturday. It surprised us when we got back Saturday night to find the room as we'd left it and we'd never had trouble before at a LaQuinta. I was glad they gave us a discount though! We headed home and stopped also for a little shopping at an outlet mall.

Hope you have a great week ahead! Do you remember what we're doing on Monday??
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"The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." Deuteronomy 33:27

Proverbs & Prayers: Week #18

Good evening! We've been gone so I'm late getting the memory verse posted. I will make another post about our trip.

Proverbs 11:18: "The wicked man earns deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward."

Also, if you have a prayer request let me know.

I continue to pray for Chris (Marsha/Michele's step-dad) and their entire family.

Remember our troops.

Also, with Mother's Day this weekend please say a prayer for those women who are dealing with infertility, those mother's who've lost a child this year, and those children who've lost a mother or grandmother this year.

God bless you this week!