Dinking

What is the definition of dinking? Sometimes it's wasting time. Sometimes it's moving slow. Sometimes it's getting a hold of my camera . . .

Enough said.

A Bit to Much

It is very difficult for me to be critical of someone's autobiography. It's a piece of them . . . an intimate sharing of themselves. My job however, as a blogging reviewer for Kregal publishing is to honestly share my impression of each book sent to me.

I just finished reading "Rough Road to Freedom" by Neil T. Anderson. He documents his life from humble beginnings to becoming a pastor, professor and eventually pivotal part of creating Freedom in Christ ministry. In my opinion, Mr. Anderson shares way to many details of his life including word for word conversations and descriptions of members of his old congregations. I appreciated the effort he put into learning about himself and growing as a person but would feel very uncomfortable if I was a previous attender of one of his churches and was mentioned, not by name, but by obvious description.

I also felt, although it became a key factor in his life, he dove down deep into the darker side of Christianity. Now I know I have to be very careful here in my statements as it is not my intention to turn this blog into a spiritual debate and to me, there is no reason to focus on the non-salvation issues. To quote Beth Moore, "there are a lot of ribs out there but lets focus on the spine we all share." I know, because scripture talks very clearly at times, that there is a battle between good and evil going on. I personally feel, however, that when you spend a long time preaching, practicing or writing about the darker side, it gives more power to that issue. In my opinion, instead of constantly concentrating on bringing the evil out of people we should think instead about bringing the light into people. Jesus said, "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." John 9:5 and He calls us to be examples of Him after He left;  “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16

In conclusion, it is not my place to judge where someone's heart is or intentions lie. I would not be so bold as to say Pastor/Professor Neil Anderson has not reached many people in many positive ways. I am saying, for me and my understanding of God's grace and mercy, "this little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine."

If you would like to win this book to determine what you think for yourself, put your name in the comments section or send me an email.

                                                                                                                                    

Monday Night Football Daybook (or Nightbook?)

Outside my window...

Dark . . . lots of dark. One of those finally-fall-dark-nights.

I am thankful for..

A great bank. My debit card number was stolen today. Someone decided they would stay at a hotel and purchase $472 through walmart.com. Thanks to my amazing bank's fraud protection, the charges were stopped and after a quick visit to my local branch, I was given a new debit card number. Now, hopefully said debit thief will be caught buying their whatever they bought on my card. 

I am thinking about...

The football game. Our pastor loves the Greenbay Packers and is currently sitting at the game in yellow and green. We are home cheering in blue and green. We'll see if we're still welcome to church this Sunday!

From the kitchen...

Garlic Jim's gluten free pizza. Yummy stuff. Thanks Scott for coming over to hang out with us and thinking of our kids so considerately.

I am creating...

A blog post. I can only take on one little thing at a time right now. We're in a very interesting phase of life as a family - "circling the wagons" a friend so accurately labeled. Part of being successful during this time is to focus on today and not worry about tomorrow.

I am reading...

"Feathers from my Nest" by Beth Moore. This has become part of my morning routines. Reading a chapter makes me laugh, cry and realize what a journey motherhood it. 

"Beneath the Night Tree" by Nicole Baart. Pretty fluffy, easy to get involved in and blow through while thinking of nothing. Read half last night in a warm bath with a glass of red wine . . . pure bliss.
 

I am praying for...

Peace and strength.

I am hearing...

Football plays and responses from the couch crowd.

Around the house...

An empty laundry room. I know it doesn't last more than a day but I'm gonna revel in it. I might just go sit in there tonight to read my book and enjoy that bliss . . .

One of my favorite things...

Coffee . . . it's not a new favorite but it doesn't stop bringing me joy. It's very motivating to wake up when I know a quick push of the button on my Kuerig machine, a splash of caramel macchiato creamer, and I'm set with a warm cup of happiness in my hands.

A few plans for the rest of the week...

The first general PTSA meeting. It's exciting to begin the year for real now. I'm looking forward to working together with the parents and staff of our elementary school creating the best environment for our kiddos to learn and have incredible opportunities for growth and family fun.

A Picture I am sharing with you...

I spent some time last week with a sweet mentor learning the ins and outs of canning from a seasoned expert. I have officially caught the bug and can't wait for next year to can everything in sight!

Have a great week . . . and pray you find some bliss this week . . . maybe it's a bath with wine, maybe it's sitting in the middle of an empty laundry room, maybe it's savoring a cup of coffee . . . whatever it is, revel in it . . . God is good.

A Star is Born

Haley started soccer this week - her first ever organized sports team. She couldn't have been more excited and in fact, wore her practice outfit to school just so she could tell all her friends she was in soccer!! (It was hard to enforce the fact that you are not allowed to wear cleats to school!!) We are not the kind of parents that think our children are the most amazing perfect people in the world (although I think they're pretty close . . . hee hee hee) but who knows? Maybe a new star was born today. (Can we hope for the beginning of a scholarship?) She loved every second and can't wait to go back.

And of course the cheering section was pretty darn adorable . . .

We're lucky enough to be on the team with our favorite family in the world. We all can't wait for the next practice. And Haley is already planning her moves for the first game. Go Haley Go!!

Edge of My Seat

I just finished reading "Mortal Fire"by C.F. Dunn and can't wait to get the next book in the series. The story follows a woman named Emma who left her home in England when she was hired by an university in the United States. She went, not for the change of scenery, but in search of a journal she had spent her life's work trying to find and study. While there, she becomes wrapped up in the lives of her co-workers and the story takes off.

I found myself on the edge of my seat many times while reading. It is equal parts mysterious, scary, exciting and unexpected. There were definitely times when I couldn't read it before bed - I'd get worried about what was going to happen next, how each character was going to react to situations and the outcomes of many twists and turns.

I don't want to give away anything else as the element of surprise in this book is, I think, the allure of reading it. I will have to admit, I was not ready or happy at the cliff hanger at the end as it made me frustrated and in need of the next book . . . immediatly. But then, I guess that's the goal of an author in such a story.

Be ready to go on a ride with Emma - a character you truly begin to get to know and like - and have a blankie ready to throw over your head when it gets too spooky! I can't host a give away just yet as I have a reader friend who I know will love this book - Jessica, it's coming your way!!

GO DAWGS!

On Saturday, my family got to attend the Huskey game. We love to watch football together and the Huskeys are our very favorite!! Everyone in our house has jerseys, sweatshirts, and even sweat pants (ok - Travis wanted me to correct myself . . . he does not wear sweatpants) and cheer our hearts out in front of the TV. Where was I you may ask? Home doing a garage sale. Although we made a great amount of money and got rid of a lot of clutter, I was quite disappointed to get left on the sidelines. It did help me feel as though I was there with the photo updates throughout the day.

We won by a landslide, the girls got to meet and take pictures with cheerleaders, it was band day featuring lots of entertainment during half time and fun fan memories were made. Next time, I will abandon the garage sale, put a sign up that says, "Put your monetary donations for my junk here" and take off to cheer on our team!! Go Dawgs! Keep up the good work . . .

Catch Up

I was emptying my camera tonight and found all these great things I missed sharing. Here they are. Better late than never.

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The end of August, we took a trip to Hood Canal with our very favorite people and had an amazing few days visiting, laughing, clam digging, eating, and making incredible family memories.

We also got some oysters fresh from the beach and held all kinds of sea creatures.

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Before going back to school, I took Haley to JC Penny's for a free haircut . . . that's right . . . free. They had an amazing promotion this year for kids kindergarten through sixth grade. (Hannah was with my mom for a special big girl visit and got hers cut as well.)

 Absolutely stinking cute . . .

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And last but not least, the girls spent at least an hour in our living room and dining room (during which we were not allowed to look) creating a zoo.

It had amazing habitats for each animal, an animal hospital, and interactive exhibits where we got to feed rabbits and swim with whales. I love these little girls imaginations!!

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The moral of the story, go through your camera . . . you might find some great pictures to remember the "good old days" . . . have a great week!

The Big Day Is Here

I think I blinked to fast. My little tiny baby girls started first grade and fourth grade on Wednesday this week . . . how is that possible?

It was a day full of excitement, anticipation, trepidation, and yes, I am wearing sunglasses inside . . . could I walk them to their classes? Nope. Could I take a picture with their teacher? Nope. Could I say anything besides waving before turning around and bolting for the door? Nope. Could I say hi to the scores of friends coming through the door? Nope. Get the picture?

I held it together and was very excited for them the night before as we packed up back packs and that morning as they donned their first day of school outfits proudly but as I turned around and walked away from that school, away from those two little girls who I've held in my arms since the day they were born, and started another new chapter, I found myself more emotional than I thought. My oldest has one more year of elementary before she embarks onto middle school. My littlest has transitioned to every day all day school which means a partial empty nest. I know this is how life goes and I know that if I do my job well as a parent I will work myself out of a job. I know this year will be full of learning and growth and discovery . . . but don't ask me how I'm doing with this adjustment for another week or two ok?

To my amazing beautiful sweet girls, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid for the Lord, your God, will be with you where ever you go." Joshua 1:9