first kiss or first car?

Which of the two do you have stronger memories of - your first car or your
first kiss?


Regis Philbin asked this question to Kelly Ripa yesterday on their show. I decided to post and answer this question because some day I hope my grandchildren and great-grandchildren will read my posts in this blog. And by what they read, they will come to know who I am and what my life was like.

So, to answer this question... I would have to say that I have stronger memories about my first kiss - but I'll tell you about my first car, too.

My first kiss came right after I entered ninth grade from a boy name Keith L*** (who knows who might be reading this). He was friends with one of my good friend's brother. I actually thought my friend's brother and all of his friends were cute. Hmmm... I think I was a little boy crazy. Anyways, there was an obvious mutual attraction.

I don't think I'll give you all the details (my father reads this - hi dad!), but tell you that it came swiftly and unexpectedly. But it wasn't just a peck - it was long enough to have my head spinning and my heart pounding.

What I also remember is that right after it happened, my mom picked me up for soccer practice and I felt like I was in a daze, like I was floating on air. It was hard for me to concentrate on pre-game drills or hustling for the ball during a scrimmage game. But guess what!? I scored two goals in that scrimmage. I had never scored a goal before, either in a scrimmage or real game. Like I said, I was floating :D

My first car - a red 1971 Chevy Nova. I paid $500 for it in 1976. It had obvious problems and didn't last long. But that didn't matter. It was all mine and it represented freedom and adulthood. That's about all I needed at that time.

Check out all the Aloha Friday participants here.

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link of the day:
http://www.nonoba.com/chris/untangle

you are enough

The other day I was looking through my bookcase for a specific book. I never found it, but I came across a book that I had picked up some time ago. It's Leo Buscaglia's Born for Love, Reflections on Loving. I vaguely remember reading through some of this book before sticking it on the shelf, where it has sat for years.

So I opened it up and started reading through it. It's just a collection of short reflections on the subject of love. Some are kinda cheesy, but some are pretty profound. I want to share one that instantly resonated with me because it's something we try to teach the teens in our youth group.

You are enough
"You are the perfect you. No one can be a better you, no matter how much they so desire. This does not mean that you don't have the potential to become more. It simply means that you are not in competition with anyone. When you truly accept the fact that you have all you need to become fully you, you free yourself from a self-created, artificial identity. To be someone you are not take inordinate amounts of energy that could better go toward a more productive activity.
Since you are one of a kind, the message here is clear. You have something to offer that will never again be possible. To devalue this is not only a tragedy for you, but, in fact, for the world."

But as I was reading this, I realized how many adults struggle with this concept. And not because they don't want to love who they are. There are so many reasons why we may not like, let alone, love ourselves. I think it takes time for most of us to come to a place where we're okay with who we are, and maybe we never quite get totally there. As with everything else in our lives, it's a process.

Something that has helped me is something I heard years ago; God doesn't make mistakes. So when God formed me in my mother's womb, some 48-49 years ago, He knew exactly what He was doing. He decided what I was going to look like, what my personality was going to be like, my strengths, my weaknesses, my abilities, my flaws - and all of it was His perfect design. Surely not my idea of a perfect design, but His. And who am I to argue with that.

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link of the day:
http://www.magmypic.com/

we are... moms in touch

Here's a picture, taken today, of the ladies from my Moms In Touch group while we lunched at a local restaurant. I love them dearly and the time we spend together is priceless to me. Little did I know, when I joined this group four years ago, how much of a blessing it would be.

I almost didn't join. I had gone to another MIT group meeting when my kids were younger and did not have a good experience. I felt that it was a bunch of busy-body soccer moms who only wanted to sit around and gossip under the guise of praying for others. It left a very bad taste in my mouth.

But when Terri (the leader of my current group) called me, I felt an instant connection with her and her vision for the new group she was starting. It also came during a hard time in my life (we had just left our former ministry and church) and I felt like God was telling me to give it a try. I only had to attend two meetings to realize this group was going to be nothing like the other that I had attended.

The group has changed in participants since I first joined, but the overall goal has not. And that is to gather as mothers to pray for our children and our children's schools.

This goal has brought us closer than any of us could have ever expected. With all of us raising teenagers, we can cry on each other's shoulders and then laugh through our tears. We're there to support and learn from each other. Sometimes praying is all we can do for our children and it's a great comfort to know that we are lifting each other, and our kids, up in prayer. We also truly care about the schools that our children attend and want to bathe these institutions and their staff in prayer.

I believe in the power of prayer. I feel it's important to be praying for our children from the time they're born until... well, I guess we never stop :) I know it's a blessing to have others praying for me and with me and I for others. I'm thankful that I live in a country where I'm free to pray. And I believe that God answers each and every prayer we utter.

side notes:
My blogging friend Susan's last two posts (here and here) addresses a couple of issues involving prayer. Both have some good food for thought that you might enjoy reflecting upon. I'm sure she would appreciate your thoughts on the subject.

Another blogging friend, Leigh Ann, has a wonderful site, Lifting Hands, that encourages parents to pray for their children. Each week she posts a specific prayer that focuses on a specific area. Another blessing for me.

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link of the day:
http://www.rattle-n-roll.com/html/home2.html

my personal prayer

More of Him has moved to Not A DIY Life. Please follow the link to read from other participants or add your own post to the list. And thank you once again Heather, for taking the reins on this.

So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father... - Colossians 1:9-12 NLT

I came across this scripture a couple of weeks ago and have turned it into a personal prayer for myself. It goes something like this...

Lord, please give me wisdom and understanding of your will for my life so that I may live in a way that honors and pleases you. I pray that the fruit of your spirit, living in me, will be evident to those I come in contact with. It is my deepest desire to know you better, to spend time at your feet, and to feel the glow of your smile upon my face. Lord, I need your help today and know that I can rely on your strength to get me through. Help me to be patient and endure the situations that test and tempt me. Thank you for the joy in my life, that only comes from you.

Verse 11 in the Message reads, "We pray that you'll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives."

I must admit, that at times, I've had short timers attitude when it comes to working with the youth in our church. There's times when I feel like I'm gritting my teeth and that I can't wait for May to come. But, as you would guess, God changes my perspective when I need patience and endurance and I truly do experience the joy that only comes from serving Him by serving others. For that, I praise Him.

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link of the day:
http://www.soulkeepermusic.com/images/originalart/scripturephotoalbum2/index.htm

happy sunday

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February 24th has finally arrived. I look forward to this day every year. It's not the 24th February per se... it's the night of the Academy Awards. I have watched this award ceremony since I was a little girl with the anticipation of who would win which awards and what everyone would look like as they walked the red carpet. I'm not a starstruck celebrity follower, or anything close. I love the movies, and I enjoy this one night of watching those I see up there on the big screen, on my little screen. Anyone else watch the oscars?

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I have a sister site that I have used to post random photos that I take. I haven't posted as many pictures as I had originally planned, but that's about to change. I'm undertaking Project 365.

I am going to attempt to take a picture each and every day for a whole year (and hopefuly beyond). I will then post them on my other site. Why? I just think it would be a fun way to record my days. How fun will it be at this time next year when I look back at the photos and remember special events, the people I interact with, the places I go, or just the normalcy of my life. It goes with my life motto; life is a journey, not a destination.

I hope you'll stop by every once in a while and see what my world looks like (each and every day) through the lens of my camera. You can also read more about the project through the photojojo website found on my link of the day. The link to my year in pictures can also be found on my sidebar.

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link of the day:
http://photojojo.com/

five course meal

Appetizer
Have you ever played a practical joke on anyone? If so,what did you do and who was your victim?
Yes, I have. A few years back, the boys (including male leaders) in our youth group perpetrated a joke on the girls in the group. As you can guess, the desire to retaliate was very strong and we (yes, female leaders, too) took weeks to come up with something worth while doing. We also let that time go by because we didn't want the boys to know we were up to anything.
One night, when the boys were racing pine derby cars in another room, us girls brought them cookies and punch. Just ordinary oreos - or atleast the boys thought they were ordinary. We had twisted each one open and spread a layer of orajel on top of the filling, before closing them again.
As each boy ate their cookie(s), they noticed their mouth going numb. At first, no one said anything and the girls stood by barely able to hold in their laughter. Then, one by one, the boys started voicing their suspicion that there was something wrong with the cookies -
that their mouths felt funny and/or numb.
Oh, the girls were so proud of themselves and bragged for weeks about how bad they got the boys. I was proud that we used our brains to come up with something that would be fun and funny and not destructive or mean.

Soup
What do your salt and pepper shakers look like?
My salt and pepper shakers are pretty plain looking -
they are identical glass with silver tops.

Salad
Where is the next place you plan to visit (on vacation or business)?
I'm not sure what the next place will be. We're working on a summer vacation, but we don't know where we're going yet or what part of the summer it will take place (probably July). I am planning to be in California for my neice's graduation mid-June.

Main Course
What kind of lotion or cream do you use to keep your hands
from getting too dry?
Thankfully, I don't have a big problem with dry skin. I do use lotion, but don't swear by any certain brand. I have found, though, that I
like the ones with shea butter in them.

Dessert
Make up a dessert, tell us its ingredients, and give it a name.
This is hard. I've never made up a dish of any kind. I'm not even good at baking or cooking from scratch. My cakes come from a box.
For me, a perfect dessert would include strawberries, chocolate, whip cream and angel food cake. So there are the ingredients.
I would make a mixture of cut strawberries and just enough whip cream to cover the stawberries. I would then cut the angel food cake into flat piece and spread the strawberry mixture over it. Drizzle fudge over the entire piece, top with a couple more cut strawberries and serve.
Serve immediately :D
I would call this DELIGHTFUL. I know this is too simple and people probably already make somethng like this, but I told you,
I'm not good at making up dishes.

check out more feast participants here

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link of the day:
http://www.iwantoneofthose.com/new-arrivals/magic-frog-to-prince/index.html

quirky quote

I have always enjoyed reading quotes. Those profound little quips of wisdom or humor is just enough to make me ponder or gives me a short chuckle. I collect quotes, with really nothing to do with them except post a quote for the day for those of you who are nice enough to leave me a comment.


So as I was browsing through some blogs, I came across this Quirky Quote Contest (although I don't understand why it's called 'quirky') and of course, was instantly intrigued. With the chance to win a $15 card to Amazon, I only need to post my favorite quote and leave my link on this website.

In my case, I'm posting one of my favorite quotes. It was actually a hard decision because I have so many that I like. But I finally decided on this one. It's from one of my favorite movies, The Ultimate Gift, and I think you can tell why I like it so much. To me, it speaks the truth.

"Every happening, great or small, is a parable by which God speaks to us. The art of life is to get the message."

So what is your favorite quote? Leave me it in a comment or enter yourself in the Quirky Quote Contest.

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link of the day:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2pLHLOnG6I

testing the ice

Wordless Wednesday HQ

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link of the day:
http://www.ontheissues.org/default.htm,

is your dad better than mine?

I don't know if I can blame the writer's strike for such bad TV or if it's just the natural progression of reality shows. Tonight I was watching Deal or No Deal because, well... I like the show. The next show was one that I've heard advertisements for, but hadn't paid much attention to. It was called, My Dad Is Better Than Your Dad.

I could only watch about 10 minutes before I had to turn it off. It was a competition between four teams - consisting of a father and his child (some boys, some girls). The first task had the children standing on the side lines cheering their dads on. But it was obviously more than just cheering. They were screaming and yelling such things as, "you have to do it, dad" and "go faster dad, you're losing." They knew they were on TV and they knew how important it was for their respective dads to beat the other dads. They didn't want to be losers.

It was a competition where the dad who came in last place was eliminated. You can imagine the look on the little girl's face when it was her dad that couldn't manage to beat any of the other dads. Maybe I'm the only one who feels this way, but it broke my heart.

The next competition included the child, so now there's the pressure of winning put upon the child. If these were just fun games that a father and child did together, I would be all for it. But when you put the title of "my dad is better than your dad" on it, of course the kids are going to want to win and have their dad to be given the title of the "best."

But what happens when their dad doesn't get that title? There can only be one winner. As adults, we know that doesn't mean the other dads are losers, but do kids know that? Especially with that as the name of the show. Would they internalize the fact that their dad isn't the best - that he isn't better than so-n-so's father? And how long does that stay with them?

And what about the father that does win? Does his son or daughter then think that their dad is better than all others? Is that healthy thinking for any kid?

I'm all for healthy competition, but I don't see this show as being anything but hurtful for the kids involved. Just my two cents.

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link of the day:
http://www.hassleme.co.uk/

more of HIM

Welcome to More of HIM


More of HIM is a place to find encouragement, support, and honesty as we each strive to live in God's grace and love. Join in with your own post sharing how God is speaking to you through His word ~or~ how He is working in your life. Leave a link to your post on Mr. Linkly below. Or visit those who have shared this week and leave them a comment. Sharing our spiritual journeys with each other can help us to grow not only as a community here in bloggyland, but closer to our Lord and Savior.

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ANNOUNCEMENT

After some thought and prayer, I have decided to stop hosting More of HIM Mondays. I still strongly believe in the concept and feel that it ministers to readers and writers alike. Heather of Not A DIY Life has graciously offered to continue More of HIM by hosting it on her blog.

Heather is a wife and mother to a darling little "ladybug." You can tell that she obviously loves the Lord through her posts and how she lives her life. I think she will be a wonderful host and I hope you will continue to participate over at her place. If you don't know Heather, stop by and say hi.

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HIM in my life...

It's been a week and a half since Lent started and I've been enjoying reading Max Lucado's book, 3:16. He is such a good writer. Like I said in this post, there is a 40 day devotional in the back of the book and I've been reading that each day as well as the main part of the book. Both are really good. He has made me think about this specific verse in ways that I haven't before. And the book has been good for me to have as a focus for this period leading up to Easter.

My other focus for this time is to ask God daily to show me how I can reach out to someone - in the small or big ways. This is a little harder to measure, but I do feel like He has shown me some specific things and I have responded the best I can.

At first, I was looking so hard for some kind of act of kindness or reaching out that I was counting something I would normally have done as something to check off on my daily list. For example; I'd hold the door open for someone. Well, I normally do this, so I realized I couldn't count that.

I found that once i discounted my normal deeds of kindness, and relaxed a little, other things would come up that I knew God was asking me to do. How I recognized these was that they would cause me some level of discomfort or giving up of my precious time. But as you can guess, I've been blessed in the end by reaching out and getting involved.

Now, don't get me wrong... I haven't done this perfectly since Lent started. In fact, I know there has been times God was nudging me towards something and I turned and walked away. But I'm getting better. Better at hearing God's voice, better at knowing what He wants me to do, and better at obeying. It is a process after all. That why this is one of my favorite sayings:

Life is a journey, not a destination.

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here she is...

... the USS New York - made from the World Trade Center

It was built with 24 tons of scrap steel from the World Trade Center.

It is the fifth in a new class of warship - designed for missions that include special operations against terrorists.

It will carry a crew of 360 sailors and 700 combat-ready Marines to be delivered ashore by helicopters and assault craft.

It is to be christened on March 1, 2008 and then commissioned later in the year.

Steel from the World Trade Center was melted down in a foundry in Amite, LA to cast the ship's bow section.

When it was poured into the molds on Sept 9, 2003, 'those big rough steelworkers treated it with total reverence,' recalled Navy Capt. Kevin Wensing, who was there. 'It was a spiritual moment for everybody there.'

Junior Chavers, foundry operations manager, said that when the trade center steel first arrived, he touched it with his hand and the 'hair on my neck stood up.' 'It had a big meaning to it for all of us,' he said. 'They knocked us down. They can't keep us down. We're going to be back.'

The ship's motto: 'Never Forget'

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link of the day:
http://www.ussnewyork.com/
(a beautiful site)

under the stars

Girlfriend Chronicles continues...

Girlfriend didn't know what to expect. She had only camped maybe once before and now, not only was she going camping, but with boyfriend's family. She was a little frightened. But even more, she was excited, because it meant that she would be spending a whole week with boyfriend.

It was toward the end of a perfect summer. Boyfriend and girlfriend had started seeing each other and spending all their time together right after school got out in June. Boyfriend's family were big campers and were looking forward to the big trip planned with two other families. They were going someplace girlfriend had never heard of - Bishop. She didn't care where they were going or who they were going with. She was just thrilled to have been asked.

She soon learned that camping was pretty rugged. She slept in a sleeping bag on the ground in a huge army tent with the whole family. She ate a lot of hamburgers and hot dogs and even freshly caught fish. The worst part; no daily shower, which meant her long beautiful hair grew greasier with each passing day.

But there were so many beautiful and wonderful things. Girlfriend learned how to fish and since they were camped next to a lake, they fished several times a day. She marveled at the beauty of the mountains, the lakes, the trees, and the wildlife. There was the time spent with boyfriend's family and getting to know them better. She even had her hair hand washed by boyfriend and his mom (definite highlight!). And the evenings were the most special.

This is when boyfriend and girlfriend would lay on their backs and watch the stars in the endless black sea that was above them. They talked about anything and everything while watching for falling stars and picking out constellations. Even though they had been spending nearly every day with each other throughout the summer, this is where they shared their soul with each other; their fears, their hopes, their dreams, their past and the future. It bonded them for a lifetime.

So it was no surprise what else happened on this trip. Towards the end of the week, boyfriend and girlfriend were fishing in one of their favorite spots around the lake. To wile away some of the time, they started playing this little game where one would write letters on the other's back to spell out a word or sentence and the other would have to guess what was being spelled out.

Each took a turn or two when girlfriend realized exactly what she wanted to spell out on boyfriend's back. Without hesitation she started with the first letter, I.... then the second, L.... and continuing with O.... V.... E.... Y.... O.... U. Boyfriend turned around and simply said, "me, too" followed by a wonderful kiss.

And that is how girlfriend and boyfriend first proclaimed their love for each other. The trip was also the start of girlfriend's love for camping, for Bishop, and for boyfriend's family, who loved girlfriend before they even really knew her.

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link of the day:
http://www.fieldmuseum.org/CHOCOLATE/

my two cents

Thank you to everyone who participated in the conversation yesterday on the hot topic of punishment, discipline, and spankings. I enjoyed reading each and every comment and am glad you all felt comfortable to share your opinions.

Although I don't think I would have put my kid out on the corner holding a sign, like the situation discussed, I can understand why the mother did it. As many of you said, a mother [and father] knows her/his kid best and knows what kind of discipline works best.

I think there is a difference between discipline and punishment, though. And I think that's important to keep in mind. In my opinion, it should be our goal to discipline a child in order to teach them self-control and direct them to better choices. I found this site that expresses my feelings on discipline vs. punishment. Please read it - it's short. I was going to articulate it myself but realized I couldn't write it any better (or differently).

I do think it's important to discipline our children. There are too many parents who don't take this part of their job seriously, and it shows in their children, who grow up with all sorts of troubles and issues.

There you go... there's my two cents.

-----------------------------------------------

This is a long time in coming, but I just wanted to thank Heather of Not a DIY Life for awarding me with this Excellent Blog award. I am most appreciative and very honored.

The originator of this award asks that each recipient pass it on to 10 more bloggers. After some thought, I've decided I'm not going to do this. I always have a hard time passing on awards. I never want to leave anyone out. Plus, I feel like all the blogs I read are "excellent." Who am I to judge that one blog is more excellent than another. So, if I read your blog and comment on a regular basis, please consider your blog EXCELLENT.

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link of the day:
http://www.coloring-page.net/book/valentine/index.html

weigh in

on the Hot Topic


I saw something on Good Morning America yesterday that I wanted other opinions on. It was a story of a little 8 year old boy who had got in trouble at school. As punishment, his mom made him stand on a corner in front of the school holding a double sided sign. On one side, it stated that he was rude to his teacher and that he was sorry, and on the other was a statement about making better choices. He was shown with tears rolling down his face while holding this sign for three hours (read whole story here).

The story goes on to say that the original story (aired last Friday) had generated a lot of viewer feedback; some from people who applauded the mother for taking a strong stand with her son and others who felt it was degrading and embarassing for the young boy.

And I'll throw another question in the mix: Do you believe in spanking?

I would love to hear your opinions on the subject. As before, please be courteous in your comments and open to other's thoughts. You might want to read the article and/or watch the video before you weigh in, as there's a lot of information to take into account.

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link of the day:
http://cpyu.org/Default.aspx

more of HIM

Welcome to More of HIM

[graphics can be found on sidebar]
More of HIM is a place to find encouragement, support, and honesty as we each strive to live in God's grace and love. Join in with your own post sharing how God is speaking to you through His word ~or~ how He is working in your life. Leave a link to your post on Mr. Linkly below. Or visit those who have shared this week and leave them a comment. Sharing our spiritual journeys with each other can help us to grow not only as a community here in bloggyland, but closer to our Lord and Saviour.

aloha friday

Today, I thought I'd play along with Kailani's, of An Island Life, Aloha Friday. Each participant posts a simple question. You don't need to participate in Aloha Friday to answer my (or any) question(s).



How do you celebrate Valentine's Day?

I look forward to everyone's answers on this one because Don and I really don't do anything big for Valentine's Day. Our anniversary was just a couple of weeks ago so I think that's our big romantic day. I have usually given something to my kids each year - something small just to remind them how much I love them and that they're my valentine.

Here's something else I found over at Kailani's. Remember when you were a kid in grade school and you made the little bags each year for your fellow classmates to deposit their little store bought valentines? Remember going to the store and picking out which valentines you wanted to pass out and then writing out each one -picking who got which design. Or maybe you made your own valentines. Those were special, too.

Well, here is a virtual valentines bag. I think it would be fun if everyone in the blogosphere had one on their site and we all could stop by and drop our valentine in. So, I'm going to have one here on my sidebar until Valentine's Day.

I may not receive any valentines (that would be really sad) but I'll do it anyways. You don't have to sign up for anything to leave me a message. Just pick annonymous but then include your name in the message. And if you put one of the virtual valentine bags on your blog, please let me know and I'll drop a special one in for you.

Oh... and the site won't allow you to read your valentines until February 14th. Won't that be fun to read all your valentines in one sitting. Just like when you were a kid :) Let's spread the LOVE.


Get your own valentinr

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link of the day:
http://holidays.kaboose.com/valentines-day/

46 days

Yesterday was the start of the Lenten season. I didn't grow up following the practice of Lent (I'm not catholic), but introduced it to my kids when they were fairly young. I remember each year discussing what would be the best thing to "give up," making the final decision, and then making that sacrifice for the next 46 days.

side note: most think it's 40 days, but it's actually 46. The 40 days of Lent were originally days of fasting. But it was thought that Sunday, the Lord's day, should not be a day of fasting, but instead, a day of celebration. So Sundays were excluded from days of fasting and thus there were 40 days spread out over a period of 46 days.

So, knowing Lent was approaching, I've been thinking and praying about what I wanted to do this year. I'll be honest... nothing has really come to me. Okay, (okay!) I'll be really honest... things did come to me, but I concluded that I wouldn't be successful at any of them.

For many years, I have given up some kind of food or drink. French fries, candy, sodas, and Starbucks have all been on that list. But since being diagnosed recently with Diabetes, I feel like I've had to give up so much already that, at this point, I'm not very willing to give up the little bit that I am still allowed to have. Maybe next year.

There have been years when I have "added" things to my life, like taking a daily walk or reading my Bible every day. But both of these have been things I've been working on since the beginning of the year, so they didn't seem right this time.

So this is what I've come up with. First, I started the Max Lucado's book 3:16, The Numbers of Hope, and am doing the 40 day devotional included in the book. That's something I will be reading each day (excluding Sundays) during Lent.

This next part is an idea that I'm not sure how to implement or how it's going to work out. I want to reach out to someone or perform some kind of act of kindness each and every day. When I think about it, it seems very overwhelming, a little scary, and maybe even impossible. But I will be praying each day that God show me if there's someone I should be interacting with and what I should be doing for them. This means that I'll have to be very intentional on hearing God's voice and then being obedient to that. Could be a very interesting 46 days.

another note: my link of the day is to Heidi Jo's post where she shares her thoughts on the meaning of Lent. It's beautifully written and reminded me of why I give up or add something during this period before Easter. I hope you'll take a moment to go over and read it.

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link of the day:
http://heidijowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/2008/02/lent-call-to-conversion.html

desperate measures

Have you seen this photo? It, and the story behind it, was all over the news networks yesterday. It was taken at an apartment fire in Germany where nine people perished (story and more pictures here).

Every time I saw this picture, or some of the other ones of the same event, my heart would skip a beat and I'd stop to ponder what the parents were thinking and how desperate they must have been when they dropped their baby from their fourth story window.

Seriously, could you drop your child out a window? I guess I would if I felt like the fire and/or smoke was about to over take me -AND- there was someone below who looked capable of catching my child and was ready to do so. But as I sit here on my comfortable couch, and in my safe home, I have a hard time imagining how I could actually let go of my infant knowing he/she would be falling at a fast rate to the ground below where a person I don't know will do his very best to catch my precious child who I love more than life itself.

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link of the day:
http://www.forbetterlife.org/

digging through my archives

Susan of Penless Writer tagged me for this archive meme. Picking links for this meme was harder than I thought (and I'm sure glad I use tags).

Here's what the originator wrote: When I find a new blog that I want to visit again, I rarely have enough time to go back a read everything from the beginning (although sometimes I do!). I want to get to know that person, but it's hard to commit to reading all of the posts from the last 2 years!

This meme is designed to make some of those old posts readily available to those who may be new to your blog, or even those who are regulars, just not from the start.

Here are the rules: Go back through your archives and post the links to your five favorite blog posts that you have written. But there is a catch:

Link 1 must be about family.
Link 2 must be about friends.
Link 3 must be about yourself.
Link 4 must be about something you love.
Link 5 can be anything you choose.

Post your five links and then tag five other people. At least TWO of the people you tag must be newer acquaintances so that you get to know each other better. Readers - don’t forget to read the archive posts and leave comments!

here are my links:
family = grandparents
friends = thankful thursday
about me = 100th post
something I love = passion
anything = cheering each other on

and I tag:
Huckdoll of Hey, I'm Going Crazy. Are You Coming?
Christi of Blah Blah Blog (my recent give-away winner)
Mary of Not Before 7
Melissa of Mejojac's Memos
Dana of Sunshine's Blog - Your Daily Dose of Light and Pictures

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link of the day:
http://www.americasfavoritemom.com/

more of HIM

Welcome to More of HIM

[graphics can be found on sidebar]
More of HIM is a place to find encouragement, support, and honesty as we each strive to live in God's grace and love. Join in with your own post sharing how God is speaking to you through His word ~or~ how He is working in your life. Leave a link to your post on Mr. Linkly below. Or visit those who have shared this week and leave them a comment. Sharing our spiritual journeys with each other can help us to grow not only as a community here in bloggyland, but closer to our Lord and Saviour.

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Scripture Speaks to me...

In The Message, 1 Timothy 2:1-2 and 8-9 says:

"The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation... (1-2)

Since prayer is at the bottom of all this, what I want mostly is for men to pray - not shaking angry fists at enemies but raising holy hands to God. And I want women to get in there with the men in humility before God, not primping before a mirror or chasing the latest fashions." (8-9)

I was reading through 1 Timothy this last week and as I was reading the second chapter, I was struck by some of the wording in my NIV Bible. I decided to check out how The Message said some of the passages I was interested in. Then I was struck even more.

I feel like I have a decent prayer life, but that there's always a lot of room for improvement. Since the first of the year, I've been trying to pray more in an open and on-going converesation with God. I've been trying to just talk to him as I go about my day.

In doing this, I have found myself praying for people and situations I might not normally pray for. Someone that crosses my path or just comes to mind, or something I see on the News or read about in a blog.

So it was confirming to read the first part; "Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know." But then the very next sentence says; "Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well..." I realized that I haven't been praying [much] about the election and candidates. Even though I'm not a political person, I should be praying for the people and situations [duh].

I've included verses 8 and 9 because I liked; "...not shaking angry fists at enemies but raising holy hands to God." - boy, we would all do well to try this - and, "...not primping before a mirror or chasing the latest fashions." - just letting me know where my priorities should be.

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and the winner is...

ChristiS

ChristiS of Blah Blah Blog is the winner of my give-away. Her comment was #48 of 73 comments. I am so happy to be sending her a copy of The Shack. Congratulations Christi. This is a book I wish everyone would read.


on another note...

I've added this button to my sidebar. It represents a concept that I can whole heartedly support - blogging without obligation. I encourage you to check out the link for the thoughts behind the concept as well as a variety of buttons you can use on your blog, if you would like. Read these reasons for not feeling obligated to blog and see if you don't agree.

-> Because you shouldn't have to look at your blog like it is a treadmill.

-> Because its okay to just say what you have to say. If that makes for a long post, fine. Short post, fine. Frequent post, fine. Infrequent post, fine.

-> Because its okay to not always be enthralled with the sound of your own typing.

-> Because sometimes less is more.

-> Because only blogging when you feel truly inspired keeps up the integrity of your blog.

-> Because they are probably not going to inscribe your stat, link and comment numbers on your tombstone.

-> Because for most of us blogging is just a hobby. A way to express yourself and connect with others. You should not have to apologize for lapses in posts. Just take a step back and enjoy life, not everything you do has to be "bloggable".

-> Because if you blog without obligation you will naturally keep your blog around longer, because it won't be a chore. Plus, just think you will be doing your part to eradicate post pollution. One post at a time. . .

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link of the day:
http://www.moo.com/

a bloggy giveaway

THIS POST WILL REMAIN AT THE TOP OF ALL POSTS UNTIL SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2nd.
PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO READ MY MOST CURRENT POST

It's time for a give-away. Check out all the participants here for a chance to win some great give-aways and consider participating yourself.

I posted here and here about a book I just finished reading and I would love to give away to someone. The Shack has such a great message in such a simple and enjoyable story. I consider it one of those life changing books.

The only thing I ask is that if you're not interested in reading it, please don't leave a comment. Give someone who is interested in reading it more of a chance to win. If it's a book you think you would like to read (and then pass on), just leave me a comment.

being influential

Last night I went to a Bible Study group meeting. I haven't been a part of a Bible Study for about a year now and I've missed doing one. So when our Women's Ministry announced a new group starting, I signed up.

It's actually not a study on a book of the Bible, but instead a book entitled Six Essentials of Spiritual Authenticity. It's a small group of women, which is good, and the book looks good. I wanted to share the first paragraph of the introduction because I firmly believe these words to be true and I wanted to share it, hoping it would encourage other women (and men, too).

"You were born to be a woman of influence. No - we don't mean a busybody or a queen bee, telling others what to do or making their lives revolve around yours. You were born to model your life on Jesus' life, and in so doing, be a model for others. Perhaps your influence will happen in a few quiet words over coffee, in a hug, or a prayer. Don't say, "Not me - I'm barely treading water!" If you have the Spirit of God in your life, you have what it takes. God wants to influence people through you."

I am convinced that this is the most effective way to minister to people - young and old. Church programs can only do so much. It's in the personal relationships that love is shown, that lives are shared, that spiritual growth occurs, that accountability naturally happens, and where God is constantly present.

Don't doubt yourself or your purpose. You do have a purpose. And if you're open to His leading, God will use you.

By the way... I think God uses a lot of people through their blogs. So keep on blogging!

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link of the day:
http://www.homeworkspot.com/