Great Christmas Present Idea

Image from Barnes & Noble website

I love books.  I am always getting books for my kids.  So, for Christmas I will be getting more wonderful stories to add to our library.  One of the books I got recently is amazing.

I don't know if you have heard of the Little Blessings series from Tyndale Kids but, if not...you should definitely check it out.

Are Angels Real is a wonderful book since a lot of kids are wondering about that.  Actually...some adults wonder until they are shown that they are.  Kids have an easier time believing in something they can't see.

Are Angels Real is an older book (published in 2001) but, it's still relevant.  With cute rhyming lines and funny phrase and questions your child will be thoroughly enthralled and interested.

It's definitely cute when your child is sitting their pondering the thoughts in the book.  Like do angels wear sandals or shoes.?  Or can I become an angel when I get to heaven?

The next time your child questions whether angels are real or not, you can just reassure them that the bible says they are.

25 Days of Christmas Carols

It's the most wonderful time of the year....

OK, you know how the songs go.

 I am going to spend the time leading up to Christmas sharing my most favorite Christmas songs with everyone.  25 in all.   Starting on December 1st.

I love time time of year and music just puts me in the holiday spirit.  So join me during my 25 Days of Christmas Carols.  I might even throw in a one of my favorite recipes or two.

Fearless Daughters of the Bible Book Review

Image from Books A Million

Studying the women of the bible has become a recent fascination of mine.  Times were hard for them.  They didn't have all the help that we have.  But, yet....they made it all work.

My studies have been made easier with help from J.Lee Grady and his new book Fearless Daughters of the Bible.  In Grady's book he talks about 22 women of the bible and shows us what we can learn from each them.

It's interesting reading a book for women, about women, but written by a man.  How could Grady possibly understand women and what we need to learn???  Well, when you have 4 daughters and when you have been "drowning in a sea of estrogen" (Grady) for many years, I would think you might learn a thing or two.

Some of the women included in the book are:

• Deborah- a woman in leadership which isn't see very much in the bible
• Mary- Mother of Jesus (of course we can learn much from her)
• Sarah- Wife of Abraham.  The woman to mother a faith.
• Many amazing women more......

This makes a wonderful small group study since he includes discussion questions at the end of each chapter.  The questions help you to dig deeper into the book as well as yourself.  Grady then finishes each chapter with a letter from your Heavenly Father.  It's like God is writing to you personally.  

For a man writing a book about women, Grady did a wonderful Job.

***Disclaimer- I received this book complimentary from the publisher for my honest opinion.***

GMG Advent Study

Christmas time can be a stressful time of year.  I feel that is because we have our eyes set on something other than the true meaning of Christmas.  That is why I am leading a group for the Good Morning Girls Advent Study.

I want to keep my heart in the right place and not get overwhelmed this year with all the craziness that is going on in the world.  I also wanted to help other women keep their lives calm and stress free.

I know that when we are concerned with getting the latest technology item or toy for our family members, the hunt can become increasing stressful the closer to Christmas we get.

But, here's a hint......Christmas isn't about the presents.  I think that we have lost track of what Christmas is really about.  Actually, we have lost the meaning of Advent also.  Some think that Advent is another word for Christmas   It's not.  It's a preparation time for the arrival of Christ.  The 4 weeks before Christmas.

We need that time...More than ever. Our hearts (in general) are not in the right place.  We have become such a materialistic society....Well, that's a whole other post.

Join me for your preparation time.  I have a Facebook Group that is going to be fellow-shipping together and spending our Advent time focused on the True Christmas Spirit.

There is still time to join.  Study starts tomorrow.  Make sure you go to the Good Morning Girls blog and get your FREE study materials.

Happy Thanksgiving

B & N Nook Tablet = Huge Disappoinment

****I am a PR Friendly blog but, I don't like when products DO NOT do what they are supposed to or have issues that need to be fixed****

I love to read. 

I am probably one of the last few still holding out on print books.  Yes, I know that there have been so many new ebook readers released with wonderful options but, I still like holding an actually book in my hands.  The only downside...I can usually only take 1 book with me on the go.  This is where the Nook Tablet comes in.

With an ebook reader you can take a whole library with you.  You can just put your reader in your purse and still have space left over for your makeup and cell phone.  So, I finally gave in when I was asked if I would be interested in a Nook Tablet for an early Christmas present from my mother.  I thought "Sure, Ill give it a try.  It will give me so many reading options while on the go."  (Since I am constantly on the go....but, what mom isn't?)  

 I was excited while buying it and my mother even got me a cover to put the Nook in.  That's where my joy ended.   I seriously regret getting the Nook Tablet and should have gotten a Kindle instead.  

It's been nothing but problems since the beginning.  I took the Nook Tablet out of the packaging and followed ALL directions.  Charged it overnight and then went through the setup the next morning.  By that afternoon I had a Nook Tablet with a black screen.  Nope, the battery wasn't dead because the back light was still on....Just a black screen.  Less than 24 hours and my Nook wasn't working properly.

The problems haven't stopped since that very first day.  My Nook Tablet constantly resets itself, the web browser is always crashing, and the only way that it works right is if you are trying to read a book.  That's assuming that it doesn't decide to turn itself off.   (All of these issues have been recorded by B & N customer service since I had to call them to get my reader fixed)  

I was given this as a gift.  Gift = something that is supposed to make you happy and joyful.  I have been nothing but disappointed and upset since the beginning .  I was actually thinking about getting my children one for each of them since they have a LOVE of reading like myself and I promote reading in my household but, I highly doubt I will be doing so considering the issues I have been having with mine.  

Yes, my tablet could be one of few but, I wanted people to know about my experience with it.   

The opinions here are my own.  My experience is my own.  Like I said earlier in this post....The issues I have had HAVE BEEN DOCUMENTED by customer service.  

I am in no way affiliated with Barnes and Noble or Amazon.  The names used (Nook Tablet & Kindle) are owned by their perspective companies.  

The LoonySpoons Collection-Book Review

Great cookbooks are hard to find.  Especially ones that offer healthy recipes that the whole family will love.  With that in mind...I think I have found one.

Janet and Greta Podleski are the authors of 3 cookbooks with their newest one being The Looneyspoons Collection- Good Food, Good Health, Good Fun.  I will say that is quiet a line to live up to but, this cookbook delivers 

This book is over 300 hundred recipes that are not only healthy BUT, taste great.  

The Podleski's bring out their obvious humor throughout this book with titles of chapters, names of recipes and various jokes.  Some of which are:

• Tuskinny Chicken (A one pot Italian chicken recipe)
• Quiche Me, You Fool (Pepper and Potato quiche)
• Become A Beleafer (Salad Chapter)
• Many, Many More

They not only give you a book filled with wonderful recipes, that your kids will love (healthy Mac N Cheese), but tips, trick and nutrition nuggets along the way.  I have switched to using just butter instead of margarine after reading this book.  I never thought about the fact that butter is all natural and margarine is man-made.  

I think this would make a wonderful addition to everyone's cookbook library especially if you are wanting to have healthy food filled with flavor.  

***Disclosure of Material Connection:I received this book from the publisher for free in exchange for my honest opinion.***

Been Gone, Sorry

Hi Dear Readers,

I just wanted to type out a quick post to let you all know that I am still around.  Life has been pretty hectic lately but, I will get back to posting real soon. 

I will be resuming my Attitude of Gratitude Challenge soon and will continue from day 6.  Please feel free to join me and get caught up. 

Also, I will be doing the Good Morning Girls Advent Study so if you would like to join me in that I would love that.  :)

Have a wonderful night and I hope that everyone is doing great.

Review: Yours Is The Day, Lord, Yours Is The Night

I love this book.  Yes, I want to start my review of this book with that since, well, I loved this book.

I have always had a hard time with praying and not knowing exactly what to say to God but, Jeanie & David Gushee have helped me a lot through Yours Is The Day, Lord Your Is The Night.

This book is an amazing collection of morning and  evening prayers to take you through the entire year.  The Gushees have even taking the time to give you special prayers for certain times of the year and even liturgical holidays.  I love having special prayers for Lent, Easter and Christmas.  They make those times even more special.

Compiled from over 2000 years worth of religious writings and prayers, Jeanie and David Gushee have given the reader a truly inspirational collection that can appeal to any Christian since they include Catholic, Protestant and even Eastern Orthodox prayers.  There is no excuse for any family thinking this book isn't for them.

Wonderful book for every family and I am so glad I found it for mine.

***Disclosure of Material Connection:I received this book from the publisher for free in exchange for my honest opinion.***

Muffin Tin Crayons

***Adult Supervision Required***

One thing I have always loved doing with kids, whether my own or when I was teaching preschool, was to make what I called Muffin Tin Crayons.  

The fun part about these is every child can make their own color combination.  The great part (for parents) is that you can use up all your broken crayons so they aren't laying around anymore.  

Equipment

Muffin Pan

Pan Liners

Crayons 

Oven

First you need to get your muffin pan and put a liner in each spot.  You can do it without the liners but, they make clean up so much easier. 

 Preheat your oven to 200 degrees.  It doesn't have to be super hot, just hot enough to melt the crayons.  

While you are taking care of the muffin pan and oven have your kids find the crayons they want to use.  (If you haven't done this already)  Once they have their crayons, have them peal the labels off so that there will be no paper in the crayon once it's made.  Next comes the part that kids like most.  If needed....break the crayons to fit in the tin.  Any size will work and they don't have to be the same size.  They just need to fit. 

Now comes the part that only an adult an do.  Put the muffin pan in the oven.  Keep an eye on your pan to see when they are melted.  I don't have a time on this since the amount of crayons and the size of each piece will differ and dictate how long it takes. 

Pull the crayons out when the are melted completely.  LET THEM COOL!!!!!  Don't remove them from the pan until they are completely cool.  Hot wax hurts!!!  

Once they are cooled....peel and enjoy!  They are great to color with... especially for little hands.  My kids actually started calling them Reese crayons since they look like the candy.

Rainy Days with Family

Image Credit Silent Shot

I woke up this morning to a wonderful day.  It's a rainy day.  I know that to most people this would be a horrible day but, I have always loved rainy days.

Rainy days are meant for staying home, playing games with your kids and just spending time with family.  Most of the time we don't get to do that but, there are times when we just don't do it.  We have the time but, decide that there are more important things instead.  The computer is calling...there is a show on tv we want to watch....there will always be something that we need to do.  Our kids are the most important thing in our lives.  At least they should be.

Kids grow up so fast and if we don't take advantage of the rainy days then we will regret them always.

Attitude of Gratitude Days 3 & 4

Image Credit Aussiegall

This weekend was extremely busy and since I didn't get the chance to post days 3 and 4 for Attitude of Gratitude I wanted to do them both is one post.  I will be doing day 5 in a separate post so look for that coming up.

Day 3

Psalm 107:1-32

1O give thanks unto Jehovah; For he is good; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever. 2Let the redeemed of Jehovah say so, Whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the adversary, 3And gathered out of the lands, From the east and from the west, From the north and from the south. 4They wandered in the wilderness in a desert way; They found no city of habitation. 5Hungry and thirsty, Their soul fainted in them.6Then they cried unto Jehovah in their trouble, And he delivered them out of their distresses, 7He led them also by a straight way, That they might go to a city of habitation. 8Oh that men would praise Jehovah for his lovingkindness, And for his wonderful works to the children of men!9For he satisfieth the longing soul, And the hungry soul he filleth with good.

10Such as sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, Being bound in affliction and iron, 11Because they rebelled against the words of God, And contemned the counsel of the Most High: 12Therefore he brought down their heart with labor; They fell down, and there was none to help. 13Then they cried unto Jehovah in their trouble, And he saved them out of their distresses. 14He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, And brake their bonds in sunder. 15Oh that men would praise Jehovah for his lovingkindness, And for his wonderful works to the children of men! 16For he hath broken the gates of brass, And cut the bars of iron in sunder.

17Fools because of their transgression, And because of their iniquities, are afflicted. 18Their soul abhorreth all manner of food; And they draw near unto the gates of death. 19Then they cry unto Jehovah in their trouble, And he saveth them out of their distresses. 20He sendeth his word, and healeth them, And delivereth them from their destructions. 21Oh that men would praise Jehovah for his lovingkindness, And for his wonderful works to the children of men!22And let them offer the sacrifices of thanksgiving, And declare his works with singing.

23They that go down to the sea in ships, That do business in great waters; 24These see the works of Jehovah, And his wonders in the deep. 25For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, Which lifteth up the waves thereof. 26They mount up to the heavens, they go down again to the depths: Their soul melteth away because of trouble.27They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, And are at their wits’ end. 28Then they cry unto Jehovah in their trouble, And he bringeth them out of their distresses. 29He maketh the storm a calm, So that the waves thereof are still. 30Then are they glad because they are quiet; So he bringeth them unto their desired haven. 31Oh that men would praise Jehovah for his lovingkindness, And for his wonderful works to the children of men! 32Let them exalt him also in the assembly of the people, And praise him in the seat of the elders.

Since these verses offer up personal testimonies today's assignment from Revive Our Hearts is to write out my personal testimony.  This is kind of hard for me since I have never thought about it.  I was babptize when I was a baby and went to church until I was a young child. Then my family only went on holidays and eventually stopped all together.  I have always had a love for God and Jesus but, haven't always been the most devoted Christian.  

Recently I have started (again) doing bible studies and spending time everyday with God.  It's amazing how my life and mind have gotten more peaceful.  When I have a problem or worry God always has a ways to make sure that problem and worry go away by answering my questions or giving me the reassurance that I needed at that time.  

So, dear reader, what is your testimony? Please feel free to leave it in the comments section below.

Thing to be grateful for today is: My path in life.  I know that might sound weird but, if it weren't for the path that I have traveled who know's where my life would be right now.  I am extremely grateful for the way that I have gone.  

Image Credit Aussiegall

Day 4

Psalm 103:1-5

1Bless Jehovah, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2Bless Jehovah, O my soul, And forget not all his benefits:3Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; Who healeth all thy diseases; 4Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5Who satisfieth thy desire with good things, So that thy youth is renewed like the eagle.

For todays Revive Our Hearts has the assignment to make two lists.  Gifts from God and gifts from others.  I have to say that my biggest gift from God is my wonderful family.  Without them I would be lost.  They are the best thing that has ever happened to me.  

The funny thing is when I try to think about gifts from others and find something that I couldn't live without I am having a hard time. There is one gift though that comes to mind.  It's the gift of friendship and love that I have been given by my best friend.  

We met in college and have been friends since.  A decade later we are more like sisters than friends.  We can tell each other everything and be completely honest.  Sure there are time when we disagree but, we NEVER judge each other and always offer a differing view point.  

So the thing I am grateful for today would be the friendship that I have with my best friend.  Friends can come and go but, a true (best) friend is to be valued.  Friendships take work but, if they are nourished they will flourish.  

Attitude of Gratitude Day 2

Image Credit Aussiegall

Bible verses for the day Colossians 1:3, 12; 2:7; 3:15-17; 4:2

1:3 3We give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

1:12 12giving thanks unto the Father, who made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light;

2:7 7rooted and builded up in him, and established in your faith, even as ye were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

3:15-17 15And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to the which also ye were called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns 17And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

4:2  2Continue stedfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving;

These verses give a lot to think about. What I most grateful for today (especially) is peace of mind.  While trying to type out this post and doing about 20 other things all at once I have a ton of things go wrong.  Freshly mopped floor-spilled coffee.  Burnt grilled cheeses.  Spilled water all over counter.  But, if it wasn't for the peace of mind I do have, I probably would have lost it.  Thankfully I didn't.  

If you want to join me on my journey through 30 days of gratitude please go to Revive Our Hearts

.

Attitude of Gratitude Day 1

Image Credit Aussiegall

Bible verse for the day (if you want to read) is Colossians 3:12-17

12Put on therefore, as God’s elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering; 13forbearing one another, and forgiving each other, if any man have a complaint against any; even as the Lord forgave you, so also do ye: 14and above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness. 15And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to the which also ye were called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns 17And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Gratitude:  The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

How many people are actually ready to show that they are grateful?  Not to many in today's society.  We are all busy complaining and wanting things that we don't need instead of being thankful for everything we do have.  

The question asked in Day 1 of Growing in Gratitude by Revive Our Hearts is:

What is your gratitude quotient? 

I had to stop and think about this one.  What is my gratitude quotient?  Do I portray a grateful heart to others or am I wanting to much?  I pray that I have a grateful heart but, know that there are times when that's not always the case.  Thus the reason to take this month and work towards being a little more grateful.  We all need that.  

So....The first thing I am grateful for would be God.  There are times when I have no one else to turn to or talk to but, I know that he is always there for me and always will be.  

Sheri Rose Shepherd Guest Post: Building Up the Men in Our Lives | Missouri Made Momma

I do everything that I can and work very hard at being a great wife.  I can always use some help because I know that I am not perfect, simply a work in progress but, I am constantly on the search for things to help my journey a little easier.  So...now on the the feature of this post.  A guest post from Sheri Rose Shepherd about how to build up the men that we love.  Enjoy!

			Building Up the Men in Our Lives He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. (Proverbs 17:9, NIV)
			By Sheri Rose Shepherd Bestselling Author and Bible Life Coach
			learn more ▶
			When our husbands let us down, it's hard not to voice our anger and disappointment. We don't do it to hurt or embarrass our husbands. We are women, and we're wired to share our hearts with another person. We definitely need one another to become the women we want to be, but we need to be careful not to cripple our men by uncovering their weaknesses to everyone. Obviously we all need someone to help us sort through our feelings. I think it is best to find one or two trustworthy people who are in favor of our marriages and won't repeat our conversation to others. I have two best friends to whom I tell everything because they help me see things from my husband's perspective and help me fight for my marriage by praying and sharing wisdom from the Word. I am careful, even with them, not to overshare in a way that would humiliate my husband, Steve. Think about how we would feel if our husbands talked about our weaknesses at their workplaces. Let's commit to covering our men and not exposing them, and let's pray for them to grow as leaders. Don't Enable . . . For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her. (Ephesians 5:25) Because we women are so good at leading, many times we leave our men in the dust or allow them to become weak leaders. How are they ever supposed to learn to lead if we do everything for them? We are not their mothers; we are their wives. Christ asked them to love, lead, and take care of us the way He loves the church. It's important that we not try to do things that are our husbands' responsibility unless they are absolutely necessary. Even if we can do their job better than they can, we're not helping them become the men they long to be; we are enabling them. They will see us as their mothers and not their wives, which will make us bitter toward them and produce the fruit of self-hate in their lives. Do What You Can to Empower Him . . . Sarah obeyed her husband, Abraham, and called him her master. You are her daughters when you do what is right without fear of what your husbands might do. (1 Peter 3:6) I used to think it was strange that Sarah called her husband "master." I thought maybe she was even putting her husband before God. But today I realize she was a wise woman. She was empowering her husband to find his place as her leader. We can also help our husbands become godly leaders for us. Even if they do not rise up right away, we shouldn't give up on them. We can keep praying and empowering them. Whatever they do, big or small, let's encourage them. Let's be like Sarah and do whatever it takes to empower our men to be great. For more teaching from the Your Heart's Desire book and Bible study, visitwww.biblelifecoaching.com.

Post Halloween | Missouri Made Momma

I have to admit that I LOVE this story.  Partially since it's my little one and partially since she did something that we all wished we could do when we were trick-or-treating.

So...while going from house to house last night I noticed something that I just couldn't help but laugh at.  As I watched her walk up to the door and wait for the person to give her candy I saw that she wasn't allowing ANYONE to put the candy directly into her pumpkin. They had to HAND her the candy so that she might inspect it to make sure it is something that she wanted.  If not she would hand it back and walk away.

Now Im trying to think....does she not understand the concept of trick-or-treating OR is she trying to change up the game entirely?

You know you wished you could give back the candy you didn't like when you were younger also.

Review: American Patriots by Rick Santorum | Missouri Made Momma

Image Credit-Tyndale House Website

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.  One phrase that I hope every American knows considering they come from a very significant document in our countries history, The Declaration of Independence.  They are also the basis for Rick Santorum’s new book American Patriots.

He profiles 25 men and women, that during the time of the Revolutionary War, fought to sanctify these three “unalienable rights” and for the freedom of America from Britain. 

The book itself is broken up into three sections, one each for Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.  The individuals included in this book are place under the section that fits their stories theme the most.  Some of them do cross over into more than one of these rights but, the prevailing right is the section of the book they reside in. 

Overall, this is a readable book.  While it’s a very well written book, thoroughly research, and tells the stories of some of the un-sung heroes of the war, this book has some flaws. 

There is one person that is included in the book, John Laurens, that I feel might not be as much of a hero as history has deemed him.  The problem I have is that he is portrayed as wanting freedom for all slaves since he noticed the benefits of having them fight for our country during the war but, he only wanted them to be free if they would agree to serve in the military.  This is a poor example of when the Declaration of Independence stated “all men are created equal.”  Equality doesn’t come from what a person can give or what you can receive from them…equality just exists.  We are equal because we are human.

Before talking about the individuals in the book Santorum starts each section with and introduction.  I valued the fact that he wrote an introduction to each section but during the Life introduction he was pushing his own pro-life political agenda and while reading the Liberty introduction I felt like I was getting a vocabulary lesson on what Liberty meant.  It feels like his political agenda is the underlying theme throughout the book. 

I did appreciate reading about a handful of men and women that fought to give me the rights that I have today.  Even with the few flaws, I do feel that we can all learn a few things from the stories of these heroic individuals.  I hope that you take the time and learn because if we stop learning about our past…well, its like I said earlier…we are doomed to repeat it. 



I received this book free from Tyndale.  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