"Encouraging Moments" is a Keeper

 The story begins at our church Valentine’s Dinner... 

After enjoying a nice catered meal, several couples in the church were chosen to play the “newlywed” game (even though the majority of them had been married for 10 years or more). Since my husband and I had been chosen last year, we knew we were “safe” and looked forward to being in the peanut gallery this time around.

As the questions were asked, David and I would occasionally look at each other and quietly answer the questions amongst ourselves, just to see how accurate we would have been. We were doing pretty good, for the most part, but then it happened - two questions were asked that basically ruined the rest of my night...  

A question for the men: “What class would you be most likely to send your wife to?

1. driving class
2. housekeeping class
3. cooking class

I was immediately thinking David would say “driving class,” seeing as how I am horrible at directions and feel very uncomfortable driving long distances by myself; but, to my surprise, he said “housekeeping class.”

What?! I admit I’m not the BEST housekeeper in the world, especially with 2 kids, 2 cats, and 1 husband to pick up after; not to mention how my time is eaten up with homeschooling, running errands, and planning and cooking meals. Sure, I have a hard time keeping the house dusted, the bathrooms cleaned, and there always seems to be a load of unfolded laundry sitting in the way somewhere. But, really..... it could be MUCH worse! At least my house is organized and I can usually find something if I need it. (Needless to say, I guess I kind of took offense.)

Then, the next question came. I don’t remember the exact wording, but I remember it had something to do with ways the wives irritate the husbands. Because of the answer David gave to the last question, I figured he would say it was the unfolded laundry basket sitting in the hallway. Instead, he air-typed on an imaginary keyboard and mouthed the word, “computer.”

Again came the, “What?!” I admit I am on the computer probably more than I should be. But, golly, why doesn’t he just understand that I NEED the computer. I NEED to write in my journals to help me process things. I NEED to update my blogs. I NEED to do research for therapies and treatments that come up, or for our homeschool curriculum. I NEED to do be online “chatting” with my friends so I don’t feel so alone here at home all the time. This Winter has been terribly hard on me, and I NEED.............  

Oh crap - he’s right! I hate to admit it, but I’m addicted to this stupid computer, and I know it! Yes, all of the things above are true. I DO need to spend time on here to write, research, and stay connected with my friends. However, there also NEEDS to be a balance.  I realiz now that the housework hasn't been getting done - not because I don't have the time to do it, but because I haven't MADE the time to do it. Instead, I've been spending all my time on here. Ugh! Why did he have to be right about this! Now, that means I really NEED to make a change - one that I don’t particularly want to make.

The next day, I listened to my conscience and didn’t spend much time on the computer, but I did take a little time to read an e-mail newsletter called “Encouraging Moments,” by Lorrie Flem. It’s a newsletter 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. A group of us gals (The Gabby Moms), who are reviewing products for Eternal Encouragement Magazine, were put on assignment this month to review this weekly e-newsletter.

Right off the bat, I liked the looks of the newsletter. The colors blended nicely, and the font was appealing. Then, I moved into the content and found that the author was speaking directly to women with a loving and encouraging tone - not with one that condescends. She even spoke directly to me in some instances, or so it seemed.

To quote Lorrie in the February 10th newsletter, she said...

The differences between a successful marriage and an unhappy one are:

• living life "around" your disagreements
• taking a "team" attitude toward compromise
• loving in spite of differences
• understanding and empathy for your husband's position
• knowing that quietly talking about differences can strengthen the relationship and improve intimacy
• knowing that avoiding conflicts doesn't make them go away"

Hmmm.... #2 and #4 really stood out to me as a confirmation that a compromise was in order regarding my computer time. So, from then on, I have made it a goal to try and accomplish at least one or two household chores each day BEFORE spending an allotted amount of time on the computer. That way, chores still get done, and I still get my computer time. Kinda like a reward system.  I am also in the process of weeding out several e-mail subscriptions that take up too much of my time. However, Encouraging Moments will not be one of them, thanks to the positive tone and helpful advice it gives.

For some additional information, the newsletter is laid out in various sections. First, there is a “short and sweet” moment with the author. Then, it moves into information about a “drastic discount,” things that were said on Facebook this week, Lorrie’s schedule, a Chick Flicks for Mom video, specific news and announcements regarding the affiliate magazine, and then finishes up with a “timely tip” to share.

To sign up for this FREE newsletter, go to the website for Eternal Encouragement Magazine (http://www.homemakingwithteach.com/) and enter your e-mail address in the box that says, “Sign up for our e-mail newsletter.” For those interested, you can also find subscription info on there for the magazine itself.

Disclaimer: I reviewed Encouraging Moments as an official member of The Gabby Moms blogging program for Eternal Encouragement magazine. I did not receive compensation for this post and all opinions are solely my own.
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The Five Love Languages

Every one of us is familiar with at least one of these things to either show our love for someone, or to feel loved by someone else...

• Words of Affirmation
• Quality Time
• Receiving Gifts
• Acts of Service
• Physical Touch

These are the FIVE languages of love, based on the popular books by Dr. Gary Chapman. These are the languages we use to show our love or affection for our spouse, children, other family members and friends.  If you haven't read any of the books by Dr. Chapman, I would recommend them to help tune you in to what gets your "love juices" flowing. However, there is also a website you can visit that explains more about these love languages:  THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES

It doesn't matter if you are married or single, its important to understand why you give in the way you give, and why you may not feel loved when you don't get what you need. You can take the ASSESSMENTS on this website to help you understand more about yourself and the ones you love. And, after you have taken the assessment, be sure to pass the information along to your family and friends, so they will be able to know and understand you better as well.

For the record, I took the assessment and, out of a possible of 12 points for each category, mine came out with an 11 in Words of Affirmation. Second place tied with a 6 for Physical Touch and Quality Time. does that mean I don't enjoy receiving gifts or having someone do something nice for me? Absolutely not! If the way you want to show your love towards me is by giving me a gift, I sure won't pass it up. LOL. But, this assessment just shows me that "things" are not as important to me as hearing someone encourage me, or hearing why they care about me. And, a written form of encouragement works just as well as verbal. 

So, now that you know my love language, I'd love to hear how YOUR assessment scores came out also. Please feel free to share!

REVIEW: Book Two from "The Dragon & The Turtle" Series

The Dragon and the Turtle Go On Safari - by Donita K. Paul and Evangeline Denmark

This cute children’s book is the second one from "The Dragon and the Turtle” series. Quite honestly, I liked the first book a little better than this one, as I think the story line had more to offer its readers, and more things to discuss about it. However, aside from this second book having a few awkward words to read outloud, my 8 year old son found it interesting. He really liked the way imagination is used in the book, and enjoyed the sound effects I threw in every now and then. (You gotta have sound effects to make a book come alive!) 

In a nut shell (or maybe it should be a “turtle shell” in this case), the book was about 2 boys who decided to go on an imaginary safari, including an overnight camp-out in one boy’s backyard. While they were camping, the unfamiliar, and sometimes spooky, sounds caused them to start imagining what types of animals the sounds came from - safari animals, of course! For example, an owl was a monkey, a squirrel was a giraffe, a raccoon was an elephant, and a dog was a rhinoceros. They eventually heard a cat (a small leopard) and decided he needed to be rescued from a tree. By early morning, they had not gotten any sleep and were heading back to “home base.” They realized a nap was in order before they could have any more fun and exciting adventures.

As with the first book, there is a page in the back that includes a Bible verse and some discussion questions to go over with your child. The first book dealt with friendships, and this second book deals with being courageous, as well as with showing concern for others. Overall, a good book to share with your little boys.

Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

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He Never Sleeps

My brother, Dan, found this song by Don Moen awhile back. The lyrics are really good and I wanted to share them with all of you, as I think just about anyone can relate to them. We’ve all had times in our lives when we’ve become exhausted with our prayers - waiting for an answer - wondering if God is listening. We become weak and discouraged, and might not have any words left to pray with. At times like this, the best thing we can do is to rest in God’s loving arms and allow the Holy Spirit to intercede for us. In GOD’s time, our prayers will be answered; maybe not in a way we expected, but we can be comforted by knowing He DOES care for us and is working in ways we are not able to see at this time.

HE NEVER SLEEPS

When you've prayed every prayer that you know how to pray

Just remember the Lord will hear and the answer is on its way

Our God is able

He is mighty

He is faithful

CHORUS:

And He never sleeps He never slumbers

He never tires of hearing our prayer

When we are weak He becomes stronger

So rest in His love and cast all of your cares on Him

Do you feel that the Lord has forgotten your need

Just remember that God is always working in ways you cannot see

Our God is able

He is mighty He is faithful

(chorus 2 x’s)

Interesting Tidbits About Me

I originally got this idea from my friend, Carie, a fellow GABBY MOM. She recently did this on her own blog and I thought it was neat, so I'm borrowing it from her. Thanks for the idea, Carie! You can find her blog here: LIVING, LOVING, and LEARNING WITH THE LORD

Before I get to it, let me mention that I recently added a subscription link to my blog page. If you are interested in receiving e-mail updates when a new post has been added to my blog, then sign up there!

Now, here goes.... 

• I love dill pickles - have loved them since I was a child. I ate so many of them once that my family said I smelled like one! My son has also developed a taste for pickles.
• My house is never spotless, but I like to keep things organized and in their place.
• I went rapelling down a cliff in Wisconsin when I was in college.  
• I used to have a desire to go skydiving. Not anymore.
• I would love to swim with dolphins someday.
• I am registered as a Republican, although I consider myself more Independent.
• I grew up in a Christian home with parents who love the Lord.
• I have one sister and one brother - I am the youngest of the three.
• I accepted Christ as my Savior at the young age of 4, and was baptized at the age of 6.
• I would love to visit Ireland someday and take a tour of a castle.
• Family history interests me. I wish I could figure out who my early ancestors are, from before the 1800's.
• I have an Associates degree in Biblical Studies.
• I used to be a Nationally Registered EMT (Emergency Medical Technician).
• I regret not going to school to become a nurse, or a Physical Therapy Assistant.
• I enjoy going to dinner theaters with my husband. I think we've attended about 10 of them so far.
• I have a hyperthyroid disorder and polycystic ovaries.
• I think tigers are beautiful creatures - especially the white ones.
• Birds fascinate me and I love to watch them up close.
• I used to own a parakeet named Emi. I taught her how to climb a rope from the floor to her cage.
• I’ve never been very interested in sports and am not an athletic person.
• I’d rather be sweating in the sun than freezing in the snow.
• I used to have hair down to my waist.
• York Peppermint Patties.... Yummmm!

"The Dragon and the Turtle" - Book Review and Contest Info.

The Dragon and the Turtle, by Donita K. Paul and Evangeline Denmark, is a cutely illustrated, and uniquely descriptive picture book about Padraig the dragon and his new friend, Roger the turtle. I think most children in the age range of 4-10, would enjoy this book - although it seems my 8 year-old son enjoyed it more than his older sister, probably due to the fact that it includes 2 boys (one of them a dragon), and a pretend pirate adventure. 

For a brief synopsis, two completely different boys meet and become friends; Padraig realizes his new friend is lost and does everything he can to help Roger get back home; the boys use the senses of sight, sound, smell and taste to finally find the right house. 

Unlike other picture story books I’ve seen, this one has a couple of pages found after the story to help a parent or caregiver delve deeper into the meaning of the book. It offers a Bible verse (Proverbs 17:17,) as well as discussion questions regarding friendship. It even gives a recipe on the last page for Chocolate Chip Snappers, the special kind of cookies mentioned in the book. 

You can find this book on Amazon.com for under $10.00. And, for those who are interested, Waterbrook Multomah Press is now running a “Go On Safari” contest, based on The Dragon and the Turtle books. Children ages 2-10 may participate in the contest, but you need to hurry, as the contest ends on February 11, 2011. 

The grand prize winner will win a "go on safari" kit complete with:

• A child-size tent
• Two sleeping bags
• Campfire treats
• Essential safari tools (a compass, a flashlight, and a spy glass)
• Stuffed animals
• Copies of The Dragon and the Turtle and The Dragon and the Turtle Go on Safari

Two runner-up winners will receive a copy of The Dragon and the Turtle and The Dragon and the Turtle Go on Safari and a stuffed animal.

You can check out the details of this contest here:
http://multnomahemails.com/wbmlt/Emails/dragonanturtle-safari.html

Fruit of the Spirit: LOVE (Book Review)

This book about LOVE is one in a series of 9 books written by Calvin Miller. The series is based around the Fruits of the Spirit found in Galatians 5 - love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To quote the author on page 104 of the book,

“Love is the first fruit of the spirit. It is well-placed at the head of the list, for it permeates everything. Somehow if we live a life of love, the other virtues will attend us all the days of our lives. Love is the key that unlocks the entire fruit basket of Galatians 5:22-23.”

Recommended for use in a small group, this is not the kind of book you would just pick up and read, just to read it. As a small group study guide, it is to be studied over a 6-week period. There is a page or two each person reads on a daily basis for the first 6 days of each week. Day 1 covers the introduction of the chapter at hand. Day 2 teaches about the purpose of God in our lives. Day 3 talks about our relationship with Christ. Day 4 covers our service to others. Day 5 is about personal worship. Day 6 goes into a character study of a person in the Bible. Then, on day 7, the group meets together for discussion, encouraging all members of the group to participate and learn together.

Topics over the six weeks include the characteristics of LOVE, and how it can be cultivated in our own lives. Included are things like giving, forgiveness, the definition of God, God’s love for us - which is an unconditional love, how to love and serve other people, and how to love and worship God.

Overall, the book is a good one to get. However, it does seem to be rather simplistic and may need to be supplemented with more in-depth discussion questions, depending on the needs of the group. A good small group leader should have no problem using this book as a basis for a deeper study if needed.

You can find more information about the book by clicking HERE.

Disclaimer:  I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Stand Firm

So many of my friends and family members are hurting right now, for various reasons. I actually can’t think of one single person who isn’t going through something that is difficult for them at this very moment. Several are struggling specifically with people they deal with at work. Others are dealing with family members who give them grief for one reason or another. Some are struggling with their own feelings and emotions over various issues. And, some are battling with their own thoughts and/or desires.

In all cases, I’ve come to realize the struggles we face are “not against flesh and blood.” In other words, the struggles we encounter do not really come from dealing with people, but from something much deeper. They come from the conniving plots of the devil. Let me explain...

Satan will do whatever he can to discourage us in our Christian walk - by bringing strife into our relationships, making us doubt who we are in Christ, and making us feel unworthy of God’s love. Satan knows that if he can get us to stay focused on ourselves and on the things of this world, we will not be focusing on the Lord. He knows his days are limited here on earth and it is his greatest desire to thwart any advances in spreading the wonderful news of salvation to others. This is why its important for us to “be strong in the Lord” by consciously putting on our spiritual armor every day. I’m speaking to myself here, too! I know I need to try and be more consistent about doing this, especially during the Winter season when the “blues” seem to hit much harder.

Eph 6:10-18 says...
(10) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
(11) Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
(12) For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
(13) Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
(14) Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
(15) and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
(16) In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
(17) Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
(18) And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

If you are experiencing strife in your relationships at work or in the community - STAND FIRM against the schemes of the devil.

If you are struggling with your spouse today, or any other family members - STAND FIRM against the schemes of the devil.

If you are struggling with addiction in any shape or form - STAND FIRM against the schemes of the devil.

If you are allowing your thoughts and emotions to get the best of you today (guilt, pride, anger, embarrassment, unworthiness, etc.) - STAND FIRM against the schemes of the devil.

If you are doubting the existence of God because He’s not answering your prayers as soon as you think He should - STAND FIRM against the schemes of the devil.

If you are getting so busy with your life that you don’t feel you have time to attend church or spend time alone with the Lord - STAND FIRM against the schemes of the devil.

If you are feeling discouraged today for whatever reason - STAND FIRM against the schemes of the devil.

Don’t quit praying and seeking God’s direction for your life. Don’t succumb to Satan’s evil plans - STAND FIRM against the schemes of the devil.
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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!