Thankful Thursday

Happy April! Happy Spring! Happy Thankful Thursday! Happy Easter! This month for Thankful Thursday we are over at Lynn's blog.

I hope you are having a happy week. I've enjoyed thinking about our Savior this week and our sacrifice. That is truly something to be thankful for!

This week I'm thankful for:
~ my husband and his hard work. He has had a tough few weeks at work this month. I'm thankful for him and his job.

~ sharing the true meaning of Easter with my sweet son. For our Wednesday lesson we retold the story of the end of Jesus' life using Resurrection Eggs. You've probably seen these for sale in your local Christian bookstores or even Walmart had them one year. I have wanted to get some and this year decided to make some myself. (I searched for "homemade resurrection eggs" if you'd like to make them .) This was very effective we felt, and it was really touching to see Caleb "get" the story of the final days of Jesus' earthly life. After we went through all 12 eggs I asked him again what each thing represented and he understood most of them. It was a wonderful experience for us as a family.

~ spring mornings. There is still a little bit of coolness in the air, but it quickly warms up and is perfect for hanging clothes on the line. This week as Caleb sat at the table for breakfast I opened up our back window blinds. I saw a beautiful sunrise. He was still partiallyasleep and said, "Look at that red bird." He came over by me, and I moved over to see it. It made us both smile to share that.

~ being able to live this life right now. Sometimes my heart just feels overwhelmed with thankfulness at God's blessings. I am so thankful that I get to live my dream come true to be a stay at home Mom and get to help at Caleb's school and with his parties (like Thursday) and also volunteer other places.

~ orange juice. I love getting a drink of cold orange juice. Or having my husband fix me a glass. It made me smile the other day when he fixed me a glass and just put a small amount in it. He knows me well. I don't like a big glass of juice. He just put a little bit in it and that made me smile. : )

Have a day of blessings!

"Glorious Day" by Casting Crowns

For this week's song I've chosen one of my favorites called "Glorious Day" from Casting Crown's latest album. I have also found the hymn version online.



I'm thankful for the hope we have in Him because He did rise from the grave. He came to this earth and lived a perfect life, being an example to us. Since not one of us can live perfectly, He paid the price on the cross for my sins as well as yours so we can be with Him forever one day. What really touches me is that He didn't have to do it. But He did. It doesn't make sense to my human mind the kind of love He has for us. I'm thankful for that love!

Have a day of blessings!

Prayers & Promises Week #13

This week for my last verse of March for the theme of "humility" the verse will be I Peter 5:6--
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time."

Here are some praises and prayer requests I'd like to share.
~ I read Karen's praise this week! She'd shared her request with me a couple weeks ago for her son and I posted it last week. I was thankful to read her praise this week.

~ I read another neat praise this week on the blog of a friend. This post really shows how God's timing is perfect and how we need to obey Him because we might just be doing something to bless someone in answer to a prayer.

~ Our country's leaders and officials.

~ Leaders of government agencies.

~ Let's not forget the people of Haiti.

Thanks for visiting today for Spiritual Sundays. Have a day of blessings!

Flashback Friday

Week #3 of Flashback Friday! Here are the questions we were asked this week over at Mocha With Linda.

What was Easter like when you were little? For example, did you receive a basket with toys and candy? Was the Easter Bunny part of your family's celebration? Did your family integrate both secular and spiritual aspects of the day? Did you dye Easter eggs. . . .and did your family eat them afterwards? Did you usually get a new outfit? (Post a picture if you have one!) Does any Easter stand out particularly? You might also share how your Easter today is similar or different to your childhood?

My flashback:
As a child I remember many things about Easter. I remember knowing the reason we celebrated was that our Savior is risen. We got new matching clothes. My Mom always fixed an Easter basket for me. I collected bunny rabbits and probably got many of those in my collection from my basket. She always put in a package of Peeps. I never ate the whole pack, usually only one or two, but I loved to get them in the basket every year. Also I remember a pack of egg shaped bubblegum that were different colors and in a little tiny plastic egg carton. We sometimes had egg hunts with cousins. We colored eggs each year. I liked drawing on them with a crayon. I'd always write Mom on one and Dad on another. I guess sometimes we ate them. Another memory is going to visit my great grandparents. We made this trip often on Easter weekend. I guess it was a tradition because many times on Easter we were at their house.

We've continued many of these same traditions with Caleb. We color eggs together. I have pictures of him through the years holding up his hands to show me how dirty they are after he colors the eggs. We let him hunt eggs, and we give him an Easter basket, which he knows is from us. We want to teach him that our risen Savior is really what we are remembering.

A local university puts on an Easter pageant each year. I went one year with my class when I was teaching at a Christian school. Last year I thought I would take Caleb. I knew the play was not graphic but wasn't sure how he would handle it. He seemed to enjoy it, but when they got to the scene with Jesus carrying the cross, he just couldn't watch after that. He turned his head and it brought tears to his little eyes. It really touched my heart that he was so touched by it all. It's something that's hard for him to talk about. We have Easter books, and he doesn't like the pictures of the cross. I'm glad he's sensitive to the suffering Jesus faced.

I look forward to reading others' Easter flashbacks.

Have a day of blessings!

Thankful Thursday

Welcome to Thankful Thursday! We are meeting this week at Women Taking a Stand. Hope you will join us in giving thanks!

This week I am thankful for...
~ my husband being a man of integrity.

~ my sweet boy having a great week back at school. He is back to normal, I'm so thankful! (And eating all the time, his appetite is back!)

~reading an encouraging post by my friend. Go read it! It is so neat how God's timing was so perfect!

~ spring!! This week we have had such beautiful sunny days! I'm so thankful for the sunshine.

~ getting to eat Chinese food with my forever friend.

Thanks for stopping by! I'm also over at Laced with Grace Thursday with a devotional called "Empty Sidewalks."

Have a day of blessings!

Pursuing Love: Anger

This week our theme for Pursuing Love over at Marsha's Musings is anger.

We find many verses and warnings in the Bible regarding anger. One that comes to mind is Ephesians 4:26, 27--

"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still
angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.

If we hold onto our anger overnight without settling the matter or if we sin in our anger, we are going to give the devil a little door into our heart. This verse is great advice, especially for married couples. I remember at our wedding rehearsal dinner the preacher asked if anyone would like to share advice. One lady said not to go to bed mad at each other. That is such a good practice.

I'd like to share these great questions also that Marsha posted on her post because they are really good to think about and consider our actions.

Do you have the kind of love that overlooks offenses, or do you get easily irritated when your rights are violated?
Do you fly off the handle and blow up easily, or do you have the kind of love that is unchanged by circumstances?
Are you easily upset by unpleasant circumstances that are beyond your
ability to control or change?
Do you cast blame, when in reality you are simply being touchy or thin-skinned?

I don't get mad very easily. There are a few things that "push my buttons," but for the most part I overlook offenses. As I was reading these questions I thought about my Mom. She is a school secretary. Many times she's shared stories of angry parents screaming at her over the phone or in her office. Other school personnel have commented on her calm demeanor in handling the situations. I think this is a very admirable trait to have.

I've enjoyed this study about the qualities of love. If I have Christ's love I won't be easily angered.

Have a day of blessings!

"Sometimes He Calms The Storm" by Scott Krippayne

Today I'd like to share a song called "Sometimes He Calms The Storm" by Scott Krippayne. Here are the lyrics.




One line that sticks out to me is "He has a reason for each trial." That is so true. You may not be able to see it today or next week, but someday you will be able to look back and see how God used the time of trial to help you grow in Him in some way.

I pray that today God gives you peace in your heart in knowing that He is with you. You are special to Him and He cares about whatever storm you are facing. Lean on him and seek His face.

Have a day of blessings!

Kids and husbands

When I was pregnant with Caleb I found an online group of ladies also with August due dates. We have stayed in touch through the years even with changes in an online community with our own email group and most recently on Facebook. Lately I've been hearing from these Mom's that their five year olds have loose teeth or who have already lost a tooth. This just means to me that soon my boy will have his own loose teeth! (Am I read for that?)

This got me thinking about how our children grow up. When they were babies we shared notes on when they were doing every developmental milestone. It's hard in those times not to compare your child to another child. Is my child behind (or ahead) because this other child _______ (sat up, started talking, walked, rode a bike without training wheels, tied his shoes, etc). Now these five year olds are losing teeth. Losing those baby teeth will mean he's growing up. Just as I couldn't imagine him with teeth before he started getting teeth, now I can't imagine him without his baby teeth!

Thinking about this new stage has got me to thinking about how we make comparisons between kids. It can be hard not to compare your child when you are around others of the same age. I have realized lately that there is no need to compare my boy with others. Children are all unique in their abilities just as we as adults are. If he hadn't learned to tie his shoes already, would I love him any less? If he isn't the fastest on his team, will I feel less love for him? Would I think he was less wonderful or less great if he doesn't learn to ride his bike without training wheels before he's six? NOPE not at all!

Over the weekend I was talking to my husband about calling to have our air conditioner serviced. He said that it was just not something he was good at so we should call someone. I thought about this comparison thing. I told him I admire him for who he is. It doesn't make me think less of him because he can't repair air conditioners. He is great at what he does and has many skills and talents.

Do you find yourself comparing your children or husband or even yourself to others? Realize today that they are unique and special. Your love for them shouldn't be based on what they do or don't do. Appreciate them for who they are and what they contribute to your family.

I love both my son and my husband because of who they are. I wouldn't want to change them. They are who God made them to be. And I happen to think they are the best just the way God made them!

Have a day of blessings!

Prayers & Promises Week #12

My heart is in prayer tonight for our country. I don't follow politics, but I do know there is a big debate going on right now about health care. As I was preparing to write this post with this week's verse, another verse I know by heart (that is also fitting with the theme of humility) came to mind. You may be familiar with it too...2 Chronicles 7:14--"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

If you click above on the link, you can read the rest of this passage. The Lord is talking to Solomon here as the temple is finished. The Lord said basically when there is no rain and locusts have eaten everything, when you humble yourselves and pray, I'll hear you.

I believe today God wants us to humble ourselves before Him. We need to throw aside our materialism and pride and be completely humble before Him, seeking Him in prayer for our country. Where is our country headed? I don't know, but I do know God is in control and that gives me comfort. I know in the end He is the victor. I trust Him still.

I'm going to use this verse for the week this week as a reminder to pray for our country. I hope you will join me in prayer for our country and leaders.

Here are some other requests:

~ Karen's son, Cameron--physical healing.

~ families of local students killed. Our newspaper has reported a couple car wrecks this week. In one two high school seniors were killed in one vehicle and a 1st grade boy in another car was killed, his father was hospitalized. Then another day there was another wreck killing a high school senior. My heart is sad for these families, schools, friends, and communities.

~ my husband. I pray he has a less stressful week at work.

Join us for Spiritual Sundays today.
Have a day of blessings!

Flashback Friday

It's time for week #2 of Flashback Friday with Mocha With Linda. I had fun participating last week and wondered this week what she'd choose for the topic. Here is this week's prompt:

When was your first date? You can choose either your first date ever or your first date with your spouse - or both! How old were you? What did you do/where did you go? Did anything memorable - either good or embarrassing? If it was your first date ever, did you continue to date that person? If so, how long? If it was the person you married, did you know he/she was "the one" or did it take a longer for love to bloom? Any other memories you wish to share about those wonderfully awkward first dates?!

My flashback:
My first date was with the wonderful man who is now my husband. We were eating lunch one day in the Bean with our group of friends. He asked me if I'd seen the movie "Titanic" and if I'd like to go. I remember someone in the group asking what did he say and another girl saying, "He just asked her out." I was so excited. My friends helped me curl my hair, and I remember seeing his little red truck pull up outside my dorm. He looked so cute all dressed up in his cowboy clothes. We went to eat supper at Cotton Patch and then went to see "Titanic." I had never seen it before. It was a very long movie and we weren't sure we were going to get back to campus in time before curfew! But we did!

That was the first of many wonderful dates. Our favorite thing to do was to take walks around campus. On cold nights now it reminds me of those walks, and I remember our "early days" of getting to know one another. I told my Mom he gave me "that feeling" in my stomach. She said she didn't think it was my stomach. :) I'd never been in love before. I had liked guys and had crushes but nothing ever like this. I've probably mentioned this here on my blog before, but my Mom even had a feeling about the way he looked at me one night when they were visiting campus. This was before we had even started dating; she wrote about this in her calendar journal too. The first date was in the spring semester of our freshman year. He proposed in December of our senior year.

Something that is special is that my husband and I were friends first. We got to know each other and always wanted to know more. We had so much to share with each other and were such a good match. It didn't take long for it to feel like I had always known him.

Thanks for visiting today! I look forward to reading your stories of your first date.

Have a day of blessings!

Pursuing Love: The "I" in Pride

This week in our Pursuit of Love over at Marsha's Musings the topic is "The 'I' in Pride."

I've been thinking about what to type in this post all week. I've looked over the questions and tried to think of personal examples of pride. I think it is something I need to work on in certain areas of my own life. One thing that came to mind is working in groups. Sometimes it's hard, depending on the group and the project, to say "okay do it your way" because I like my own idea better.

I think it's okay to be confident. God wants us to be confident in the abilities and talents He gave to us. But I don't think we need to turn this confidence into an "I'm better than you" attitude.

Pride can cause many problems in relationships. Many times our own pride keeps us from admitting we are wrong and apologizing. This leaves painful marks on relationships, causing them not to be healthy.

We are warned many times in Scripture about pride. Pride says me, me, me. Pride says look at me, look what I did. Pride says you have to do it my way. Pride says I'm the best. Pride seeks the glory. Pride is selfish.

Love is none of those things. It is just the opposite. If we are truly loving then these prideful attitudes won't be in our hearts.

Have a day of blessings!

Thankful Thursday and Laced with Grace

Today you can join us for Thankful Thursday at Women Taking a Stand.

I have so much to be thankful for this week.

~ My husband's safe travel to DC and back last week. We enjoyed the pictures from his trip and look forward to the day we can all go together.

~ My son is feeling better after having pneumonia. We go back to the doctor for a follow up on Friday. He is much better now than he was, and we're so thankful.

~ The enjoyable laid back schedule of spring break. It's been nice to sleep late in the mornings.

~ My Mom being able to come for a visit on her spring break.

~ God's timing and planning. We may try to make plans, but they really are all His plans. I'm thankful He knows best.

Also, you can visit me on Thursday over at Laced with Grace for a devotional called "Can you count the stars?"

Have a day of blessings!

"Growing Grateful Kids" by Susie Larson

Today I'd like to welcome author and speaker Susie Larson. Susie's new book Growing Grateful Kids has just released and I've invited her to share a little bit about this great resource.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.
My husband and I have been married 25 years and have three grown sons (all in their early twenties). Our oldest son Jake works on the business side of the Christian music industry. Our middle son Luke is married to his beautiful wife Kristen; he works full time at a bank and part time as a worship pastor. Our youngest son Jordan is studying to become a surgical nurse. My husband Kevin is a commercial construction manager by day and manages my ministry by night (and weekends). Bless his heart. J I am an author, speaker, and an on-call radio host for Christian talk radio. Together, Kevin and I serve as advocates for justice on behalf of modern day slaves and human trafficking victims.

Tell us about your new book, Growing Grateful Kids: Teaching Them to Appreciate an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Places.


Even when economic times are tight, our children enjoy an abundance of material possessions. Yet, amidst all this wealth, discontentment and competition seem to be on the rise. Instead of teaching children virtues such as gratefulness and patience, many parents are bending over backwards to get their children the latest and greatest item - or feeling guilty when they can't. In spite of the currents of materialism and entitlement that flow so strong, it is possible to raise children who are simply grateful. Though teaching perspective and gratitude to our children is critical, it is not difficult.

Why did you want to write this book?
To be completely honest, I never wanted to write a book on parenting. I wanted to protect my kids’ privacy and give them time and space to become the men God wants them to be. But in the last few years, I have been especially burdened with the level of selfishness, entitlement and disrespect I see among children today. Furthermore, moms seem more stressed than ever. When I asked my sons their thoughts on writing this book, without pausing they all said, “Do it, mom; that book needs to be written!” I think I wrote a book that not only equips young moms to raise humble, grateful world-changers, but also one that nourishes the soul of the reader and encourages her personally.

Throughout the book you remind the reader that we cannot impart what we do not possess. Can you explain?
If we never deal with our own fears, insecurities, and hang ups, but we try to teach our children to believe in their divine value, over time, our words will not ring true to them. First God wants to do His work in us before He does it through us. They say that lessons are more often caught than taught. If we parent from a place of conviction and real freedom, our children will be affected by what we teach them.

One of your chapters is titled, “Take Time to Play.” How does taking time to play teach our kids to be grateful?
To me, taking time to play says a lot about the level of faith we possess.

If our children hear us confess that we love and serve a BIG God and yet they see us striving and straining through life, they will come to believe that more is on our shoulders than on God’s. If we can trust God enough to step away from our busy-important lives, to make a fort in the basement, or play a game with our children – even in the most desperate of economic situations – we will give our children a sense of much needed security and that all is well in their world.

What do you want readers to take away from this book?
To answer this question (I hope you don’t mind), I would like to share an endorsement from one of my sample readers. She expressed my deepest desire for my reader:

“Growing Grateful Kids is such a great source of conviction, encouragement, and inspiration to spur me on to finishing this parenting race well and not sputter out along the way. This book compels me to submit my own character to the refining of the Holy Spirit that I may be equipped to impart those lessons onto my children. Thank you, Susie, for taking the time, for submitting in obedience, and writing this down for a generation in desperate need of this kind of parenting book!” –Gail Miller

This is a Hearts at Home book. What is Hearts at Home?
Hearts at Home is an organization that encourages, educates, and equips women in the profession of motherhood. Hearts at Home encourages moms through annual conferences, our extensive website (www.hearts-at-home.org), a free bi-weekly electronic newsletter, a radio program, and an entire line of books designed to meet the needs of moms all over the world!

Any closing thoughts?
I am very excited about the message in this book. It is my prayer that every one who reads it will be nourished, encouraged, and equipped to parent from a place of fullness, conviction, and confidence. Raising grateful, confident kids will be one of the most heroic, important things you do in your lifetime. God’s blessings to you!

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This is a book I look forward to reading. Thanks for stopping by today.
Have a day of blessings!

"I'll Be" by Reba McEntire

I chose this song today for my Mom. Friday is her birthday. This is a song that we've shared through the years.

I've always known through the years that I could call on my Mom anytime, and she'd be there for me. This was true as a child and remained true through my years away at college and then as I became a wife and a teacher and eventually a Mom myself. She is the one I want to call to share any news good or bad. I know she'll be there for me and my family.

My Mom had plans to come spend a couple days with Caleb this week since it is spring break week for both of them. She arrived to a sick little boy though so the plans for fun changed to no plans. Rather she ended up sitting on the couch, encouraging him to take lots of drinks of water, comforting him through the night as he was restless in his sleep, and holding him at the doctor while he got a shot (cause this Mommy is not very brave about such things). (Caleb has pneumonia in his left lung, keep him in your prayers.) I'm thankful for her being there for us so many times.

Happy birthday, Mom. I love you!

Have a day of blessings!

Prayers & Promises Week #11

The verse for this week is Colossians 3:12--
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience."

In our verse this week it says God's people are to be clothed with several things and one of those is humility. How can we clothe ourselves with humility? We can look at the traits of Jesus to see how we can live lives of humility. He taught to put others before ourselves. We see Him stooping to wash the feet of the disciples in John 13. He is our example as He said in John 13:15--"I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you."


How can we follow His example today? To me we are to do things in our lives to put others first. This is true in our homes in our relationships with our spouse and child as well as in our church and out in the world. Look for ways to make the lives of others easier. Find things to do for them that will bless their day.

Let's remember these in prayer today:

~ spring break travelers.

~ from Whidbey Woman--That Ron's chemo is working, praise he doesn't have side effects. Also her cousin Bruce starts radiation for skin cancer soon.

~ friend Jenny and her family. They got their tickets to leave in a few weeks to pick up their newly adopted daughters.

Join us today for Spiritual Sundays.

Have a day of blessings!

A birthday wish!

Wishing my husband a wonderful birthday today! I'm glad I get to be with him today and show him my love. The card I got for him says I feel like I am the one that got the gift. That is so true, he is such a gift every day to my life!

Have a day of blessings!

Flashback Friday

Today I'm joining Mocha With Linda for her new meme Flashback Friday.

This week's flashback: How and when did you learn to drive? Do you have any particular memories associated with getting your driver license? How old were you when you got your first car and what was it? Who paid for it?

My flashback:

I took the driver education class offered through the school. I guess it was the end of my sophomore year, I can't remember for sure. The class portion was held in the mornings before school for a few weeks. Then my driving portion was in the morning the first few weeks of summer vacation. I had never driven before so it was quite an experience. My instructor was a coach, and I remember how nervous I was that I'd do everything wrong. The other two students had plenty of driving experience. I remember at one particular corner in town he wanted me to turn and I pushed on the gas instead of the brake. The coach had to use the brake on his side to slow us down!

One thing I remember is driving home with my Mom the first day on the highway after I got my learner's permit. A police car started following, I was so nervous!

I remember my Dad telling me when to start applying the break going down the hills toward our home.

My parents got me my first car when I was in high school. It was a used grey 1981 Datsun Nissan. I had it through college. I have many memories of that little car, like picking up my cousin for after school snacks, spinning around in the high school parking lot one icy morning (thankfully it was pretty empty at the time!), driving to the grocery store with the little girl I baby sat in college (she got some Little Debbies out of a bag and was going to throw them to the back and I was afraid she was going to get the eggs and throw them next), and going back and forth from home to college.

Have a day of blessings!

Thankful Thursday

I will be so glad for Thursday to arrive! This has been a long week for me. My husband has been out of town on his trip to D. C. that was originally planned for early February but got cancelled due to snow. Caleb and I have had fun together but we are ready for Daddy to be home!!

This week I'm thankful for....
~ my husband's job and that he could take this course that he needed to help him in his work.

~ fun memories with my son this week.....walking to and from school (once in the rain!), having a picnic supper in the backyard while we watched a mouse by the fence eat his supper.....

~ my car and the accurate "service engine soon" light. It came on Sunday afternoon. I took it to the shop Monday morning. It was able to be serviced and repaired thankfully. I had a friend from church bring me home and the mechanic picked me up to get my car after they were finished with the repairs. Everything worked out okay. I'm thankful the light came on before my husband left to warn us of a problem because he checked it and knew it needed to go to the shop.
~ people at the post office knowing our names. That just made me smile today and I thought how nice that I can talk to them when I go in to buy stamps.

~ talking with my neighbors this week.

Please say a prayer for my husband's safe travel as he returns and also as this is the first anniversary of the death of his Mammaw. Thank you.

Have a day of blessings!

2010 Book #13: "BE Authentic" by Warren W. Wiersbe

Yes I know I've posted many reviews this week! I always seem to finish several books at a time! I am excited to have a couple fiction books to share with you in the coming weeks.

I've enjoyed this Bible study by Warren W. Wiersbe called BE Authentic from David C. Cook publishers. It covers Genesis 25-50. Since I reviewed and enjoyed BE Hopeful on I Peter last year, I thought I would enjoy another study. I was not disappointed.

Through these 13 chapters the author covers the lives of Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. I enjoyed the author's insight about each of these men, showing how God used each of them for His purpose. I also really liked how he tied it all together in the end of the book. The reader is encouraged to realize God uses all people. We need to be authentic in who we are, not trying to be someone we are not.

Have a day of blessings!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from David C Cook's Reviewers 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book review: "The Flowering Cross" by Beth Ryan

I received The Flowering Cross by Beth Ryan from Thomas Nelson's BookSneeze reviewers program.

In this nicely illustrated children's book, young Katie is a friend to her elderly neighbor, Papa Jack, someone everyone else sees just as a mean man. When she goes to pick some of his flowers for the "flowering Cross," she invites him to Easter church service and he says yes.

This book shows how showing Christ's love can make a difference in the hearts of people today and the role children can play in showing His love.

One thing I liked was that at the bottom of many of the pages was "Faith Imprints." This gives parents a faith lesson in one or two sentences along with a Bible verse to share with the child as you read the book. It also has directions at the back to make your own flowering Cross. This book is for young children in the message it presents. This would make a nice gift for a little one's Easter basket.


Have a day of blessings!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson's BookSneeze Reviewers 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"Save a Place for Me" by Matthew West

This time last year we were going back and forth to the hospital as Mammaw (my husband's grandmother) was in the final stages of her life here on earth. Thursday will be one year since she passed away. Say a prayer for my husband this week on this anniversary.

I've been thinking of her this week and her life and memories I have of her plus things my husband has shared with me. Here is a song that I'm thinking of this week in her honor. Click HERE to hear "Save a Place for Me" by Matthew West. (It wouldn't let me embed it so you have to click to hear it.)

Have a day of blessings!

2010 Book #12: Humility: True Greatness by C.J. Mahaney

I have finished listening to an audio book entitled Humility: True Greatness by C. J. Mahaney.

Humillity is something that goes against our culture, and yet as Christians we are to be like Christ who was the perfect example of humility. While we tend to focus so much attention on wanting to be great in this life, what is "true greatness?" This book was so easy to relate to and apply the principles he shared to life. I liked how the author used examples from his own life in search of humility.

One thing I took away from this book was the ideas regarding parenting. Are we teaching our children to focus on "true greatness," or do we put too much emphasis on greatness by the world's standards? What does it take for us to see our children as great....if they are sucessful in sports, academics, or their careers? Or if they follow Christ? Where is our focus in our families?

Also, this book really made me stop and think about Christ's example of humility.

The author did an excellent job in this book I believe and I recommend this book to you. The narrator was interesting to listen to as well with this audio book.

Have a day of blessings!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from christianaudio Reviewers 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

2010 Book #11: Every Now and Then by Karen Kingsbury

I finished listening to the audio version of a book I borrowed from the library. It's called Every Now and Then by Karen Kingsbury. This is one of the books in the 9/11 series.

Alex Brady is determined to rid the world of evil as much as he can, one "bad guy" at a time. He works as a sheriff's deputy along with Bo, his canine partner, in Los Angeles. He holds onto much hurt from losing his father on 9/11 and is no longer the Alex he was before that day. A radical environmental group has started setting fires in LA. Alex is determined to do whatever it takes to stop them.

I enjoyed this story. It was hard to stop listening to it once I started! Another wonderful book from Karen Kingsbury. She always has characters that are real with real problems that don't always get answers the way we'd hope or like.

Have a day of blessings!

Prayers and Promises Week #10

Last week I was reminded of a song from your comments. There are many versions of it on Youtube if you'd like to listen to it. It's called "Humble Yourselves in the Sight of the Lord." It is a great little song that easily gets stuck in my head when I hear it or sing it!

Today's verse is Proverbs 11:2---
"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom."

I have a story to share today about answered prayers. This week I wrote in my prayer journal a specific prayer for my husband regarding his day at work. Later that same night we were talking on the couch. He told me about some emails he'd received that day. One of these emails was an exact answer to the prayer I'd prayed earlier for him! I went to get my journal and showed him the wording of my prayer for him to be encouraged and validated in his work. It was very encouraging to both our hearts that God answered that prayer so specifically on that exact day. I'm thankful God uses little things like this through the days to encourage me that He hears all my prayers about the much bigger things in life too even though I can't see the answers to them right away. I continue to pray knowing He is listening.

Do you have any prayer requests today? I'll be glad to pray for you. Join us today for Spiritual Sundays.

Have a day of blessings!

Living with Less

Today I'd like to welcome Jill and Mark Savage. Jill and Mark's newest book Living with Less so your Family has More just released and I've invited them to share a little bit about this great resource!

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.

We have been married for 27 years…17 of them happily. After finding ourselves in a marriage counselor’s office around year 8 or so, we realized that we really didn’t know how to be married. We worked hard to turn things around and now we like to share that hope with other couples.

We have five children ranging from 13 to 25. Our oldest three are married. Anne (25) and her husband, Matt, live in Zion, IL, and are expecting our first grandchild in April. (We are very excited!) Evan (22) and his wife, Julie, have been married a year and a half and they live just a few miles from us. Erica (19) married her husband Kendall last September. They live in Augusta, GA, and wherever else the Army takes them.

We have two teenagers still at home. Kolya just turned 16. He’s learning to drive and we’ve nearly worn a hole in the carpet on the floor in the passenger seat trying to find that non-existent brake pedal. Kolya is the newest member of the Savage family. We adopted him at the age of nine from Russia.

Austin is 13 and in the 8th grade. He wants us to make sure and tell the world that this “living with less” life is a real bummer because he’s the ONLY kid in 8th grade who doesn’t have a cell phone.

Tell us about your newest book Living With Less So Your Family Has More?
The world screams the message that bigger is always better, but we have found that is not often true. When it comes to raising a family, less materially can actually result in more relationally. Children don’t need the best houses, the best lessons, the best cars, or the best clothes. What they really need is the best home life and the best family relationships we can give them.

Why did you want to write this book?
We didn’t start out with the “less is more” mindset. We started as a double income family wanting to have the “best” of everything. Then Mark decided to pursue ministry. We went from the “high life” to the “frugal life” very quickly as we moved to another state for him to go to Bible College full-time.

That experience introduced us to the concept that less is more. We definitely had less money, but we had more time. We had less stress and more peace. We had less activities and more fun.

Since that experience, we’ve continued to live primarily on one income for the past twenty years. We’ve had to battle cultural peer pressure and make different decisions for our family than many other families in our neighborhood have made. But we’ve never felt that we were materially depriving ourselves or our kids…instead we’ve focused on what we’ve actually been able to provide for them emotionally and relationally.

What do you hope your readers will gain from this book?
We hope the reader is encouraged to evaluate how they are living their life, spending their money, and thinking about family matters. Our goal is to introduce families to the “less is more” concept and then equip them with the attitudes and actions to actually make that happen.

For families that are already committed to less is more, we hope to bolster their resolve and help them stay focused on the long-term goal of providing relationally for their kids.

In today’s economy, there are many families being forced to live with less. We want to help them see the opportunity they have with this unexpected downsizing they’ve been forced to do.

And for those who have just been a little discontent with their life and saying things like, “I’m tired of the rat race of life,” or “Is there more to life than drive-thru meals for dinner?” we hope to help them see other choices they have and how they can lead their family in a different direction.

What unique elements will the reader find in Living With Less So Your Family Has More?
For couples who want to read the book together, we’ve included discussion questions at the end of every chapter. This helps move the readers to discussion and eventually actions. Even a single parent can use the discussion questions for personal evaluation.

Readers will find this book a practical guide to changing your attitude and your actions to live a successful “less is more” life. They’ll find our writing style to be a warm, casual, honest discussion where we not only share our victories but our mistakes along the way. We are an average couple living successfully on an average income who want to help others to see the possibilities before them.

This is a Hearts at Home book. What is Hearts at Home?
Hearts at Home is an organization that encourages, educates, and equips women in the profession of motherhood. Hearts at Home encourages moms through annual conferences, our extensive website (www.hearts-at-home.org), a free electronic newsletter, a radio program, and an entire line of books designed to meet the needs of moms all over the world!

Any closing thoughts?
It’s healthy for parents to occasionally pause and evaluate their vision for their family and the choices they are making. We hope this resource will help them do that together and that it will lead them to live a life of little regret.
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Thank you to Hearts at Home for sharing this interview today. I'm excited to read this new book from the Savage's.

Have a day of blessings!

Thankful Thursday

Welcome to Thankful Thursday! Today we are joining together at Laurie's place, Women Taking a Stand.

This week I am thankful for . . .

~ my husband making my birthday special. He came home last Friday with a chocolate chip cookie cake for me. It was quite a cute surprise I must say! He knew that was the kind of cake I wanted, I just hadn't told him my Mom was also planning to make one! He also helped our son make me a birthday card. He does this every year and for Valentine's Day and Mother's Day, and I just appreciate that so much.

~ my sweet boy being excited about my birthday. He wanted to decorate the house. When we got home he'd put up streamers and balloons with Gramma's help.

~ getting to spend my birthday with some of my favorite people. My Mom came (with the chocolate chip cookie cake plus an angel food cake plus a yellow cake she'd made for my cousin). My cousin's birthday was Monday, just two days after mine, and I'm glad we got to be together again this year.

~ God's grace. I've been reminded of this all week that I need to show that grace to others.

~ Enjoying a lovely sunny day! I was thrilled to hang a load of clothes on the line. The past few weeks it seems on the days I needed to wash it was raining or too cold, so I dried them inside or in the dryer. When the sun was out this week I grabbed enough dirty clothes to make a load so I could go out and hang them! It was a tad bit chilly but the sun was so nice!

Thank you for visiting my blog.

Have a day of blessings!

Pursuing Love: Are you rude or courteous?

Part of I Corinthians 13:5 says, "Love is not rude." This week as we are Pursuing Love we are asking ourselves are we rude or courteous.

"Do unto others" is a good way to live life. But do we really follow this in our thoughts and actions? When I face a rude waitress or clerk at a store, I often think, "why do they have to be rude to me? What did I do?" And then I want to be rude back to them. This is not what my response should be though. I need to stop and consider their life and remind myself that I don't know the road they are walking. While we like to think there isn't an excuse for rudeness, there are probably contributing circumstances that we don't know about causing the rude behavior in the first place. Maybe they just got some really bad news and would rather be home with their family. Maybe they have been on their feet all day, working multiple jobs to try to provide for their children. Maybe they are sick and don't have the option of using a "sick day." Maybe they don't even know the love of Jesus. We just don't know.

This is something God has shown me over and over in various ways this week in things I've read and heard. I need to be looking at others through His eyes. He shows us grace and love over and over. Every time we mess up, He is there and still loves us. This is what I need to do for people in my life, both my family as well as strangers.

Have a day of blessings!

"Jesus Will Still Be There" by Point of Grace

This is an old song from the group Point of Grace. I hope the words bless your heart today.




Whatever you are going through, Jesus is there with you. If you are rejoicing today, He is there. If you are weeping today, He is there. He loves you and He wants you to lean on Him through everything you face.

Have a day of blessings!

Review: Mom's Bible

I received the Mom's Bible from Thomas Nelson for review.

From the publisher: Mom’s Bible: God’s Wisdom for Mother gives women an awareness of just how precious and vital they are in God’s plan for the family.

Available in the New Century Version and drawing on solid Bible teaching, it encourages women at every stage of life to strengthen their relationship with God.

My thoughts: I read through Esther in the Old Testament and Ephesians and James in the New Testament along with the notes included in those chapters to get a feel for this Bible. It has short encouragement stories for Mom's by Bobbie Wolgemuth printed throughout the book to go along with the verses. It makes many great applications to real situations Mom's face.

I really appreciated the side notes. They offered encouragement to me as a mom. I look forward to using this Bible and enjoying it in the future. I liked the font and that it is hard cover as well.

This Bible would make am excellent gift for mom's birthday, Mother's day or even a shower gift for a new mom.

Have a day of blessings!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Blogger Review 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Check out Laced With Grace today!

As part of the Laced with Grace team, I'm excited to let you know that the new layout is up today. Lori did a wonderful job giving Laced with Grace a new look!

Laced With Grace is a Christian devotional site. If you have not ever visited, I encourage you to check it out today. Each weekday you can read a new devotional post. So many times I've read just the thing I needed on a particular day.

With the new layout comes a giveaway. You can have the chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card! Click on the link to look at the new site and enter for a chance to win.

(If you are here looking for my Marriage Monday post, it is below this one!)
Have a day of blessings!