BOOK REVIEW: God Loves Me More Than That

"God Loves Me More Than That" by Dandi Daley Mackall is the first children’s book I have had the privilege of writing a review on. David Hohn wonderfully illustrates this book, bringing the book to life for children. Each page is filled with a captivating question and answer along with an eye-catching picture depicting how much God does love us. It is written and illustrated in a way that will keep the child’s attention while answering questions in the process.


My Thoughts: I cannot wait to share this with my grandkids.  The 9 year old will be a little old for it, but I think he will enjoy the illustrations and reading it to his little sister.  I am sure it will become one of her favorites!  This book is a perfect size and would make a great gift for your young child or grandchild. 

I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group as part of their Blogging for Books Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Have You Got A Song...

 

I wanted to share a couple songs that have been on my heart the last few days.  The words to both of these songs are so powerful and I think we as Christians find ourselves at these places at times.  I hope you enjoy the songs and they bless you like they have me. 

If you would like to join us stop over by Amy's corner at Signs, Miracles and Wonders and grab her button and link up so everyone can enjoy your songs.


until next time... nel

Friday Flashback - Olympic Style

Well if it isn't time for Flashback Friday, where is the time going?  Can anyone answer that?  On Fridays we have to delve back in the memory bank and see what we can come up with.  Usually I have no problem with memories, my problem is remembering what I did 10 minutes ago or my favorite is putting something in a safe place where I will remember it.  HAHAHA  Funny I can't ever find that safe place when I need it.  Ok all joking aside if you would like to join in the fun hop over to Linda's corner at Mocha with Linda and get the prompt for this weeks episode of Flashback Friday.  Then make sure you link up so we can read about your crazy memories too.

This week we are remembering our involvement with the Olympics.  I have to tell you the Olympics were never a big deal at our house.  I can never remember watching when I was young, but in my teen years I remember finally convincing my dad to watch it.  Usually it was the Summer Olympics that we enjoyed the most.  I remember watching Mark Spitz get his 7 gold medals in 1972.  I loved watching the swimming and diving competitions.  I also enjoyed watching the gymnastic competitions.  I remember watching Mary Lou Retton wow the crowd.  She was awesome. 

As far as inspiring me, nope didn't happen, I was not into sports, was never good at anything.  I always had a weight problem and a self esteem problem so needless to say I always sat on the sidelines.
My hubby usually watches the Olympics when they are on and I watch them in passing.  I have a problem sitting in front of the TV, I would rather be reading or messing on the computer. I have to be doing something.

Special Olympics is a very special organization, I have always tried to support them financially.  I have a problem watching their competitions, I guess I am too soft hearted, I usually end up in tears.  Just can't handle it!

Well believe it or not that is all I have this week.  Dang, I must be running a fever or something.  lolol.   Hope all of you have a wonderful weekend!

until next time... nel

Super Hodgepodge Questions

It is Hodgepodge Time, that fun time of the week when Joyce taxes our little old brains to answer her wonderful questions.  If you would like to join in the fun we meet every Wednesday over at From This Side of the Pond.  Actually Joyce posts the questions just after midnight on Tuesday a.m. if you are a night owl like a few of us.  Just click on the link above and join in the fun, you won't regret it, trust me! 

1.  Will you watch the Super Bowl? If so who will you root for? If you are outside the USA what is the 'big deal sporting event' in your own country?

Nope, notta, huh-uh, not going to happen, I know, I know, that is unamerican, but I just can't get in to a bunch of grown men making each other hurt then patting each other on the bottoms.  As far as what teams I am rooting for, I had to ask my hubby who was even playing.  The way I look at it, he shows enough support for both of us.  Yes he is for the Steelers, I think.  lolol.

2. Is ignorance bliss?

Yeah I really think so, especially sometimes.  Sometimes I wish I did not know about certain things, sometimes it is just nicer not to know.

3. Which of the seven dwarfs are you? (and just in case your Disney is a little bit rusty, here they are-Bashful, Doc, Dopey, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, and Sneezy)

I think Sleepy and Happy.  Sleepy hands down, I enjoy my sleep, I never have any problems sleeping.  My second choice is Happy, I consider myself a pretty happy go lucky person.  It takes quite a bit to get me down.  My hubby said I was more like Sleepy and Dopey, I still have to make him explain his choice of Dopey.  He is not getting out of it that easy.

4. When you are riding in the car with another couple how do you organize the seating? (Men up front? Women up front? Couples sit together?) And thanks to Lori at Mountain Woman at Heart for the question! Everyone go say hi to Lori.

Usually couples together, you have to remember we have only been married 4 years, so the honeymoon is not completely over yet.  Have to take advantage of the opportunity of the backseat when you get a chance.  lolol.  Actually if it is someone we know real well or have not seen them in awhile, men are usually up front and women are in the back, which is a better arrangement for talking.

5. What is beauty?

I really don't feel like you can put a definition on it, it cannot be measured.  I think it is different to every person.  I find beauty in anything I can photograph.

6. If someone asks you to bring an appetizer or a dessert to a party in their home, which would you choose?

Hmmmm  probably  shrimp dip and crackers or Mushroom Roll ups for an appetizer.   Waterford Bread or Yogurt Pie for dessert.

7. What is your crowd pleasing go-to appetizer?

Everyone loves my shrimp dip or my Layered Mexican Dip and Chips. 

We did have an appetizer at the memorial service that was outstanding.  It was bacon on a skewer that had been baked.  I am thinking it had brown sugar and cinnamon on it.  Whatever it was, was it ever good!  I found a recipe and plan on trying it one of these days.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I am so excited for my daughter.  She will be going on a business trip the 2nd week of February.  She is going to DC with a couple other ladies.  This is the first time she has been to DC and the first time on a plane.  She is involved with what they call the Prevention Coalition, mostly to do with underage drinking.  They work with schools and try to get kids involved in the prevention of underage drinking something she feels very strongly about.  She is also working on her Prevention Certification.  She hates to leave Eden for a week, but Granny to the rescue.  lol. 

That's all folks...

until next time... nel

Just Kicking Around...

What a fun day we enjoyed.  We jumped in the car Monday afternoon and took a ride out to Springfield Lake about 25 miles from our house.  The sun was shining and we were having a heat wave, it was up to 44 degrees so a perfect day for an adventure.  And look what we found...

There were all kinds of Canadian Geese.

There was a beautiful swan, but we did not see it's mate, that was kinda sad.

And out in the middle on a log were 5 pelicans, or they looked like pelicans.

Across the lake in the trees we could see an Eagle perched up in the tree. It is at the left bottom corner of that light colored roof.  I know it is so small you can barely see it.  That is why we decided we needed a closer look.

On our drive to the other side we saw 7 deer, they were so pretty.



It was amazing, we actually did not have any problems locating the eagle.  It was in a subdivision but we drove right to it.



Yes I would say it was a very successful day in the land of photography, nothing like enjoying God's creations!

"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

until next time...nel

BOOK REVIEW: Blind Hope

Have you ever felt like you were running from something or perhaps looking for something that is missing? If you have, this book is for you! This book is a fantastic inspirational work that will make you look closer at your life and perhaps make you realize you are not where you thought you were. Kim Meeder along with her husband own and operate Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch. Its main goals are to rescue abused and neglected horses and pair them with disadvantaged children. Laurie Sacher is a team leader for Kim, the author of this book.

Laurie was the one continually running in her life, running from life’s problems, from relationships, from God, but never even realized it. To soothe her aching heart she decides to rescue an abused and neglected dog, however in the end the dog is the one doing the rescuing. Mia, the dog has all kinds of health problems from her abused life, along with diabetes. Mia ends up loosing her eyesight, but still she is the one who rescues Laurie from her lifestyle. Here are a couple of quotes from the book: “When we choose joy, our problems don’t go away, but our sorrow and low self-esteem do.” “God is with us, whether we are running away from him or to him.” At the end of the book Laurie says, “It’s true. For the rest of my life, I’ll be grateful for this fact: my dog was blind…but now I see.”

You can download the first chapter from his wonderful book here.

Make sure you watch the trailer for the book.

MY THOUGHTS: This is a must read! What a book, just make sure you have the tissue close. It makes you take a look at your life and see things that you might not have seen before. A very good inspirational book and an easy read! Grab this one to read, you will not be sorry. I recommend it to everyone!


I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

until next time... nel

The Inspiring Hodgepodge...

It is once again time for Wednesday Hodgepodge, that fun time of the week when you can find out more about your blogging buddies, or even make new ones. If you would like to join in stop over by Joyce at From This Side of the Pond, where you can get this weeks prompt questions, but first you need to read my answers and leave a comment so I can know you have been here. Go ahead you know you want to.


And here it is:


1. Do you like your name? Were you named after someone? If you have children how did you settle on their names?


I can remember hating my name when I was a kid, I grew up in Chicago, and you never heard the name Nelda or Nel. I wanted a common name, you know like Debbie or Susan or Cathy; typical we are never happy with what we have. Then to top it off they found it in a newspaper, of all things, so who knows who I was named after or what kind of person they were. All kidding aside, I have grown quite accustomed to my name and cannot imagine being named anything else.


Now as most of you know I have only one daughter. Janice’s dad and I made a deal if the baby was a boy I would name him and a girl he would name her, only because he did not like the name I wanted for a little girl and I did not want a boy to be named Jr. So Janice Oleane it was, she has my middle name. She was glad we made that deal or she would have been Emily Suzanne, and she did never liked the sound of that, however I did talk her into naming one of her dolls that. lolol


2. How do you define success?


There are so many definitions of success. But to me success has nothing to do with financial standing, however this does help. Success is being happy with who you have become and who you are. Success is having family and friends that mean the world to you. Success is trying to make a difference in your own life or the lives of others. Success is putting your head on your pillow at night and knowing if you do not wake up in the morning, you are all right, and your family knows you are all right and where you will spend eternity. That's success!


3. Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy?


Wheel of Fortune I love those kind of games.


4. If you could own any single object that you don't have now, what would that object be?


Ohhhh! An Embroidery Sewing Machine hands down, no question about it! What I could do with one of those!


5. What is something that inspires you?


A lot of things inspire me, but nothing like a beautiful sunset with all the different colors rolling in the clouds, such a beautiful picture in the canvas of our life. I also love the trees blooming in spring and a soft breeze blowing. Get out the camera, I am ready!


6. Meatloaf-yea or nay? If its a yay how do you make yours?


Not so much… I never was big on meat loaf, I think because I had it so much when I was a kid.


7. Which is more admirable-the ability to organize and be methodical or the ability to adapt and make do?


I think the ability to adapt and make do. Life is not always easy and to be able to pick yourself up and brush yourself off and not wallow in self pity is a very admirable quality in my book!


8. Insert your own random thought here.

I had mentioned chocolate gravy a couple weeks ago, Joyce asked about it, so I thought I would share my recipe. I can remember when I was a kid all my friends loved spending the night at my house cause my mom would make chocolate gravy and biscuits for breakfast. My daughter loves it and my grandson always asks for it. It is definitely a southern dish; sometimes you can find it listed on the menu, especially at a small mom and pop’s restaurant. It is served with biscuits; you can either break your biscuit up in pieces or split it open. This picture I found online, my chocolate is usually a little thicker that this. If you never have had it and you like chocolate, give it a try, my husband thought I was nuts, but when I make it for the kids he definitely eats his share. Here it is:

Chocolate Gravy
4 Tbsp cocoa     2 cups milk
4 Tbsp flour      1 tsp vanilla
1 cup sugar


I use self-rising flour. Put cocoa, flour and sugar in saucepan. Mix well. Add milk and cook stirring well to get the lumps out and to mix well. Cook until desired thickness; it will get a little thicker as it cools. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Serve over biscuits. Some people like a little butter or margarine added individually, we like ours without the extra. Nothing like homemade chocolate and biscuits! Hope you enjoy if you are brave enough to try.


until next time… nel

Memory Challenge...

SIESTA SCRIPTURE MEMORY CHALLENGE

Verse 2

"The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?  Psalm 27:1  KJV

This is a very special memory verse to me, it was an important part of my life in 2000.  My life as I knew it had crumbled and all of a sudden after almost 18 years, it was just me and my daughter.  I had a $600 housepayment and no job.  I was scared!  But I was reminded by this verse why am I afraid?  If He is the strength of my life why am I afraid?  After crossing a few hurdles and working through a few problems the Lord turned that trial into a blessing!  Life is better than it ever was!  Praise the Lord!

If you would like to join us in the Scripture Challenge drop by Living Proof Ministries.  You can read the instructions here.  It is a great challenge and what better way to hide His word in our heart.

"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."  Psalm 119:11

until next time... nel



Memory Flashback...

It is that fun time of the week where Linda at Mocha with Linda shakes our memory banks and we see what falls out.  If you would like to join us click on her link above to get the full prompt or here is the basics:

This week we are remembering how strict our teachers were and the discipline that was given.


I was always a good kid, don’t remember ever getting in trouble for anything, you know I had that baby face and angel look going on. I was always quiet and shy, but believe me sometimes it is the quiet ones you have to look out for.


Teachers were fairly strict when I was in school, but the punishments were crazy. One that was used the most was sitting in the hallway or detention. Such a harsh punishment it got you out of class. A few of the teachers had rulers that they used, but they had to have the parent’s permission to hit the kids.


In 4th grade I had a teacher that would go off the deep end sometimes. He would clear his desk with one swipe and books and whatever else happened to be there would go flying across the room. If you were sitting up front you learned to duck and dodge the flying items. It is funny how you remember things; he also would dig in his ear with his finger and then smell it. GROSS!


In 6th grade the teacher I had loved plants and had a jungle in the back of the room, and everyone wanted to water his plants, therefore getting out of class work. He had a coat closet at the back of the room and if you were not paying attention or if you were talking he would send you to the coat closet. Sometimes there were two or three in there at the same time. There were a couple of the kids that were always being sent there, he never caught on that they liked each other. They would as we used to say make out in the closet.


I don’t remember our cafeteria ever being a problem. There were always plenty of teachers walking around to keep things under control. When I got in high school it was a little different, there were several truancy officers that were in the cafeteria and around the area since we were a closed campus and everyone tried to leave at lunchtime. My senior year I left the campus for lunch all the time. A friend would pick me up in front of the school; I always walked out the Administration Hall like it was what I was supposed to do. The angel face, it had to be the face, and the fact I did not act scared or like I was doing anything wrong. No one ever said anything to me about it.


By the time I was in high school paddling was pretty much a thing of the past unless it was for something really bad but they still had to have permission from the parents.


I was pretty much a goody two shoes in school. The teachers all liked me. I wish I would have applied myself better and enjoyed things more. I think high school is a hard time for everyone.


That’s all for this week…


Come back next week and see what Linda has for us. She is so good at this and really causes the memory bank to kick into overdrive. It is alot of fun and a great way to learn more about your blogging buddies or meet new ones!

until next time... nel

BOOK REVIEW: Amy Inspired

“Amy Inspired” by Bethany Pierce is a novel about a young 29-year-old lady by the name of Amy Gallagher set mostly on the college campus. Amy is an aspiring writer who has fallen back on teaching English due to her mounting rejections. Amy likes to be in control and likes to be organized. There is a plan and purpose to everything and she keeps notes on all of it, but her life seems to be going nowhere.

Her brother has wedding plans, her mom has a new boyfriend and Amy is still alone. Her best friend Zoe has no problems with writing stories everyday with several of them being published, but not Amy, she has a notebook of rejections.

Eli, one of Zoe’s friends needing a place to land moves in with Amy and Zoe. He tends to go against Amy’s upbringing and she resists a lot of interaction with Eli until he is gone and she realizes how much she misses him, how she is tired of the safe route.

My Thoughts: I really did not care for this book. It did not keep my interest; I had to make myself read it. It was written in first person, and just did not grab me. I really did not understand why this was considered Christian Fiction. There were several things that went against Christian beliefs and this was disappointing to me. In my opinion it could pass as Secular Fiction.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House a division of Baker Publishing Group as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

until next time... nel

Hodgepodging In The Snow...

It is Hodgepodge time! We would love for you to join in the fun, just slide over by Joyce From This Side of The Pond and grab the questions and then link up. You have to share your answers too, it is a great way to make new friends and it is always fun to learn more about your blogging buddies.

So what are we waiting for?

1. Every January 1st since 1976 Lake Superior University has published a list of words they'd like to see banished from the Queen's English. Words may be banished due to mis-use, over-use or just general uselessness and they receive over 1000 nominations. Here are the fourteen words/phrases they'd like to see banished in 2011-viral, epic, fail, wow factor, a-ha moment, back story, BFF, man up, refudiate, Mama Grizzlies, The American People, facebook/google when used as verbs, I'm just sayin', and Live life to the fullest.


What word or phrase would you like to see banished from our everyday vocabulary in 2011? You can choose one from the 'official list' or you can get creative and come up with your own.

BM - I had a good BM today! I actually did hear someone tell someone else that in the store other day. Ok, I mean really, I think you need a life if you have nothing better to talk about than your BM. I always tell my hubby thanks for sharing when he tells me that. – Just sayin’… lol

2. Do you consider opportunity something that comes to you or something you create for yourself?

Wow Joyce you came up with some deep ones today. I would say usually I create it for myself. I always have my eyes and ears open, and the wheels are always spinning, unless I have not had my Diet Coke yet.

3. Since we're all eating healthy this month, ahem, what's included in your favorite salad? Is there dressing?

I like spinach, romaine lettuce, carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell pepper, onion, cauliflower, sometimes mushrooms, bacon bits, croutons, and of course dressing. Ranch or Dorothy Lynch is my favorite. Oh you said healthy, how about a few slivered almonds those are good for you, right? I left the meat off, I mean jeesh!

4. The fourth Monday in January is said to be Blue Monday...aka the most depressing day of the year. The date was calculated using many factors including weather, debt level, time since Christmas, time since we've failed at our new year resolutions, low motivation and feeling a need to take action. Do you get the blues this time of year and if so what is something you do to lift your spirits?

By the end of the month I am usually good, the beginning of the month is always hard for me. The rush of the holidays is over and life is usually quiet again. It is a hard time because my dad passed on the 2nd of January 1998, the day before his 80th birthday, it does get easier, but it is something you just don’t forget. Then we lost mom the 19th of January 2007. I don’t think it has anything to do with Blue Monday.

5. Do you wear a watch? Any other everyday jewelry essentials?

I do not wear a watch; I have never been able to get one to run on me. I have been told it is because of the high acid level I have in my body. Not sure what the reason is, I just know they will not work for very long. As far as jewelry, I always have my wedding rings on and usually my diamond earrings that my sweetie got me. If we go out usually a necklace, if we are just kicking around my Coca Cola flip-flop necklace is on and a couple of rings that I wear on my right hand.

6. What is something useful you learned in high school?

Senior Year I had a class called Human Mind Sound and Unsound. We read the book, How To Be Your Own Best Friend, among others, and I realized you have to like yourself before others like you. I also realized it is what is on the inside that counts and how you treat others that matters the most. It was a really good class!

7. Do you use an accountant when completing and filing your income tax returns or do you attempt to muddle through all by yourself?

We do have an accountant that does our taxes. This year will be the first time my husband will not have to ask for an extension for one reason or another. He has been audited several times and I just do not want the hassle if he is audited again. We found someone that does them here that is really reasonable, so to me it is worth it!

8. Insert your own random thought here

I am very excited; a couple from our church was asking me about pictures. They have redecorated their living room and it is in country décor. They are looking for pictures of barns, so I have to go through my pictures and see what I have to enlarge for them. I suggested maybe a big one and then a couple smaller ones. I actually have an idea for the group arrangement; just have to get them pulled so they can see them. They told me to let them know a price. Dreams do come true…

Well that’s it for this week; next week will be here before we know it! Have a great one!

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.” Jeremiah 29:11, 12 KJV

until next time… nel

Random Thoughts in January...

Just a few Random Thoughts to start this wonderful week.  We made a quick trip to Arkansas this weekend.  We took off Thursday morning and made it back home yesterday. 

The memorial service for my cousin was Friday night at the Rialto Theater in Morrilton. Her girls did a wonderful job!  Gale was a very special lady, she did not want a sad time at her passing, she did not want any tears.  She wanted everyone to remember the vibrant life she lived and the fun times she had!  And that is what it was, her daughter Ginger did a wonderful job talking about her mom, and remembering various moments that she was involved in.  We watched a video comprised of photographs throughout her life set to the music of ACDC, her favorite band.  Yes it was different, not your usual sad memorial service, but it was so much a part of Gale.  She loved to entertain and give to people. Following the movie, there were refreshments, finger foods and Gale's requested Apple Martinis served in the adjoining room.  Gale would of been quite proud! To the left is a picture of Gale, Jan and Eden that was taken at Gale's Birthday Party about 2 weeks ago.  Eden was adamant about getting her picture made with Gale.  Kinda makes you wonder if she knew something...


Friday night our grandkids spent the night with us.  They stayed at their Mawmaw's while we were at the memorial service.  From what I understand they told mawmaw they were staying at Granny's because she would make a big breakfast for them.  So needless to say, we had scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits, gravy, and chocolate gravy for breakfast, and they ate till their heart was content! lol.   After breakfast we loaded up in the car and went to their house and look what we found when we got there...

Is that not the cutest?

There was not one but two... twins!

I wish they would of been looking this way...

Already going head to head...

The kids were so excited.  Eden kept hollering unbuckle me, unbuckle me... my sheep had it's babies.  And of course I grabbed the camera and we ran out there.  Jan and Clint did not even realize she had them.  They were not very old, they still had their cords hanging.  They were so cute...

So yes we had a good weekend, we were going to stay till today, but the weather prevented it.  I am so glad we came on home yesterday.  It started snowing there yesterday afternoon and it started here this morning.  We have about two inches here, boy it sure is cold outside...  but oh so pretty!

until next time... nel

Hodgepodge - 2011 Style...

It's Hodgepodge Time, Who would of thunk it?  It is a fun time of getting to know a little more about your blogging friends and of course a chance to make new ones.  If you would like to join in drop over by Joyce at From This Side of the Pond, you can find the questions and can link up over there.  We would love to learn more about you too!

Here is mine:

1. What three words would you use to describe 2010?

Overwhelming – Fulfilled – Relaxing
Crazy combination I know, but that is how I see it.

2. If fear were not an issue what is something you'd like to try?

Run the rapids in one of those rubber rafts with a group of friends. It really scares me because I am not a good swimmer.

3. What do you add to your coffee or tea?

I spent most of my life in the south so the only thing in my tea is sugar and ice cubes. I don’t drink coffee very often but if I do it has to have sugar and creamer or a little milk.

4. What historical sporting event would you like to witness?

I am not a big sports person but if I had to pick probably the Kentucky Derby. Horses are amazing when they are running.

5. What is one piece of advice you would like to give your sixteen year old self?

Like yourself! Quit being so shy, life is a lot more fun if you are not afraid to talk to people. And remember, “There are no strangers here only friends we have not met.” Find a bible believing church and accept the Lord as your personal savior, everything else will fall into place.  Ooops, that is more than one isn't it?

6. Are you a planner or do you prefer to fly by the seat of your pants?

I am a planner, sometime to a fault. I do love spur of the moment trips and adventures though.

7. What is one thing you are looking forward to in 2011?

We are organizing our extra garage. It is full of boxes and tubs of my hubby’s and he has no idea what he has. There is a room that used to be a beauty salon and that is going to be my space, my craft room, my haven.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Do you ever feel like your wheels are spinning but you are sitting still not getting anything accomplished or finished. I have so many things I want to do or want to make but here I sit. I have got to get myself motivated. I have started keying in information for Ancestry.com. They take volunteers and it is actually information that will be valuable to genealogists. It is a long process, because it will be audited by a couple of people, but still I feel like I am doing something, something important. How about you are your wheels turning and you’re sitting still?

Well now wasn't that fun!  Glad you stopped by and hope you drop me a note so I know you were here!  Hope you join in the fun.

until next time... nel

Ain't God Good...

Wow a New Year!  Time passes by so quickly, before we know it this year will be gone too. 

At times we are faced with different circumstances in our life that make us question... Why?  How Come?  ...and at times some things just don't seem fair.  I was at that crossroad last week, not understanding, questioning.  It is not a good place to be, it is very lonely there.  And who are we to question and more important who are we questioning.  We know Who is in control, so in a sense we are questioning Him.  No wonder we feel lonely, He didn't move, we did.   Then Sunday morning I felt like our preacher was talking directly to me.  Ain't God Good? 

He reminded us that we need to look back at our lives before we accepted Him in our heart and make sure things are still different.  Make sure that we are living a new life.  Ephesians 4:21-24  Our lives along with our hearts should be different than they were before.  Ezekiel 36:26, 27.  He gives us a new heart and a new spirit.

The message Sunday morning reminded me how different my life is compared to what it was and how many changes have taken place.  Yes, there have been trials, but never one that the Lord did not turn into a blessing or a time of becoming stronger.  He is so Awesome!  And we are so undeserving!

I am not sure why I shared all of that, but I felt like I needed to, maybe someone needs to hear the reminder also.

Now on a different note:  I am joining in this year with Living Proof Ministries' "Siesta Scripture Memory" challenge.  You can read about it here.  Basically the challenge is to memorize 2 scriptures a month and post them in the comments on their blog.  All of the instructions are on their blog.  It just seems like a great way to commit myself to learning scripture and perhaps the chance of meeting new blogging friends.  How about you are you ready to commit?

"A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you;  and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.  And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them."  Ezekiel 36:26, 27

until next time... nel