My Life as a Navy Wife

1 down

2012-01-27T19:59:00.002-05:00

only a whole bunch more to go. I don't really know how many, but at least we made it through the first week with limited issues. I am ready for him to come home, but I know he has an important job to do. D is starting realize that daddy isn't coming home every day like he use to. We watched a video that he recorded during his first deployment (while I was pregnant) and that seemed to help him. I can only imagine how hard this is for him, since he really doesn't understand why daddy can't come home right now. I'm just hoping the time flies by for all of us so that we can get this one over with and continue on with our crazy lives lol.

We've been keeping busy with church and friends and stuff. D has been in speech therapy for several months now, and he had his treatment plan reviewed since he had met all of the goals that we had set for him. Yay. He's still got a way to go, but it's awesome to know that he is doing awesome with learning his words.

Well that's my short update for this week, gotta get lil man to bed and get some reading done. So excited to be starting the Bible in 90 day challenge soon. Yay.

Football Widow

2012-01-23T22:04:00.001-05:00

Football Widow

Content by Mauricio Benson

My husband just doesn’t get it – he doesn’t really understand that I need more support from him. When he gets home from work he immediately gets online and starts playing those video games and on the weekends he’s all about his Cable Sunday Ticket. We’ve got three kids and I work forty hours a week, too, so sometimes I feel like he doesn’t really understand how much pressure I’m under. I just wish he would help me out with chores and do more to make home a welcoming place for me – he’s gotten to where he doesn’t even ask me how my day was anymore! I know this is the classic story of husband and wife I just really thought things would be different for us since we both came from such untraditional families. We were best friends in college and now it feels like we’re becoming less like husband and wife and more like roommates which is the last thing I wanted to happen to us! I know some of y’all out there can relate…

It starts

2012-01-23T15:33:00.001-05:00

Well it's almost been a week since deployment #2 started, and it's been interesting so far. I think that a few us of already been hit by the deployment curse (or Murphy's Law for deployment etc). But we are still standing. D has been having sleep issues, been waking up earlier, not wanting to take naps etc. He's also starting to get more moody as I say lol. We usually see this around week and half after hubs leaves, but I think this time will be different. I've been trying to get us on a new schedule, but it's been hard so far. I'm not giving up, I still have several months to get us fixed, and then have it all get messed up when he comes home.

My deployment verse is :

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

My deployment song is:

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger stand a little taller Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone.
What doesn't kill you makes a fighter Footsteps even lighter Doesn't mean I'm over cause you're gone.
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stronger Just me, Myself and I What doesn't kill you makes you stronger Stand a little taller Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone.

Alright well that's it for now. Going spend some time with D and my books. See ya'll later.

Update to my Challenges

2012-01-16T23:09:00.000-05:00

Ok so if you saw my post about the challenges I had started this year, then you can see that I had a lot going on. I thought I'd give a small update on those, while my boys are asleep.

3 in 30 Challenge- well I was doing good for awhile, but then this stupid deployment crap came up and I've been not working out or cleaning. But I've been spending some time with God, so that's good right?

Hello Mornings just started today, so not much to update on. I did get up before my alarm went off so that was exciting. The next two days I'll have to get up really early, but Thursday I'll really be able to buckle down.

Jumpstart January on SP- Yea, had an ok week last week, but the last few days nada- not much working out. Spending last minute time with Hubs took over and everything else gets pushed aside. A new life will be starting in a few days so everything should fall into place.

Yea so overall, the only thing I'm doing well is spending time with God each day, either reading a devotional, reading my Bible, or praying. I did really well on cleaning up until Friday, and well working out, yea Friday did me in. Another update next week :) Wish me luck.

Just a few more weeks till #b90days starts here

2012-01-16T23:01:00.002-05:00

It's just a few more weeks until the start of my Bible in 90 Day Challenge. Don't know what I'm talking about? Check it out here. I am so excited to lead this journey for others. I can't wait to start, but I know that with everything that is going on in my life the next week or so, it is much easier for me and for anyone who wants to share this journey with me to start then. If you are interested in joining, please comment on the blog, or tweet me, and fill out the contact info so that I can get you added to the email list and to the FB group.

I know that the Bible in 90 days challenge is just that a challenge. But if you really want to have a life changing experience with God's Word, then it is SOOOOOOOOOO worth it. Just some quick tips that I found helpful my first time reading:

Make sure that you either can set aside a block of time (45 mins to an hour or more depending on how you read) or take your Bible with you wherever you go so that you can read if you are busy. I found that the YouVersion App was a lifesaver when I'd have to put D to bed and he didn't want to go to sleep right away.
Have a journal or notebook or some paper handy in case you want to remember something for later. I used Comp books and took notes of things that I wanted to come back to. Remember this is not a study but a reading, you are reading through the Bible, so if you don't understand something or want to know more, make a note and come back to it.
Have a highlighter or pencil or pen handy (along with your notebook). I highlighted so many passages the last time that I sort of want to use another Bible to see if I found the same things as interesting the first time around.
Don't get too frustrated if you get behind. It can happen. There are two grace periods in this challenge so if you get behind it will be ok. At one point during my reading I was almost 2 weeks behind (thanks to being ill and then a hurricane), but I caught up. Read a little more when you can, and remember to take your Bible with you (or an app on your phone) and just read when you can.
Also remember that even if you might not finish in the 90 days, it still should be a goal for you to finish no matter how long it takes. It will be something that you can be so proud of.

Ok that's all I've got for now, I know I'll think up more. I'm just so excited about this, I know that reading the Bible has made a powerful impact on my life and I'm sure it can on yours.

Too much televison- Blog Dare

2012-01-07T23:40:00.001-05:00

That is such a crazy thing to say, too much television. But unless you actually track every single minute, some people don't realize how much TV they do watch. I sat down and figured ours out one day and it wasn't pretty. But the reason I sit with the TV on all the time is because I hate silence. It makes me anxious (go figure). So I leave the TV on all day, usually on kid's channels like Disney or PBS Kids, and don't really think about it. D doesn't usually watch too much, but I think he's turning into me and doesn't like the silence either.

I do have a few shows that I hate to miss, and it use to not be that way. I'm addicted to Vampire Diaries and Secret Circle. I really like Revenge and I adore Once Upon a Time. I LOVE Glee. I also like Biggest Loser. Thank goodness for DVR or I'd be out of luck.

SP Healthy Reflections

2012-01-07T23:17:00.003-05:00

Valuing time before it is too late

Often our days are busied with worry, stress, complaining, work, and a general wasting of time. Once we finally realize the value of our time, often for many of us it is too late. While your life might seem like a long time in the midst of it, truly it is a blink of an eye. Today, make more time to be present in your life. Even small moments--enjoying a cup of tea, calling a friend, reading a favorite book--should be enjoyed. Restructure your day so that you can get all of your work done, but allow for extra time to be spent on personal matters. Stop procrastinating!

Know the true value of time; snatch, seize and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness...never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.

- Lord Chesterfield

Challenges, Challenges and more challenges

2012-01-03T23:28:00.002-05:00

Well I always start out the new year with great plans and hopes and motivation. Then, something happens. I'm not sure why or what, but something seems to jump into my way. And I'm sure that this year is not going to be short of some type of diversion (deployment being the biggest one). But I'm hoping that I can excel past all the traps and succeed in my goals and plans for this year.

3 in 30 Challenge- Yep I'm trying this one again but since so many of the goals are the same in these challenges it should make it easier (right???). Anyway with this one, you pick 3 goals to focus on for 30 days and make them habits instead of goals. Seems like a great idea. Check it out here.

31 Days to Pray for Your Spouse- I've been wanting to pray more and better so I thought that this would be an awesome challenge, since I'm sure I'll be praying for him alot when he's gone. It started Jan 1, but it might not be too late to get started.

Hello Mornings- I've seen this as a hashtag all over Twitter and thought "Wow, what a cool concept." Now I've looked into it more and think it's an amazing concept. It involves getting up early, taking time for yourself; spending time with God; planning your day and working out. I'm hoping that I will do well in this one, I have a hard time getting up in the mornings, but I know that I'm going to need me time with deployment.

Bible in 90 Days- This is a challenge that I'm really excited about. Mainly because I'm going to lead a group through this. I finally completed the challenge last summer/fall, finishing in 85 days despite all the things that were thrown at me. I hope that I can help others to complete such an amazing task. I will be starting on Feb 6, but there are plenty of groups that are staring now if you are ready to go. Check them out at Mom's Toolbox.

Jumpstart January with SparkPeople. - I love SparkPeople, I think it's one of the greatest things out there to help people lose weight. And I do the bootcamp or whatever they call it every January to get back on track. This year is no exception. SparkPeople is Free too, so check them out.

As you can see, I am pretty busy for a minute. All of this, plus taking care of a 2 year old and myself, my church groups, NWCA, FRG, etc. I also signed up to be a 31 consultant, and I'm hoping that I can excel at that as a business too. So if you are interested in purchasing any Thirty One Gifts, let me know, I'll be more than happy to add you to my FB group so you can get updates on deals and specials and stuff. I hope that everyone has a wonderful New Year. I'm planning on trying, even if my better half is spending a good deal of the year away from us.

A look back at 2011- Blog dare jan2

2012-01-03T22:46:00.002-05:00

Well this could take awhile, but I'll just do some awesome highlights.

-D and I both got baptized at the church we became members at.
-I got my first brand new car, a 2011 Kia Soul, and I just love it.
-Passed 4 years of marriage with my amazing hubs
-Celebrated the 2nd birthday of my awesome son
-Was able to see both my parents at some point this year.
-Made some awesome friends

There are so many more things that happened last year, but I think these are the most important ones to me. I'm looking forward to seeing what 2012 has in store for me.

Blog Dare prompt Jan 1

2012-01-01T21:14:00.003-05:00

Well it's a new year, I can't believe it's another year. As also I've got tons of goals in mind, but that is, always my plan. Well for the Blog Dare writing prompt is about My Social Media Goals for 2012. Wow, well I'm not totally sure what I want to do, but that doesn't mean I've not thought about some things I want to do.

I want to participate in the Blog Dare daily prompts, when I have something to say about the prompt. It can be hard to spend some time on the computer, but it's just a small part of my overall plan for the year.

I am going to be more active on Twitter. I have a smartphone (that sometimes is smarter than me lol) and I have Twitter on there, I should be able to tweet. So that is my goal.

I have signed up for several challenges this year, such as the Hello Mornings, 3 in 30 and Bible in 90 days (which I am going to lead a group). So I've got to keep up with those goals and be supportive of my friends and followers and such.

Well I am not sure what else I'm going to plan on, but these are a few that I plan.

Book Review- Daily Gifts of Grace

2011-12-29T08:42:00.003-05:00

Daily Gifts of Grace, devotions for each day of your year. This is a great little devotional so far by Thomas Nelson and Women of Faith. I've read and have several of the Women of Faith Bible studies and I hope to attend a conference in the future, but I enjoy the insight and stories that the ladies of Women of Faith share.

In this brightly colored devotional there is a page long devotion for each day in the year. The devotion starts out with a scripture and then a wonderful written devotion by one of the many authors. This is my first devotional like this (I usually use Upper Room or Daily Bread) and so far I've enjoyed the readings. They are simple and can get to the heart of the topic of the day, and I look forward to using the devotional daily as the new year starts. The book itself is compact enough to throw in my purse to read on the go if need be, and I enjoy the color of the book and the magnetic closure. The pages are easy to read with a good size font. The ladies of the Women of Faith group have such remarkable stories that I'm sure everyone will enjoy using this devotional for a daily devotional.

BookSneeze® has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for me to review for an honest review.

Guest Post by Poppy Smith- 8 Ways to beat the blues at Christmas

2011-12-20T22:11:00.002-05:00

Eight Ways to Beat the Blues at Christmas

By Poppy Smith

Instead of a houseful of kids and their little ones running around laughing, crying, playing with toys and sneaking treats, this year my husband, Jim, and I will be home alone for Christmas. My automatic reaction is to feel sad—but I am glad that all of them will be celebrating the coming of Jesus with their in-laws. After all, we are usually the ones who get that privilege!

But—it’s easy to be sucked down into a “poor me” mindset and play the blues, unless we decide to change our perspective. So here are eight simple ways to help you enjoy the holidays whether you’re physically or emotionally alone. Why not join me and let’s beat those blues which aren’t where God wants us at this special time of the year—or at any time!

Sing. Play music. Listen to the words and join in praising God. Singing is a guaranteed mood lifter and perspective changer. “Sing for joy to God our strength” Ps.81:1.
Smile. Smile at little children. Their harried moms. The older shoppers who are trying to find just the right present. Make smiling your chosen expression (not through gritted teeth, however!). It will make you feel so much better and maybe lift up another lonely soul.
Invite. Is there someone you haven’t had time for this past year? Could you suggest meeting for coffee, lunch, or even over to your home? Perfection isn’t needed—only a loving heart that looks beyond it’s own world.
Rest. Remember all those too early mornings when you longed to just stay in bed? Now’s your chance. Take time to read a book of the Bible or several psalms. Choose a special book, magazine, or television program. Make or buy some once in a year yummy treats and ENJOY this gift of time!
Give gifts to others. Go online and look for simple Christmas recipes. Make peppermint candy or a cranberry loaf and go drop it off at a homeless shelter or place that serves those without a home. Change your perspective from looking inward to looking outward—as God our Savior did when He gave us the most amazing gift of love any one can receive.
Write a list of your blessings. Think back over this past year. Even if it has been one of the most difficult you’ve experienced, ask God’s Spirit to show you where He was present, loving and supporting and guiding you through. He will show you something and lift your heart.
Go to a Christmas Eve Service. Even if you’re by yourself, don’t miss the presence of God amidst the beauty of this celebration. Let your senses feast on the beauty, your ears delight in the music, your heart be moved to new heights of gratitude and love.
Pray about your dreams for 2012. What do you want to see happen in the coming year? Have you thought about changes you want to make? New paths to walk? Write out what comes to mind when you think of taking better care of yourself physically, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. (See my video: Take Care of Yourself, …….. or check my website on the media clips page).

May your “Home Alone” Christmas fill you with joy and a fresh awareness that Christ is with you, whether you’re surrounded by people or peacefully alone.

Author Bio

Poppy Smith

With her fun personality and passion for communicating life-changing truths, Poppy Smith inspires believers to thrive spiritually and personally. Poppy’s practical how-to messages (in print or in person) uses colorful examples from her own struggles to be more like Jesus. She encourages women (and men, at times) to grow in every kind of situation—whether joyful or painful! Poppy is British, married to an American, and has lived in many countries. She brings an international flair seasoned with humorous honesty as she illustrates Bible truths. A former Bible Study Fellowship Lecturer, Poppy’s teaching challenges women to look at their choices, attitudes and self-talk. As a result, God’s speaks, changing hearts, changing minds, and changing lives.

http://www.poppysmith.com/newsletters.htm

Care.com's Interview Series featuring Military Spouses!

2011-12-14T16:01:00.001-05:00

Care.com is doing a great Holiday series involving military spouses and the challenges that go along with it. Featured bloggers include Tara Crooks from the Army Wife Network, Ann Detavernier from Household 6 Diva, and Krystel Spell from Army Wife 101, some of my favorites to follow. My personal favorite is the one by Ann at Household 6 Diva. At any given point in our military family life, our servicemember will miss a holiday, birthday, etc. But knowing that we aren't alone can help to ease the stress and struggles that we all face time and time again. I hope you enjoy the series, and make sure to check out Care.com's Military Families page, with resources to find child care or other needs.

Guest Article by Dr. Charles Page- He Sees You When You're Sleeping

2011-12-14T12:54:00.001-05:00

He Sees You When You’re Sleepin’...
By Dr. Charles W. Page

Do you recall trying to sleep on Christmas Eve while waiting for Santa to come to town? The anticipation of Saint Nicolas and all his goodies was just too much—who could sleep? The lyrics of Santa Claus is Coming to Town taunted me. “He sees you when you’re sleeping—he knows when you’re awake…” I tossed and turned trying to fall asleep, fearful I’d miss out on Santa’s visit if he caught me awake. I never doubted Santa’s ability to be aware of my wakefulness.

Unfortunately, as adults, the issues that keep us awake during the Christmas season are more complicated than those we experienced as kids. Financial burdens, strained relationships, difficult decisions, brooding regrets and fretful thoughts race through our minds and hinder our rest.

There is someone who “sees you when you’re sleeping and knows when you’re awake.” It’s not Santa Claus. The Bible reminds us, God’s eyes never close. Perhaps this truth can tuck us in for the night.

“He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.” (Psalm 121:3-4)

We erroneously think that as we “turn in” that God somehow “turns off” or moves on to do more important things. But God doesn’t wait for us to wake up before He returns to work. God is just as active during our sleep—or sleeplessness. Believers can rest assured knowing God is awake guarding our lives.

What does God do as we slumber? Psalm 127:1-2 reminds us that God gives to those that He loves as they sleep. What does God give? Understanding God’s generous nature, one rendering would be that God gives to the believer whatever is needed at the time. God can give you wisdom and direction with decisions as you “sleep on it” overnight (Psalm 16:7, James 1:5). Maybe there is a financial need. The scriptures are filled with examples of how God provided for the physical needs of those He loved as they rested (I Kings 19:1-8; Exodus 16:1-8).

God’s gifts are good, perfect (James 1:17), eternal (Ephesians 1:3) and purposeful (Galatians 5:22-25). They do not require batteries, warranties and cannot be purchased in stores. But they are available 24/7/365—not limited to one night each year. God’s greatest gift did not arrive under a tree but on a tree (John 3:16). “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32)

It’s plain to see, God has our back as we sleep. Try this Christmas recipe for rest.

Repent—in areas where we are aware of our transgressions. “A clean conscience
makes a soft pillow.”
Release—control of problems you’re facing and give them over to God.
Relate—connect with God through prayer and meditation while in bed.
Rest—allow God to do what you cannot do for yourself as you sleep.
Receive—God’s unmerited forgiveness, grace and blessings while you sleep.

An English proverb reminds us, “As you make your bed so you must lie in it.” The truth of God’s Word helps us face our situations. Although we cannot change the failures of our past, we can rest with a clean conscience based on God’s gift of forgiveness. Our current circumstances may appear overwhelming, but God gives His presence and His guidance in our hour of need. Our future is secure and hopeful when God’s greatest gift—His Son—is kept in view. A life supported by a vibrant, healthy relationship with the Shepherd of Sleep makes the most comfortable mattress. In childlike faith learn to trust Him as you lie down to sleep and remember: “He sees you when you’re sleeping.”

Author Bio

Charles W. Page, M.D.

Dr. Charles W. Page is a sleep-deprived surgeon who completed medical school and residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. Dr. Page is currently a rural surgeon and has taken numerous medical mission trips to South America and the Middle East. He and his wife Joanna live in Texas with their five children. He is the author of Surrendered Sleep: A Biblical Perspective. You can find more information at surrenderedsleep.com.

Surrendered Sleep

A Biblical Perspective

by Dr. Charles W. Page

PUBLISHER: Camino Real Publishers

ISBN-10: 0983138109
ISBN-13: 978-0983138105

PRICE: Paperback: $14.95; Ebook: $10.95

Available at:

Amazon

Surrendered Sleep

Review of This is Your Brain in Love

2011-12-14T10:53:00.001-05:00

This is Your Brain in Love by Dr. Earl Henslin

This book is a totally different way at looking at how we love others, and what kind of lover we are. Using a brain tests and research (SPECT brain-scan research by Dr. Daniel G. Amen), Dr. Henslin gives a different take on how our brain reacts to being in love, being compared to what it might be like to be on drugs. There are tests included in the book so that you can figure out if you a Scattered Lover, an Over-focused Lover, Blue Mood Lover, Agitated Lover, or Anxious Lover. Dr. Henslin even offers ways to help you to try and learn better ways to deal with whatever type of lover you are and resources to improve your marriage and love life.

One of my favorite parts of book is a story about a daughter and mother who were having issues since the husband had passed away and the mother remarried. The way the mother had described why she had remarried “God designed us to couple. We are here to couple and partner on this earth.” I love this description because it is how I feel about the relationship between a man and women. I also love the theory of soul care. “To care for my own soul means to take responsibility for all of who I am.” How awesome is that.

I really enjoyed the new take on looking at how our brain helps us to understand loving others. Being from a psychology background helped to enjoy the book all the more, and with my re-dedication to my Christian beliefs, I plan to use the book long term to help grow and strengthen my marriage.

BookSneeze® has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for me to review.

Well it's coming, the big D

2011-12-09T09:32:00.001-05:00

No, not that one, Deployment. My least favorite part (well almost) of Military life. We've been lucky and HuBs hasn't had to go on a deployment in 2 years, so it's about time. And besides, ships are meant to be at sea. This deployment is hopefully going to be must different that the last. My first deployment was well interesting. We had just moved to VA, I didn't know anyone and he left 3 weeks later. And I was pregnant to boot. But I got myself out there, made friends and didn't sit around (too often) and have time to be depressed. This time around I've got lots of support, (friends, Church family, NWCA, FRG) so it's going to start out much better (I'm hoping). My plans are to blog about it, since it will be interesting to see how Lil D does with HuBs being gone. He is very smart even though he doesn't always understand :), but hey he's 2. I've got big plans for the new year for myself as well. I'm going to be hosting a Bible in 90 days challenge starting February 6, I've got some weight loss goals that I'm going to start again and work towards (which should be an all the time thing, but well yea), and other things I'd like to work on. I hope that you'll join me on this deployment, following the ups and downs of our lifestyle and seeing ~~how crazy I can be~~ what I've got planned.

Dec 8 Blog Dare prompt

2011-12-08T23:21:00.001-05:00

A favorite Holiday recipe.

Well I would say that it would have been Red Velvet cake but I see that all the time now, but for the longest time it just use to be a Christmas thing with my step dad's family. But I really do enjoy my Gram's fruit salad. She would put grapes and pineapple juice and marshmellows into it (I'm sure it's something similar to a Watergate salad) but it was yummy.

Blog Dare prompt for Dec 7

2011-12-08T23:19:00.001-05:00

My favorite Christmas cookie.

Well one thing that I really enjoy during the holidays that you don't usually see through the year is the Cranberry Bliss Bars from Starbucks. Oh yummmmmmmm. So I found a recipe online so that I can make them whenever I want, but I still usually wait till the holidays.

Wanna read through the Bible in 90 Days in the new year with me?

2011-12-08T22:09:00.001-05:00

Have you ever wanted to read through the Bible? The WHOLE Bible? I know it was something that I had always wanted to do. I had made my first attempt in January 2010, but that didn't go well. The stress of an infant and a husband gone didn't get me a lot of time for me. My second attempt was this summer/fall. I was so gun-ho about it, I couldn't wait, this was going to be it. I started on July 11 with Mom's Toolbox and the others who were joining her. There were many obstacles that presented themselves during my journey (illness of both myself and my son, hub's car accidents and underways, a hurricane and the evacuation, etc) but I didn't let them stop me. I'm sure I would have finished sooner than I did if things hadn't happened, but I still finished in 85 days (you can read about it here). And I'm a changed person because of it. So many stories that I had heard growing up, now I can actually say them and know them better because I've read them.

With all that being said, I really want to help others read through the Bible in 90 days. So starting February 6, 2012 (I'm not starting at the first of the year because I have too much to deal with and I want to be there for my readers) I'll be hosting my own Bible in 90 days challenge, with the help and resources from Mom's Toolbox of course. She has helped so many people read through the Bible that she wants to help others help others (yep that's typed right) read through the Bible and is hoping for just as much success when she hosts the challenge. So if you are ready to finally read through the Bible (or read again) join me starting February 6 and read the Bible in 90 days.

I'll be posting lots of the resources that Mom's Toolbox has used, and I'll be checking in with everyone regularly to make sure that you are progressing through your reading. I'll be on Twitter (@Sailorsprincess) tweeting with those that use Twitter with #B90days hashtag and prolly something just for us, and I am going to create a Facebook group so that we can keep in touch along with posting on the blog here. So I hope that you'll consider joining me along a wonderful journey in reading the Greatest Book Ever Written. Please leave a comment here if you are going to join me. I'll be posting more information as we get closer to the start. If the start date doesn't work for you, check out Mom's Toolbox for other bloggers that will be leading their own challenge.

Here is a Google Doc so that if you are interested in participating you can leave me your informaiton. Looking forward to helping people read through the Bible in 90 Days.

Blog Dare prompt fro Dec 5

2011-12-06T09:26:00.001-05:00

Snow reminds me of...

Well snow reminds me of home, even though we do get snow here in VA, it's not usually as much as we use to get back home in WVa. I enjoy playing in the snow and building snowmen and igloos and all the fun things that you can do with snow, just don't really care to drive in it here with the way people drive here. It makes me think of the old stories that family members would tell about walking to school in 10 feet of snow over the hills to get to school. I loved hearing stories like that. It makes me miss my grandparents. But I do love snow.

Dec 3 Blog Dare Prompt

2011-12-03T11:00:00.000-05:00

My favorite Christmas/Holiday ornament

I use to have a ton of Hallmark ornaments that my Grannie, my aunt Lisa, and my pappy had given me, but sadly they were lost in a fire several year ago. So I've taken to starting a new collection with Hallmark ornaments. But I think by far my favorite one is an ornament that someone had made for me (well us) our first Christmas together, which also happened to be the first Christmas we had after being married too. It's a round white ball with our wedding picture on it. It's simple yet means so much.

Blog Dare prompt Dec 2

2011-12-02T11:00:00.000-05:00

What we tell the children about Santa Claus

Well this isn't something that we've had to deal with yet. D is still too young to understand what or who Santa is, but we have taken him to see Santa and get his picture taken with Santa. I'm not sure how we will deal with Santa, I'm sure we'll tell him that he will come and see him if he is good. But it's not something we've even discussed yet. Guess that will be for Christmas next year lol.

Send a Little You to Someone New by Cardstore

2011-12-01T12:11:00.001-05:00

Have you ever wanted to send someone you didn't know a card to spread some cheer? Well Cardstore has a new program that allows you to do just that. Check out their Facebook page and this blog here about how to spread some cheer.

Why not spread holiday happiness beyond the confines of your mailing list?
Cardstore.com is excited to announce the Send a Little You to Someone New program. By simply visiting our Facebook page and signing up, you can send holiday greetings across the country and make the day of someone you’ve never even met! Even better? You’ll receive a card in return! What could be better than that? All compliments of Cardstore.com! (Think this can’t be topped? Sign up and see what’s delivered to your inbox!)

IdentityHawk: protection to keep your indentity safe.

2011-12-01T11:46:00.001-05:00

Have you ever been a victim of Identity theft? Both my husband and I have, and it's not been a fun time. It wasn't too serious; his was someone getting his debit card info and using the info in another state (that he'd never been to) and purchasing lots of stuff. But it was refunded quickly. Mine, well I clicked on a link that said it was from my bank, and well then someone bought a couple of plane tickets to Peru.There are so many other types of Identity theft/fraud.

There are many different ways available for you to keep yourself and your identity safe. IdentityHawk is one such site that is out there to help you with your identity theft protection. Right now they are offering a free 30 day trial so you can see if IdentityHawk is right for you. IdentityHawk was created to help consumers safeguard their assets, their properties, and their good names. Through our suite of protective benefits, IdentityHawk members can view the health of their identity protection, identify areas where they're most at risk, and take proactive steps to reduce those risks. Anyone can be a victim at any time, and they may not know it till it’s too late. Be proactive about your identity so that you don’t have to spend your hard earned money to clean up a mess and try to get back your good credit, etc.

Guest Post by Linda Rondeau- Close Encounters of the Moose Kind

2011-12-01T11:41:00.001-05:00

Close Encounters of the Moose Kind

By Linda Rondeau

I gasped as the gigantic mound stepped from the woods into our path, heads taller than our compact car. My husband swerved and we missed the animal by inches. “Was that a moose?” my husband asked.

I laughed.

“What’s so funny?”

“My heroine’s life is changed when she runs into a moose.”

We both giggled over God’s sense of humor.

That we found ourselves on the back roads of Franklin County at four in the morning was in and of itself God’s doing. I hadn’t planned on attending the ACFW Writers Conference in Minneapolis. “If I final in the contest then I’ll go,” I told my husband.

I did final, and my words haunted me. And so once again God changed my plans to fit into His. In rural upstate New York, flight connections often require a pre-dawn departure, and we had taken the country road to save time.

I shared my moose tale with a writer friend who laughed her prophecy. “That moose was a smile from God. He has plans for this manuscript.”

As time went on, God continued to smile affirmation after affirmation even through a dramatic relocation to Florida. Then, eleven years from the day that I felt God’s call to write professionally, my agent called with the news—a publisher had offered a contract. “It’s for Dawn’s Hope, but the editor wants to change the title to The Other Side of Darkness,” she said.

I did agree the alternate title sounded better and trusted the editor’s choice.

Yet, it wasn’t until later that God revealed His hand had been in the making of the book long before the first words were typed, long before I imagined my character’s accident, long before He sent a moose to confirm He would soon fulfill a promise made to me over a decade ago.

During a speaking engagement at a local women’s meeting, I shared my journey from call to call, reading a poem I wrote that very day God pulled me from one life to set me on another, one undefined and uncertain. I had obeyed His leading and He immediately gave me a poem, “The Song of Peace.” As I shared the poem with the women’s group, my eyes misted when I read the line, “Praise the Lord when Hope seems foolish…There is light on the other side of darkness.”

Could it be that even then, God was smiling on a book not yet imagined? I believe He did.

Author Bio

Linda Rondeau

Award-winning author, LINDA RONDEAU, writes for the reader who enjoys a little bit of everything. Her stories of redemption and God’s mercies include romance, suspense, the ethereal, and a little bit of history into the mix, always served with a slice of humor. Walk with her unforgettable characters as they journey paths not unlike our own. After a long career in human services, mother of three and wife of one very patient man, Linda now resides in Florida where she is active in her church and community. Readers may visit her web site at www.lindarondeau.com.

The Other Side of Darkness

by Linda Rondeau

PUBLISHER: Harbourlight Books

ISBN-10: 161116138X
ISBN-13: 978-1611161380

PRICE: Paperback: $16.99, Kindle: $5.99

Available at:

Pelican Book Group

Amazon

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