The Boy Who Changed the World by Andy Andrews - Book Review

My intention was to read The Boy Who Changed the World by Andy Andrews to my multi-age Children's Church class, but after reading through the book and having a really hard time keeping the characters straight, I decided that using the book for the pictures and re-telling the story in my own words would be better received by my class of 2-12 year olds. I was right. Even my 17-year-old was confused. She read and re read and said to me, "Mom, I just don't get it." I explained the connections as best I could, but I couldn't imagine that younger kids would get what a teenager couldn't grasp. It's not the concept, it's the complicated web of characters who have impacted the world.

The artwork by Philip Hurst is great. The illustrations are beautiful watercolors, deep colors and fanciful butterflies on each page that further illustrate the theory. The kids loved looking for and identifying the butterflies throughout the story.

I received a free copy of The Boy Who Changed the World through Booksneeze in exchange for my honest review.

The Butterfly Effect by Andy Andrews - Book Review

"How Your Life Matters" is a fitting subtitle for Andy Andrews' new book, The Butterfly Effect, because your life really does matter, not just to yourself, but to and in the lives of others, those you have contact with and those you don't even know exist. Decisions that you make today may impact people miles away or decades away, the effects go on and on. This book may entice you to ponder a bit before you make your next move!

I have read Andy Andrews before and have been pleased. This short and easy to read illustration of how everything that you do has an effect outside of your little bubble. I had considered this concept before, but the way that Andrews shares his spin on it is interesting. Without retelling the story, I have to say that there is a little confusion about who is related to whom and how they effect the others, but once I slowed down and carefully thought through each character and how he related to the others it clicked. The book is wonderful and I will share my copy.

By the way...this is another one of those Booksneeze! reviews :)

Book Review- Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado

I received a copy of Outlive Your Life as a reviewer for BookSneeze! For this book review I went in expecting much and came out with much more. Outlive Your Life is much more than an inspirational word from Max Lucado, it is a call to action. Each chapter challenged me to look at other people's lives and the impact they have made on the world that will go on to generations beyond them, and then to reflect on my own life and how I want to impact the world I leave behind. Max Lucado made me re-think loving like Christ loves, loving people who I may never see, but loving them and touching them in a way that is immeasurable. I certainly did not take enough time to treasure this book for what it is. I needed to sit quietly with Outlive Your Life, a blank journal and my Bible. The book includes a Discussion and Action Guide. Much appreciated, I used the guide as a personal study guide. I just wish there had been room set aside for me to jot thoughts in the guide. That being my only downside to the book, I digress...I have a lot of work to do.

Finished Pigs

Finished the blocks. They turned out very nice. I'm so pleased. And all while the kids were napping. They are sick so I had an extended amount of quiet time. But they are starting to get up and move around, maybe they are starting to feel better. I have to pack up the machine...

I put a plain blue and white gingham print on the back and repeated the blue swirl on the binding on both squares. The pieces are identical in both, I just changed the layout. Made two totally different looks. I love it. Wish I could quilt more but the machine and the pins and the scissors and cutter are too dangerous to have out all the time.

One day...a sewing room :)

Coming Off the Craft Table

I guess I really don't have a craft table...I should put the kitchen table, and my lap, and my bed, and... anyway, here are some of the projects I have recently completed, or near completion:

Chanson en Crochet is a free pattern from Knitting Daily. There are lots of corrections, so look for errata. I have made a bunch of these, maybe 8 or so. This is the latest.

Granny square afghans...you gotta love 'em. Especially if you crochet. Quick and easy. Used some of grandma's stash that she most generously shared!

Starry Eyes Scarf

                                                                            Oh, this lovely scarf is a free pattern from Ravelry. I got the lovely yarn from Daily Fiber Yarn Company. I don't know the kind because...I...um...threw away the label :(


Quilting too...yep...I was watching something on tv and saw this block. My goodness, that is pretty. I ran out to the garage and rummaged through my stash and found these prints. I decided to make two opposite blocks. They aren't finished yet. I need to find backings. I have already cut my binding. And I will make two wall hangings. If you get these for Christmas act like you have never seen them before :)

Pigs in a Blanket

Daybook time :)

On Monday mornings, women all over the internet mark entries on their blog in The Simple Woman's Daybook. It is a time of reflection and projection. A record, of sorts, of the life of a woman-- The Proverbs 31 woman? Maybe. Today's woman? Absolutley! Check out my entry below for Monday, August 30, 2010 and click on the title, it's a link to the Daybook originator and other entries :)  Have a wonderfully blessed day!

 

The Simple Woman's Daybook 

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...Quiet and still pretty dark for 5:42am.

I am thinking...no matter what...I have the love of God.

I am thankful for...God's provision.

From the kitchen...homemade mayonnaise, zucchini bread, and cookies...not all together ;)

I am wearing...still in my jammies.

I am creating...a scarf for mom.

I am going...Bible study tonight... almost finished with Revelation.

I am reading...well, about to start reading Captured by Grace  and finishing up The Shack (finally)

I am remembering...time for God, time for me.

I am hoping...friends and family are safe and blessed.

On my mind...my marriage and how to make it better :)

Noticing that...the closer I get to God the bigger the issue with Satan.

Pondering these words...To weather the storm, I must praise God through it!

Around the house...lots of chores.

One of my favorite things... baby kisses.

Here is a thought I am sharing... Don't let life overwhelm you; choose your stressors carefully!

 

AMEN.

Monday Night -- French Bread Pizza

Oh yeah! Another dinner on the cheap. $14.22 served the whole family!!!  That's $1.58 each. Take out usually costs us over $30 for pizza plus the tip for the driver.

Two loaves of garlic bread
Jar of pasta sauce
Pepperoni
Mozzarella
Five mushrooms
a little oregano

Build, set the oven to 350 and bake for about 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Add a two liter rootbeer for $1.00!!  Woohoo!!

AND...I have half of the cheese, pepperoni, and sauce left over. 1 1/2 hours of work for my bread machine tomorrow and we will have calzones for lunch!

Sunday Evening Dinner on a Dollar

Today I learned that sometimes what you think you need is far from it and if you are truly living for Christ He will order your steps. AMEN!

Dinner tonight:

Lasagna!!! It turned out so yummy.

1 pound Turkey Italian Sausage
1 red onion, diced
1 large zuccini sliced in rounds
1 can spinach, drained
1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 can Huntz spaghetti sauce, any variety
1 egg, scrambled
1 1 pound box of lasagna pasta

1. Start a large pot of salted water to boil.
2. Brown turkey in a medium sauce pan. Saute onions with sausage. Add spaghetti sauce. Simmer.
3. Add a little sauce to the egg and scramble vigorously to temper. Add egg to sauce.
4. Add the pasta to boiling water and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes.
5. Spray a 9x13x2 inch pan with non-stick cooking spray.
6. Layer pasta, zuccini, 1/3 sauce, 1/3 cheese, pasta, zuccini, spinach, 1/3 sauce, 1/3 cheese, pasta, 1/3 sauce, 1/3 cheese. (Don't add too much sauce or the lasagna won't set up.)
7. Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 30-40 minutes to cook zuccini and melt cheese.
8. Let set for about 5 minutes before cutting. Mine made 12 servings. 

Be careful-- the zuccini will be hotter than everything else (they are in there steaming).

On My Loves and Making Money

I will send off another batch of manuscripts today. I received my first rejection letter last week. I was excited. One "No" gets me that much closer to a "Yes." It's a rite of passage.

My love of writing and my love of children has evolved to another level. Putting what I do orally on paper and asking others if they see the value in my words that I thought I put there. The inspired text? I think so. I hope so. Words with purpose. And now I am desperately trying to transform my words from personal to public, from fun to paid. Not simply for the paycheck, but also for the sharing. Relaying the message that I have, the pieces of wisdom and maybe a little bit of whimsy.

The next project is taking it's place on the keyboard as emails are send with inquiry letters and high hopes.

It is MoNdAy! DAYBOOK time!!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

It is a beautiful day. Praise the Lord!
Monday, August 9, 2010:

It is Monday! Click on the link to find the official site and join the fun!

The Simple Woman's Daybook 

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...the sun is shining, there is a sweet breeze, and not a cloud in the sky.

I am thinking...about not much other than catching up after a lazy weekend.

I am thankful for...a loving husband.

From the kitchen...chicken kabobs...mmmm

I am wearing...blue jeans with a belt and a short sleeve black cotton top

I am creating...another afghan for Christmas. Four down...

I am going...to pray, fast, and wait to hear God's instructions

I am reading...I am not reading. Not right now. So sad.

I am remembering...to dedicate some time for God each day. Can't afford to be too busy.

I am hoping...in God.

On my mind...my marriage and how to make it better :)

Noticing that...the closer I get to God the bigger the issue with Satan.

Pondering these words..."pray without ceasing"

Around the house...the children are giving me a moment alone...RARE!!!

One of my favorite things... bare feet.

Here is a thought I am sharing... If you are having a food craving, take a bite and get it over with!

AMEN.

Where is God? by Dr. John Townsend - a book review

Where is God? by Dr. John Townsend is a book that addresses the omnipresence and sovereignty of God through the hard times in life. Dr. Townsend guides readers to realize God's role in the rough patches of life by revealing His promises in scripture and translating them into our reactions to trouble. Knowing that God is always there and that He handles situations in ways that may not be clear to us on the surface, Dr. Townsend shares insight on God's intentions for us.

It has taken forever for me to muddle through Where is God? The opening was an intriguing near death narrative, but then the author gets stuck on telling stories and writing lists. The style of writing is reminiscent of college work. Lots of repetition to meet the page requirement. I quickly bored of the book and had to force myself to read on.

During my reading I faced some real-life struggles and found the advice and guidance in Where is God? to be a weak consolation that God is still there with me through the tough times.

What Where is God? did do is to what I already knew giving me valid and on-point scripture. I liked the way the chapters are broken down and found the book to be a viable resource when I needed scripture or guidance in a particular characteristic of God and His relationship to me in time of difficulty. Where is God? provided a good starting point. I was able to use the information in my own Bible study and prayer time with God.

I received a free copy of Where is God? to review for Thomas Nielson (Booksneeze.com).

Doodlin' with Friends

Because I have been scatter-brained and light-headed--because life is a little bit scrambled up--because I need something to occupy me right now--simply because my friend did it and I needed some crayon therapy...

See my friend's blog and her lovely village here

She's the Upsidedown Bee :)

Waiting on a Promise

Psalm 37:34 Wait on the LORD, and keep his way...

The day ahead is full of promise. Promise from God, promise to self, and promise of possibility. And so I am waiting.

My dog, Rollo, is sitting at my feet staring up the stairs. He is waiting too. In a bit he will hear the sound of children. Slowly. One by one they will get up and move about. He stares up there waiting. There is promise that a child will appear at the top. And to his delight, and theirs, they will make eye contact, the dogs tail wagging ferociously and the child pointing and squealing his name. Promise.

In my waiting I am looking up hopefully too. Maybe a bit less patiently than my dear friend. My soul gets restless as the soul of the human does. Training sets it steady like a hunter, still and ready, yet patient. Movement-- restlessness can bring defeat. But it is in the steady waiting. Quiet. Did I learn this from the dog?

Lamentations 3:25 The LORD is good unto them that wait for Him...

The instructions are clear. The promise is clear. It's just the waiting that is muddy. Relying upon myself to sit and wait on God. I know I can't do it alone. I know I need His help. I pray and talk with Him about my restless nature and I tell Him, like the dear friend that He is that I want to wait. I want the promise. And with humor and lesson to be learned His answer is slow. More waiting. His answer comes quietly. My movement a distraction from the Word He has for me. I miss it. And in angst I seek Him again for the promise.

Has the waiting become long and intense? I feel like it has. I am frustrated and believe that God has forgotten His promise. I know He hasn't. But my mind. Oh, my mind. A spot for the deceiver to slip into my conscious.

So, silly as it may seem, I look to be more like Rollo. Waiting. Waiting. When he gets restless, he lays his head down, but he doesn't move. His ears rise at the slightest sound, but his body is still. I imagine his mind is still too. On task. Just where I need to learn to keep my mind. Steady and unmoving, quiet and patient. Waiting on my promise.

And just then the frame of a small child appears from around the corner. Delight in her voice as she points, Rollo standing and wagging and wiggling. His patience rewarded. The child clamboring down the staircase. Thus I ready my soul and I align my spirit to wait on Him.

Hebrews 6:12 Then, instead of being lazy, you will imitate those who are inheriting the promises through faith and patience.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Though it has been a while since I posted a daybook, I decided that today would be a good day to start back... So here's my entry for today, Monday, August 2, 2010:

 

It is Monday! Click on the link to find the official site and join the fun!

The Simple Woman's Daybook 

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...It is dark, anything could be out there.

I am thinking...about those things that I will allow to consume me, because they are good and those things I will not, because I refuse to waste time or energy today.

I am thankful for...a loving husband.

From the kitchen...ginger snap cookies.

I am wearing...my gown.

I am creating...socks if I get a chance today.

I am going...to slow it down just a bit.

I am reading...the book of Revelation, the book of Hosea, Faith in the Night Season by Chuck and Nancy Missler.

I am remembering...to make arrangements today for a school fundraiser.

I am hoping...in God.

On my mind...Dad.

Noticing that...I have peace when I thought I would have pain.

Pondering these words..."fulfill your calling"

Around the house...there needs to be some cleaning but I'm not gonna.

One of my favorite things... first-thing-in-the-morning-quiet.

Here is a thought I am sharing...if you aren't right, get right, because time for the getting may be short.

 

AMEN.

When Daddy Died

Yesterday, at approximately 11:30 I got the call that my father was gone. He had a terrible toothache that turned out to be throat cancer. He was treated and underwent a terrible round of radiation. When he returned to the doctor, the cancer was gone. Unfortunately, it wasn't. They found it later, stage 4 in his lungs and his bones. Dad lived only a few weeks after that.

Daddy and me (circ. 1972)

I tell you this...there is nothing more painful, nothing in this world harder than watching and waiting for someone to inevitably pass away. And, as a Christian, there is the inherent guilt that comes from feeling so grief stricken. How can I possibly be a testimony for Christ if it seems that my faith has been shaken like that? The thought comes to me that I should have joy, because my father is going Home to be with the Lord. And here I am dealing with the troubles of the world. But I don't feel like that. I feel horrible that God called him home and I "think" I still need my daddy here. I need to be able to call him and talk to him and tell him about my day and my ideas. I need him to be my fan club like he has been.

I've had wise counsel remind me that the bible says that there is a time for mourning (Eccles. 3:4) and that weeping may last for a night but joy comes in the morning (Ps. 30:5). It's normal, it's natural. It's part of being human...right? And it doesn't mean I'm any less faithful to God. Not at all.

When I got off the phone yesterday I got on my knees and told God "okay" and then I went outside and told my daddy goodbye.

(I wanted to give credit for the lyrics for this song but I couldn't find who wrote it, if you know, please forward that information to me so I can make the appropriate notation)

SOMEBODY PRAYED FOR ME

When my heart was so broken
That I could not pray
When Love wasnt easy to see
Someone was there
Somebody cared
Somebody prayed for me

Somebody went to the Throne of heaven
Somebody lifted my name
Bringing me in to his holy presence
Saying what I couldnt say
Somebody showed me the face of his mercy

When darkness was all I could see
Somebody pleaded the blood of Jesus
Somebody prayed for me

When the Future looked Hopeless
And I’d given up
When I had lost sight of my dreams
Somebody near
Dried every tear
Somebody prayed for me

Somebody went to the Throne of heaven
Somebody lifted my name
Bringing me in to his holy presence
Saying what I couldnt say

Somebody showed me the face of his mercy
When darkness was all I could see
Somebody pleaded the blood of Jesus
Somebody prayed for me

Goings on

This is my rendition of "free-form" crochet. None of that squiggly stuff for me--oh, no! Even with chaos I need some order :) So, it's just a granny square blanket with various and random stitch changes.

Someone asked me for my website today. I gave them the address and then deflated a little as I haven't been on here blogging. The real world trumps the virtual one. So suffice it to say I have been living life :)
Here's some of the stuff I've been working on...

Cute little hat I was commissioned to make :)

I know it looks like blue ramen noodles. It's really a scarf in the makin'

Another commissioned piece!!

Tuesday Morning

Yesterday I decided to "build" the porch that I have wanted for the last...oh....7 years. I cleared the area in front of the front window and after hours of digging and "leveling" I laid the bricks for the last time, placed my bistro set in the middle and several plants and rocks around the boarder. Very pretty. So this morning I went out to sit on my porch. I took my coffee and a crochet project and a citronella candle. It sounds nice, but it's not even 60 degrees yet. Needless to say, I'm back in the house. I guess I'll watch the news and wait until it gets just a little warmer :)

The Simple Woman's Daybook

It is Monday! Click on the link to find the official site and join the fun!

The Simple Woman's Daybook 

FOR TODAY
(June 16, 2010)...

Outside my window...Ha! My PORCH!!!

I am thinking...about...hmmm...nothing really...Just relaxing the mind.

I am thankful for...six children, sleeping peacefully and safe.

From the kitchen...tacos.

I am wearing...a jacket, because even though it will be 90+ today, it is 56 right now.

I am creating...a baby blanket.

I am going...to grocery shop today, we have run out of meat.

I am reading...the book of Revelation, Left Behind (again), and various trade books.

I am remembering...to pay attention to the to-do list.

I am hoping...my Dad is feeling his best today :)

On my mind...the mess at my feet, unfinished work...

Noticing that...my prayers are being answered. Hallelujah!

Pondering these words..."Radical Prayer"

Around the house...I'll get some of the laundry done.

One of my favorite things... words.

Here is a thought I am sharing...if you don't; someone will.

What?!

You come to me
Full of the nay-sayin'
words of
negative-isms
because you have decided that
I'm just too busy
What?!
Yeah, I've been incredibly busy
Time consumed in those things
voluntary and volunteered
all with a joyful heart
I've come to see that my God
guides me
He leads me to the things that
bring me joy
comfort my soul
But
not for me
not to my benefit
But to bring Him all
the glory
the praise
and the thanksgiving
I do it all and take on more
because
well
because
I love to do what
He has given me to do


--It has been a dream
to do what I love
It is all the sweeter
to do it for God

Housewarming Throw Pattern

My Sister-in-Law was having a housewarming party and, short on time I found some lovely Red Heart and put together this quick throw.

5 skeins Red Heart Super Saver Multi (I used color 0981 Fall) 244 yards each
Size H hook

Finished size: Approximately 38"x54"

V-stitch: Dc, ch1, dc in designated stitch or space

Ch 124

Row 1. V-stitch in 5th ch from hook. [Sk 2 ch, v-stitch] across, dc in last st. Ch3, turn.

Row 2. V-stitch in the ch1 space of the v-stitch in the row below, across. DC in top of the skipped ch4. Ch 3, turn.

Row 3-6. Repeat in V-stich

Row 7-8. Hdc in each st and ch sp across.

(Pattern: 6 rows of V-stitch, 2 rows of hdc)

Repeat in pattern for 9 repetitions. Finish with 1 row of sc.

Marmalade and Strawberry Preserves

So...I revisited the marmalade and it turned out perfectly. I did everything the same, I just didn't cook it into candy :)

Then I decided to make some strawberry preserves! YUM! Turned out perfect the first time...

4 pints fresh strawberries
3 cups sugar
1 cup water
1T apple cider vinegar

Dice the strawberries and add everything to a large pot. Cook on medium - medium high heat, stirring constantly and maintaining a low boil. My batch took just a little over an hour. When everything has reduced almost in half, has thickened up and holds together on a spoon you are ready to can. Skim the foam at this point, if you want--I don't bother. Add boiling hot preserves to clean, HOT jelly jars, (mine fit in two quart jars) clean rims and seal. Turn jars over until cool.

Orange Marmalade

I think that watching Food Network is bad for my health...and the kids'! Last night we watched Bobby Flay's Throwdown. He was up against a lady from TN I think. They were making biscuits and jam. My 6 year old sat with me and asked me to make that for breakfast.

Well, I think I have honed my biscuit recipe the way that I like it so this morning bright and early here I am in the kitchen measuring flour and baking powder... I added too much salt and margarine just isn't working like butter would. But nonetheless I get those biscuits in the oven and I think about the half jar of preserves from the store in the fridge. I think about the amass of oranges in the fridge and decide that it shouldn't take too long to make marmalade. Right?

Well, I cut up a few oranges and add sugar to the pot and here we go. I get it to the perfect gel and then decide that I am going to give some to a friend, so I better can it properly.

Hmm...where are the lids?

I find the jars, wash them and set a pot to boil. I think I only have about three jars worth. But now my marmalade has cooled. I need it hot. So I turn the burner back on...bad idea. The whole pot crystallized! So now I have two jars of orange candy! Not what I wanted.

I will not be defeated by a few sugar crystals. This afternoon I'll try again. We will have marmalade if it kills me!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

It is Monday! Click on the link to find the official site and join the fun!

The Simple Woman's Daybook 

FOR TODAY
(February 3, 2010)...

Outside my window...a beautiful day that God made

I am thinking...about knocking out my chores and some work so I can get outside

I am thankful for...all of God's blessings on my life. Sometimes they are easily overlooked.

From the kitchen...dirty dishes and the makin's for chocolate cookies :)

I am wearing...pink and white striped tee, blue jeans, and pink and white sneakers

I am creating...a throw for my Sister in Law's new digs and a shawl for a friend's birthday

I am going...to have to make a call to change the kids dentist today

I am reading...the book of Revelation.

I am remembering...God's promises for me

I am hoping...my Dad is feeling his best today :)

On my mind...family

Noticing that...I haven't exercised with consistency for a while. I need to get busy

Pondering these words..."let it go"

Around the house...what I can't do today can wait until tomorrow. Unless they have sent the final, final notice for shut off. Then if I can't do it today I will do it in the dark tomorrow.

One of my favorite things...Springtime!

Here is a thought I am sharing...teach someone else a thing that gives you joy

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Okay...so I didn't do this on Monday. Tuesday either. It should be called The Busy Woman's Daybook! Click on the link to find the official site and join the fun!

The Simple Woman's Daybook 

FOR TODAY
(February 3, 2010)...

Outside my window...a nice, clean SUV - INSIDE and OUT!

I am thinking...that I really need to find some quiet time for myself.

I am thankful for...the roof over my head, even though it leaks; the food in the kitchen, even though it's not fancy; the clothes on my back, even though they aren't new; my husband, even though he's not perfect (me either); the kids, even though they have taken over my life (what a joy)

From the kitchen...chicken legs defrosting

I am wearing...blue top, blue sweats and white socks

I am creating...the last round on an afghan for All Shades of Pink

I am going...to find someone who can't wait to publish my children's book!

I am reading...the book of Daniel.

I am remembering...that I have some unfinished assignments and I'm starting to feel a bit guilty

I am hoping...my Dad is feeling his best today :)

On my mind...the book that I just finished - "The Secret Keeper's Daughter"

Noticing that...there is a calm in my house.

Pondering these words..."my children must obey me"

Around the house...I am cleaning up, clearing out and closing down

One of my favorite things...watching my kids enjoy the food I have prepared for them.

Here is a thought I am sharing...We are all a little crazy; the one's who are sane, know it.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Yesterday was a really hard day for me, mentally. I spent a good amount of time on the phone with difficult people and difficult situations. It's a shame that large companies get away with what they do... Anyway, here's my daybook entry for this week. It will reflect my life this morning :)

The Simple Woman's Daybook 

FOR TODAY
(January 26, 2010)...

Outside my window...There can be nothing but peace. God promised me peace, so today, before I go out into the world to face whatever comes at me, I claim peace!

I am thinking...about the chores I have to complete today, how I will do everything and the time that I promise myself for today.

I am thankful for...God's unfailing love and grace.

From the kitchen...A LARGE stack of dishes.

I am wearing...dirty jeans and a scrubs top. My favorite, handmade slippers :)

I am creating...a clean and comfortable space for my family and me

I am going...in sanity. Wherever I go. I will not let the world make me crazy.

I am reading...to prepare for Sunday morning.

I am remembering...my father in his strength.

I am hoping...that this season comes to an end soon, that I can realize the growth that has taken place, and I can move on to that next level.

On my mind...the kid's school projects and how we will complete them.

Noticing that...it hasn't rained in several days.

Pondering these words...second chances.

Around the house...lots to do. Today this is my challenge. It will be my success.

One of my favorite things...a clean car, inside and out

Here is a thought I am sharing...use a thesaurus and expand your vocabulary.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook 

FOR TODAY
(January 18, 2010)...

 
Outside my window... it has been raining most of the day. I sent the dog out in it and went to brush my teeth. When I returned he was outside the window, trying to sit in the bit of cover from the elements very close to the house.

I am thinking...though it is late, my six year old is watching a superhero movie, and maybe I should let him watch it instead of enforcing his bed time.

I am thankful for...being diligent enough to complete an unfinished project.

From the kitchen...half of a cake from the grocery store. All the dishes are done, so I eat a slice from my fingertips.

I am wearing...permanently stained khakis, a purple shirt and my new cozy green fleece jacket.

I am creating...something new this week. I have some scrumptious yarns waiting on me patiently.

I am going...to find a warm and comfy spot. It's been a long day.

I am reading..."Trading Dreams at Midnight" by Dianne McKinney-Whetstone...slowly.

I am remembering...what is was like to struggle with memorizing math facts as I forced my kids to cram this weekend.

I am hoping...that there is nothing that can stop my children from achieving all that they dream.

On my mind...positive thoughts and simple, positive things.

Noticing that...stress can only be inside of me if I let it.

Pondering these words...I must be doing good if bad thinks I'm worth the trouble.

Around the house...the noises are much too loud this late in the evening.

One of my favorite things...is being in the car, alone, driving to or from some activity that was just for me.

Here is a thought I am sharing...thinking about working out doesn't burn any calories.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

I was fortunate enough this morning to come across "The Simple Woman's Daybook" (Click on the link to see more) via my friend at Upsidedownbee.blogspot.com. I came to the computer looking for something this morning and I think this is what the Lord led me to. It certainly touched me the way I needed :)

The Simple Woman's Daybook 

FOR TODAY
(January 12, 2010)...
Outside my window... it is cool, crisp and dark. The amber glow from the streetlight is peeking through the blinds behind me
I am thinking...how can I praise when my mind is full of doubt?
I am thankful for...the little ways God whispers to me that He is with me.
From the kitchen...radiates the voice of the newscaster warning of pedofiles and impending rain.
I am wearing...my jammies, my housecoat, and my crochet slippers.
I am creating...a baby hat, orange with blue stripes.
I am going...out today to take the kids back to school after a three week vacation and then back to get my home in order.
I am reading...Daniel and learning how important it is to stand up for what you believe in, no matter what and "Trading Dreams at Midnight" by Diane McKinney-Whetstone, because...well, I just haven't been reading.
I am remembering...that one of God's promises is that no weapon formed against me shall prosper.
I am hoping...that the day is gentle and kind to my husband

On my mind...I am focusing on staying on task

Noticing that...what I allow into my mind tends to try to remain there

Pondering these words...Praise Him
Around the house...I am clearing out. I am tired of all the things that I accummulate day to day.
One of my favorite things...is sitting outside on a warm day just enjoying fresh air, sweet sounds, and peace
Here is a thought I am sharing...I will tuck away a blank page in the envelope of time for today to doodle pink and orange swirls.