A "Gabby Mom" REVIEW: True Treasures

NEWS REPORT: My blog was recently approved for The Gabby Moms, a blogging program through TEACH magazine (now known as Eternal Encouragement). As a “Gabby Mom,” I will be writing monthly reviews on various products and sharing them with you on my blog.

FYI: Eternal Encouragement is a magazine geared towards encouraging women in their choice to be wives, mothers, and homemakers; while also challenging us to strive for improvement in the areas we are lacking. To find more information about this magazine, go to: http://www.homemakingwithteach.com/

Now, on to my first review.... The book I was asked to review for the month of January is called

“True Treasures.”

It is a newer book, in a thin, 8x10, magazine-style format, that celebrates the first 10 years of TEACH Magazine. In the picture (left) it looks a lot thicker than it really is, but it's filled with some of the best articles from the past years, and breaks them into 6 different categories for easy reference:


• Jewels That Make the Heart Sparkle
• Marriages Made of Solid Gold
• Parenting Pearls: Practical and Priceless
• Homemaking That Dazzles Like Diamonds
• Homeschooling Nuggets of Wisdom
• Godly Living That Glitters

If you haven’t noticed, the chapter titles coincide with the book’s title, revealing how the articles in the book are “True Treasures.” Pretty neat, huh? But, anyway, if you are like me, it is hard to get through an entire novel in a decent amount of time. But, with this book, it is easy for busy moms to pick it up and read through one or two articles in one short sitting.

So, do I like the book? Yes, I do! I would recommend it for women of just about any age who are wanting to read encouraging articles and helpful ideas on homemaking, Biblical and practical parenting, marriage, homeschooling, and living a Godly life. As I read through this book, it has given me some helpful advice, as well as encouragement in being the kind of woman I have chosen to be. Many of the articles overlap in topics, as well. For example, an article titled, “Teach Your Children to Embrace Homemaking” is placed in the “Homemaking” category. However, it also could be included under “Practical Parenting.”

There is only one thing I would possibly change about this book, and that is to maybe add a splash of color on at least some of the pages. There is a picture of a flower on most of the pages, and I think it would be so much more appealing to have those flowers in color. But, that’s just me - I’m a visual kind of person.

For more information, or to order the book, click here to be linked to the TEACH (Eternal Encouragement) website: ORDER

SPECIAL DISCOUNT: You can get $4.00 off of “True Treasures” until May 31, 2011 (only one per customer and per order). Just enter this coupon code at checkout: GABBYMOM

Thankyou, Eternal Encouragement Magazine, for allowing me to review this book for you.

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Disclaimer: I received this product for honest review from Eternal Encouragement Magazine as a part of The Gabby Moms blogging program. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

My New Haircut

This past weekend, I guess I had what some would call the “Winter blues.” I was so bored with life and also a lack of sunshine. Basically, it stemmed from the fact that I had been cooped up in our house for the previous 2 weeks, due to bad weather and taking care of sick family (my son and my husband). So, I was bummed, to say the least; and every little thing that happened was one more reason to bring me down, including the way my hair had been acting lately. Every woman that I know goes through spurts where they are sick and tired of their hair and desire a change. So, what did I decide to do about it? Did I call up a beautician and make an appointment? Nope! Oh, instead, I decided I could do it myself. Ha ha ha

I have cut my children’s hair since they were babies, and I have trimmed my own hair many times as well, so I was looking forward to my hair being refreshed by a little trim. However, I must have taken my frustrations out with the scissors and ended up cutting off a LOT more than I had planned - not to mention, it was very uneven in the back. I was NOT happy, and was depressed and grumpy the rest of the day. Eventually, my husband’s shoulder became soaked as buckets of emotions were poured out on him. The tearful release was a big help... but it sure didn’t help the looks of my hair! I was actually embarrassed to leave the house.

I finally connected with my friend, Gwen, and she graciously opened her salon for me that night to give me a more evened up haircut. I still hated the shortness of it, but at least it was in better shape than I had left it. One consolation was that hair does grow back! Then, after a good night’s sleep and a shower the next morning, I didn’t hate my hair as much as I did the night before; and, as time has gone by this week, the change has grown on me.

So, what’s the moral of this story? Well, I could use this example to show how one “little” wrong-doing can turn into bunches of wrongs, and can eventually wreak havoc on something you thought would be simple to get away with. That could work, right? But, no.... I think the best example this story has to offer is what NOT to do when you are cooped up in the house and bored to no end. At least I’ve learned MY lesson!

January 16th is Full of Memories

Tick...tick...tick...tick...tick...

Sounds like a clock, doesn’t it? Well, its not. It’s the sound I hear almost every night in bed, but its not my clock, or a watch. Actually, it might sound more like a “click.” Listen again....

Click...click...click...click...click...

It’s a sound I have become accustomed to hearing for the last 15 years of my marriage. Now that I think about it, its actually been quite comforting to me - oh - aside from the snoring part of it... I guess I forgot to mention that part...

Click...click...click...SNORE...click...click...click...SNORE...

Yep, its coming from my husband. The clicking part actually comes from an artificial heart valve opening and closing - it was installed in 1996, 15 years ago today! Wow, I can’t believe it’s been that long! The snoring part... well, that just came as a part of the package. But, anyway, January 16 is a significant day in our lives because it was the beginning of a new adventure and a new kind of health for David.

But, actually the 16th has more than one significant meaning to us. On that day, in1990, David and I met for the first time...

My remembrance of January 16, 1990 ~

The first day of Angelology class was about to begin. It was a popular class on the study of angels, mostly taken by upperclassmen. I was only a Sophomore, but I knew this would be my last semester at the Moody Bible Institute. So, with a strong desire to take this class before leaving school, I walked into the lower entrance of Alumni Auditorium and looked around for a place to sit. I didn’t want to sit too far in the back. Nor did I want a seat too close to the front. Spotting a few empty seats somewhere between the front and the mid-section, I walked up the stairs and sat a few chairs away from another young student. He looked at me and said, “Hi, my name’s Dave.” I replied in the same manner, revealing my name as “Vicky.” He seemed like a nice, young man. And, not too bad looking either. Curiously, I had never met, or even seen him before. In my three semesters at Moody, I thought I had at least passed by each student in the hallways. This one obviously got missed. A thought entered my mind and made me think this “Dave” would become someone special in my life. I had this feeling he was thinking the same thing about me. But, I brushed the thought aside and decided not to acknowledge it. I was getting over a “crush” I had on another young man, and was not interested in dating anyone. So, the next time class was in session, I chose to sit closer to a student from my brother floor. This was in hopes of warding off any advances from Dave. Little did I know, not only would Dave end up being a special friend, he would eventually become the husband I thought I’d never see.

A year later, that SAME day in 1991, I bought my first car - a tan 1984 Ford Escort, a car that I used to drive back and forth to visit Dave while we were long-distance dating (You can see the back end of it in this picture).

And, as already mentioned, that same day in 1996, my husband of 3 years (at that time) underwent a major open heart surgery to repair an aortic aneurysm and replace a bad valve.

My goodness... such memories from January 16th....

I am thankful the Lord brought David and I together as friends - 21 years ago today.

I am thankful the Lord provided a way for David and I to continue seeing each other after we went separate ways from college - 20 years ago today.

I am thankful the Lord spared David’s life when he underwent a very complicated surgery - 15 years ago today... and it’s why I take comfort in hearing the constant click...click...click... every night by my side. To be honest, I don’t even mind the snoring...

Happy “anniversary” David, in more ways than one!

I'm so glad God brought you into my life!

Significant January Event: Dealing With Guilt

Today’s significant January event came from ten years ago. On January 11, 2001, David and I found out we were pregnant with our 2nd child. Our daughter was 2 ½ at the time, and we had been trying for another child for almost a year. It was something we should have been thrilled about, but we weren’t. The joy of it had been stolen away due to the recent diagnosis of our daughter’s autism. We were still trying to process the load from that and, even though I tried to be excited about another baby, the thought of another child possibly having some sort of disorder made us both nervous.

Three days later, on January 14th, I miscarried that baby. Talk about a huge array of emotions that took place... Part of me was sad for the loss, a bigger part was relieved, but the biggest part was feeling guilty over feeling relieved.

Guilt. We’ve all felt it about one thing or another. Sometimes the guilt we experience is to make us realize the error of our ways. But, sometimes, its simply from a lack of meeting our own expectations. In this case, I expected myself to be grieving for the loss of this child when, instead, I was relieved.

What I eventually came to realize was, I was not really relieved we had lost a baby. Instead, I was relieved that God had decided the timing wasn’t right for us to have another child. It all depends on the perspective. Are you focusing on yourself, or focusing on God’s overall plan for your life?

The idea I’m getting at is to consistently seek God’s direction and determine WHY you are feeling guilty; and, if you are feeling guilty today, there is only one way to overcome it - stay in tune to the Lord and follow His prompting to do what HE is telling you to do. In other words, if you’ve done something wrong, then you are being convicted with your guilt and you need to set things straight - make amends with the person(s) you have hurt, and/or change your behavior. But, if your guilt is from your own high expectations, then lower them to where you are no longer having nosebleeds. Guilt in this case doesn’t come because you’ve done something wrong - it comes because Satan is trying to discourage you and lead you down the path of depression. Don’t let him win. Deal with your guilt TODAY.

God's blessings to you all!

Significant January Event: The Birth of Our Son

Eight years ago today, David and I held our newborn son for the first time. I was due to deliver on January 6 and, if I didn’t go into labor before then, I was going to be induced on the morning of January 8th. We asked my mom to come on the afternoon of January 7th, so someone could stay with our 4 year old daughter while I was in the hospital the next 2 days. Before she arrived, David and I went to our last doctor’s appointment and the doc said I could possibly go into labor on my own that evening. After the appointment, we walked around Walmart for awhile and I was having major Braxton Hix contractions (or so I thought). I was actually in labor at that time and didn’t even realize it because there was no pain, only pressure. After supper that evening, the contractions increased and I was having them 2-3 minutes apart, still without any pain. David and I questioned whether or not we should head in to the birth center or not. My mom thought it was a good idea, but David wasn’t too sure since I wasn’t having any pain. I was puzzled as well because I had never gone into labor before on my own and didn’t know what to expect. As we debated, here is the e-mail David sent out to a few family and friends:

January 7, 2003 (Tuesday) - Hello, It is Tuesday night at 7:30 pm. We went to the doctor today and Vicky is at the brink of delivery. He said she is 100% effaced, and dilated to 4-5 cm!! He said that we should get the car packed, because it would not surprise him if she went tonight. He also said that when she goes into labor, we should not mess around and get straight to the hospital. He said that she will go very quickly. He even said that if we get delayed in leaving, we should have some clean blankets and..... (well, he lost his train of thought, due to my interrupting him).

Ever since this morning, she has been having the Braxton-Hicks contractions. They have been getting quite regular ever since the appointment, and at times are 2 to 3 minutes apart, however, there is no pain yet. She said there is only pressure. So, we are sitting here wondering, is this the real thing, or is this false labor, or is it still the Braxton-Hicks.... 

So, the car is packed, Vicky's mom is here to watch our daughter, and the countdown begins!! If she does not go overnight, we will be at St. John's at 7:00 tomorrow morning to get induced. 

Wait a minute....  

Ok it's time to go. We just got off the phone with the Birth Center and they said it is time to come in!!

-Dave 

What he didn’t mention in the e-mail is that, the doctor he talked to on the phone scared the daylights out of him! She said, with how far dilated I was, and how close the contractions were, he better be ready to deliver that baby in the CAR! LOL. So, we headed to the hospital (with the song “My Deliverer is Coming” by Rich Mullins playing on the radio) and arrived in our birthing suite around 8:30 that night. Our son was born at 11:42 p.m. He was 8 lbs, 13 oz., and measured at 21 ½ inches.

BOOK REVIEW: The Sacred Meal

The Sacred Meal was published in November 2009 as one in a series of books on Christian practices. The author, Nora Gallagher, is an Episcopalian priest at Trinity Episcopal Church in Santa Barbara, CA.

As for my thoughts on the book, oh where do I start..... Well, I guess I'll begin by saying this book gets a big thumbs down from me! I chose this book because, as a self-published author of my own book on communion, I was curious to see what another author teaches about this familiar act of worship among Christians. Due to the fact that I disagree with many aspects of Episcopalian theology, I didn’t expect to agree with everything in this book, but I did expect to be taught more about the history behind taking Communion, the meaning of it, and the reasons why Christians partake. Since the author is a priest, I expected her to also give Biblical references regarding the topic. Instead, what I found was a lot of emotional “babble” about how serving and receiving communion made her FEEL. Instead of Biblical references, she used many quotes from people that I’ve never even heard of and used a lot of awkward (and rather boring) reasoning for why she feels the way she does during participation of this Christian practice.

Honestly, it would take me a book of my own to pick through and discuss everything I found that I didn’t like about this book (Scripturally and otherwise). But, I don’t have the time for that. So, I will briefly just mention a few of the “biggies.”

Chapter 4 has a large amount of awkward reasoning regarding her understanding of the left and right brain. It was truly pointless, in my opinion.

In chapter 5, the author encourages mystical experiences while taking communion. Scripture gives us no such direction to do so.

On page 66, she goes into a spiel about Jesus’ first miracle - the one where He turned water into wine at a wedding reception. To quote the author, she said, “The wine was hidden in the water.” What? No it wasn’t! Jesus miraculously CHANGED the water into wine! That’s why it’s called a miracle.

Chapter 8 is probably the most informational chapter in the book, as it reveals the authors beliefs on communion - the make of it, the reason for it, who can take it, why, etc. While I expected to disagree with her on most of this, I at least expected to find Scripture references that she uses to support her position. Instead, I was very disappointed, as there was a gaping lack of Scripture references to back up her beliefs (or rather, her opinions). But, that is not surprising considering she seems to hold a very low view of Scripture to begin with (p. 110).

In chapter 9, she prays along with the Muslims at an interfaith gathering. To quote her on page 100, she said she came away “energized by a new way of praying and well fed.” Doesn’t she realize that the Muslims aren’t praying to the same God that we know as God the Father, Jehovah?

I was truly disappointed with this book and do not recommend it. It completely misses the point of what “the sacred meal” is all about. If you are interested in learning more about communion and what it really means, it would be worth your while to pass this one up and move on to one with a lot more substance.
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Disclosure: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. The intent of my review is not to stir up strife or divide the church body, but to honestly express my concern over some of the content in this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s guidelines.

A Significant Event: Our Daughter's Diagnosis

Happy New Year! I’m not normally one for making new year resolutions, and don’t really intend to start. However, I often use the newness of the year to reflect on years gone by, as well as wonder what the future has in store.

For us, the month of January has tended to be a month that hosts significant events in our lives. Not sure why, exactly, but it just seems to have worked out that way. One such event happened ten years ago today! Our sweet daughter, our firstborn child, was 2 ½ years old on January 3, 2001, when she was diagnosed with Autism. It was definitely a significant event in our lives. Not an easy event, but one that has changed our lives in a tremendous way; one that we will remember forever. I’d like to share an excerpt from my journal on that day...

January 3, 2001 - Our daughter had her appointment with a developmental pediatrician this morning. It’s not exactly very encouraging news. She has been diagnosed with a moderate form of Autism, or Autistic Spectrum disorder. Plus, she has Sensory Integration Dysfunction - which means she is very sensitive to certain sights, sounds and textures, making it hard for her to learn about the world around her. Doc suggested she begin seeing an Occupational Therapist soon, to help out with that. So, I set up an appointment with our Service Coordinator through Child and Family Connections. She will be out tomorrow morning to help us pick out a therapist.

David and I are taking this news a bit hard. I don’t know what all David is thinking because he is at work right now and we haven’t had much of a chance to talk yet. But, I know he is upset and wants to come home. We have both suspected autism for quite some time now, but it didn’t really hit home until the doctor said the word out loud. When she said the word “autism” my heart skipped a beat. Our fears had just become reality. I have been on the verge of tears through-out the day. I haven’t actually broken down yet, though. I guess I’m just trying to let the news sink in a bit. I’ve been keeping busy most of the day, to help keep my mind off of it, too. I just don’t know what I’m going to do. How will I take care of a child with autism? Doc gave us a long list of books that we can check into for more information. I guess I’ll have to start with a couple of them and go from there. It’s just really sad and frustrating to know my daughter has this disorder, and there’s no known cause or cure for it.... There is a good chance she will be able to adjust to this disorder so that others won’t even be able to tell she has it. But, there is also a good chance that she will never be socially compliant, and will probably never even have a serious relationship or get married. It’s really disheartening. As parents, we have so many hopes and plans for our daughter. We want her to excel as a student and as a person, and grow up loving the Lord and serving Him. We want her to one day fall in love, get married, and basically just be happy. I know that sometimes what we want for our kids is not what the Lord has planned. But, it still hurts.

I guess the main thing right now is that there’s so much uncertainty. We just don’t know how severe her disorder really is, and whether or not she will improve. We really won’t know until she is older. Doc said she will not get any worse, but she could get better. So, that’s what we’ll have to pray for. Hopefully, our daughter will be at the high functioning end of the autistic scale. But, if she’s not, we will still love her no matter what. She is our child, our beloved daughter, our flesh and blood. She means the world to us and we are glad she is here to brighten our days with her smile.

As I look back on that day and remember, I sometimes wish we had never had to experience it. But, at the same time, I know the Lord used this event to help my husband and I learn and grow in various ways; and, even though we have accepted our daughters autism and love her for who she is, we will never stop learning and growing; but, we will continue to trust the Lord to give us wisdom regarding her needs.

Being a Christian does not mean everything in our life will be perfect, but it does mean we can rely on the Lord to give us the wisdom and strength we need to get through it. With the wisdom that only God can give, our daughter has made wonderful progress over the years and has overcome many obstacles. She continues to improve and we feel so blessed to have her in our lives.

James 1:5 - But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (NAS)

Two Great Children's Books

I hope everyone had a nice Christmas. Our was very enjoyable and I'm glad to have had the time to spend with family and friends.

Right before Christmas, I had the opportunity to review two great children’s books from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers. The first one was actually sent to me by mistake, but I’m glad that it was. The title of the book is “God Loves Me More Than That” by Dandi Daley Mackall. I first read this children’s book on my own, to get a feel for it and see what its all about. Then, I read it to my children to get their opinion of it. We were all pretty much in agreement that the book is worth keeping.

“God Loves Me More Than That” is a thin, hardback, rhyming book with simple words, and only one sentence per page. It is filled with extraordinary, colorful illustrations that almost make you feel like you are inside the book. There is a page for many different interests, including nature, astronomy, outer space, treasures, trucks, cowboys, the circus, football, weather, kittens, and treehouses. The content is special, as it helps readers feel more connected to God as they “discover that His love is bigger, wider, higher, and deeper than anything they could imagine.” (Quote taken from the back of the book.)

When I asked my children what they liked about the book, my oldest (a 12-year old girl with autism), said she liked the words; and her favorite picture was of a sneezing kitten. My son (age 7) loved the last page with a boy in the treehouse and profoundly described how the boy was resting there, just being close to God. In his funny way of trying to be a judge (as he called it), he said the book was “spiritful.” I'm not exactly sure if that’s even a word. But, what I think he meant was that the book is spiritual in nature, and can really reach a person’s heart - no matter what their age is.

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The second book is “God Gave Us So Much,” by Lisa Tawn Bergren. This is a limited edition treasury of three books in one. In the eyes of a curious little polar bear girl, these three sweetly illustrated books give answers to a little one’s questions.

Book one in the treasury is “God Gave Us the World.” It explains about the differences in animals (and people) around the world and how God made us all special in our own ways. It also tells of the importance of taking care of our world.

“God Gave Us Love” tells about the different kinds of love, and the importance of loving others the way God loves us.

“God Gave Us Heaven” gives answers to a little one’s questions with just enough information to satisfy a young mind. The book does not involve heavy theology, but could possibly encourage deeper conversation when a child is ready to know more.

If you get a chance to read these books to your children, I'm sure you would enjoy the experience.

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Disclosure: Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers has provided me with complimentary copies of these books for review purposes. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

A Christmas GIFT from Our House to Yours

When I was growing up, my family made it a point to eat together at the table on most occasions, maybe with some background music playing, but very rarely the television on. Yes, there were times when we all sat in front of the TV eating our meals while we watched a special show, but those were not the norm. The bulk of our meals were spent at the table - talking, sharing, having family devotions, and praying. My husband grew up doing similar things with his family, so we both understand the value in this type of quality family time. Likewise, we have made it a point to try and keep this tradition going with our own children.

A couple of years ago, as our youngest became more interested in watching full-length movies, we began having one of our weekend meals on TV trays while watching a wholesome movie or television show together. This has also become a special time of family togetherness that we all enjoy. However, as time has gone by, the kids began to look forward to movie night more than our meals at the table. Our youngest even eluded to the fact that our meal times were “boring” to him. Some of this, I’m sure, was just due to the fact that our kids enjoy movies and TV (and I admit they probably watch too much of it, but that’s another topic); and some of it could be because my husband and I have had a tendency to talk with each other and “catch up” about our days at home or at work, while unintentionally leaving the kids out of the conversation. So, I started brainstorming on ways to make our meal times more enjoyable for the kids again.

The idea that finally came to mind was to write questions or conversation topics on slips of paper; then, fold them up and toss them into a container. At our main meal of the day, we pull out one (or more) slips of paper and take turns answering the question. It’s a great way to get everyone at the table participating in conversation, and learning more about each other as well. Since we have been doing this, our youngest began looking forward to our meals at the table again.

So.....

As a special Christmas gift to all of YOU, I wanted to share this idea with you, but also decided to go a step further.... With my family's help, I made up a FREE download of 60 “topic cards” for you to assemble and use with your own family. All you have to do is print it out and follow the simple directions.

Please take this opportunity to download this FREE gift today! Have fun getting to know more about your family (or friends) while you spend quality time with them around the table.

Click below for the download page, and feel free to pass this along to anyone else who might have an interest.

MEALTIME CONVERSATION STARTERS

We hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!

BOOK REVIEW: What in the World is Going On?

The book "What in the World is Going On?" is a best seller by Dr. David Jeremiah. He is the senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon, California, and this book is a result of his teachings at that church.

I’m not a big reader of books about prophecy and the “End Times,” but this book was definitely an informative and interesting view on what is happening in the world today, and what things are still to come. The author uses everyday language to help explain certain events that have happened already, or are currently happening, and how they play a roll in our future. He also uses Scripture through-out the book to back his views.

Some people believe learning about the End Times and Christ’s return is a useless waste of time. However, a quote at the end of the book gives an explanation of why its important to learn about these things: “The signs that tell us the second coming of the Lord is drawing near should motivate us as never before to live in readiness.”

The author goes on to say that, “As we anticipate His return, we are not to foolishly set dates and leave our jobs and homes to wait for Him on some mountain. We are to remain busy doing the work set before us, living in love and serving in ministry, even when the days grow dark and the nights long.”

Remain busy... living in love.... serving in ministry.... good words to live by!

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Disclosure: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s guidelines.