Psalm 11 AudioBible Series

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Pennsylvania Patchwork by Kate Lloyd Book Review/Tour

About Pennsylvania Patchwork:

Seattle native Holly Fisher is smitten by Lancaster County, its simplicity and her long lost relatives. In the sequel to bestselling Leaving Lancaster, Holly embraces the Amish culture, learning to slow down to see what --- and who --- really matters.

Meeting the family that her mother had kept hidden from her, Holly comes face to face with her real life and blood legacy. She also falls for the charming Zach, a handsome Mennonite veterinarian who is everything she's ever wanted in a husband: confident, kind, successful, and authentic. And Zach proposes marriage. Is this too soon? Is this the right choice? Mother and Amish grandmother think she's rushing into too much of a lifestyle change. Holly is in love with Zach and that precludes everything. Until she meets an attractive Amish man. And an old suitor shows up.

Pennyslvania Patchwork is the moving, richly told story of one woman's heart, her faith and trust, and the choices she makes. Never easy, but one choice can change your destiny.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/lG7GU

Meet Kate: 

Author Kate Lloyd is a passionate observer of human relationships. A native of Baltimore, Kate spends time with family and friends in Lancaster County, PA, the inspiration for her novels. She is a member of the Lancaster County Mennonite Historical Society. Kate and her husband live in the Pacific Northwest. Kate studied painting and sculpture in college. She's worked a variety of jobs, including car salesman and restaurateur.

Learn more about Kate at http://www.katelloyd.net

Follow the Tour!

My Thoughts:
Esther, a repentant prodigal daughter returns to her Amish family hoping to find forgiveness and healing for a past she cannot change. To a faith she left behind. Holly, her daughter, who was raised not knowing much of anything about her mother's family, is enthralled to be welcomed into her Amish grandmother's open arms and she's excited to finally have an extended family. Once a city girl, can Holly find peace and contentment with a simple life? And will Zach, her Mennonite fiance be all he's supposed to be, or is he hiding a secret so painful that she can't get over it?

Pennsylvania Patchwork is the perfect title to this book. Flawed, patched, and imperfect human beings who need forgiveness from those they've wronged as well as from themselves. This is a different kind of Amish book. Englishers, Amish, and Mennonite alike learn to accept others for who they are, mistakes and all, and love them anyway. This is the second book in Ms. Lloyd's series, and though I haven't read the first, this was written in a way that you could understand what was going on without much trouble. It did make me want to read the first book to learn the backstory of each character. I was kind of surprised that I felt more of a connection to Zach and Esther's characters than I did the main character, Holly. There were times I thought Holly acted too childish for her age, and Esther's mother Anna I found abrasive and uncaring. I could sympathize and understand why Esther felt compelled to leave in the first place.
Overall, I liked the book.


*My thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review. This was not required to be favorable and it is my own.*

Tolerance Should Equal Reciprocity. Not Bullying!

One morning, bright and early, my teenaged daughter received an email. She ever so kindly forwarded it to me.

And then it all hit the fan...

About one week ago, my daughter was obligated to delete a person from her Good Books for Picky Teenagers group on GoodReads. Being my daughter, she's used to rules, abiding by rules, and so, she decided it would be best to have a system of rules on her group. Nothing huge or terrible. Just the usual items.

No swearing.

No debating about anything other than book characters.

No giving out personal information.

Nothing that would stop the world and make most people cry discrimination. Let's make this a fun group, type of thing. Being a homeschooled child, she also isn't allowed on the internet without express permission after all schoolwork is finished. 

Imagine her surprise when she received a few emails from several of the people in her group complaining about one person in particular verbally attacking them. So, seeing as how it's her group and she must take care of situations that arise, I allowed her to check things out.

Early in the morning.

Before all the schoolwork was complete. 

Ha. Guess I should have thought about that one...

Anyway. This woman, who, according to her profile, was 34 years old and ended up calling everyone that didn't agree with her views on issues terrible, horrible, turn-your-face-red-and-make-you-FURIOUS type of names. She even went so far as to post pictures for everyone's enjoyment  (insert sarcasm here). Being the polite child, and rather argumentative, (this time it was totally all right with me) she proceeds to give Scriptural answers to this person, and deletes her off the group. I mean, hey. That's what the rules stated, right?

ell, evidently she struck a nerve with this woman as she received a hate-filled, knock your socks off email this morning. A week AFTER the whole issue. I haven't read such horrible language in I don't know how long. Trust me. My ears were burning, and this momma bear was READY to TURN IT ON!

In essence, this woman, who is certainly old enough to know better, not only told my daughter to kill herself, to do such and such (think horrible language), and that she was a (ahem, we won't go there either. It wasn't the typical swear word for a girl, either) and blah blah blah.

Her beef? She didn't like the fact that my daughter didn't agree with certain issues. She didn't like how this teenager told her something was *wrong*. So, instead of agreeing to disagree, being mature about the whole thing and allowing someone else to exercise their Freedom of Speech, she resorts to bullying, using abusive and atrocious language, and more.

Whatever happened to reciprocity? Why is it that only certain people are allowed to voice their opinions while the others must remain quiet? Doesn't sound like freedom of speech to me. Sounds more like bullying.

What's your opinion?

MYO Monday ~ From Drab to Fab!

I went to an auction a few years ago, and I fell in love.

I didn't know if it was an antique, but oooh, when I first saw this baby, I knew I wanted it.

I'll admit that I coveted. 

I lusted after it.

I yearned to have it.

I prayed that God would allow it to belong to me, and when bidding time came for it, oh yeah. You can believe that I was cut-throat about obtaining this table. 

It wasn't in wonderful shape, I'll admit. The people I was with didn't like it and didn't hesitate to tell me about it either. Loudly.

They sneered.

They cajoled.

They groaned and grimaced.

I laughed in the face of their derision.

If there's one thing I know about myself, if I like something, I like it. No matter what other people think. And this table with its Queen Anne legs and scratched off surface that told stories of its own, spoke to me. 

It had potential to be something beautiful. 

So, after a few years of procrastination, I finally pulled my baby outside and began to make it the way I saw it in my mind. Beautiful. Bold. Refreshed.

The top was really the only thing I needed to refinish as the legs were fine, so I stripped it down until all the finish was off, being very meticulous not to get any goo on the sides. 

(a.k.a. - I'm a newbie at stripping and refinishing things, and I didn't want to hurt it beyond repair.)

It wasn't enough that I wanted to redo the table. That's all well and fine. But I wanted something different. 

Something that not everyone else has.

Something that had my personality. 

(Hehehe, this should scare you.) 

Using tailor's chalk, string, and a piece of metal to anchor the string to, I traced two circular patterns in the center of the table, pulled out my wall stencil and a lighter shade of brown, and began stenciling

inside the smaller chalk circle, stopping at the edge of the circle.

Because we must be different, right?

Unique.

Next, using a smaller stencil that would complement the interior design, I placed it evenly around the perimeter of the table and stenciled the outer edge.

The next step was not the easiest, I'll admit.

I had to wait for the stencil paint to dry.

ugh.

A few hours later, J and I took the table back outside where I could stain the entire top until my heart was content.

I was happy.

I had a paintbrush, a free weekend (very rare), and it was sunny.

Oh yeah...!

And this is the finished project. 

Now all I need are chairs...

 But I wonder. 

Is this the way God sees us? 

Drab and worn out when we're in our sins, but having great potential to be

Something Beautiful if we would only ask?

What could we be with the gentle touch of the Master's Hand?

Amanda Stephan~Christian Author

BooksByAmanda.com

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Psalm 10 AudioBible Series

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Ruby for Women - Free Magazine

What you'll find in an issue of Ruby for Women:

• Crafts
• Tutorials
• Recipes
• Devotions
• Poems
• Puzzles
• ...and more!
Enjoy and share a copy today!

New Friends

"As I went back across the street, I thought, "Maybe that grin is the start of a friendship." I had the feeling that something significant might have happened in my life-quiet but important."

A few weeks ago, a question was asked on Facebook; 

"If a stranger smiled at you, would you return the smile?" 

and I had to stop and think. My honest answer is, yes. Yes I would and I do. But more often, I'm the one instigating the action in the first place. The interesting thing to me is, the stranger's reaction.

They look startled, at first.

Then they do a double-take. Perhaps to make sure I meant it. 

When our eyes lock and my smile hasn't slipped, 

they return it. (Most of the time.)

But my favorite part is watching their eyes. 

(I'm one of those people that look straight in other's eyes.

It's just something that I've always done. I have nothing to hide, right?)

Their eyes light up and suddenly, you can just tell...

you made someone's day better.

Just by a smile.

And it was worth it. Every teeny, tiny miniscule fraction of a second.

"Our encounter didn't square with my previous notions of Norman. He was someone other than the person I had taken him to be, although who he really was remained a mystery." ~~from the book, A Man Called Norman: The Unforgettable Story of an Uncommon Friendship



Sometimes that's how the best of friends start
a smile...

I'm going to finish reading A Man Called Norman 

and make it a practice and habit to smile

more often!

Hopefully it'll make someone else's day better ~ including mine!

Spam. How NOT to Get It. A MYO Post

We all get it. Whether we like it or not, we all suffer through spam.

You know the ones. Those that make you blush. And your husband and children wonder what the heck you were looking at to even get those 'bigger, better...' etc. messages. Or, my personal favorite, (not) the 'lonely cheating wives in your area want to meet you' ones.

EEEEW. Gross! Do your homework before you start sending me a bunch of lonely cheating wife crap because, frankly, I ain't interested! Got it, chachi? I'm a heterosexual woman in a loving, monogamous marriage for crying out loud! What are four different ways to say ick right?!

So, before you inadvertently open an oh my word embarrassing email because you weren't sure who Alexandria is and why she'd be looking at your profile, let's do a few preparatory steps to keep those from cluttering up your spam folder in Gmail.


While I was searching on how to just completely bypass my spam box altogether so I would never, ever see another bigger better whatever email, I found many people just ignored it. But let me be frank for a moment. (Yes, when I'm done, I'll be Amanda again. Sorry. Little side joke, there.)

Temptation.
Pure and simple. Satan hasn't really changed his ways in the last, oh, shall we say, thousands of years he's been operating. One of the easiest, and most effective ways to get a Christian to fall is curiosity. Remember the adage? Curiosity killed the cat? There you go.


I know. Gmail has already set up a pretty good way of figuring out if your email is spam or not. Most of the time, they get it right, but there are times when a good email goes to The Box, so proceed with caution. I've found great pleasure in doing this. I feel as though I have conquered a humongous foe. I have beaten the giant, and my spambox is clean!

Win!

Here's what I did.

• Open up your Gmail account.
• Go to your settings tab in the top right corner of your email. Click, and a drop down menu appears.
• Click on settings.
• At the top, you'll find a filter tab. Click it.
• At the very bottom, you'll find a link that says Create New Filter. Click. A pop-up box will open that looks like the picture below. (At one point in my Gmail experience, I was typing in all *kinds* of inappropriate words in the subject line. I'm not kidding. I had at least fifty ugly words typed in for my filters, and still they were coming through. This is where this post comes in handy.)

• See where it says 'Has the words'? Type in:spam in that box. Next, if you just want to play with it for a moment and see what happens, go to the bottom left corner and click the magnifying glass search bar. See what comes up? All those ugly spam messages in your spambox. Now, if you tested it out, you'll have to hit your back button and retype in:spam in that particular box. 

• Next, click the Create filter with this search in the bottom right corner.
• You'll get a little warning box. Press ok.

• Another box will open that lets you decide what you want to do with those ugly emails. Me? I don't even want to see them, so I delete them. And they never. Ever. Enter my inbox, nor my spambox. Note: On the bottom, next to the Create Filter button, you can apply that rule to any existing emails in your spambox, and it'll wipe those out as well.

And your box will be clean.

What happens, is whenever Gmail suspects that a particular message is spam, it automatically pushes it to your spambox. But it still shows up in the sidebar. Call it OCD or whatever, I dislike immensely anything cluttering up my boxes. If it's bold, I need to take care of it immediately. That's just how I am. And it sidetracks me to have multiple messages in spam and it more than likely be something I don't want to see, or my family to see. 

I have found there are several things to ensure that this doesn't happen to good emails.

• One. If you sign up for something, like a writer's conference, for the first few days or so, disable the filter. (You can add it back later.) If you receive an email that is important in your spambox, mark it as important and add the sender to your contact list.

• After you've added them to your contact list, those emails should never go back to your spambox. See? Easy peasy!

Abstain from all appearance of evil. - 1 Thess. 5:22 

Psalm 9 AudioBible Series

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A Heartbeat Away by S. Dionne Moore ~ Book Review/Tour

About A Heartbeat Away: 

When a band of runaway slaves brings Union-loyal Beth Bumgartner a wounded Confederate soldier named Joe, it is the catalyst that pushes her to defy her pacifist parents and become a nurse during the Battle of Antietam.

Her mother's mysterious goodbye gift is filled with quilt blocks that bring comfort to Beth during the hard days and lonely nights, but as she sews each block, she realizes there is a hidden message of faith within the pattern that encourages and sustains her. Reunited with Joe, Beth learns his secret and puts the quilt's message to its greatest test---but can betrayal be forgiven?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/liQMG

Meet Dionne:

Dionne Moore is a historical romance author who resides in South Central PA with her family, surrounded by the beautiful Cumberland Valley and lots of fun, historically rich locations. She is a weekly contributor to "The Borrowed Book", a blog for book-lovers and "Cozy Mystery Magazine", for all things cozy mystery. 

Learn more about Dionne athttp://www.sdionnemoore.com

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My Thoughts:
"The darkness would fade as we journeyed toward the light."

In a time when state fought against state, man against man, white against black; hope seemed especially bleak. This book, although historical fiction, can be applied to today.

Beth, not exactly crippled, but not exactly right, knows what rejection feels like. Loss. Pain. Suffering. But what will it take to bring her back to the God who still loves her; the one she's turned her back on?

I enjoyed the themes running throughout this book. Themes of forgiveness, hope, despair, trust, and faith all combined make this a thoughtful read. It wasn't an impassioned plea to take sides in regards to the Civil War, but two very personal journeys from the protagonist's points of view. There were times though that I would have to re-read something to get my bearing of what was going on. 

Beth understood the black on the quilt blocks her mother had given her. But why did all the triangles, brighter at each step, point to such a bright, cheerful middle?

We are reminded that life, with all its bitterness, sadness, and depressing issues, isn't meant to remain bleak, black, and cold and without hope. Though there will be difficulties and hardships, we must not forget that tomorrow is a new day. And, one by one, those days will brighten again if we keep our eyes fixed on the Lord.

"No one in their right mind asks for trouble, but sometimes it is measured out to us to prove what we are made of."

My thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book. These opinions are my own, and I was not required they be favorable. :)

Praising God for Pig-Poo

Have you ever heard someone say "Why me?" or, "Why am I having to deal with this or go through this?" To be honest, I don't know why, nor can I tell you I understand. Quite frankly, I can't understand unless it's a particular situation I've already gone through. I can only say, I'll pray for you, or I'm sorry you're having a rough time. Neither of these answers, while they are heartfelt, help take the pain or dislike away.

In Luke 15:11-32, we read the parable of the Prodigal Son. I know most people know the story, but let's recap, shall we?

A man had two sons. The younger asked for his inheritance. Although this meant that when his father died he wouldn't get anything, he decided he wanted it now. Instead of waiting. (Still relevant today, isn't it?) Like most young people, this young man probably thought nothing could bother him and all would be well in the end. He could do what he liked, no one could tell him he was wrong as he was a man now. (Sound familiar?) And he ended up squandering all his inheritance in riotous living. Did riotous throw you? He wasted it. ALL.

Luke 15:14-15 - And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.

Swine (pigs) were filthy and forbidden to Jews. So this shows just how desperate this young man was. But wait. It gets worse...

Luke 15:16 - And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and NO MAN GAVE UNTO HIM. (<~ evidently, there was no welfare! But that brings up another whole thought. I'll save it for later) ;)

This young man, who started out thinking he knew everything, that he was on top of the world, ended up being so destitute and downtrodden that he was considering eating pig food. This man had hit rock bottom. 


And here is my favorite part: verses 17-19 -
And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.

He was READY to become a SERVANT in his father's house. He felt worthless. He was dirty. He had nothing left. He had finally learned humility!

Sometimes, when things are so very hurtful, the pain is deep, the wound is fresh, that's when we finally learn to lean on Jesus. That's when we learn that He's there, just waiting for US to come home. And I'd be willing to bet by the rest of the parable, that father was so very thankful his precious son had to deal with Pig Poo.

Book Blast: Winter's Past by Mary E Hanks & a $50 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

Winter's Past (2nd Chance Series)

By Mary E Hanks

About the Book:

Ty wants to make things right. Winter can’t forget their past.

Winter Cowan is scheduled to speak in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. A city she’s avoided for ten years because of Ty Williams, her ex-husband.

But what are the chances of Ty showing up in church? And didn’t she already forgive him? Even though he broke her heart and ruined their short, six-month marriage? She had to forgive him to go on with her life. To preach the gospel. To share God’s love across the nation.

Then, like a tidal wave, the word "Forgive" crashes over the worn sands of her past. Winter realizes her heart does still rip a little each time she remembers what Ty did to their marriage. To her.

And just as she feared, Ty shows up at the meetings in Coeur d'Alene. Only this man is someone she wouldn’t recognize if she saw him on the street. He’s older, sure, but he’s…different. Radically changed from the guy she once knew, he stands before her in a prayer line, crying—crying!—and humbly asks her forgiveness. This man who broke her heart, betrayed her, is now gut-wrenchingly sincere in his apology, prays for her like a long-lost friend, tenderly reaches into the forgotten places of her heart, and he has a request.

One unbelievable request that could change everything...

Download on Kindle | Purchase Paperback

Mary E Hanks

Mary E Hanks is an author of 2nd chance stories and a playwright/director for youth theater. When she's not writing novels, she's usually working on a play. She loves encouraging young people to share their talents, and an added bonus is getting to "see" her words brought to life onstage. At present, she's directing her 24th production.

Mary served as a pastor’s wife in Alaska and also worked in Christian education for many years. She and Jason have been married for 37 years and have raised four children. They now live in the country near Blanchard, Idaho, a place where deer and wild turkeys play in their front yard.

A romantic at heart, Mary believes we all need a 2nd chance sometime.

Follow Mary E Hanks
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This book blast is hosted by Crossreads.

We would like to send out a special THANK YOU to all of the CrossReads book blast bloggers!

MYO Fruit Fly Killer

I know. What a title, right? Read on and you'll see why I chose it. I dare you.

Last week, I purchased some fresh produce so I could do some canning. (I know. It's over 100 degrees here. What in the *world* was I thinking?!)

Well, unfortunately, things didn't work out the way I had planned, and that same produce had to wait for me to find some time to put it up. So, two days later I was able to pull a 'I'm not going anywhere' day (I'm only allowed one of those per week, and even then it's like pulling teeth) and I got the job done.
But at a high cost.

...enter...
the DREADED FRUIT FLY (think scary music here...)

I *detest*, Hate, and DISLIKE immensely any sort of bug that's flying around inside my house. Seriously. Get out or I will kill you... (they don't call me ninja for nothing) and two I hate the most? Flies and Fruit Flies.

I hate them with a passion. I mean, let's face it. It's embarrassing when you're sitting down at the table and a fruit fly zaps around your head. Please! Kinda makes ya feel dirty or something. Even though they're a fact of country life.

Anyway, we were on the verge of a FRUIT FLY EPIDEMIC. These little nasties are everywhere. And someone's either going to go crazy trying to kill them all, or they're. Going. To. DIE.
(Seeing as how hubster likes me on the less crazy side, I chose the latter.) 

Oh yeah, they're going DOWN! And I'll tell you how I did it. Seriously easy. (&lt;~ dear Aileen, this seriously is for you. Enjoy!) ;)

In a small container, (I used 2oz souffle cups because I have gobs of those on hand at the moment,) pour some APPLE CIDER VINEGAR. Squeeze a few drops of DISH SOAP and set them out where you've seen the little buggers.

Wait. (This step is NOT going to be easy, but you MUST do it. Trust me. You must wait for the little creeps, so my advice would be to go watch a movie. Or play a game on the computer. Or sew a new dress for you and tie for your husband. But do NOT pull your hair out. Wigs aren't cheap.)

Visit your yucky smelling cups after a little while, and voila! You will see some pretty disgusting tiny corpses scattered along the bottom. 

Why?

The fruit flies go NUTS over the apple cider vinegar. Thinking they're oh so smart they jump right in. The dish soap actually breaks down the top layer of the apple cider and the fruit flies get trapped and drown in the vinegar.

This makes me happy. 

Psalm 8 AudioBible Series

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The Tutor's Daughter ~ Book Review

About The Tutor's Daughter: 

Filled with page-turning suspense, The Tutor's Daughter takes readers to the windswept Cornwall coast-a place infamous for shipwrecks and superstitions-where danger lurks, faith is tested, and romance awaits.

Emma Smallwood, determined to help her widowed father when his boarding school fails, accompanies him to the cliff-top manor of a baronet and his four sons. But soon after they arrive and begin teaching the two younger boys, mysterious things begin to happen. Who does Emma hear playing the pianoforte at night, only to find the music room empty? And who begins sneaking into her bedchamber, leaving behind strange mementoes?

The baronet's older sons, Phillip and Henry Weston, wrestle with problems-and secrets-of their own. They both remember the studious Miss Smallwood from their days at her father's academy. But now one of them finds himself unexpectedly drawn to her...

When suspicious acts escalate, can Emma figure out which brother to blame and which to trust with her heart? 

My Thoughts:
Julie Klassen is a wonderful writer that takes her readers on a gentle, love-inspiring journey.
The Tutor's Daughter is a delightful read, filled with tempestuous storms amidst wonderful Cornwall history and setting. Meet self-sufficient tutor's daughter, Emma Smallwood. Lonely after the death of her mother, she must rely upon herself to get things done as her father is near drowning in his melancholic state of mourning.
Called to tutor the twin sons of Sir Giles Weston, Emma and her father move to Cornwall, leaving her beloved home behind. Emma is cautiously happy, but realizes things aren't going to be easy. Especially when she must face Henry Weston, her father's previous student who lived to torment her. Could reconnecting with his brother, her old friend, Phillip Weston, help her through the uncomfortableness of being in a home where their reception is less than welcome? And is it possible to forgive when wrongs almost take her life during her journey to finding God's never-ending love for one of His children?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the characters will be a part of my thoughts for months to come. Another winner from my favorite author. This one deserves a place on my favorite books shelf. Highly recommend to those who love clean Christian fiction with a strong message of forgivenness.

Amanda Stephan~Christian Author

BooksByAmanda.com

        

Cheerleaders

At one point in my life, I wanted to be a cheerleader.

It was of short duration, especially when I got to know several of the cheerleaders in the group. It was a quick-fix situation, to say the least! I'm not saying all cheerleaders are bad, because, frankly, they're not. In fact, there are some that are pretty fantastic people to be around.

But they're not what you're thinking. Some are chubby. Some aren't. Some are cute. Some, well, not so much. But they're cheerleaders just the same. And you can hear them all over the place if you listen very closely.

They're at little league games.
Soccer games.
Softball games.

Their uniforms consist of different types of materials and colors. Green polyester. Black cotton. Red baseball hats. Heather gray gauchos.

Yep. You guessed it. I'm talking about wives and mothers. Those that have married and have born children. Those who navigate life's everyday hassles with a smile. Well, almost everyday! ;) Today, I want to focus on being a cheerleading wife.

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. - Proverbs 31:28

There are days when things aren't going so well. When you really don't feel like being the cheerleader God created you to be. You've made your husband's lunch for the past 18 years, and you begin to wonder if he even notices your faithfulness. When he walks through the front door and drops his lunchbox on the floor, kicks off his shoes and leaves them laying where they land, and you swallow the remark that almost dropped off your tongue. Because he's worked all day...(not saying you haven't, just sayin'...)

Dear Lord, does he even know I exist anymore?

I've recently been through one of those ruts. It seemed as though everything I did, do, or had done went unnoticed.

Except for when I left the wrapper on the cheese when I made his bologna sandwich the other day. That one, he did notice. And it was fun when he got home! ;) Oh. I forgot that he did notice when I put a little something extra silky in his lunchbox. That was a good one too. (Praise God he has a great sense of humor.)

Anyway, I digress. There are days when you just wonder if God really meant it when he said that her husband will call her blessed, because, let's face it. Those little compliments that mean so much may be few and far between! But when they do make their appearance, they're well worth waiting for. Trust me on this one.

The other day, after our customary meeting at the door that entails hugs and kisses, (I live for those moments, I really do), I asked about his day. (I live for those moments, too.) With a smile on his face, he reached for me and pulled me into another romantic embrace. Brushing his lips against mine in a most delightful manner, he proceeded to tell me about something someone had said at work. It ended with, "you should go home and kiss your wife because she makes your home-life so good." and my husband's answer? "I know it. I'm a lucky man."

*sigh!*

Actually, I'm the lucky one.
I may not be a world-renown author, and I'm good with that.
My children may not be the brightest stars in the sky, and I'm okay with that too. (working on it though.)
And, as much as I love playing the piano, I'll never. EVER. be a concert pianist. I'm good there too.

One place I want to shine? Being my husband's cheerleader. And my children's, but that's a post for another time. You know what that little, itty bitty compliment did for me? It made me want to try even harder to be an even better wife.

So, if there are any men reading this, remember that. Pay your wife a compliment ~ you might be surprised at what happens.
Ladies, the same goes for you. Praise your mate. Tell him how wonderful he is (and mean it) and wait and watch what occurs. This has worked well for me in our 18 years together, and as the old adage says,

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"

MYO - Replacing Window Screens Tutorial

Spring is here. A little cold, but it's here. And when spring rolls around, something just happens to me. Everyone in my family hates it. Like a full moon to a werewolf, spring transforms me into a different kind of beast.

A spring-cleaning beast.

It's not pretty.
I've tried to keep it from happening, but so far, I've failed miserably.
But that's okay, because actually, I like spring cleaning.

And revamping.
And purging.

And...yard sales!

I try to do this one thing at a time, but being ADHD makes that a little difficult. One moment, I'm dusting the top of the entertainment center (while hubby and son are playing a baseball game, hehehe) and the next, I'm tearing out all the old, ratty, torn-up screens in the house. I got tired of all the martyr sounds the boys were giving me so I moved onto the next project. After the dusting was finished and the entertainment center top was re-fabuloused! (Hey, what can I say? Sticks and stones, baby. Sticks and stones.)

So I thought I'd share the easy peasy screen changing steps in a quick tutorial for you. Hope you enjoy!

How to Replace Old Screens

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