Geaux2Girl

The Meaning of Marriage

2012-01-25T08:27:00.000-06:00

On FaithVillage yesterday we posted my review of Tim Keller's The Meaning of Marriage. I highly recommend it. Read to discover why.

10 Mistakes Good Moms Make

2012-01-22T22:23:00.000-06:00

Got kids? Well, really, do you have young kids, the kind that qualify you for MOPS membership? If so, you'll want to take a look at this new resource written just for you... written by one of you.

Amy Baggett has been tempted to answer the question "What do you do for a living?" with "forgetting things at the grocery store." A wife and mother (obviously), she survived that stage of parenting with enough aplomb to consider sharing the wisdom gleaned from experience. A former MOPS group leader, she now speaks to local MOPS groups, serves her PTA as the Parent Education Coordinator, and works as her church librarian.

In addition to her speaking gigs, she found the time to collect her own Top 10 Things-I-learned-while-mothering list. She might make a few more lists, because this one is titled Ten Mistakes Good Moms Make: Preschool Edition. She's talking about her kids' ages, not her skill level.

Full of practical wisdom, this little self-published gem applies biblical principles to the often-harried life of a mother with young children. She has been there. She understands. She shares stories of her own mistakes, making the book personable and non-threatening. Each chapter focuses on one issue, such as "The Dog Trainer" (child discipline), with sub-categories of "Be Intentional," "Be Wise," "Be Joyful."

Endorsed by Brenna Stull, author of Coach Mom, Baggett's little book of wisdom would be a great addition to any mother's arsenal of encouragement and wisdom.You can pick it up on Amazon.com for less than $6, or you can leave a comment on this blog for a chance at a free copy. I'll pick a winner on January 31.

Undefeated LSU

2011-11-25T17:40:00.000-06:00

Ready for the SEC Championship

One Thousand Gifts

2011-10-18T16:08:00.000-05:00

One of the perks of my new job is being able to pick out really interesting new books and ask for review copies. As long as I write a review, of course. No problem here...One Thousand Gifts, by Ann Voskamp, is a standout volume that I (and others) predict will become a classic. It has staying power.

Read my review here.

7 Weddings and a Funeral

2011-10-13T20:49:00.000-05:00

OK, so I don't know the actual number of weddings my husband, John, has performed since his ordination as a chaplain in early 2010. It's somewhere around seven, maybe a few more? But today he performed his first funeral.

I have never been more proud to call him my husband.

Not only was this his first time around the funeral block, but the deceased was the father of a childhood friend. The man and his sons, John's buddies, were regular fixtures in his growing up years. So this memorial was personal. A few weeks after he learned his father was dying of cancer, while he was enduring aggressive chemo, Chris (the son) asked John to perform the ceremony. Eventually. After his fight earned him extra time.

That was a month ago. Everyone involved has struggled with the sense of having no time to prepare, of being shocked at the swiftness of the disease. And John went from agreeing to do the service to... well, writing his sermon, visiting with the family, and guiding the service through moving testimonies, a clear gospel presentation, and military honor guard.

No one could have guessed it was his first time in that role. He was steady, dignified, organized, clear, ON TIME, and sincere (I spent hours all this week weeping as he talked through his ideas on what to say and how to say it).

I hope future ceremonies won't be so personally difficult for him. I say "future" because the mantle of chaplain weighs comfortably on his shoulders. He has the gift of compassion, of empathy, a way of connecting with the hurting in a comforting way. (It's a good thing one of us has that gift...)

I have the feeling Chaplain John may show up more often. Though I'd rather see him at weddings, really!

New Job

2011-10-02T21:18:00.000-05:00

It's public news by now, but I'm just recording on the blog for posterity. Last Monday I started a fulltime job, the first one I've had since exactly 11 years ago when I gave up an office position to have my first baby. Since then I've worked (and played) from home, at my own pace, on my own timetable. But less than a month ago, things started changing.

When two trusted writer friends sent me the same link for the same job application on the same day, I figured I'd better take a look. Perfect fit, it appeared, and based in DFW where I live. Several weeks of conversations with God and my husband ensued, because we still have a toddler at home and never thought we'd voluntarily give up that time with him. So, were we being tempted by the seemingly awesome job, or was this truly a gift we couldn't pass up? Did we stick to our timetable no matter what, or should we consider that God had an alternative plan?

Tough questions to which answers are impossible to know. But over time the peace came, and we decided to trust that this was God's provision for our family and for my professional advancement. So, we'll see, won't we?? I'm pretty sure that He'll hold us in the palm of His hand regardless.

In the meantime, enjoy the introductory blog post I wrote this week. Take a peek at the site I'm editing for, FaithVillage. I'm teamed up with a great group of guys. Maybe all those years of brothers and sons and loving sports were just preparation for working with yet another group of men. :)

Weekends are for Playing

2011-09-19T09:41:00.000-05:00

The weekend started with hubby and the older kids heading off to Sky Ranch for their first campout of the semester. Which left me with the toddler (I can't say "baby" anymore) and all sorts of options on how to spend our time. Football watching was negotiable, since LSU beat Mississippi State on Thursday night. So we started out with a pancake breakfast at the local fire station Saturday morning.

Here is Gabe hanging out with Darren Driskell, a friend who serves our town as a new fireman and as mayor (he's kinda busy).

After the boy's naptime, we headed out to Splitzville to join members of the Young Marrieds class for an afternoon of bowling. Click the link below if you want to see a 4 minute video of highlights.

Young Marrieds Bowling Social from Bruce Q on Vimeo.

It contains proof that I'm not a horrible bowler, that in fact I did bowl a strike. Actually I bowled several strikes (even two in a row at one point), but you only get to see one of them on film. Gabe makes a cameo appearance, enthralled by the colorful bowling balls that keep popping up out of that hole. We all had a fabulous time...congrats to our social coordinators Bethany and Jenna who planned the event.

While the rest of the group ran off to dinner afterwards, I boogied down the highway to Cafe Brazil to meet up with friends from my former life. As in, friends I haven't seen in years since they moved away (and ok, so did I). Erin has spent the last year going through cancer treatments, and while she has kept us in the loop through regular updates on FB, words on a screen are no substitute for a hug and face-to-face sharing. Aunt Kathleen picked up Gabe so I wouldn't have to wrestle with him all evening. Thanks, SIL!

Three hours, shared with a group of friends, wasn't enough to catch up, so I played hooky from church the next morning and joined Erin and Sandi for worship down at Sandi's church. After a summer-long drought of no opportunities to share in the Lord's Supper, what a fabulous day to enjoy that privilege. The three of us drank our juice together (and Erin pipes in, "Cheers!") grateful for lifelong friendships and the Lord who binds us together. I admit to wishing Jeni Ward were there too...

Craving as much Tex-Mex as possible (apparently Maryland lacks such yumminess), Erin suggested On the Border for lunch. I was happy to oblige!

I arrived home to a full house, with happy faces and hugs and stories to share (and baths to take!). How could I ask for more?

Grandfather to the Rescue

2011-09-08T09:20:00.000-05:00

Our grandfather clock is the hero of the day (thus far). Its melodious donging penetrated my unconsciousness at straight up 7 a.m. That's the time the clock "wakes up" from its overnight silence mode, as I can't handle hearing it on the quarter-hour all night long. But 7 a.m. is not the time I'm supposed to wake up--on a school day. (Exactly how did I sleep through hubby's early-morning prep-for-work ritual?)

When panic mode kicked in, about three seconds after I mentally chastized the clock for waking me on a ...."oh &$^%&! It's not Saturday!"...I jumped out of bed and ran to the kids' rooms. Thanks to their extra 45 minutes of sleep (they are very welcome (not)), they popped up quickly. Nate led the charge since he knew what 7:04 meant. Clothes on, baby's diaper changed, shoes found, baby's milk poured, lunches packed, bags loaded, pop tarts grabbed, and we were in the car backing out of the driveway by 7:17.

That is only about 4 minutes later than usual. Translated: ON TIME!

We all laughed, somewhat hysterically, I realize, but still it was laughter, most of the way to school as we congratulated ourselves on accomplishing the impossible. Between bites of pop tarts, of course. They each had about 4 minutes left to chew minty gum in an effort--vain, I'm sure--to improve the quality of their breath.

But they. are. at. school.

On. time.

Thank you, Grandfather Clock.

LSU-Oregon Experience

2011-09-05T15:14:00.001-05:00

Just being in ~~Jerryworld The Death Star~~ Cowboys Stadium is an experience unto itself. And I didn't even wander through a fourth of it. But my little section was fairly spectacular. I knew my Aunt Eileen was going to be there, but we never knew where her seats were. Before the game even began, I looked up to the balcony above my section and laid eyes on my uncle, who was standing in full view. Soon enough we were all waving madly at each other. Crazy how close we were considering how immense the stadium is.

And we had fabulous seats. Close enough to feel very much a part of the game, but not so close to field level that plays on the other side of the field were impossible to see. Of course, anything was visible from the jumbo-tron above.

Then the players started coming out for warmups. The crowd practiced their potential volume. Lots of good-natured taunting between the Tigers and Ducks fans. Soon enough the captains met in the center for the coin toss. Tigers win the toss, and we defer. The players disappear into the locker rooms, and the field clears.

And then The Golden Band from Tigerland takes the field to rouse the ~~home~~ crowd into a frenzy. And since LSU is slightly closer geographically to Dallas than is Oregon, you could say our fans ~~had duck for dinner~~ were in the majority. And we sounded like it.

"Baaaah-ba-ba-BA!" or something like that, goes the opening notes of the band's pre-game routine. Every. single. game. It's literally music to the Tiger fan's ears. Especially here, where we weren't truly in Death Valley (just the Death Star--ha!).

And then there was kick-off, and a lame first quarter where both teams wondered who was going to finally show up. But special teams made the difference, and the second half saw the Tigers pull away to a comfortable lead, making all us Tiger fans happy to ~~line Jerry's pockets~~ buy drinks, food, and more drinks. And that's about when my phone battery conked out, which is why I have no pictures of the touchdowns and ensuing celebrations.

I heard one news report after the game incredulous at the amount of trash after the game, both in and around the stadium. Tailgating gone wild? I wouldn't doubt it. A 40-27 victory against the #3 ranked team is definitely a reason to celebrate.

I owe my fabulous day in purple and gold to my college buddy Travis Terral, who found a way to get four tickets and treated his son, me and another friend to the game (and, I might add, to a killer lunch at The Keg Steakhouse).Thanks, Trav! (And thanks, Hubby, for giving me an awesome day off work :)).

Women of Faith Recap

2011-08-29T09:05:00.002-05:00

Fun weekend. Lots of highlights to share, but those will wait for another post. This blog is dedicated to the uniqueness of a conference made for women only.

Top 10 Things We Observed at Women of Faith That You'll Never See at a Men's Conference:

1.   Color coordinated lighting and stage decor.
2.   Converted bathrooms.
3.   Colorful group t-shirts proclaiming church or group affiliation.
4.   Mugging for the camera as it pans the audience during breaks.
5.   Random squeals in the audience.
6.   Mentioning menstrual cramps, childbirth and high heels (is there a male equivalent to such topics?).
7.   Sparkly red "Dorothy" shoes, combat boots, and a speaker doing the splits, all on stage.
8.   The camera singling out the rare (and unaware) person of the opposite sex, then encircling his mug shot with a heart and the word "Single!" on screen. Funny at a women's conference, creepy at a men's.
9.   The need for copious amounts of kleenex.
10. Jewelry and tote bags for sale on the merchandise table.

Women of Faith and SEC Football

2011-08-25T12:37:00.000-05:00

Yes, they go together. At least in my little world. Starting tomorrow I have a big week ahead of me. Women of Faith, the organization, invited me to blog about their Dallas conference, Over the Top. Since it's my first time to attend one of these whopping, big events, I should come to it with the fresh eyes of a newbie. Veterans of these events seem to love them--I guess if you keep going back six years in a row you must have found something worthwhile.

But honestly, I'm going in with rather low expectations. Here's what I think I'll get: a great show, fun music, lots of laughs, a few pats on the back and maybe some encouragement in my spiritual walk. Here's what I hope I'll get: all of the above, plus a challenge to get out of my North Dallas-top-10-wealthiest-county-in-America bubble, a call to action for Jesus with tangible resources to help me get started, biblical teaching to back up these challenges and encouragements, and a sense of discomfort with my safe, snug life.

Stay tuned for my blog updates next week. I'll let you know which won out--my expectations, or my hopes.

After those blogs, you might not hear from me for awhile. The following Saturday, September 3, I'll be indulging in a real religious experience--LSU football. Not just a game, but the opening game, in Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, TX (just down the road from me), with an old college buddy and about 40,000 other LSU ~~addicts~~ alumni & fans. My husband and children will be home ~~cheering me on from the living room~~ happy that Mom gets to indulge her addiction without them. (Sigh. Winning them over to the light takes time.) I've been floating a few inches off the floor ever since my friend called to offer the extra ticket.

That game is gonna rock this town!

I'm just glad the game and the conference are happening on two different weekends...

LSU-Oregon

2011-08-17T07:17:00.000-05:00

World War II Novel Salutes the Greatest Generation

2011-08-11T09:22:00.000-05:00

In her third installment of the Wings of Glory series, Sarah Sundin completes the story of the Novak brothers and the U.S. Eighth Air Force as they fight in the European theater of World War II. Pilot instructor Ray Novak, serving stateside, gets reacquainted with war widow Helen Carlisle, an old friend from childhood. Both have secret regrets and demons to face, and the war forces them to confront their fears and step out in faith.

Helen and Ray stand out among the characters for both their complexity and strength of spirit. They go through some rough experiences! Sundin paints realistic pictures of people living under the pressure of others' expectations and their own hidden guilt. She also finds a way to shine the light of redemption on potentially dark situations. You'll cheer for Helen to overcome her past, and for Ray to fight for his heart's desire. This, and the other Wings of Glory books (you'll find my earlier review of A Distant Melody here), are entertaining and challenging reads.

Let's chat with the author a bit! In the following Q&A, Sundin reveals her perspective on the book.

Q. What is the story behind Blue Skies Tomorrow?

A. Blue Skies Tomorrow arose from my need for happy endings. In my first novel, A Distant Melody, one of the side characters, Helen Carlisle, is widowed at only twenty-one, and the hero’s oldest brother, Ray Novak, is dumped by his fiancée. I mentally introduced them to each other, the mutual attraction was strong, and I just had to write their story. This novel also allows me to complete the story of the US Eighth Air Force victory in Europe.

Q.What draws you to write about the World War II era?
A. Besides the cute clothes and men in uniform? First of all, there are so many dramatic stories and settings—a novelist’s dream. This was a time when ordinary men had to do extraordinary things, and when women first explored non-traditional roles—while remaining ladies. Plus, I’ve always been fond of that generation, my grandparents’ generation. As a pharmacy resident at a VA hospital, I had the honor of caring for many of these men. As a rule, they were cheerful, kind, and chivalrous, with the solid strength of someone who has been tested—and passed. What more could you want in a hero?

Q.What was the most interesting research you had to do for this novel/series?
A. I had already done the background research on B-17s and the US Eighth Air Force for the first two books in the series, but for Blue Skies Tomorrow, I also researched the Port Chicago Explosion. In the largest US Home Front disaster in the war, 320 sailors were killed, most of whom were black. I thought I understood the explosion and the mutiny trial that followed (it happened in my home county), but my research changed my mind. I knew there was a great deal of racism and discrimination at the time, but the details of this disaster really brought it home to me.

Q.Which of your characters particularly resonates with you and why?
A. Both Ray and Helen resonated with me, but perhaps Ray more so. He takes on a role he feels ill-equipped for, and he has to find the courage to forge forward and to turn to God to find the purpose in his adventure. I pushed Ray harder than I did any of the Novak brothers, at a time in my life the Lord was really pushing me. We both had to find courage in the Lord.

2011-08-08T12:04:00.000-05:00

I'm headed to the Women of Faith Dallas event later this month. It'll be my first time to attend this "Over the Top" women's conference. Look for a couple of blogs about my experience--I'll post them in late August. Anyone else attending?

My Baby

2011-08-05T10:44:00.000-05:00

Happy 18 months old to my baby, Gabe! He is in one of the funniest phases yet. If I'm not yelling "Stop!" or "Nooooo!" than I'm usually laughing at one of his antics. He does appreciate a receptive audience.

A Mommy's Summer

2011-08-05T10:39:00.000-05:00

Today on Tapestry, I mused about why this summer has been more successful than past ones. But I need suggestions from you as to how next summer can be even better. Help me out?

What's in a Name?

2011-07-21T21:30:00.000-05:00

In this case, some wrought iron, a stop light, a McDonald's sign, windows, frame hangars...and a lot of love. Isn't this a creative gift? Our friends the Godseys, with whom we vacationed last month, sent these photos to us in our Christmas package. I finally got around to figuring out a way to frame them. Now to find a wall in the house suitable for display.

The 2011 Christy Awards Revealed

2011-07-11T21:36:00.000-05:00

"Honoring and Promoting Excellence in Christian Fiction"

Every year publishers are invited to submit novels written from a Christian worldview and copyrighted in the year preceding the awards. Each novel is entered in one of several genre categories and/or the first novel category. Each category of novels is then read and evaluated against a ten-point criteria by a panel of seven judges composed of librarians, reviewers, academicians, literary critics, and other qualified readers, none of whom have a direct affiliation with a publishing company.

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

Sworn to Protect by DiAnn Mills • Tyndale House Publishers

CONTEMPORARY SERIES

The Reluctant Prophet by Nancy Rue • David C Cook

CONTEMPORARY STANDALONE

Almost Heaven by Chris Fabry • Tyndale House Publishers

FIRST NOVEL

Heartless by Anne Elisabeth Stengl • Bethany House/ Baker

HISTORICAL

While We’re Far Apart by Lynn Austin • Bethany House/Baker

HISTORICAL ROMANCE

The Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen • Bethany House/Baker

SUSPENSE

The Bishop by Steven James • Revell /Baker

VISIONARY

To Darkness Fled by Jill Williamson • Marcher Lord Press

YOUNG ADULT

Motorcycles, Sushi & One Strange Book by Nancy Rue • Zondervan

Highlight of our Vacation

2011-07-11T00:07:00.000-05:00

On our recent vacation with dear friends, we introduced our children to the ocean. Their first time ever on the beach, and they loved it. Most special was our firstborn's decision to be baptized by his dad while we were there. Sorry there's very little audio, but you get the idea without it.

A Reluctant Queen: Book review

2011-06-13T08:00:00.009-05:00

One would think that the biblical story of Esther has been rewritten and fictionalized quite enough by now. And I wasn't all that interested in reading another rendition when I heard about A Reluctant Queen: The Love Story of Esther. Until, that is, I noticed the author's name.

Joan Wolf.

I knew that name. She wrote historical romance novels, not Christian stuff. One of her books has been on my shelf for years, reread several times. She's good! So to see her name linked with a biblical fiction work was intriguing and worth a second look. I applied to be part of her blog tour so I could see how she handled fictionalizing a well-known story. One from the Bible, at that.

I'm so pleased to say that Wolf transferred her considerable research and writing skills from historical to biblical fiction. A Reluctant Queen gives the character of Esther a truly human face, showing her as a woman in conflict, at any given moment, with herself, her family, and her enemies. Her relationship with the king takes on nuances and depth that most other fictionalized accounts do not explore. Wolf's interpretation of the way in which Esther was entered into the beauty contest to become queen is the most unique of all I've ever read.

While staying true to the biblical script, Wolf has expanded it into an entertaining, emotional, and enjoyable story. Even more heartwarming and intriguing than the novel is the story behind the author's spiritual turnaround. Visit her web site, www.joanwolf.com, for more details on that.
________________________________________

To celebrate Joan Wolf’s debut Christian Fiction title, A Reluctant Queen, Joan and her publisher, Thomas Nelson, have teamed up to give away A Reluctant Queen prize package worth over $150!

One grand prize winner will receive:

* A brand new Latest Generation KINDLE with Wi-Fi and Pearl Screen

* A Reluctant Queen by Joan Wolf (for KINDLE)

To enter, just click one of the icons below. But, hurry, the contest ends on June 20th. Winner will be announced on June 21st during Joan’s A Reluctant Queen Book Club Party on Facebook (details below)! Hope to see you there – bring your friends!

Join the fun on June 21st!

Joan will be wrapping up the blog tour and Kindle giveaway promotion during her A Reluctant Queen FACEBOOK party on her FB author page. During the party she'll announce the winner of the Kindle, host a book chat discussion, test your trivia skills (Is Esther's story in A Reluctant Queen fact or fiction?), and more. Don't miss this chance to meet the author and make some new friends!

Nate at Pine Cove Towers

2011-06-10T10:55:00.000-05:00

Nate's cabin-mates, with their counselor, Roll (to the 14th power).

Looks like he's got a life vest on, so he must be about to hit the water.

That's Nate behind the UT shirt kid. Waiting their turn to bat, maybe?

Pirate theme night. Notice he's holding his sword. Unlike many of his buddies, he didn't get his eye poked out so no need for a patch.

Mid-week photo: wow, having a blast!

Nate with Roll. He looks so happy.

14 years and counting

2011-05-25T08:37:00.000-05:00

From this...

to this...

Fourteen years of blessing. Looking forward to many more!

Sisterhood

2011-05-09T18:04:00.000-05:00

I was privileged to attend a women's conference this past weekend...alone. Have you ever gone to one of those events by yourself? It's just wrong. Everyone has at least a pal, but usually a group of them. Chicks run in gaggles, after all. I did lots of observing and note-taking, plus some nosy interrupting of several groups. I just had to know their stories.

And since today was my day to blog, I let the messages from the speakers inspire me. It's all about the power of Sisterhood... Take a look.

Christy Award Nominees

2011-05-07T19:27:00.001-05:00

The 2011 Christy Awards, honoring excellence in Christian fiction, just announced their nominees in nine categories. I'm excited to see quite a few of the ones I reviewed last year on the list:

Contemporary Romance/

Blood Ransom by Lisa Harris (Zondervan)

Indivisible by Kristin Heitzmann (WaterBrook Press)

Sworn to Protect by DiAnn Mills (Tyndale House Publishers)

Contemporary Series, Sequels, and Novellas/

The Reluctant Prophet by Nancy Rue (David C. Cook)

The Thorn by Beverly Lewis (Bethany House Publishers)

The Waiting by Suzanne Woods Fisher (Revell Books)

Contemporary Standalone/

Almost Heaven by Chris Fabry (Tyndale House Publishers)

Lady in Waiting by Susan Meissner (WaterBrook Press)

A Season of Miracles by Rusty Whitener (Kregel Publications)

First Novel/

Crossing Oceans by Gina Holmes (Tyndale House Publishers)

Heartless by Anne Elisabeth Stengl (Bethany House Publishers)

A Season of Miracles by Rusty Whitener (Kregel Publications)

Historical/

Chosen: The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther by Ginger Garrett (David C. Cook)

For Time & Eternity by Allison Pitman (Tyndale House Publishers)

While We’re Far Apart by Lynn Austin (Bethany House Publishers)

Historical Romance/

The Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen (Bethany House)

She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell (Bethany House Publishers)

Within My Heart by Tamera Alexander (Bethany House Publishers)

Suspense/

The Bishop by Steven James (Revell Books)

The Bride Collector by Ted Dekker (Center Street)

Predator by Terri Blackstock (Zondervan)

Visionary/

To Darkness Fled by Jill Williamson (Marcher Lord Press)

Konig’s Fire by Marc Schooley (Marcher Lord Press)

The Last Christian by David Gregory (WaterBrook Press)

Young Adult/

The Charlatan’s Boy by Jonathan Rogers (WaterBrook Press)

The Healer’s Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson (Zondervan)

Motorcycles, Sushi, and One Strange Book by Nancy Rue (Zondervan)

Published...for the First Time

2011-04-26T09:42:00.000-05:00

Not me, obviously. But yesterday's book review of The Last Martin, a YA novel by Jonathan Friesen, marked my son Nate's debut as a published writer. He starts off like I did, as part of a team. We worked separately, then together, to write this review for Crosswalk. He's not exactly an aspiring writer--says it's too hard and he'd rather just read--but he worked hard to contribute his perspective on this fun book.

His teacher showed the article to his class yesterday, on their big screen, then let him get up and teach them about the process he went through. She was so tickled for him, and his classmates thought it was really "cool."

He might be persuaded to do this more often if I keep promising to share the proceeds with him...

Whatever it takes!