Sing to the Lord - WFW

Sing to the Lord - WFW
Originally uploaded by chelled.

Psalm 95:1:
O come, let us sing for joy to the LORD, Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation

This week, I needed to remind myself that joy is found in Christ. Regardless of our circumstances, regardless of what is whirling around us, He is worthy of our praise. The salvation He provides is more than worthy, being called his is more than worthy, and knowing Him is definitely worthy of joyfully shouts!

Be blessed today, and for more, wonderful Word Filled Wednesday posts visit AmyDeanne at the 160 acre woods.

Sometimes, life smacks you in the face a bit

Last week, someone we know was picked up by the police.  The charges?  Child pornography.  They believe he may have even abused some children.  The thought of that makes my stomach turn and my heart ache.  Being a mother, it also stirs up a rage in me that I was not fully aware I possessed.  And the knowledge of this act, an act that is not new in this world, unfortunately, but breaks my heart to its very core, is painful.  I.know.the.perpetrator. 

I go back and forth over my rage that these things happen and brokenness for someone who is so clearly torn in sin.  I'm reminded of Romans 3:10 which reads, "as it is written, there is none righteous, not even one."  I'm reminded that any and all sin in my life is not deemed as "less than" by my heavenly Father.  There is no sin that outweighs another.  No one sin gives God pause and causes him to say, "well, ok, that one I can't forgive."  Sin is sin is sin, regardless of how society may let it pass or cringe at it. 

Colossians 1:13-14 states, "For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."  Notice, there are no stipulations here, no "if - then" statements tacked on.  Jesus died for sin, all sin, not just what Christians dub the "lesser" ones.  And I read Ephesians 1:7 which says, "In Him we have  redemption  through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace."  Again, I see no rules here.  Forgiveness for trespasses, each and every one, is forgiven and the sinner, regardless of the act, redeemed.

As this story unfolds, my heart aches for his parents, his siblings, those in his inner circle.  They are the ones who will receive the stares, will hear the whispers, and they do not deserve it.  It is my assumption that had they known these events were taking place, they would have intervened.  Instead, God put an end to it in the form of an arrest.  I pray for the victims, for the children who innocently trusted and will bare these scars for a lifetime.  I pray for their healing, for them to walk through this and into victory on the other side of it.  I pray they are protected in their future, that they are spared other circumstances many who have been abused seem to face. 

I pray I would not view this as a sin that is beyond the reach of God's forgiveness and mercy.  I pray I see my own sin to be just as hideous, just as painful to the heart of my heavenly Father.  I pray, as a mother, to protect my own child from these things.  Right now, in the midst of this, it seems all I can do is to lay down the stone in my hand and pray.

Season

Wanted to share this with you all today.  Thanks to Amy Deanne for allowing me to repost.  Be blessed today friends!  May you find rest, joy, and peace today.  I know I will, for the first time in two and a half weeks, the sun is shining and rain is not falling!  Woo hoo!

Come on y'all, PRAY!

This morning, the people who viewed our house Wednesday came back for another look.  We were at the grocery store, completing the errands we went on to kill time during the showing, and got a call that some more folks want to come see the house this afternoon.  It will be taking place in the middle of my child's naptime which means she'll only be sleeping for an hour today, and that may result in some crankitude.  Oh well.  If this is what we do to get our buyers today, so be it!  Pray this house is sold SOOOOOOONNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

On the flip side, we're heading over to hang with our friends the Fryouxs, and that my friends, is a great way to spend our time while we are "kicked out" of our own home!  *grin*

Quarantined

For the first time in our married lives, my hubby and I slept in different beds, though under the same roof.  This has never happened, and it was strange, and not due to any kind of disagreement.  No, no, friends, hubs came home early yesterday from work feeling sick, complete with chills, exhaustion, and body aches.  Great.  Bring on the clorox wipes, the hand sanitizer, and the masks.  Ok, not the masks, that is just silly.  Around 6:30 I told him it was time to take a trip to the Minute Clinic and see what was going on.  He tested negative for the flu, but we were told to quarantine him until he is well.  Into the guest room he went while I stripped the bed of its sheets and began disinfecting nearly everything in the house.  Hmmm, I wonder if I can buy stock in Clorox, I'm sure it's on the rise right now. 

I am thankful I went to get a flu shot earlier this week.  Speaking of which, the guy who gave me the shot deserves a shout out.  I went to the Minute Clinic, since it's just down the street and rarely involves waiting, and as he went to give me the shot my dear, sweet daughter bumped his arm.  He did not flinch nor cause undo pain.  His hand remained steady as could be and the shot was over before I even noticed anything.  I even complimented him on his mad shot giving skills; he too seemed pleased with himself.

Back to the sick husband.  Do you all know how the flu test is administered?  I had no idea, until last night.  They stick a long q-tip way up in the nose, catch themselves a booger, and then into a tube the specimen goes to be tested.  By the sounds he was making, you would have thought they were drilling into his head.  Which leaves me to wonder why men are such wimps when it comes to being sick.  I am not the only one who thinks this either; I hear it from wives across the world.  Sorry guys, but when you are sick you tend to hone in on your acting skills as your writhe in your alleged pain and discomfort.  It's kind of comical really.

Although I enjoy having my husband home, I do hope he starts feeling better soon, which I think he has.  Besides our king size bed is lonely without him.  Off to check on the patient, I hear some writhing now.

Thoughts for a Thursday

• I am back to the early morning workouts.  I LOVE them, but man oh man do I not enjoy getting up at 4:10 AM!!!  I never regret going, but whew, it's back to afternoon naps for me!
• ATI rocks my socks off.
• We've had 4 showings for the house in the last week, and some are interested.  Keep praying!  The possibility of good news excites me!
• I have learned not to leave the house without straightening up.  Tuesday afternoon, I decided to take my girl for a quick errand.  I left the TV on, and movies and books all over the floor, which little one had been playing with.  While we were out, I got a call that, "an agent wants to show your house right now."  My response?  "Well, ok, but apologize for the junk on the floor.  Wow, I don't like that my house is a mess.  Oh well, what can you do?"  
• In reference to the above thought, I'm a bit OCD when it comes to keeping the house straightened up.  And people coming over with things strewn about?  Yea, makes me twitch a little bit.
• I am very thankful for what God is doing in the marriage of some friends of mine.  Things were a car wreck before, and I honestly wouldn't have been surprised if they had ended up divorcing.  But, God is doing a miracle and a very good work!  Oh I love it, it makes me smile just thinking about it.  I'm proud of them, and for the fact they are choosing to go through this process of restoration.
• It's nap time.
  

Go - WFW

Go - WFW
Originally uploaded by chelled.

Matthew 28:19
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.

I wonder what it would look life if we, as believers, kept this verse in the forefront of our minds each time we stepped out the door of our homes (and in some cases, as we stepped into our homes). Like the changing of leaves on a tree, would the hearts of men change as well? What if we, like Jesus, went out and met needs, served others, and befriended them for no other reason other than we had the ability to do so? What if we stopped shouting about the fires of hell and how they are all going there if they don't repent, and walked humbly alongside them? I wonder, how different would things be?

Be blessed today, and for more, wonderful Word Filled Wednesday posts visit Susan at Forever His.

Christmas Bowl

I had the great honor to serve my highschool by being the school mascot my senior year.  I jumped, I danced, I waved at children (and sent many into hysterical fits), all while donning the Thunderbird (the fowl, not the car) costume.  It was big, and heavy, and stinky.  But, I loved every minute of it.  It was my free ticket to act like a fool, and be loved for it.  As I read Susan May Warren's The Great Christmas Bowl, I nearly fell out of my chair laughing as the main character, Marianne Wallace, agrees to serve as mascot for her son's football team: the Big Lake Trouts. 

Friends, I am talking, laugh out loud funny with this book!  In the midst of holiday plans, becoming the chairwoman for the church's annual Christmas Tea, and rooting on her son's team to victory, this book will help you to laugh your stress away, and you will find yourself nodding in agreement as this mom works and runs from one place to another, trying to serve others while trying to maintain her own traditions.  Marianne faces her own disappointments as life does not match her ideals, but in the end, she finds something much better: the true meaning of hospitality and of serving your neighbor.  Along the way, she also realizes the fullness of blessings in her own life. 

The fact this book will have you laughing so hard your sides ache is just one reason to pick up this book.  Go, get the book, curl up, and enjoy this wonderful tale of one mother's efforts to ensure a Christmas to remember.

About The Great Christmas Bowl:
Marianne Wallace is focused on two things this holiday season: planning the greatest family Christmas ever and cheering on her youngest son’s team in their bid for the state championship.  Disaster strikes when the team loses their mascot-the Trout. Is it
going too far to ask her to don the costume? So what if her husband has also volunteered her to organize the church Christmas tea.  When football playoffs start ramping up, the Christmas tea starts falling apart. Then, one by one her children tell her they can’t come home for Christmas.  As life starts to unravel, will Marianne remember the true meaning of the holidays?

About Susan:
Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning author of twenty-four novels with Tyndale, Barbour and Steeple Hill. A four-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Book of the Year.  Her larger than life characters and layered plots have won her acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. A seasoned women’s events and retreats speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!.  She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice. Susan makes her home
in northern Minnesota, where she is busy cheering on her two sons in football, and her daughter in local theater productions (and desperately missing her college-age son!) A full listing of her titles, reviews and awards can be found at: http://www.susanmaywarren.com/

Link to Buy the Book:
http://www.christianbook.com/great-christmas-bowl-susan-warren/9781414326788/pd/326788?event=AFFp=&

The Great Christmas Bowl website: http://thegreatchristmasbowl.blogspot.com/
The website features a note from the author, fun updates from Big Lake
Gazette, info on how to host your own Great Christmas Bowl Tea to
benefit a local ministry or charity and a fun Recipe Exchange contest!

CONTEST: Be a part of the Great Christmas Bowl recipe exchange!
Susan loves getting recipes from friends, and sharing the delicious
cookies, soups, breads and other fun fixings that go with celebrating
the Christmas season. More than that, she loves the crazy stories
about favorite Christmases – serious, touching, funny…whatever. Find
the recipe contest here:
http://thegreatchristmasbowl.blogspot.com/2009/07/recipe-exchange.html

Will you share your story and recipe with Susan and the readers of the
Great Christmas Bowl? She will post your story and recipe on the FRONT
PAGE of the Great Christmas Bowl website, and send you a link when it
goes up so you can tell all your friends. Then, at the Great Christmas
Bowl party (December 5th, 10am, online! Details TBA) she’ll make the
entire cookbook available for download!

For every recipe/story you submit (up to 3), you will be entered in a
drawing to receive one of SMW’s collections (Noble Legacy, Team Hope,
Heirs of Anton, Deep Haven Series, Josey series, or THE ADVANCED COPY
of Sons of Thunder – Susie’s brand new epic World War 2 novel, due out
in January 2010!)

Go – run, get your recipe, then come back here and click on the link
below to share your Christmas memories!

Blog Tour Schedule!
http://www.litfusegroup.com/latest/current-blog-tours/91-the-great-christmas-bowl-blog-tour

Insane? Maybe, but just a little

My friends, today I returned to my crazy early workouts.  Just me and 20 or so fellow insane people, the D1 field, and Carter.  I do not like having an alarm go off as early as it did this morning.  But you know what?  I never regret having gone.  It feels good, very good, to push myself and to feel muscles working (though my huffing and puffing leaves much to be desired).  As a bonus, I get to hear some of my favorite "Carter-isms" like, "You'll never benefit from the work you don't do!"  HA!  Oh Carter, he's one of a kind.  What a day to go back to!  Whew!  There was jumping, and running, and push-ups galore.  But of course, tomorrow I'll be going back for more.

Still for sale!

That's right, today, from 1-4 pm. Praying for the right people to look at our house, you know, the one(s) who will be buying it!

Although, it's still quite odd to be told we cannot come to our own home during certain hours today.  Very odd indeed.

On traveling and such

In my daughter's short life, she has already done her fair share of traveling.  And let me say, the girl travels very very well.  Like me, she seems to enjoy new places, the possibility of an adventure, and just getting out and doing something.  Unfortunately, like me, she does not sleep well anywhere but her own bed.

We just returned (like less than an hour ago) from a short jaunt that involved an amazing aquarium, seeing my sister, and watching the volleyball team she coaches in action.  The aquarium?  It was fabulous, I was quite impressed.  Having been in a car for two hours (in the pouring rain) upon arrival, our girl was rip-roarin' to go.  But even so, she enjoyed the fish, waved to all of them, and even let us know she would like to pet them, or swim with them, or something other than just look at them through the glass.  We headed off to dinner then to the hotel.  Unlike the last time little one saw her auntie, this time was filled with smiles and kisses, much to auntie's delight.  And the loud gym where the games took place?  No problem for our girl!  She clapped and danced at all the right times, and better yet, my sister's team won their games!

My girl was great, except when it came time to sleep.  First of all, she is not used to being in the same room as we are, and vice versa.  Secondly, pack and play cribs completely stink when it comes to comfort level for sleep.  Our girl rolled herself into the side of that thing multiple times, and I know it's not nearly as comfortable as her crib.  Two nights in a row, she slept for about 9 hours, she usually sleeps anywhere from 12-14.  Yikes.  Nap time?  That was a no go as well.  And yet, even through that, tantrums were at a minimum, and the meltdowns she did have, we know were due to exhaustion.  And me?  I don't care how comfortable a hotel claims their bedding is?  My body never agrees.

On a side note, I'm married to one highly directionally challenged human being.  I love him, I do, and I think he's insanely intelligent, but the man can get lost, easily.  We drove from the hotel to the gym a multitude of times, and each time, I had to tell him where to go.  I'm not sure how that happens either, seeing as how intelligent he is.  Oh well, I guess too much information is overloading his brain so the GPS portion has no room to work.

We are missing my sister's final game of the tournament due to our girl's exhaustion level, but that is life with a kid.  Neither one of us can wait until we are in the same city, and able to go to each and every one of her home games.  No travel necessary, just a wonderful time rootin' for the home team.  Ah, that will be nice.

Thursday's Thoughts

1. It's Thursday?  Really?  Hooray, ATI is today!
2. We are heading out to see my sister and the team she coach's play this weekend.  We are leaving this afternoon, and I.cannot.wait!
3. We're having an open house Sunday, from 1-4.  Of course, this would fall on the weekend we are not here, well, we come back Saturday night, but whatever.  I mean come on, I live for craziness.  Our prayer is that this open house brings the buyer we are praying for, feel free to join us in the prayer.
4. The Stowes are coming to see us the first weekend in October...YIPPEE!
5. It is hard to write my thoughts for Thursday when it is, in all reality, Wednesday night.  Yes, I'm cheating.  Due to our trip, hubby is working from home part of the day, so, no computer time for me.  Oh well.

God is light - WFW

God is light - WFW
Originally uploaded by chelled.

1 John 1:5:
This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.

Have a wonderful day as you walk in the Light! Shine today friends, shine!

Be blessed today, and for more, wonderful Word Filled Wednesday posts visit Christy at Critty Joy.

Thank you

Dear Kind Sir,

Today, while having a tune-up performed on my car, you, very graciously, entertained my sixteen month old.  You found joy in her waves, laughed with her, and allowed her to bring you every single magazine off the table.  You accepted each "gift" as a great treasure, and I thank you.  Thank you for finding delight in my daughter as she waved, danced, walked about, and distributed literature to you.  You sweetly pointed out what things were on the covers, and did not even care that she has the attention span of, well, a sixteen month old.  Sir, your kindness, and ability to keep my child content for the hour we were there is something no amount of "thank-yous" could cover.  And when you opened the door for us as we left and said, "That was fun," know you have made a friend for life.

Now, I am only sorry I never did ask you your name.  But, thank you kind sir for setting your newspaper aside to give your attention to my child.

Sincerely,
A Grateful Mom

Greater than me

I love when everything in the house quiets down.  My child is in her crib, has been for an hour and a half and has yet to fall asleep.  Intead, she is serenading her stuffed animals, or having a full blown party, I'm not sure which.  Yet, she's content to be in there, and I'm content to let her stay, while I pray she does drift off to sleep at some point.

Since ATI has started back up, I decided to finish up this week's homework (yes, we have homework....just when I thought that phase of life was over.).  This week's focus is on the attributes of God, and while there were 5 essentials, we were told to pick another 5 (from a list of 23 or so) to choose from and study.  As I went through them, I started jotting down my 5.  The reason I chose them?  I have no real formula, they just sounded like ones I had not studied much.  So, in I dove.

Upon completing my Bible page flipping study, I realized that each one, to some degree, had to do with the fact God is a God of balance, and He knows us.  I read the following verse, and had to stay there a moment:   

1 John 3:19-20:

We will know by this that we are of the truth, and will assure our heart before Him in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things.

God is greater than my heart.  Hmmm, I don't think I have ever paid any attention to that fact, much less that verse.  Saturday, I was telling a friend that waiting for our house to sell has been hard, and I have moments of being very frustrated.  I went on to say that I have to remind myself that life could always be worse and I should probably shut my mouth and stop complaining.  My sweet friend responded by saying but even in this, God knows my heart, He knows this is a season that is hard for me, and it does matter to him.  It may not be a tragic circumstance, but it is one that matters, deeply, to God.  And even in my frustrations, God gets it.  I am not condemned for wanting this time of waiting to be over, I am not going to be thrown into the fires of hell for it, He gets it, and He is greater than all of it.  She reminded me that I can stop minimizing the events in my life.  There is no comparison, no one thing greater than another.  It is all significant, it is all purposeful.  That news, that small bit of insight, brings my heart joy, and peace.  I find great joy in the fact God cares about all aspects, not just what we would consider "the biggies" in life.  And, it's even ok to not like some things!
Yes, it's a peaceful day here.  Now, if I could figure out why my daughter isn't sleeping....

Boy oh boy: "Boy-sterous Living"

Can a book make one want to have a boy?  I am a mom, to one child, a girl.  But after reading Boy-Sterous Living: celebrating your loud and rowdy life with sons by Jean Blackmer, I began thinking, "Well, if we have another child, I really want a boy!"  This book is a fabulous mix of humor and teaching.  Jean uses her own experiences, as well as the experiences of those around her to share how to let boys be boys, safely.

This delightful read covers subjects from the adventurous spirit each boy has, his belief he may just be able to fly, the way they do not communicate, and even how they express love.  I have never encountered a book that so wonderfully, and humorously, handles the topic of raising boys, and how to do it well.

Moms of boys everywhere need to read this book!  It will have you nodding your head in agreement, light bulbs will turn on with greater understanding, and deeper appreciation for how sons are wired will be felt.  I can promise you that, and I am the mother of a girl, who is now praying her next child is a boy.  Go, read, enjoy.

About the book: Raising boys isn't easy. Life with them is loud. If it's quiet, they're probably up to something. Boys are messy, competitive, fearless, and proud. Living with them pretty much guarantees that you're in for an adventure.
In Boy-sterous Living, Jean shares a few of the priceless stories and laugh-out-loud lessons that she and her boys have experienced over the years. With humorous insight and practical advice, she offers encouragement and ideas to help both mothers and fathers impact and shape the lives of their sons. From understanding their love of sports to overcoming the superman complex, Jean shows moms how to find joy and contentment in everyday life by celebrating the laughter, passion, noise, and endless energy boys bring to our lives.

About the author: Jean is currently the Publishing Manager for MOPS International and she's been free-lance writing for 16 years. She has been published in a variety of local and national publications, including: Guideposts, MomSense, Today's Christian Woman, Christian Parenting Today, American Girl, Proverbs 31 Woman, Chicken Soup for the Mother and Son Soul, Chicken Soup Cookbook for the Busy Mom's Soul, Focus on the Family's Teen Phases, Guideposts Miracle Series, and others.
She also co-authored her first book, Where Women Walked: Powerful True Stories of Women's Perseverance and God's Provision. (Tyndale/Focus on the Family, 2004) This book was nominated for a Gold Medallion Award.

Jean graduated from the University of Colorado in Boulder with a Bachelor's (1987) and a Master's (1992) degree in Journalism. She lives in Boulder with her husband Zane; three boys, Josh, Jordan, and Jake.

Find out more about Jean here!

Link to purchase the book: http://www.amazon.com/Boy-sterous-Living-Celebrating-Your-Rowdy/dp/0834123908/ref=sprightly-20

Blog tour schedule! http://www.litfusegroup.com/latest/current-blog-tours/89-boy-sterous-living-blog-tour

Author website: http://www.jeanblackmer.com/

CONTEST: Enter your grossest or funniest moment as a mom of a boy (No boys? That’s okay – we still want to hear your story!) and you could win movie tickets and a snack for you and a friend to escape! Share your story by emailing your entry to amy@litfusegroup.com or posting it on the Moms of Boys facebook page!

9-11

It seems like a lifetime ago, it seems like just yesterday.  Our country was rocked to its core, yet stood, united.  Strangers helped one another, no one cared about political affiliations, color of skin, or practiced faith.  An area of our country was in need, and people rose to the occassion.  Never again would I desire the events of 9-11 to take place, but wouldn't it be nice to see our country so beautifully united?

For a very wonderfully written poem, head on over to my buddy, The Warrior Poet, and, take a minute to listen to the song below.

Thursday's Thoughts

1. ATI started today.  There are few words to describe how ecstatic I am about this fact.  We are studying Bible Doctrine Survey.  I know, sounds fascinating, right?  But the thing is, we will be studying the "majors", and figuring out where folks get caught up in the minors, and therefore, create divisions between fellow believers and with the world.  Change the doctrine of one area, and it changes everything else.  Woo hoo, it's going to be good!
2. In the gloominess that has been my mood(s) lately, ATI is definitely the bright spot.  This class alone, our women's director who is teaching it, and the women in it, will be what keeps me on this side of sane until our house sells. 
3. No, still no offers on the house.  Yes, it's driving me mad and causing my mood to be less than enjoyable.  Keep praying.  I miss my family terribly and am more than ready to be near them.
4. I still don't like politics.  Why?  It turns normal human beings into irrational, disrespectful, obnoxious jerks.  It comes from all sides, in all forms, and it's nauseating. 
5. My take on the economic status of America - the government needs to STOP bailing everyone out.  Let the people work it out, force the companies to develop higher standards that maintain integrity.  Stop trying to save everyone, and encourage people to work for what they attain.  Bailing everyone out only promotes the idea that life doesn't have consequences when we act certain ways.  It's bogus, it's wrong, it's detrimental.  And, that's my take.
6. This time next week I'll get to see my sister, as well as her team.  They're playing in a tournament close to here, and I'm taking advantage of that fact.  I've decided it's also time to take my girl to the aquarium, which is supposed to be one of the top in the country.
7. I'll be posting a review of the book "Boy-sterous Living" in two days, head on back to hear about this hysterical mother's tale of raising sons.
8. September 22nd, my friend B.Reith's new album Now Is Not Forever comes out.  Go ahead and head on over here to buy it.
9. I'm done with my thoughts.  Thanks for staying with me for all whopping 9.  Peace.

Acts 17:29 - WFW

Acts 17:29
Originally uploaded by chelled.

Acts 17:29:
Being then the children of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and thought of man.

Too often, I find, we think we can manipulate God, or think he is more of a genie in a bottle. He was not created by human hands, he is not defined by human terms, he is so.much.more. My finite mind can barely comprehend the very edges of who he truly is. I cannot fathom his true glory, his strength, and is might. Although I experience his grace, his mercy, and his love continually, even then, I do not think I full grasp who God is at many times.

I pray to be awed by him, daily, to stand in wonder at his glory, at every turn. I want to be so excited by God that othes wonder what is going on with me. I long to love others well, to love Him better. God is good, it is true, but He is also so much more.

Be blessed today, and for more, wonderful Word Filled Wednesday posts visit Lori at All You Have to Give.

Boy-sterous Living

I will be posting a review of the book Boy-sterous Living by Jean Blackmer on September 12th.  Until then, read on for more about Jean and her book.  Contest information at the end of the post!  Woo hoo!  Who doesn't love a contest?

About the book: Raising boys isn't easy. Life with them is loud. If it's quiet, they're probably up to something. Boys are messy, competitive, fearless, and proud. Living with them pretty much guarantees that you're in for an adventure.
In Boy-sterous Living, Jean shares a few of the priceless stories and laugh-out-loud lessons that she and her boys have experienced over the years. With humorous insight and practical advice, she offers encouragement and ideas to help both mothers and fathers impact and shape the lives of their sons. From understanding their love of sports to overcoming the superman complex, Jean shows moms how to find joy and contentment in everyday life by celebrating the laughter, passion, noise, and endless energy boys bring to our lives.

About the author: Jean is currently the Publishing Manager for MOPS International and she's been free-lance writing for 16 years. She has been published in a variety of local and national publications, including: Guideposts, MomSense, Today's Christian Woman, Christian Parenting Today, American Girl, Proverbs 31 Woman, Chicken Soup for the Mother and Son Soul, Chicken Soup Cookbook for the Busy Mom's Soul, Focus on the Family's Teen Phases, Guideposts Miracle Series, and others.
She also co-authored her first book, Where Women Walked: Powerful True Stories of Women's Perseverance and God's Provision. (Tyndale/Focus on the Family, 2004) This book was nominated for a Gold Medallion Award.

Jean graduated from the University of Colorado in Boulder with a Bachelor's (1987) and a Master's (1992) degree in Journalism. She lives in Boulder with her husband Zane; three boys, Josh, Jordan, and Jake.

Find out more about Jean here!

Link to purchase the book: http://www.amazon.com/Boy-sterous-Living-Celebrating-Your-Rowdy/dp/0834123908/ref=sprightly-20

Blog tour schedule! http://www.litfusegroup.com/latest/current-blog-tours/89-boy-sterous-living-blog-tour

Author website: http://www.jeanblackmer.com/

CONTEST: Enter your grossest or funniest moment as a mom of a boy (No boys? That’s okay – we still want to hear your story!) and you could win movie tickets and a snack for you and a friend to escape! Share your story by emailing your entry to amy@litfusegroup.com or posting it on the Moms of Boys facebook page!

Hot Dog!

Most people opt to sleep in on a day such as Labor Day, or, visit a local parade or festivity in honor of our veterans.  Me?  I ran a 5K to raise money for Mercy Children's Clinic.  Yep, just me and a few thousand of my area friends. 

Everything started out just fine, until I heard someone say, "Great, I'm about go get beat by the giant hot dog."  What?  To my right I saw him, a man dressed up, as yes, a hot dog.  Really?  I am sure there was a point, but my mind couldn't wrap itself around any valid reasons as I tried to stay ahead of the running wieney.

Sadly, thanks to a case of "oh for the love of Pete, get my mommy, call the medics, who is stabbing me with the ice pick" type of shin splints, weiney man beat me, by about 30 seconds.  Feel free to shake your heads in disbelief, for it is true. 

I also realized, yet again, that I do not care for organized running events.  Give me an open road, my music, and, well, just me, and I enjoy a run. Throw me into a herd? Panic!  The crowds, the stampeding, the almost getting run over for a small glass of water, the weaving in and out of people while trying to avoid said water cups being hurled indiscriminately through the air, ugh.  The stopwatches, the tiny shorts, the really disgusting lycra that is typically found on individuals who should stay far away from that type of material, it's just too much.
     

I cannot wait to one day have my grandchildren sitting around me asking about this day.  "Hey Grandma, what's that story Mom was telling about you getting beat by a weiney in a race?"  They too will probably hang their heads in shame, but, I hope they will at least enjoy a very good laugh out of it.

**And, for the record, I finished in under 30 minutes, but not in the 27 minutes I have been doing 3 miles here in my crowd free neighborhood.

Tim Hawkins - Cletus Take the Reel

Because sometimes, even on a Sunday, we just need to laugh.

Making some changes

I have started another blog!  Yes, you read that correctly.  I decided that I wanted needed a site to focus solely on AdvoCare information.  That way, those of you who read this blog won't get bogged down in AdvoCare information if you are not interested.

New blog title: Life on Your Terms
Web address: http://advochampions.blogspot.com/

This site will be a way for me to promote AdvoCare, offer training, and get out information on AdvoCare's latest incentives, challenges, and happenings.  Yippee!

Now to find others who want to live life on their own terms and be champions!

Thursday's Thoughts

** I love this picture of my friend, Jan, and I. Jan is a hysterical, beautiful blessing in my life. For her 50th birthday, she went skydiving. Who doesn't love someone like that?

Hugs are good for the soul
Originally uploaded by chelled.

**My friend Jen, who started "Thursday's Thoughts," got a job as a literacy coach. Her goal is to be an assistant principal, and I think she's one step closer now. Hooray!

**A great new cd comes out September 22nd: Now is not Forever by B.Reith! You can pre-order his cd (which I HIGHLY recommend) by going here.

**I hit an all time level of frustration yesterday. Hubby and I were reviewing some information from our realtor and will be making some decisions. I just want to be home, with our family (insert maniacal yell here)! I know God is taking care of the details, He always has and He always is. But, I'm a girl in need of a whole lot of grace who sees life through finite rather than eternal eyes. And sometimes, that causes a bit of a breakdown.

**My daughter is now 16 months old. Really? Already? She's so funny, quite curious, and just silly as can be.

**The good news concerning the fact we are still here is that my sister's volleyball team will be playing in a tournament near here in two weeks. So, we are taking a family trip to go watch them. Plus, there is an awesome aquarium near where she's playing we have been wanting to go visit. Woo hoo!

**I took a jog with the lawn mower yesterday. Yes, it's true. I came home from an insanely hard fit camp class and had to mow the lawn. A friend came over to watch the kid, and out I went. At one point, it started raining. Oh, nice. So, I just started jogging as I mowed. I made myself laugh just thinking what I must have looked like. But, with a push mower that is not self propelled, a body that was already tired, and rain splashing my face, that's how I reacted. Good times.

That completes this week's edition of Thursday's Thoughts. Hope you all are having a wonderful, blessed, week.

Isaiah 30:15 - WFW

riginally uploaded by chelled.

Isaiah 30:15:
For thus the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said,
"In repentance and (A)rest you will be saved, In quietness and trust is your strength."

What was the last time you rested? I mean, just took a moment to yourself and rested. You may or may not have napped, maybe you took a leisurely walk, a warm hot bath, or curled up in a chair with a book you had been waiting to read. When was the last time you turned down the noise and became ok with simply being, for a while?

Last night, I learned the Bible mentions rest 307 times. As many of us know, God will repeat himself on a message we need to learn in order to ensure our understanding. 307 times God mentions rest. I think this topic might be important to God.

Hebrews 4:11 says, "Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience." In fact, this entire chapter discusses the believer's rest.

We are not to be lazy, to become irresponsible. But we are to take moments to rest in Him, in who He has created us to be, and in the good works He has already done. Enjoy, and, rest.

Be blessed today, and for more, wonderful Word Filled Wednesday posts visit Penny.

Tim Hawkins - The Government Can

I don't care whose side you are on, this is stinking funny!