Blissful Beth's Blog

Heart Break

2012-01-21T21:40:00.001-05:00

My heart is breaking this week. Breaking for a mother who lost a child. A child who still had so much life to live.

We received an email this week from Brett Durbin at Trash Mountain Project. One of the boys who attended the AFE school (where we have gone to help the past two years) in Honduras was run over by a garbage truck on the trash dump and killed instantly.

So young. So much more life to live... Children should not be working in the garbage dump. Children should be at school, running free...

Pray for Kevin's family. Pray for comfort. Pray for healing.

And pray for no more children on the dump.

Not for the Faint of Heart

2011-09-15T19:08:00.002-04:00

I don't think I need to remind anyone about my love for the country of Honduras and it's people. Part of my heart is there with numerous children that I met in the last two years. So naturally, anytime I hear the word Honduras my ears automatically perk up. This year I've been hearing it more and more. Or maybe I'm simply listening.

As an avid listener to the local Christian radio station, I have loved listening to how they were collecting shoes for one of the morning deejays to take to Honduras this week. Carmen Brown working with Mike's Chair and Buckner International is currently in Honduras giving shoes to children in Honduran orphanages. Some of these children are receiving their first pair of shoes. Ever.

(How many pairs are in my closet?)

Carmen has been blogging about her trip. If you want to know why I am so drawn to Honduras and why I will be going back every year for as long as I can...and why I'm okay with my son talking about spending a year there after high school to work among the people...if you want to know why... click here and read her blog. But trust me, it is not for the faint of heart.

Grab a tissue.

T-shirts with a cause

2011-09-14T14:16:00.004-04:00

We all spend money on clothing at some point in our lives. Whether it be at department stores or thrift stores, we need to cover up. I recently discovered a cute way to cover up while supporting a cause. I know there are many organizations that do this, but I have been uber impressed with Sevenly.

Each year they design 52 t-shirts for charities (1 every week). For each t-shirt bought, they donate $7 to that week's organization. Then at the end of the week they cut the charity a check for $7 x # of t-shirts sold. A great model!

If you collect t-shirts, and like to support causes. Check out their website or facebook. Even if YOU can't afford a t-shirt, spread the word and help these causes. Perhaps someone you know can.

Not the best picture, but me in my Be Barefoot No More t-shirt. It helped buy 7 pairs of shoes for kids in Honduras. (Yes, part of my heart is still in Honduras.)

For more ideas and tips that might work for you, visit Works for Me Wednesday.

Honduras 2011

2011-07-21T18:01:00.001-04:00

No excuses. I haven't blogged in months. Life has been hectic. But I need an outlet to write about everything we are seeing and doing here this year.

We didn't begin our week with the frightening incidents of last year. (Praise Jesus.) It was more like coming home. We've caught up with old friends, revisited places we were last year, seen changes that have been made, learned new skills, and done more than I can remember. The time is passing much too quickly.

I am so thankful to have our boys here this year. I am definitely one proud mama. They are having their eyes opened to a world they didn't know existed. And they are so giving and so willing to learn and to listen. It was awesome to see Hamee hammering away yesterday with one of the boys from the community we are working in--helping him, smiling, not speaking the same language, but communicating all the same.

Jahid is proud to have been working on bathroom (translated--hole in the ground) for one of the families. He was digging away--working harder than ever before. And he is learning great carpentry skills from Luke and Trevor--our master teachers. He, like his father, also shares the gift of gab and is spending plenty of time talking to our translators who are willing to listen.

Today, I:

Took my first ride in the back of a pick up truck ever. To make it even more exciting it was up the side of a Honduran mountain. (Before you freak out, Mom, it was probably safer than me climbing the side of the mountain. After all, I do possess your coordination skills.)
I hauled planking and furring strips to finish building the exterior walls of the houses we are working on. I photographed mountains and houses and the grandeur of Honduras.
I was a weight and stood on lumber that needed to be cut. Who needs a sawhorse?
I dangled my feet over the side of a mountain and ate my PB&J for lunch while staring at a breathtaking and heartbreaking view.
I became a photo-copier and literally traced worksheets for the school. Without a copy machine, the teacher usually has to do this herself in order for their to be enough worksheets to go around. She was very thankful to have two of us help her. I think we knocked out like a week's worth of papers. I should never take for granted the ease of printing or copying papers.
I met some incredible people and made new friends--even with my broken Spanish.

And the day is still early. It's only after three o'clock. That means there is much more time to get into more trouble.

Keep praying for us. Tomorrow we are going to the trash dump to feed people and then hopefully to visit the families of the houses we built last year. I'm so excited to see our kiddos again.

Menu Plan Monday

2011-05-23T20:57:00.001-04:00

Friday: Beef Stroganoff --(the cognac)

Saturday: Creamy Roast Beef Sandwiches

Monday: Baked Spaghetti Pie

Tuesday: CFA Family Night

Wednesday: Pesto Pepperoni Wraps

Thursday: Portobello Pork Chops

For more menu ideas and recipes, visit orgjunkie.com

The Trash Dump

2011-04-27T09:07:00.012-04:00

No family should have to live here. Especially not the children. Help us change that. Click here or here for more info on how you can help.

Four Ways You Can Help

2011-04-26T09:02:00.000-04:00

Our deadlines are quickly approaching and we are still feverishly working to raise funds for four of us to go to Honduras. We knew in the beginning that we were undertaking something huge by trying to raise enough money for four of the five Gawlowicz Gang to go. And we are trusting God that He will supply our needs.

Here are a few ways you could help us:

Eating at the Winter Haven Chili's on May 1st from open to close. 10% of your bill will go toward our Honduras trip. Be sure to pick up a flyer from RPC to take in with you. You must turn in a flyer for us to receive the credit.

Eating at Chick-fil-A Largo on May 2nd from 5 pm to 8 pm. 20% of your bill will go toward our Honduras trip. Email Beth or JJ for a flyer to take in with you. Pass them out to everyone you know before hand and invite them to join us that night. You must turn in a flyer for us to receive the credit.

Purchase a ticket for the RPC Hearts Honduras BBQ and Charity Auction for only $10. Come and bid that night on some of our great auction items. Or if you have something you would like to donate for the auction that works as well. Email JJ for auction info.

Donate online at RidgePoint Church. Make a one time gift and put Gawlowicz Honduras in the memo line.

Thanks for all and any help that you can give us as we travel to Honduras and build homes for these families. We don't realize how blessed we are until we truly see someone living in poverty.

For more info on our trip go to rpchearts.com

Courting Miss Amsel by Kim Vogel Sawyer

2011-04-19T16:50:00.000-04:00

Eager to begin her first teaching job, schoolmarm Edythe Amsel begins her new life in the small town of Walnut Hill. After setting her dreams aside for so long, she is ready to have her own students, her own desk, and her own lesson plans. Her creative teaching ideas may be a little more than the town of Walnut Hill can handle. Edythe believes her pupils should learn more than just reading and writing and arithmetic.

Joel Townsend wants what is best for his nephews. Becoming an instant father after the death of his brother and sister-in-law, taught Joel to put the boy's needs and wants before his own. Their excitement about the new teacher caused him to pause. Perhaps the new teacher would be good for more than his nephews?

Kim Vogel Sawyer takes the reader back to a simpler time. This book made me smile and remember watching Little House on the Prairie as a child. Miss Amsel reminds me a lot of Miss B (from the show). Blizzards, wagons, one room schoolhouses, and the days of a general store are a welcome relief to read about compared to the violence of today.

Thanks to Bethany House for my Advanced Reader's Copy.

Rue-La-La

2011-04-19T09:15:00.000-04:00

A few months ago I discovered RUE LA LA. They have great deals on all sorts of things from clothing to household items to jewelry. Right now they are offering a $20 credit to anyone who registers. The $20 shows up right away and you can order something as early as today. Or wait and see what the deals are in the next few weeks. Mother's Day is coming up. Birthdays are always around the corner. In these economic times, who doesn't want a free $20?

The credit has to be used by May 25. There could be all sorts of deals by then. Sign up today and take advantage of the free credit.

Surrender the Night by MaryLy Tyndall

2011-04-12T15:42:00.000-04:00

Rose McQuire wishes she didn't jump at every sound, every noise, every chirp in the night. However, she could not put the death of her family and the other atrocities of her past behind her. When a British soldier corners her in the barn while she is completing her chores, Rose fears for the worst.

Alex Reed is part of the British navy. Trying to leave his past behind, he tries to simply do his job and ignore the atrocities his fellow soldiers commit. However, his morality comes to a head when he finds a fellow Redcoat in the barn with Rose.

MaryLu Tyndall writes about two worlds colliding and how morality should overcome differences. In the midst of the Revolutionary War, Rose and Alex struggle to keep their two worlds apart--all the time drawing closer together. Tyndall goes inside a volatile time in American history and bridges a gap. I cannot wait to see where she goes with the rest of the Surrender to Destiny series.

Thank you to Barbour Books for my Advanced Reader's Copy.

All Creation Sings

2011-03-30T10:55:00.002-04:00

All creation sings.

I knew this.

I knew Psalms talks about the trees clapping their hands and the heavens singing.

I knew that whales sing (thanks to Star Trek 4).

I knew that people like my hubby make a joyful noise (Psalm 100).

I knew this in my head.

But it wasn't until Saturday night that I felt it in my heart. That I heard it with my own ears.

Here is a clip that explains it all. Still gives me goosebumps... Watch and enjoy.

Love Remains by Kaye Dacus

2011-03-22T16:04:00.000-04:00

When a group of grandmothers make a pact...determined to marry some of their grandchildren to each other, they have no idea it will be over fourteen years in the making. Or will their matchmaking plans be foiled?

Zarah Mitchell's heart stopped for a minute when she recognized that voice, a voice she had long ago tried to forget. How had Bobby, Agent Robert Patterson, found his way back to Nashville and into her church single's group? Bobby looked just as surprised to see her. What had happened between them was so long ago. Could they leave it in the past?

As the Assistant Director of the Middle Tennessee Historic Preservation, Zarah loves her job, the history it preserves, and everything about it. Bobby feels the same way about his job with the Tennessee Criminal Investigations Unit. When the two worlds collide, there may be more at stake than the history between the two friends.

Kaye Dacus tells a delightful story with real characters. I loved Zarah in this book--she was so realistic, down to her insecurities, her shape, her struggles, and her personality. She was not your typical perfect, fluff of a female character. The author made me love her.

I am looking forward to reading the rest of this Matchmaker series.

Thanks to Barbour Books for my Advanced Reader's Copy.

Tandem: A Novel by Tracey Bateman

2011-03-21T22:56:00.000-04:00

The cover caused me to look twice.

The book grabbed my attention.

The author captured a fan.

While preparing for an estate sale, Lauryn discovers some old letters that had been hidden. After doing some research, she quickly drops the letters in the mail to their rightful descendants and returns to cataloging the rest of the estate. Eager to keep her mind off her father's failing battle with Alzheimer's, she immerses herself in preparing for the sale of the estate and in helping her friend Charlie get over his break-up.

Amede Dastillion has been searching for her sister for many years. After receiving letters from the city of Abbey Hills, she believes she may finally have a lead. Perhaps her search for her sister will soon be over. When the bodies of dead animals and then humans begin to turn up in the small city of Abbey Hills, the local law enforcement are not sure what to believe.

Was the timing of Amede's arrival in town coincidental with the killings? Will Lauren be able to deal with her father's disease? Will the two women have to work together or against each other?

Tracey Bateman did an amazing job of making me want to keep turning the pages. If you are looking for something slightly out there, but oh-so-exciting, this is the book for you!

Thanks to Waterbrook Press for my Reader's copy. I was in no way made to write a positive review (other than the book was just that good).

Mae And June Designs

2011-03-15T09:07:00.002-04:00

My sister-in-law recently opened a new Etsy shop.

She is amazingly talented and creative. Continuing her grandmother's legacy, she is branching out from quilts to camera cases, laptop sleeves, diaper bags, etc.

If you are looking for handmade items, be sure to check out her shop Mae and June Designs. She only has a few items currently listed. However, there are many more in the works.

Menu Plan Monday

2011-03-14T21:05:00.000-04:00

Friday: Pizza at Giordano's (amazing Chicago style pizza)

Saturday: Biscuits and Gravy for brunch; left over pizza for an afternoon snack

Sunday: snacking it

Monday: Hot dogs, tater-tots, and Italian mac and cheese

Tuesday: Sante Fe Chicken Pasta

Wednesday: Black Bean and Kielbasa Soup

Thursday: Sausage Calzones

For more menu plan ideas, visit Orgjunkie.com

The Inheritance of Beauty by Nicole Seitz

2011-03-09T08:20:00.000-05:00

George and Maggie have lived a long wonderful life as husband and wife. As they spend their final days in a nursing home, George simply wants to care for his beloved Maggie as best as he can--even if she can no longer communicate with him. He will do anything to show her how much he still loves her and to protect her.

When an unexpected package arrives at the nursing home, George knows he must turn back the clocks and face the past in order to protect Maggie. In order to free himself and his wife, he must confront the past head-on. Then when someone he thinks he knows from their past is suddenly admitted into the same nursing home, he knows he has to do something.

Having had grandparents who were married for over fifty years, this book touched a soft spot in my heart. The love that George and Maggie had for each other from childhood into late years paints a beautiful picture of what love truly is. Love is a choice, not a feeling. George demonstrates this day in and day out as Maggie cannot communicate with him and he still shows her how much he loves her.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Menu Plan Monday

2011-02-28T22:07:00.000-05:00

Sunday: English Muffin Pizzas

Monday: Raspberry Mustard Pork Tenderloin (from the freezer)

Tuesday: Dinner from China King (our favorite Chinese restaurant in Oldsmar)

Wednesday: Chicken Cacciatore (after youth group)

Thursday: Chicken Pot Pie

Friday: Strawberry Festival--cannot wait to see what goodies we find there

For more recipes and menu plan ideas, visit Menu Plan Monday at orgjunkie.com

Five Question Friday

2011-02-18T20:23:00.001-05:00

It's been a few weeks, but I'm participating in a blog link-up at Five Crooked Halos...get to know me a little better by reading my answers and make some new bloggy friends along the way.

1. Have you worn the same outfit more than one day in a row?

Yes, but never to the same place. For example: I may wear an outfit to church on Sunday and then rewear it to work on Monday. I must confess, I also wear the same pair of jeans multiple times before washing them. As long as I'm not rolling in the mud....I have enough laundry to do as it is with our family.

2. If you had to choose any LARGE city to live in, which would it be?

Although I would love to answer Philadelphia---to be closer to family, I need to be honest. I'm over the cold weather. So, Atlanta....preferably one of the historic sections. Simply because it would be so full of rich history, and there is always something to do there.

3. Fly or drive with the kids on vacation?

I wish we could fly. However, it's much more economical for our family of five to drive. Plus, then we always have a car with us wherever we go.

4. What is your idea of "spring cleaning"?

Systematically jumping from room to room trying to clean, dust, wash, whatever is handy. Honestly, it's difficult enough to keep up with our family, youth group, and in and out college visitors. I have my hands full trying to keep it clean week to week. I don't really do any one big push.

5. What is the best book you have ever read?

Ever or recently? Recently, it would have to be The Quest for Anna Klein. Ever, the Bible. Oliver Twist and anything by Dee Henderson (I wish she would have something new) are also very high on the list.

The Quest for Anna Klein

2011-02-17T21:49:00.000-05:00

World traveler and business man, Thomas Danforth is a knowledgeable man living the high life in 1939 New York. Working with his father in the import business, Thomas has had the privilege of traveling in and out of the European continent, America, and the world...picking up antiques and art here and there, learning languages, making contacts around the world. In one night, his life changes when his friend approaches him about a project--a project that could change the world and perhaps prevent a war.

One night, Thomas meets Anna.

His world changes. Simply providing a place for Anna to train, Thomas tries to stay in the background as an observer of the project. However, the more he sees of Anna, the more he is drawn in to her plan and quite possible in to her. When Anna disappears, his quest begins. He will not rest till he finds Anna or at least word of Anna...a trace, a hint, a lead.

Thomas Cook is a genius. This novel has so many twists and turns and side tracks that I kept turning pages in anticipation. A huge fan of novels based on this time period, the author definitely put a different spin on the typical World War 2 spy novel. This is a definite must-read, must-have for any and all World War 2 fans.

Thank you to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for my Advanced Reader's Copy.

Menu Plan Monday (On Tuesday)

2011-02-15T16:59:00.000-05:00

Friday: Chicken Enchiladas

Saturday: Pancake Festival and Pizza

Sunday: Tangy Pork and Baked Beans and Mexican Lasagna

Monday: Out with the hubby for Valentine's Day; Pizza for the kiddos

Tuesday: Easy Jambalaya

Wednesday: Dinner at the Pit Stop (Youth Group snack shop) Taco Cornbread Bake afterwards

Thursday: French Toast Souffle

Friday: Crunchy Chicken, Broccoli, and Pasta

For more menu tips and ideas, visit Orgjunkie.com

Valentine's Day 2011

2011-02-15T16:10:00.000-05:00

Over the course of the last few years, our Valentine's Day celebrations have taken on stories of their own. The fiasco of 2009 and the wonder of 2010...those days will go down infamy. (Yes, we did begin dating on December 7.) And as we were driving to dinner last evening, we realized that this was our 16th Valentine's Day that we spent together. We've come a long way from dinner at the Apple Family Restaurant in Madeira Beach.

So back by popular demand...here is my play-by-play of Valentine's Day 2011. Here are all the nitty, gritty details.

After taking my daughter to school, I proceeded to commute to work. Being short handed, I spent the majority of my day work filling in and helping out where needed. I also hand wrote hundreds and hundreds of Valentine's Day cards for our customers. Their faces were priceless as they received them. Definitely not what they expected from a quick-service restaurant. It made my day to see them so happy.

After fighting traffic to get home, I dashed into the house, said hello to the kiddos, made sure hubby put their dinner in the oven, changed clothes (One of the downfalls of my job is I often smell like chicken.), and dashed out the door for a quiet dinner with my hubby. Dinner without the kids is a novelty for us. So we rather enjoyed it.

We didn't go anywhere fancy. Truthfully, we chose our restaurant based on the fact we had a gift card for there. (Yep, still frugal.) And if you know anything about my husband, it doesn't matter where we go, what state we are in, what corner we might be hiding in...he can always run into someone he knows. Yep, even on Valentine's Day. Our waiter happened to be someone he knew--someone with whom he plays basketball. Someone who apologized to us for not being able to sit down and chat with us. I assured him it was okay. (After all, we were there on a date. A date without kids. Not the time to sit and discuss basketball.)

After dinner we enjoyed a drive and then came home. We retired to our room...

WARNING: Taylor you may want to stop reading at this point, kiddo.

We retired to our room....

To watch a movie--one that we had gotten via Netflix. Unfortunately, after two minutes into the movie, we realized we had already seen the movie. So, we turned back to Netflix and found a movie we had not seen. Throughout the movie, we talked to our daughter about bed, cold meds, etc. We said good night to our sons, watched our movie, and promptly fell asleep.

5:45 am comes early.

Menu Plan Monday

2011-02-07T17:50:00.000-05:00

Sunday: 17 pounds of Sloppy Beth (similar to Sloppy Joe) for our youth group Super Bowl Party

Monday: Ham & Broccoli Frittata

Tuesday: Pork Stir-fry

Wednesday: The Pit Stop (youth group snack bar)

Thursday: Spaghetti

For more menu ideas visit orgjunkie.com

Kitchen Possible

2011-02-03T10:42:00.005-05:00

WHAT’S FOR DINNER?

Stock your freezer and help us go to Honduras. The question heard around the world is what’s for dinner? Kitchen Possible makes that question easy to answer. With 8-12 delicious meals to choose from your freezer, you won’t have to hesitate to answer.

We will do the prep work, the grocery shopping, and all the clean up. You simply follow the step by step directions to make the meals and take them home to add to your freezer. Let us worry about the rest.

AND ALL PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT OUR TRIP TO HONDURAS IN JULY 2011. :)

Snacks, music, and CHILD CARE are provided. So bring your sweetie for a date night, or grab a friend and split the cost!

It should be a really fun evening, and make your life for the next few weeks just a little bit easier! :)

Leave a comment with your email address and I will send you more details and a registration form. Hurry and get your reservations in before our spots fill up!

Beth's Briefs

2011-02-02T09:56:00.000-05:00

Please, don't worry. I am not discussing undergarments. I simply am in love with alliteration and like the way brief sounds better than the way I like list. I have no excuses for not blogging, life has simply taken over and been more important. But here's my brief catch-up:

My mom came into town, went out of town to visit my grandmother, came back into town, tried to leave town multiple times, and finally made it home after multiple canceled flights due to snow in Philly (not that I minded the extra days with my mama)

Crazy Chick-fil-A events--involving clowns, trucks, pajamas, tornadoes, rain, wind, lots of chicken, and a cow

Cramming in a morning of freezer cooking to try some more recipes for Kitchen Possible

Youth leader meeting, Honduras Missions Trip Meeting, Kitchen Possible Meeting
An incredible Winter Retreat with our youth group--long nights, early mornings, bunking with 14 other girls, and life changing experiences

Taking care of 3 kiddos, a husband, and the rest of the world (at least it seems like it)
Working, going to church, doing youth group, that all fits in there as well

Just a few things that took precedence over blogging. Hopefully, I can get back on track this week!

Lady in Waiting by Susan Meissner

2011-02-01T13:30:00.000-05:00

One of the best books I have read in a long time, Lady in Waiting by Susan Meissner is the perfect blending of the present and the past. Jane Lindsay is a happily married mom of 22 years who loves taking care of her aunt's antique shop. When her husband packs his bags and decides he needs some space, Jane throws herself into her work. Sleep deprived, heartbroken, and depressed, Jane discovers a hidden ring and determines to find the history behind the ring.

Lucy Day is a 16th century dressmaker for the well to do of her day. When she is sent to take care of the Lady Jane Grey, she finds there is more to the life behind the curtains of the rich and famous. Through the stories of both Janes, the women realize their choices effect their lives. They are not responsible for how anyone else acts, they are only responsible for their reactions.

The similarities in the present and the past are simple. Each women searches for the right answers. Just like we do. If you are a reader of any type of books, this is a must read. You can feel the pain and angst of the characters. I was moved. I am looking forward to reading more of Susan Meissner.

Thank you to Waterbrook Press for my review copy of this book.