tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588Mon, 02 Sep 2024 08:53:23 +0000Everyday LifePaid bloggingBloggingChildrenFaithBooksHumorPhotoscookingMarriageAnnouncementsThoughtful TuesdayFrugal tipsPrayer RequestLayne DanielStyle9/11By RevkaDisclosure PolicyFictionMusicPatriotica stay at home mom's family website where a warm welcome awaits your entrancehttp://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Revka)Blogger727125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-6013892489750891064Mon, 11 Jun 2012 12:15:00 +00002012-06-11T07:15:50.554-05:00Contrary to appearances, I'm not missing or dead. :) I've been battling some things and have been busy as well. One of the things that kept me busy was creating a site just for my creative writings. I enjoy writing stories and poems, and I liked the ones I had posted here, but I felt like they got lost amid all the other posts. So I decided it was time to create another site just for creative http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2012/06/new-site-for-my-creative-writing.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Revka)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-2190872243467692879Sun, 11 Dec 2011 21:12:00 +00002011-12-11T20:51:37.835-05:00By RevkaChildrenEveryday LifeMarriageAll is quiet. The children are sleeping but not snoring. The night darkness is friendly and comforting as it envelopes us. No terrors here – all truly is calm. The miles string along smoothly, so easily fading into the past that I lose track of how far we've come.It has been a good day, one that makes me wish days could be folded neatly to rest beside kids' artwork, meaningful cards, and romantichttp://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2011/12/day-to-remember.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Revka)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-2538219748041155013Sun, 11 Dec 2011 19:22:00 +00002011-12-11T14:40:08.841-05:00By RevkaEveryday LifeSolitaryI built a fortress, tall and strong -Built it deep and built it long.Built it so that I'd be freeFrom threats against my deepest me.Bit by bit the walls grew highUntil they nearly reached the sky,Sheltering, protecting, shutting outTears within and fears without.I built a fortress but found on wakingI was locked withina prison of my own making.~ Revka StearnsNot so long ago, my world oncehttp://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2011/12/solitary-i-built-fortress-tall-and.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Revka)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-6428843428911690681Sat, 18 Jun 2011 03:47:00 +00002011-06-17T23:14:27.638-05:00Books Thanks to LitFuse Publicity for providing a free review copy of this book. No other compensation was received for this review. The opinions contained herein are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.I've always loved the story of Queen Esther. I think most girls acquainted with the Biblical character do. After all, what's not to love? A Jewish girl captures a king's heart and http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2011/06/blog-tour-reluctant-queen.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Revka)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-677905005176227849Sat, 21 May 2011 21:32:00 +00002011-05-21T17:00:49.225-05:00AnnouncementsMusicOne of my blog design clients has become a good friend who frequently interacts with me on my Facebook profile. When I mentioned something about my playing the piano, she asked to hear some of my playing, and I said I'd share sometime.True to my procrastinating nature, this exchange happened several months ago, and I am just now getting around to sharing my music. In 2006 (wow - 5 years ago!), I http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2011/05/free-piano-music-for-you-arranged-by.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Revka)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-3828462788140732979Sat, 09 Apr 2011 04:12:00 +00002011-04-10T15:46:42.021-05:00BooksThanks to LitFuse Publicity for providing a free review copy of this book. No other compensation was received for this review. The opinions contained herein are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.Money management - what a hot topic, particularly with the state of our economy and the immense load of debt our nation (and many of its citizens) carry.Although we have no choice but http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2011/04/blog-tour-money-marriage.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Revka)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-1447802060136595452Mon, 28 Mar 2011 16:03:00 +00002011-04-10T14:25:53.616-05:00BooksThanks to LitFuse Publicity for providing a free review copy of this book. No other compensation was received for this review. The opinions contained herein are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.I fell in love with author Sibella Giorello's work when I reviewed her last book, The Clouds Roll Away. When offered the opportunity to review her latest book, I eagerly accepted. Ihttp://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2011/03/blog-tour-mountains-bow-down.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Revka)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-1648312999256483742Fri, 07 Jan 2011 14:19:00 +00002011-04-10T14:26:35.866-05:00BooksThanks to LitFuse Publicity for providing a free review copy of this book. No other compensation was received for this review. The opinions contained herein are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.Mysteries are right up my alley. I like the inevitable twists and turns and love when I can't figure out "who-dunnit" until the very end.I had not come across Sibella Giorello's http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2011/01/blog-tour-clouds-roll-away.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Revka)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-6931603812455316620Mon, 27 Dec 2010 03:00:00 +00002010-12-26T22:55:11.231-05:00ChildrenEveryday LifePhotosAlthough I don't blog here regularly any more, I haven't forgotten you special people who have laughed and cried with me throughout the times I've made public on this blog. You hold a special place in my heart, and even though it's not on Christmas Day, I wanted to make sure that I wished you and your family a merry Christmas and happy New Year.Sometimes the holidays are hard. If that's the casehttp://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2010/12/merry-christmas-and-happy-new-year.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Revka)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-555756470691570803Tue, 19 Oct 2010 04:55:00 +00002011-04-10T14:27:17.759-05:00BooksThanks to LitFuse Publicity for providing a free review copy of this book. No other compensation was received for this review. The opinions contained herein are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.Although The Waiting is the second book in the Lancaster County Secrets series by Suzanne Woods Fisher (click the link to read my review of the first book - The Choice), it stands http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2010/10/blog-tour-waiting.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Revka)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-6032459511777136373Thu, 14 Oct 2010 15:05:00 +00002010-10-14T11:57:46.381-05:00Everyday LifeFictionI don't normally dream on a regular basis. Perhaps it's just that I don't remember my dreams. If I do remember dreaming, it's usually because I had a nightmare. Thankfully, I don't often remember details of the dream - just that I had a bad dream.When I am pregnant, however, what normally happens doesn't apply. I often have vivid and crazy dreams that stay with me even after I've woken. Sometimeshttp://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2010/10/pregnancy-dreams-great-for-creative.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Revka)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-2828009397731216038Thu, 09 Sep 2010 14:53:00 +00002010-09-09T11:06:04.849-05:00BloggingSo I actually posted something other than a book review last night. It reminded me how much I enjoyed blogging, and I started going through my blog's archives. I was amazed at how much I had forgotten, and I'm glad I have a written record for my cherished memories.Here are some of my favorites:the entire Photos category - Oh, how our family has changed! I have so many pictures to add now. I can'thttp://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2010/09/reviving-memories-look-back-through.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Revka)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-4842338372971917131Thu, 09 Sep 2010 01:25:00 +00002010-09-08T20:40:52.828-05:00Everyday LifeHi, y'all! I was looking at my poor blog and realized it was high time I posted something other than a book review. While I love reviewing books, I don't want The Porch Light to be just a review blog.Life, as always, has been incredibly busy. I will make time to post photos - soon, I hope. But in the meantime, a written summary will simply have to do.After I did a miserable job of home schooling http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2010/09/homeschooling-no-more-and-completing.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Revka)5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-1760903679191289995Tue, 31 Aug 2010 03:56:00 +00002011-04-10T14:27:36.062-05:00Books Thanks to LitFuse Publicity for providing a free review copy of this book. No other compensation was received for this review. The opinions contained herein are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.Trcia Goyer is another author whose books I enjoy reading. I was happy to be selected to review Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington co-authored by Tricia Goyer and http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2010/08/blog-tour-love-finds-you-in-victory.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Revka)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-8886183644496593015Thu, 26 Aug 2010 15:39:00 +00002011-04-10T14:28:11.178-05:00BooksThanks to LitFuse Publicity for providing a free review copy of this book. No other compensation was received for this review. The opinions contained herein are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.Susan May Warren long ago made it to my "favorite authors" list. And after reviewing the PJ Sugar series, PJ (the heroine) is certainly one of my favorite characters.After reviewinghttp://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2010/08/blog-tour-licensed-for-trouble.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Revka)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-3223142505319633202Thu, 24 Jun 2010 04:24:00 +00002010-06-23T23:45:37.875-05:00BooksDISCLOSURE: I received a free copy of this book for review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for my review, and my review was not influenced by my receiving the book for free.I can't speak for anyone else, but there have been plenty of times I wondered why anyone would choose to become a stripper or worse. I felt that Scars and Stilettos - The Transformation of an Exotic Dancer by http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2010/06/blog-tour-scars-and-stilettos-by.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Revka)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-401387089379046446Mon, 31 May 2010 20:41:00 +00002010-05-31T17:34:07.872-05:00PatrioticA cap, a flag, a medal, too,And an empty place at home.He gave his life for me and you,Defending his native loam.In time of peace and time of warHe pledged us his very best.Our nation's colors he proudly boreOn his shoulder or his chest.Though tired, forlorn, and oft alone,He steadily stood his watch.With courage high, he did not moan;His mission he would not botch.The threat of pain or even http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2010/05/american-hero.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Revka)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-3113261297939052449Sat, 29 May 2010 01:54:00 +00002010-05-28T21:49:09.794-05:00Books DISCLOSURE: I received a free copy of this book for review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for my review, and my review was not influenced by my receiving the book for free.As someone who has struggled with the urge to commit suicide, I was very pleased to have been given the opportunity to review Life, In Spite of Me by Kristen Jane Anderson as she told it to Tricia Goyer.Let http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2010/05/blog-tour-life-in-spite-of-me-by.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Revka)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-8822942152907423594Sun, 09 May 2010 17:59:00 +00002010-05-09T13:30:58.805-05:00Everyday LifeAfter having 4 little ones of my own, I understand my mother much better.I understand why she sent us outside to play when we were having (very noisy) fun inside.I understand why she lost her temper and yelled at us when we had done for the millionth time what she had repeatedly instructed us not to do.I understand why she got frustrated when she was the one picking up our (HUGE) messes - yet http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2010/05/happy-mothers-day.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Revka)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-6661885587070616811Sun, 09 May 2010 03:45:00 +00002010-05-09T12:58:57.394-05:00Everyday LifeThese past two weeks have been very stressful as I have worked long hours to finish as many client projects as possible before taking a week long break from my business.This past week was absolutely insane. From Monday through Friday, I did the following:4 Blueberry Delight custom blog design packages from start to finish1 custom HTML page, including all the coding and graphics1 navigation bar http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2010/05/im-exhausted-but-i-accomplished-lot.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Revka)7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-4983667175363827622Fri, 09 Apr 2010 17:21:00 +00002010-04-09T12:59:10.622-05:00Everyday LifeHave you ever thought you were really good at something? Then you had the opportunity to step back and see or hear yourself doing that thing and realized that you weren't as good as you thought.My church started streaming our services on Ustream. I play the piano nearly every Sunday and sing specials almost as often. So I've spent a good portion of the morning trying to find my clips in the new http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2010/04/reality-check-brings-humility.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Revka)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-4141787617384997347Fri, 09 Apr 2010 01:56:00 +00002011-04-10T14:29:00.352-05:00Books Thanks to LitFuse Publicity for providing a free review copy of this book. No other compensation was received for this review. The opinions contained herein are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.Debut novelist Sarah Sundin has nothing about which to be ashamed of in her first published book.The Official Blurb: Never pretty enough to please her gorgeous mother, Allie will do http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2010/04/blog-tour-distant-melody-by-sarah.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Revka)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-5566403313275342101Fri, 09 Apr 2010 01:48:00 +00002010-04-08T21:16:05.317-05:00AnnouncementsTHE CONTEST:If you like WWII fiction, you'll be happy to know that A Distant Melody, Book 1 in Sarah Sundin’s exciting Wings of Glory series, is in stores now! To celebrate the release, we’re offering one Grand Prize winner the chance to get NOSTALGIC!THE PRIZE:The Winner of the ‘NETFLIX® & Nostalgia’ giveaway will receive a vintage prize package, including:A 6 month NETFLIX® subscription$25http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2010/04/netflix-and-nostalgia-contest.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Revka)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-9124905025942353156Thu, 01 Apr 2010 01:57:00 +00002011-04-10T14:29:20.658-05:00BooksThanks to LitFuse Publicity for providing a free review copy of this book. No other compensation was received for this review. The opinions contained herein are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.WHAT ERA? CONTEST
!Leave a comment on Tricia’s blog or send an email through her website CONNECT page and answer this question: What era in history do you wish you'd lived in and http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2010/03/blog-tour-songbird-under-german-moon-by.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Revka)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-500865881500062135Tue, 09 Mar 2010 01:53:00 +00002010-03-08T21:43:12.397-05:00Everyday LifePhotosGive me your answer, do.I'm half crazyAll for the love of you.I swear I have never sung the chorus of "A Bicycle Built for Two" as often in my life as I have since we acquired our dog Daisy! Nearly every time I say or think her name, I begin singing, which is really beginning to annoy me despite the fact that I do like the song.I never wanted a dog, but of course the children did and were http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2010/03/daisy-daisy.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Revka)1