Create With Joy

Inspire Me Monday – Week 21

Create With Joy — Mon, 28 May 2012 00:03:40 +0000

Meme Theme
I like the idea of Inspiration Monday.
Monday’s often get the short end of the stick
But they are fraught with potential!
Judy Palmer

Welcome to Inspire Me Monday
A place to share your creative inspirations
Sharpen your creative vision and
Showcase your creative talents!
I invite you to inspire others and
Nurture your creative spirit by
Joining our Creative Blog Hop!

To participate, simply join my creative community and
Follow the guidelines at the end of this post!

What’s Inspiring You This Week?
Here’s What’s Inspiring Me…

Memorial Day
Sue – Oodakadoole Primitives
Stars & Stripes Wreath

This weekend, Americans around the world are
Kicking off the summer & celebrating Memorial Day –
A day in which we remember those who have
Served our country and given their lives for it!

Visit Sue to learn more about Memorial Day
And to discover some wonderful patriotic crafts
Like this beautiful wreath
Made up of miniature American flags!

Create With Joy on Pinterest
Red White & Blue Board

To celebrate, I created a new
Red White & Blue Board on Pinterest
Where I’ll be sharing the best patriotic crafts & recipes
I find all summer long!

If you would like to join my Pinterest community
But need an invitation please let me know!
I have some great things planned
That I do not want you to miss out on!

Dawn – Beneath The Surface
The Bloggers Prayer Project

Dawn is launching a very special project.
She is inspired to encourage others
To cover the blogosphere in prayer!
If you would like to join Dawn in this endeavor
By praying for 31 bloggers for 31 days,
Please visit Dawn’s blog for the details!

Highlights From Week 20

Jerri – Simply Sweet Home
Recipe: 12 Patriotic Desserts

Do you love red, white and blue?
Are patriotic holidays made for you?
Then you’ll love Jerri’s compilation
Of delicious, colorful desserts!

Kayla – Anatomy Of A Craft
Craft: Painted Planter

Want to spruce up your entryway?
Turn to Kayla for inspiration!
She’ll amaze you by what you can do
With a few clay pots, stencils and a little paint!

Debbie – Easy Natural Food
Recipe: Double Chocolate Date & Almond Cookies

This week Debbie has shared an amazing
Cookie recipe with us.
I love a good oxymoron.
Can you say “healthy decadence?!”

Laura – Beholding Glory
Essay: Divine Proportion

One of my favorite TV shows this year was Touch.
In this series, Kiefer Southerland is the father
Of a gifted boy named Jake, who cannot speak
But who sees the world as a place where everyone
And everything is connected by numbers.

I was reminded of this show as I was reading
Laura’s essay Divine Proportions –
The latest in her series
Creation Revealing The Glory Of God.

Be sure to check out the rest of the articles in Laura’s series
And to join her for Faith Filled Fridays!

**************

Talent is timeless.
For more fabulous features,
Visit my creative friends at
Inspire Me Monday – Week 20!

Inspire Me Monday #21 – Week Of May 28, 2012

Now it’s time to share your inspirations! You can participate in Inspire Me Monday in the following ways:

1) Share “What’s Inspiring You” by creating your own Inspire Me Monday post! You can include any creative challenges you’ve discovered – any books or quotes you love – any bloggers who have inspired you – anything that has inspired you and will inspire us too!

2) Share your creative projects with us! You’re welcome to link up your Arts & Crafts projects – your Recipes – your DIY, Home Décor and Organizational Ideas – your original Writing, Music & Photography – you get the idea!

3) Visit the participants – share some comment love – let them know what’s inspired you!

When you link up, be sure to include the Inspire Me Monday button and a link back to this post on all of your entries so that your readers can join the fun! The blog code is on the side bar if you need it!

Be sure to link directly to your Inspire Me Monday Posts and Creations using the permalink to the individual posts – not your blog’s home page URL – so that participants can easily find and comment on your creations!

The party will remain open all week so have fun sharing – inspire me with your comments – and please, use the social media buttons below the post to spread the word!

Want To Start Your Own Party?
I Recommend Inlinkz!
Click Here To Get Started:

Book Blogger Hop – May 25-31, 2011

Create With Joy — Fri, 25 May 2012 03:58:25 +0000

Welcome to the Book Blogger’s Hop,
Brainchild of Jen at Crazy For Books!
Visit her blog for the details and the
Upcoming Questions For The Book Blogger’s Hop!

Question Of The Week
How do you handle the writing of a negative review?

My Answer
I am a positive person so
It gives me no pleasure to write negative reviews.
When I write a review,
I do my best to be honest and fair
Striving to live by the Golden Rule!

I research the books and authors I review beforehand,
Whenever possible, to increase the chances I receive a book I like!

Sometimes, however, for reasons I cannot foresee,
A book does not live up to my expectations
And I must ask myself, “Why?”

Is the book stylistically well written but missing the mark in some key areas?
Does the book promise more than it delivers?

Perhaps the book does not measure up to similar books in its genre
Or other books by the same author.

Maybe I cannot recommend the book due to its content.

Then again, perhaps the book’s premise is fine
But it contains other major flaws
Such as being poorly written or insufficiently researched.

As a reviewer, it’s up to me
To accurately assess and honestly communicate
Both the positive and negative aspects of a book
To my readers in a fair and balanced way
So that they can determine if the book interests them!

Now it’s your turn to share! Please leave your answers in the comments and - if you’re visiting from the Book Lover’s Blog Hop, please leave your link so I can visit! New followers, welcome – please let me know how you’re following so that I can reciprocate!

While you’re here, please check out my Book Reviews and join us for the Friendship Friday Blog Hop!

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous weekend!

Friendship Friday – Advice

Create With Joy — Thu, 24 May 2012 22:57:36 +0000

Happy Memorial Day Weekend, dear friends!
This week, as we celebrate the beginning of the summer vacation season
And remember Americans who have given their lives for their country
I invite you to share some great Advice with us
Or amuse us with stories of Advice gone bad!

Question Of The Week
What’s the best (or worst) advice you’ve ever been given?
What’s one piece of advice would you like to share with others?
Who can you always count on to give you sound advice?

Please share your answer(s) with us at Friendship Friday!

Need some inspiration?
Here’s a few quotes to get your creative juices flowing!

Food For Thought
She generally gave herself very good advice,
(Though she very seldom followed it).
Lewis Carroll

No one wants advice – only corroboration.
John Steinbeck

The best way to give advice to your children
Is to find out what they want and then
Advise them to do it.
Harry S. Truman

Parents can only give good advice or
Put them on the right paths,
But the final forming of a person’s character
Lies in their own hands.
Anne Frank

I owe my success to having listened respectfully
To the very best advice,
And then going away and doing the exact opposite.
Gilbert K. Chesterton

No one can give you better advice than yourself.
Marcus Tullius Cicero

The worst men often give the best advice.
Francis Bacon

When we ask for advice,
We are usually looking for an accomplice.
Saul Bellow

My Answer – Best Advice
My family always stressed the importance of
Getting a good education.

My mother sacrificed to see that I could attend
The best schools possible.

In the process, my teachers instilled within me a
Lifelong love of learning – for its own sake –
That I am blessed with to this day!

What about you?
Inspire us with some great or humorous advice!

Friend Of The Week
Stephanie – An Ever Grateful Heart

This week’s Featured Friend is Stephanie -
An appreciative blogger who finds joy in
Sharing her faith and her beautiful photography with others!
Last week, she wrote about Comfort / Trust for Friendship Friday.
Be sure to visit and introduce yourselves to Stephanie this week!

Friendship Friday #20 – Week Of May 25, 2012

Welcome to Friendship Friday – a week-long opportunity to:

Foster friendships with other bloggers!
Share what’s unique about yourself and your blog!
Grow your blog and social media networks!

Are you ready to make some new friends? Then, come join the fun! Please follow these friendly guidelines:

1) Each week, I’ll post a question that’s designed to help you get to know one another a little better. To participate, simply create a Friendship Friday post that includes the Friendship Friday blog hop button and/or a link back to this post – then add your permalink to the party!

You can also participate by adding the Friendship Friday button to your sidebar and answering the Question of the Week in the comments!

2) Please follow Create With Joy and leave a sweet comment so I’ll know you stopped by! If you’re a new follower, let me know how you are following so that I can reciprocate! You can follow me on:

3) Visit your fellow participants and get to know them – building friendships is what this community is about! Support the bloggers you connect with by leaving a comment and following their blogs through one of the available subscription methods on their blogs!

The party will be open all week so that you have plenty of time to post, link and mingle! Have fun making friends and be sure to join me for Inspire Me Monday and Wordless Wednesday!

Want to host your own party?
Click here to get started!

WOYWW – Asian Collage Card

Create With Joy — Wed, 23 May 2012 04:02:27 +0000

Happy WOYWW to you dear friends! As you can tell I’m still in a collage frame of mind. Last week the theme was Masculine / Nautical. This week I’ve gone Asian. And – my current obsession with decorating envelopes continues!

One of the techniques I used to add visual depth and dimension to this project was Stippling. See Tyra Smith’s article, Stipple Brush Technique Instructions, for more information!

This week I’m also celebrating Legend and Tsunami’s 5th birthdays! I invite all of you Tsunami and Legend lovers to join in the celebration by visiting these posts:

Have a fabulous week!

Card Challenges

For More Creative Inspiration
Join Us At

Wordless Wednesday – The Lion King

Create With Joy — Tue, 22 May 2012 20:20:43 +0000

Photo Of The Week
Tsunami – The Lion King

Thought For The Day
God made the cat in order that man
Might have the pleasure of caressing the lion.
Fernand Mery

Happy Birthday Legend & Tsunami!
Legend and Tsunami are now five years old!
Please join the celebration at
Lessons I’ve Learned From My Cats!

Wordless Wednesday – May 23, 2012

Happy Wordless Wednesday, dear friends! It’s time to share your favorite family-friendly photos – with or without words – at the friendliest party in town!

To participate, please link directly to your Wordless Wednesday post – leave a comment – then visit your fellow photography buffs! You’ll make some wonderful friends and see some fabulous photographers along the way!

Please spread the word about this party by displaying our beautiful Wordless Wednesday button and linking back to this post (the code is on my sidebar!) It would also be great if you could use the social media buttons below the post to spread the word!

Enjoy the party and have a fabulous week!

For More Creative Inspiration

Want To Host Your Own Party?
Click Here To Get Started!

Inspire Me Monday – Week 20

Create With Joy — Mon, 21 May 2012 00:47:38 +0000

Meme Theme
I like the idea of Inspiration Monday.
Monday’s often get the short end of the stick
But they are fraught with potential!
Judy Palmer

Welcome to Inspire Me Monday –
A place to share your creative inspirations,
Sharpen your creative vision, and
Showcase your creative talents!
I invite you to inspire others and
Nurture your creative spirit by
Joining our Creative Blog Hop!

To participate, simply join my creative community and
Follow the guidelines at the end of this post!

What’s Inspiring You This Week?
Here’s Who’s Inspiring Me…

Legend & Tsunami
Lessons I’ve Learned From My Cats

I remember the day I met Tsunami.
He was such a tiny kitten –
Too young to take home that day –
But too adorable not to fall madly in love!

And I remember the first time I saw Legend.
It was love at first sight!

This week I’m celebrating how blessed I am to have
Tsunami and Legend in my life!
I invite you to celebrate with me at
Lessons I’ve Learned From My Cats!

Highlights From Week 19

Art Joy Stuff
Project: Red-White-Blue Monday

Patriotic holidays are just around the corner.
If you’re looking for creative inspiration,
Be sure to check out the beautiful
Red, white and blue projects at
Art Joy Stuff!

Bonnie – Simply This And That
Project: Fabric Scraps Wreath

Who can resist a beautiful blue wreath -
Especially one that comes with an easy-to-follow tutorial!
Beautiful job Bonnie!

Carolyn Dube – A Colorful Journey
Essay: Why Do I Make Art?

Have you ever wondered why creative people create?
If so, be sure to check out this inspiring essay
From one of my favorite artists!

Donna – Holimess
Project: ABC Bible Scrapbook

Have you ever considered starting an ABC Bible Scrapbook
Where you scrap your favorite Bible verses?
If so, you will want to check out Donna’s inspiring project!

Donna Shultz – Tuesdays With Jesus
Essay: A Broken Will

Donna is a devotional writer who strives to teach
The word of God in a practical way.
This week she shares how God can use Brokeness
To transform our lives.

Life As We Know It By Paula
Recipe: 15 Minute Chili

Looking for something quick, delicious and healthy
To feed your family?
Check out Paula’s 15 Minute Chili Recipe!
It’s one of the many fabulous recipes you’ll find in Week 19!

Nina Newton – Mama’s Little Treasures
Project: What Is It?

Nina Newton is one of the most creative women I know!
She writes.
She sews.
She publishes e-zines and e-books.
She builds communities.
And she creates beautiful scrapbooks and art journals!
If you have not met Nina,
Be sure to visit her and say hello!

Tina’s Pic Story
Project: Purple Leaves

Check out Tina’s beautiful artistic photography!

**************

Talent is timeless.
For more fabulous features,
Visit my creative friends at
Inspire Me Monday – Week 19!

Inspire Me Monday #20 – Week Of May 21, 2012

Now it’s time to share your inspirations! You can participate in Inspire Me Monday in the following ways:

3) Visit the participants – share some comment love – let them know what’s inspired you!

The party will remain open all week so have fun sharing – inspire me with your comments – and please, use the social media buttons below the post to spread the word!

Want To Start Your Own Party?
I Recommend Inlinkz!
Click Here To Get Started:

Lessons I’ve Learned From My Cats

Create With Joy — Sun, 20 May 2012 00:47:11 +0000

It’s hard to believe, but Legend and Tsunami, my precious Maine Coons, are now five years old!

Where has the time gone? It seems like just yesterday we were anticipating their arrival!

To celebrate, I want to share the guest post I wrote in February 2012 for The Love of Love Extravaganza, which was hosted by author Terri Giuliano Long at The Art And Craft of Writing Creatively. During this event, over 50 authors were invited to write about different aspects of love and readers were asked to vote for their favorites. Thanks to those of you who voted, my essay received top honors!

So, without further adieu, here are the:

Lessons I’ve Learned From My Fur Angels

When I think of the biblical definition of love –

Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy or boast…
It keeps no record of wrongs.
It always protects, always trusts,
Always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails…

I am thankful that God, in His infinite wisdom, has blessed me with two fur angels who show me how to love more deeply and live more fully.

They have enriched my life in ways I cannot even begin to measure!

They greet me at the break of dawn and curl beside me as the moon dances across my pillow each night. I treasure their companionship.

When I leave, even for the shortest of outings, they greet me like a long lost prodigal. They’re into public displays of affection.

They comfort me when I’m sad.

They delight in my successes.

They listen without judgment.

They keep all my secrets.

They remind me to play…

To not take myself so seriously…

To find joy in little things…

To take daily naps!

They remind me that life is short, so make the most of the time you’ve been given.

Be a loyal friend.

Live without reservation.

Love unconditionally.

Happy Birthday, my dear fur angels!

Tsunami & Legend

You can follow the adventures of Tsunami & Legend at:

Shared With:

Scripture Sunday

Book Blogger Hop – May 18-24, 2012

Create With Joy — Fri, 18 May 2012 03:23:54 +0000

Welcome to the Book Blogger’s Hop,
Brainchild of Jen at Crazy For Books!
Visit her blog for the details and the
Upcoming Questions For The Book Blogger’s Hop!

Question Of The Week
How many books do you own?
This can include books in your To-Be-Read (TBR) Pile and
Books you have already read that are on your keeper shelf!

My Answer
Cicero once said
“A home without books is like
A body without a soul.”
No truer words were ever spoken!
I love books and cannot imagine a world
Without books in them.

I have no idea how many books I own.
I easily own hundreds of books.
Were it not for several past moves
And forced economic downsizing
I’d probaby own thousands!

There are books in every room of my home.
The kind of books you can see, touch and hold!

Now it’s your turn to share! If you’re visiting from the Book Lover’s Blog Hop, please leave your link so I can visit! If you’re a new follower, please let me know how you’re following so that I can reciprocate!

Looking for some great books to read? Please check out my Book Reviews!

Want to meet more bloggers? Please join us at Friendship Friday!

Friendship Friday – The Weekend

Create With Joy — Thu, 17 May 2012 22:21:39 +0000

Food For Thought
Weekends don’t count unless you spend them
Doing something completely pointless.
Bill Watterson

Question Of The Week
What’s your favorite way to spend the weekend?
Do you have anything special planned for this weekend?
What are your favorite weekend activities?
Share your thoughts!

My Answer
I love to relax on the weekends!
I also like to catch up with family and friends,
Spend quiet time with the Lord,
And try and explore new things!

Here’s a few of my favorite activities:

Curl up with a good book.
Take a nature walk.
Listen to good music!
Write.
Create something beautiful.
Journal.
Play games!
Do puzzles.
Try something new.
Share a good meal.
Pamper myself!

How about you?
Inspire us with your weekend plans
And your favorite weekend activities!

Friend Of The Week
Jen
Grown In Southern Ground

This week’s Featured Friend is Jen,
Who shared Childhood Memories of Girl Scouts last week!
She is a North Carolina native currently living in Korea,
Where she taught English for a year-and-a-half
And is now working on her Master’s in Library Science.
As you might imagine,
Jen has a fascinating and unique perspective on life and culture.
Be sure to visit Jen this week!

Friendship Friday #19 – Week Of May 18, 2012

Welcome to Friendship Friday – a week-long opportunity to:

Foster friendships with other bloggers!
Share what’s unique about yourself and your blog!
Grow your blog and social media networks!

Are you ready to make some new friends? Then, come join the fun! Please follow these friendly guidelines:

You can also participate by adding the Friendship Friday button to your sidebar and answering the Question of the Week in the comments!

The party will be open all week so that you have plenty of time to post, link and mingle! Have fun making friends and be sure to join me for Inspire Me Monday and Wordless Wednesday!

Want to host your own party?
Click here to get started!

WOYWW – Masculine Collage Card

Create With Joy — Wed, 16 May 2012 03:57:43 +0000

Happy WOYWW dear friends! This week, I thought I’d step outside of my girly comfort zone and create a card and envelope that’s fit for your favorite outdoorsman! You can easily create something similar using the products you have on hand! Enjoy the photos and the challenges!

Collage Card

Choose five stamps in a coordinating theme as the basis for your collage. Use colors that convey your mood - I chose vintage inks that conveyed my masculine, sea-faring theme. Use sponges to lightly dab and blend the background colors together.

Scenic Envelope

I created the envelope from a standard legal size #10 envelope, folded over to custom fit the card.

A cut-out of one of the stamped images serves as the envelope’s seal!

Card Challenges

For More Creative Inspiration
Join Us At

Wordless Wednesday – Cupboard Kitty

Create With Joy — Tue, 15 May 2012 20:40:05 +0000

Photo Of The Week
Legend – Cupboard Kitty

Thought For The Day
Curiosity never killed anything
Except maybe a few hours.
Unknown

Do you ever wonder what goes on in your home when you’re not around?

This week, I caught Legend – better known to some as Mister Naughty Pants – lurking in a new-found kitchen cabinet space! Now I am constantly dragging Legend out of forbidden spaces (for his own good!) but in this instance, I could see no harm in him inhabiting this particular piece of real estate for a little while, so I did what any good mom would do: I tip-toed down the hall, got the camera, and snapped a few candid shots as we both secretly delighted in his misdeeds!

Wordless Wednesday – May 16, 2012

Happy Wordless Wednesday, dear friends! It’s time to share your favorite family-friendly photos – with or without words – at the friendliest party in town!

Enjoy the party and have a fabulous week!

Want To Host Your Own Party?
Click Here To Get Started!

Inspire Me Monday – Week 19

Create With Joy — Mon, 14 May 2012 01:18:15 +0000

Meme Theme
I like the idea of Inspiration Monday.
Monday’s often get the short end of the stick
But they are fraught with potential!
Judy Palmer

To participate, simply join my creative community and
Follow the guidelines at the end of this post!

What’s Inspiring You This Week?
Here’s What’s Inspiring Me…

Moms

Momumental by Jennifer Grant

This week, I had the chance to review Jennifer Grant’s
Newly released book MOMumental –
A humorous and poignant look at her Adventures in the
Messy Art of Raising A Family!

Hurry Less Worry Less For Moms by Judy Christie

I also had the opportunity to review Judy Christie’s
Hurry Less Worry For Moms,
Which is brimming with encouragement and useful tips!

Both are great books to add to your summer reading list!
For more inspiring ideas,
Visit Create With Joy – Book Reviews!

Pets

Specially-Abled Pets

Did you know that May 3 was
National Specially-Abled Pets Day –
A day dedicated to people to consider
Adopting specially-abled pets!

Seven years ago, Mixed Media Artist
Mary C. Nasser opened her heart and home
To a very special dog named Daphne!
Be sure to read their heartwarming story!

You can learn more about dogs like Daphne and Lucy
(shown below) at BlindDogs.Net
Where dogs “see” with their hearts!

And you can learn more about Guide Dogs -
Which were featured in Week 18 - in
Thunder Dog by Michael Hingson

This book tells the heroic story of Roselle
Who heroically saves her owner Michael
From the twin towers on 9/11!

Highlights From Week 18

Fifi – About Blogging Time
Project: Embroidering

Once upon a time,
Fifi thought that embroidery
Was an “old folk craft”.
That was then… this is now!

Now, Fifi is hooked on the art
As is evidenced by midnight hours she is burning!
Be sure to check out her beautiful projects!

Charlene – A Pinch Of Joy
Project: Buttercream Cake Icing and Writing Joy

Beautiful buttercream.
Fanciful buttercream.
Delicious buttercream.
Yum!

Charlene just completed a
Wilton’s Cake Decorating Class
And shared her final project on this fabulous post!

Dawn – Beneath The Surface
Article: Miraculously Speaking, Dawn

Recently, Dawn lost her beloved Father-In-Law
Angelo Paoletta
And paid tribute to him with a beautiful poem
And a beautiful commemoration of his life.

What struck me most was her perspective on her loss:

I realized how much God has grown me over the years this past week;
How I am able to behold the pain and beauty in living and dying without fear.
This was not always the case.
This is seed faith nurtured by His grace:
Without doubt but peace and quiet confidence
In the One who is bigger still.
Heaven is rooted deeply in my heart.
Surely, I have a firm foundation in my God,
My Rock and Fortress.
My Beautiful One.

Be sure to visit Dawn and read her beautiful post in its entirety!

Laura – Beholding Glory
Guest Post: Blueberry Bush
Author: Nicole from Motherhood Confessions

Nicole is also dealing with loss…
The loss of her beloved grandfather.
As part of her grieving process,
She spent time some time wandering
In her grandfather’s beloved blueberry garden.

The story she shares shows how God spoke to
Nicole’s heart in the garden that day
And how He personally finds ways to
Make things new in each of our lives
If only we will open our eyes.

Thank you, Dawn & Nicole,
For taking the time to inspire us
Even in the midst of your loss!

Talent is timeless.
For more fabulous features,
Visit my creative friends at
Inspire Me Monday – Week 18!

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Inspire Me Monday #19 – Week Of May 14, 2012

Now it’s time to share your inspirations! You can participate in Inspire Me Monday in the following ways:

3) Visit the participants – share some comment love – let them know what’s inspired you!

The party will remain open all week so have fun sharing – inspire me with your comments – and please, use the social media buttons below the post to spread the word!

Want To Start Your Own Party?
I Recommend Inlinkz!
Click Here To Get Started:

MOMumental by Jennifer Grant

Create With Joy — Sun, 13 May 2012 01:07:13 +0000

Book Review

Are you a woman who dreams of motherhood and raising the perfect family?
Are you a new mom who is both excited and anxious about your new role?
Are you an overworked mother of six who is yearning for a time out?

No matter where you fall on the “mom” scale – Jennifer Grant’s new book, MOMumental – Adventures in the Messy Art of Raising a Family, is for you!

MOMumental is a delightful memoir that pays tribute to the highs and lows of motherhood. Jennifer approaches motherhood as an adventure. Here’s a sampling of the destinations she’ll take you to in her book:

Do you dream of being the perfect parent? Make Velveteen Parenting – Adventures In Becoming Real your first stop!
Have you ever wondered if you’re raising a compulsive liar or a potential sociopath? A quick visit to On The Bwight Side – Adventures In Mistaking Kids For Mini-Adults is in order!
Do you sometimes feel like you’re losing your sense of self? An Escape To Gordon’s House – Adventures In Friendship will revive you!
Have you ever felt like you’re a terrible mom because of something you’ve done? You’ll find yourself in good company over at Mommy Misdemeanors – Adventures In Messing Up!

Sometimes, we need a little help from our friends to get through our days! Here are a few of the aids – some helpful, some humorous – Jennifer provides:

Are you a stress mess? Take the Signs You Might Be Burned Out and in Need of a Getaway With Friends test to see if you need a girl’s night out!
Are you on overload? Discover Five Multiple-Duty Products Busy Moms Shouldn’t Be Without!
Do you pray? You’ll appreciate A (Sort Of) Serenity Prayer for Mothers Of Young Children in an Anxious Time!

Jennifer’s book is helpful, humorous, insightful and poignant – a real joy to read. If you’re ready to take a foray into the MOMumental world of parenting – let Jennifer Grant be your tour guide!

MOMumental – Video Overview With Jennifer Grant

If you are reading this post in a format where you cannot see the video, click here.

Jennifer Grant

Jennifer Grant is a journalist and mother of four who currently freelances for the Chicago Tribune and regularly contributes to her.meneutics, Christianity Today magazine’s blog for women. In 2011, Thomas Nelson published her first book, a memoir entitled Love You More: The Divine Surprise Of Adopting My Daughter; Momumental from Worthy Publishers is her second book. Jennifer is also the co-founder of the Redbud Writers Guild.

You can read more about Jennifer at her website.
You can read an interview with Jennifer at Women Of God Magazine.

More Great Resources

If this book interests you, here are a few more books you may enjoy:

He Heard Hannah by Lynnette Kraft
Hurry Less Worry Less For Moms by Judy Christie
Selections From One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp

For more great books, visit Create With Joy – Book Reviews!

Stay In Touch

Keep the inspiration coming – subscribe to Create With Joy by:

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from Worthy Publishing for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review, nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Book Blogger Hop – May 11-17, 2012

Create With Joy — Fri, 11 May 2012 06:07:09 +0000

Time for another edition of the Book Blogger’s Hop – hosted by Jen at Crazy For Books! This week’s question is:

Who is your favorite book character?
I’ll give you a maximum of two choices, but they have to be from two genres!

This is a challenging question, but the first character that came to mind was Frodo Baggins from The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy! I like Frodo for many reasons:

He’s a loyal friend.
He knows how to have fun.
He isn’t afraid to face a challenge.
He doesn’t lose hope, even in the face of adversity.
He faces his fears.
He isn’t afraid to ask others for help.
He has heart.

So, who’s your favorite character? Let me know and if you’re visiting from the Book Blogger’s Hop, leave your link so I can visit!

For more fun, please join me at Friendship Friday and check out my latest Book Reviews!

Click here to see the Upcoming Questions for the Book Blogger Hop!

Friendship Friday – Childhood Memories

Create With Joy — Fri, 11 May 2012 02:11:47 +0000

Question Of The Week
Last week, we celebrated Motherhood.
This week, let’s celebrate Childhood by
Sharing a Childhood Memory!

Here are a few quotes to get your creative juices flowing.

Food For Thought

Childhood is the most beautiful of all life’s seasons.
Author Unknown

Childhood is a promise that is never kept.
Ken Hill

If you carry your childhood with you,
You never become older.
Tom Stoppard

It is never too late to have a happy childhood.
Tom Robbins

Childhood is a short season.
Helen Hayes

What we remember from childhood
We remember forever –
Permanent ghosts,
Stamped, inked, imprinted,
Eternally seen.
Cynthia Ozick

Childhood is that wonderful time of life
When all you need to do to lose weight
Is take a bath.
Author Unknown

What memories come to mind?
Have fun walking down memory lane and
Sharing your memories!

Friend Of The Week
As Snug As A Bug In A Rug

As Snug As A Bug In A Rug is an Australian blogger
Who loves to knit and is currently “knitting a square a day”!
She will be celebrating her first Mother’s Day this year and
Wrote quite a thought-provoking Friendship Friday post.
Be sure to visit this week’s Featured Blogger
And give her some love –
I know she would appreciate your follows!

Friendship Friday #18 – Week Of May 11, 2012

Welcome to Friendship Friday – a week-long opportunity to:

Foster friendships with other bloggers!
Share what’s unique about yourself and your blog!
Grow your blog and social media networks!

Are you ready to make some new friends? Then, come join the fun! Please follow these friendly guidelines:

You can also participate by adding the Friendship Friday button to your sidebar and answering the Question of the Week in the comments!

The party will be open all week so that you have plenty of time to post, link and mingle! Have fun making friends and be sure to join me next week for Inspire Me Monday and Wordless Wednesday!

Want to host your own party?
Click here to get started!