Butterflies and Bullfrogs

Under Construction

noreply@blogger.com (kim) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:12:00 +0000

As you can see I am switching things up a little.

Please be patient as I try to figure out how I changed everything in the first place. It might take me a little before I get some of the colors figured out (ie: butterfly & titles) :)

I'll get there eventually - probably with my technologically advanced web designing hubby! :D

Anyway, hope you enjoy the changes.

Looking forward to Spring!
Kim

And the WINNERS are...

noreply@blogger.com (kim) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 18:40:00 +0000

Congratulations are in order for two!

Woodrow - winner of a copy of Eyewitness by Frank Ball.
Diane - winner of a copy of Letters to Darcy by Tracy Ramos.

Thank you to both of you for reading my blog and the chiming in the interviews with the B&B authors. I hope you enjoy reading the books as much as I did.

The books will be on their way shortly!

Blessings,
Kim

Carter's New Words!

noreply@blogger.com (kim) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 18:43:00 +0000

Carter is probably our quietest child. Not that he can't hold his own when screaming along side his sisters, he can scream with the best of them. However, in terms of communicating he seems to get his point across with just a point and a grunt. Despite my consistent attempts to get to at the very least sign a word - he refuses, that is until Christmas. The day after Christmas (known as Boxing Day to some) he started asking "wuts dis?" to EVERYTHING!!! He wpuld point at everything his little eyes could see and ask that same question over and over. When he would be given an answer his reply was usually "oooooohhh" or "WOW" (said is a little boy Tim the toolman gruff).

Today he decided to use the word "NO". I knew at some point his talking was inevitable. I also know from having two girls that once they start there is no stopping them. I was really not in a hurry for Carter to use words, signs would have been great though. For a compliant little guy he got the hang of NO quickly.

Little man was snacking on a banana, he decided to deposit the peel on the dining room floor instead of the trash can. Normally, I could have asked him to pick it up and place it in the trash to which he would immediately respond "OH" and do as he was asked. Not the case, today he looked at it, told me "NO" (while shaking head left to right to reinforce answer) and turned and walked away. My sweet little boy has now crossed into rebellious territory...tell me it isn't so!

Some other words he has now decide to speak are "Oh No", "Uh Oh", Ohhh WOW", dider (sister), just to name a few.
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He also likes to say "Car" and "oooo fas" (fas=fast) as they go flying over our wood floors. "Ow" is popular when one of his diders bounces a ball off his head.

That is all for now. Just needed to get this posted before the days flew by and I found myself trying to remember when it was he was saying these words. Pictures have not been the issue as we have added children - keeping track of milestones is what has slipped by. :(

Enjoy the days,
Kim

Letters To Darcy Blog Tour

noreply@blogger.com (kim) — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 07:00:00 +0000

Letters to Darcy by Tracy Ramos

I am so excited to bring this interview to you today! The story of Darcy and Tracy's letters to her are incredibly touching. I could only read a few entries at a time before my tears began to flow.

I did make it through the book. I have found my faith to be encouraged and strengthened as a result of this sweet little life.

Thank you Tracy. Thank you for sharing your letters to Darcy, your family moments, your weaknesses, your stumbles, your successes, your joys, your blessings & your little one. To Darcy, Thank you for being a fighter! But most of all for being such a bright light for Jesus that I can only hope to shine half as bright as you.

Blessings to you!
Kim

B&B: When you received Darcy’s diagnosis, did you ever feel as if you were being punished for something you had done?

TR: The question of whether I had done something that would cause God to punish me in this way did cross my mind. Jason and I both wondered this. But I know, as evidenced by how God used this special child, that he was not using her to punish me. Of course, the Bible says that God does discipline, or train, His children to put them back on the right course, but that’s not the same as punishment. If the blessings that came with Darcy are punishment, I don’t know what punishment is.

B&B: Were you ever angry with God?

TR: I’ve been asked that question a lot. In fact, many have advised me that it’s all right for me to be angry, even at God.
I’ve always considered myself a weak person. Before Darcy, I was confident that God would never give me more than I could handle (1 Corinthians 10:13). I rested on that verse and just “knew” that losing a child was something that would never happen to me. But it did happen to me, and here I am walking in the aftermath. But, no, I never became angry at God. I was angry at a lot of people, but not at God. It wasn’t because I was some super Christian with nothing but pure intentions. It was simply that I’ve never embraced that concept. God was and is the source of all the good things in my life. He has given me a wonderful husband and beautiful children. We have never been in need of anything. How could I be angry at Him because something didn‘t go my way, despite how grave it was? Get mad at him? God forbid! Are we not supposed to love God in the valleys as well as on the mountaintops? Doesn’t He bring rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous?
His ways are not our ways. So many beautiful things have come from Darcy’s life and death. Even though Darcy never said a word, her story helped stop abortions. Her life has caused many parents to love their children a little more, to worship God a little more, and in some cases, even to come back to Him. Darcy had more impact on people in her fifteen days with us than I have ever had in my lifetime. Her legacy will live on.
Was I ever angry at God? No. Who am I to question my Creator?

B&B: How did you hold on to your faith in God through the trials?

TR: I don’t know how I got through. It would be easy to say that I wish I had slept through the entire thing and then woke up when it was over. But that’s not how I feel. My time with Darcy was the single most difficult series of days in my life. But I would not have gotten to know my little angel were it not for those days. I once heard that it is a beautiful experience that I would wish on no one. Been there, done that, and it’s so true.
I know one thing for sure: The Lord is the author and finisher of my faith (Hebrews 12:2). I had faith not because I had it in me to have faith. I had faith because He gave me just enough faith to go through this.

B&B: What more did you learn about your faith through your journey with Darcy?

TR: I believe that the things I learned about my faith are only some of the blessings I mentioned above. The biggest lesson is that God will never leave us in our time of need. Another is that it relates to the second half of 1 Corinthians 10:13: that God will make a way for me to endure the testings, or trials, in my life. We should never underestimate the power of God or second-guess Him. He loves us and wants only the best for us. And even though we don’t understand how trials can be good for us, we must trust in God’s sovereignty. We need to have faith through the trials, and when we reach the other end, we can look back and see that He has been carrying us through them all.
A famous poem by Mary Stevenson, called “Footprints in the Sand,” expresses my sentiments more beautifully than I can.
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene, I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
Other times there were one set of footprints.
This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life,
when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow, or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints.
So I said to the Lord,
“You promised me, Lord, that if I followed you,
You would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life
there have been only one set of footprints in the sand.
Why when I needed you most, have you not been there for me?"
The Lord replied,
“The times when you have seen only one set of footprints in the sand,
Is when I carried you."

B&B: How did you find the daily strength to go on, knowing that your baby would probably not survive long after her birth?

TR: In the beginning, my focus was on finding a cure or anything that could save her. Eventually, my focus turned to wanting to make the most of the time God would allow me to have with her. He gave me the strength and inspiration I needed to focus, not on Darcy’s dying, but on her living.
I wanted to make sure I had no regrets after she was gone, so I made a list that was based on advice I solicited from many people who had already walked this road before me. I made sure that we did as many of the items on the list as God would allow, so that Darcy’s life—however long it might be—would have meaning for me and for everyone else who knew her. We had to make a lifetime of memories in a very short time. We didn’t know how long Darcy would live, but we went through that list as if she were going to die before the next minute came. I believe that gave me the energy and drive that helped me bear what could otherwise have been a horrific two weeks. Jason made it his goal to see to it that every item on the list was accomplished. I believe it was his shining moment.

B&B: What did you and Jason need to do—in your relationship—in order to persevere through the pregnancy and then after Darcy was born?

TR: Studies have revealed that there is a high rate of divorce for parents of deceased children. We were aware of that and vowed not be a statistic. Our relationship has been tested more through the pregnancy and Darcy’s life than at any other time in our twenty years of marriage. We still struggle, but we are persevering. I believe that our relationship will eventually become unbreakable because we have a righteous multitude who continue to pray for us and provide love and support. We used to think of ourselves as independent people who do not need to rely on others for help. We were determined to meet this challenge head-on. But during that time, God revealed the pride that was the source of our independent attitude, even toward each other. He showed us in practical ways by gathering His people around us in our time of need. I guess this is where the phrases “for better or for worse, in sickness and in health” from our wedding vows come in.

B&B: In what ways has your experience with Darcy changed the person you are now?

TR:God has made me much more compassionate toward those who experience similar trials, especially those who have kids with any kind of trisomy condition. Also, because I survived this heart-wrenching ordeal, I know that I can survive anything and can help others do the same. Last, I have a renewed commitment to help spread a new kind of “pro-choice” message: that we must choose to help those who cannot help themselves, especially our own unborn children.
And, of course, the negative thing about the experience is that there will always be a Darcy-shaped hole in my heart, a hole that will never be filled in this life.

B&B: How has your experience changed your family and your life together?

TR: It has brought us closer, and we value one another more. We now truly believe that life is a vapor and that any one of us can suddenly be taken up to heaven. Although the kids occasionally forget this and fight, the fights don’t last as long as they used to.
This is part of the silver lining in such a hard experience. Grief has a strange but powerful way of forcing us to confront the sins in our lives. And even though we have to go through more rough roads while we’re grieving, we also know that it’s the best way to deal with those sins in a lasting way.

B&B: What advice would you give to families going through this kind of experience—whether or not they know God?

TR: Of course, I am not a psychologist. But because I have gone through it, I feel I have something to say about the matter. But I would give advice only if I were asked for it. The hurt of losing a child is so deep that the last thing people want is unsolicited advice. The reality is, I would much rather have my child here with me, alive and well. However, if someone asked, these are things I might tell them.
First, I would tell them that they will need to prepare for a long, hard road ahead. During the delivery, a nurse told Jason that we were about the face the deepest sorrow in our lives. She was right. In a way, this helped us brace ourselves and expect the worst. Knowing it was coming helped us deal with it better than we would have if we have not known what to expect. And, the proof is in the pudding. God does see you through, and joy does come in the morning.
Second, I would urge them to rely on one another and never forsake one another, just as God has never forsaken us. The death of a child can do irreparable damage to a marriage. Satan uses situations such as this one to split families. Husband and wives must work extra hard to keep it together both during and long after the death of their child. Do not lay guilt on the other person or blame him or her for the disease. Instead, be understanding with one another. Each person has a different way of dealing with the grief and stress. Realize that everyone in the family—not just the mother—is grieving. The grieving period will pass, but you need give family members as much time as they need.
Following that, I would encourage them to trust that the Creator has their little one in His care and that their precious child will soon be in His arms. If they want to see their child again someday, they must believe in God’s Son, Jesus. My advice would not change just because someone else doesn’t believe the way I do. I know that God’s Word always bears fruit, so I would rely on the Holy Spirit to direct what I say and to reveal His message to the hearts of those I speak with.
During Darcy’s time with us, we realized that her story is more than a message about life on earth. It is, in a more important way, a story of eternal life with our Creator. Jason called Darcy our “little evangelist.” I think we’ll see the truth of that statement once the book is released. The story of Darcy is a story of God’s grace, mercy, and loving-kindness. It was when we were in the deepest despair that we really got to know God. Our hope is that when people share our sorrow as they read about Darcy, they will come face-to-face with the Savior.
Having said all that, I would like to offer two pieces of unsolicited advice to those who desire to comfort grieving families: First, it is better to offer nonverbal support, such as giving hugs or simply sitting quietly and listening. A sweet lady at our church did that for me. Whenever she saw me, she just leaned over and gave me a long hug without saying a word. I will never forget those hugs. Second, and this is in line with the first statement, do not feel compelled to say something and end up being insensitive (for example, “at least you have other children”).

B&B: What were some of the supportive things that friends and family did or said that were most helpful in dealing with the pregnancy and adjusting to life after Darcy was born?

TR: Our Family
We came together and supported one another. There was no bickering or whining. The focal point was Darcy. It was the one thing we shared. We assured one another that her condition was not a result of anything we did. We said, “I love you” a lot.
Church
Where do I begin? Every day for several weeks, we enjoyed meals that church friends had lovingly created. Our deacon family coordinated activities during Darcy’s birth. During the delivery, several women were there to coach me. Those who had medical backgrounds were available to us 24–7. Those who knew photography took literally hundreds of pictures of Darcy and the family. Church families spent the night to help us care for Darcy. Our pastors and deacon constantly checked on us and made sure we were in need of nothing. They brought a church service to our home (one of the items on Darcy’s List was to go to church.) The list is endless, but the experience would not have been the same without the support of our church family. Our little church became a picture of how the body of Christ should act.
Friends
Friends (neighbors, doctors and nurses, and other acquaintances) were very understanding. Knowing that hundreds of these people were available to us at a drop of a hat was so reassuring.
Total Strangers
The comments posted on Darcy’s Web site from people all over the world were a source of inspiration to us. Finding out about lives saved, families reunited, and people finding their way back to God gave us a clear sense that Darcy’s life had purpose. We took comfort and strength in those numbers: Approximately four thousand people a day followed Darcy’s story!
Prayer
Prayer kept us connected to God. That connection stayed strong, due in large part to the thousands of petitions people brought to the only One who could help.
Scripture
It may be difficult to open the Bible in times of such intense pain, but there is so much comfort to be had in knowing what the Lord has to say about times like these. The verses I have stated above have been my inspiration.
Music
I played several specific songs constantly during our time with Darcy. Now when I hear those songs every now and then, my thoughts return to the sweet moments I had with my little girl in my arms, her smell, her softness, her purity.

You may find out more about this book at http://www.darcyanne.com/index.html

Reminder: The first to leave a comment regarding this interview will receive a copy of the book. You will not be disappointed!
Blessings,
Kim

The latest milestone!

noreply@blogger.com (kim) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 21:41:00 +0000

We are so excited to tell you - EMMA IS READING!!!

We have been practicing letter names and sounds and a few cvc words (consonant, vowel, consonant).

Her book started with (a) and (t) and ten added other letters to it like (m) and (s). The last couple of school days we practiced the words up to the story but did not tackle the story. You may have guessed - today we tackled the story! There were a couple of slow spots where she needed to sound out the letters and actually look at the word and not try to guess what the words were but she did it - three times actually. She read the story twice with me and once for daddy!

It boosts my confidence in teaching as well. :D

HIGH FIVES all the way round!

Way to go Emma - we are so proud of you!

Here is the story she read...

Fat Cat, Fat Rat

Cat. Rat.
Cat sat. Rat sat.

Cat sat, sat, sat.
Rat sat, sat, sat.

Fat, fat cat.
Fat, fat, rat.

Not a novel but she is on her way!

Blessings,
Kim

ALL Life is sacred!

noreply@blogger.com (kim) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

I finished reading a book called "Letters to Darcy". It is a book by author Tracy Ramos. It started as a blog, letters to her unborn daughter Darcy who was diagnosed with Trisomy 18. I was truly touched by this story. Not just in the value of little Darcy's life, but in the ways God moved, how He showed Himself not only to this family but to their church body and community. Little things became big blessings - how often do I see the blessings? How often do you?

I think everyone should read this book. Pro-life and pro-abortion. If you already value life at conception this book helps to solidify why one believes that. If you are pro-abortion, I think this book will, at the very least, get you to think twice about when life begins (at least I hope it does) and that each life is valuable & worthy of living - even if for a short time. God truly does have a plan for each of us (Jeremiah 29:11) - whether our days be long or short.

Here is a little about the book and author. I will be interviewing Tracy on the 23rd - so be sure to come back and meet her and hear more about Darcy and her blog.

ABOUT THE BOOK: Letters to Darcy by Tracy Ramos (Tyndale House Publishers)

Letters to Darcy originated as a blog, written by a young woman from Texas named Tracy Ramos. The blog was comprised of a series of diary entries that Tracy wrote to her unborn daughter, Darcy, over the course of approximately nine months. Early in her pregnancy, Tracy learned Darcy had a rare, terminal genetic condition known as Trisomy 18. Of people diagnosed with this disorder, about 95% die in utero, and for surviving infants who live to term, less than 10% survive their first year of life. Tracy’s response to her unborn daughter Darcy is an incredible testament to the sanctity of human life. You will walk with Tracy and Darcy through each entry and see how lovingly mom Tracy cares for her unborn child. Through her simple, honest, and intensely personal entries, Tracy beautifully and convincingly answers the question: When does life begin?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Tracy Ramos

Tracy Ramos is a stay-at-home mother and home educator. Tracy lives in Magnolia, Texas, along with Jason, her husband of twenty years, and their six beautiful children. She will soon give birth to her tenth child, Brooklyn, in mid-November 2009. Darcy, her ninth child, has joined two other siblings in the presence of our Lord.

Tracy’s life and passion are her family. She loves spending time with them and enjoys playing games and sports, watching movies, working out, and riding her Kawasaki Ninja with her husband. She gets a rush from finding great shopping deals—even when she chooses not to buy. Tracy spends her free time reading, clipping coupons, and going on Facebook.

“I absolutely love my life. Thank you, Lord.”

Please come back on the 23rd. The first person to leave a comment on the Tour post will receive a copy of the book.

Eyewitness Blog Tour

noreply@blogger.com (kim) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 22:03:00 +0000

My apologies to our guest author today, due to some extended family illnesses and other circumstances, my post is very late in coming.

I do have a copy of Frank's book - the first person to leave a comment will receive a free copy of 'Eyewitness'. Please be sure to leave your contact information so I can get an address to mail it to.

Blessings,
Kim

Eyewitness Blog Tour with Frank Ball

B&B: The gospel stories have existed for some two thousand years. Why put them chronologically together now?

FB: Nine out of ten Americans own a Bible, but the people who most need to hear the message don’t often read the book. They believe Scripture is outdated and too difficult to understand. Would they read the story of Christ if it were presented as a single story that is easy to understand? Most of them say they would, so Eyewitness answers that need.

B&B: Why do the Gospels appear to have conflicting stories?

FB: At a crime scene, eyewitnesses always have different testimonies about what happened. Because each gospel writer had his own point of view and spoke to a different audience, the information is actually complementary, not conflicting. The apparent conflicts disappear when we use each viewpoint to compile a complete and compelling story.

B&B: How was writing and recording events different two thousand years ago?

FB: We now use a computer keyboard to rapidly type and edit text that prints on our laser printers. In the first century, writers had only their parchment scrolls in which every word was hand written, one character at a time. Cut-and-paste editing and simple rearrangement of details into chronological order didn’t exist. Writers naturally put down information as it came to mind, giving us a flow of thought that isn’t always in date sequence.

B&B: What is the significance of John’s gospel being the last one written?

FB: If John were to introduce his book to us today, he might say, “Let me tell you the rest of the story.” There wasn’t much need to repeat what had already been written, so he gives us clarification of events that were already being told and retold, as well as eyewitness reports that are found nowhere else. Unlike the other writers, who were not always chronological, John unfolds most of his story in date sequence in relation to the Jewish feasts. This gives us a chronological guide for putting all the biblical information in order.

B&B: In what way do you think the readers of Eyewitness will have a clearer understanding of the nature of God?

FB: Jesus said, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” If we can see what Jesus is doing and hear what he is saying, we become eyewitness of God’s nature. Because the words in Eyewitness are more like what we would read in a novel, readers are able to visualize themselves as present at the gospel events. It’s the next best thing to actually being there, walking with the other disciples.

B&B: How many different Bible translations were necessary to complete this project?

FB: Hundreds of scholars have invested countless hours in the production of good translations. In the development of an easy-to-read wording for Eyewitness, translators’ handbooks and more than fifteen popular translations, as well as the Greek and Hebrew texts, were considered.

B&B: Is the Bible flawed in presenting the life of Christ in four separate books?

FB: No, not at all. Each author’s report has its own perspective and meets a different audience need. Matthew points to the fulfillment of ancient prophecies to prove Jesus was the Son of God. Mark, the shortest of the Gospels, is the quickest to read. Luke, being a physician, gives many important details. And John adds clarity, chronology, and new information. Eyewitness was written for those who don’t read the Bible and for people who are helped by seeing how the story unfolded, chronologically.

B&B: Why do you think Eyewitness appeals to people who seldom attend church?

FB: Even professed atheists and agnostics have questions about the meaning of life and what happens after we die. Eyewitness isn’t a book of difficult-to-understand rules that threatens punishment if we don’t do everything exactly right. The life of Christ is presented in a way so people can easily understand the value of loving our enemies and helping people in need.

B&B: Where can we find out more or purchase a copy of Eyewitness?

FB: Please feel free to visit my web site at www.eyewitnesstools.com.

About the Author - Frank Ball

Frank Ball was the Pastor of Biblical Research and Writing at Anchor Church in Keller, Texas, for three years. After thirty years of research and teaching the life of Christ, he began a twelve-year project to analyze every gospel story about Christ and put the events into chronological order. Ball meticulously considered almost twenty resources, including the Greek and Hebrew texts, the opinions of other Bible writers, and different translations, to make sure his translation was correct. Using the gospel of John as the chronological backbone, he determined an appropriate time setting for every event.

Ball believes there is no greater role model than Jesus. The better we know him, the more we can be like him. “It’s impossible,” he says, “to love someone you don’t know. The Scripture arranged in this easy-to-understand order helps us to know Jesus. It allows us to be more of an ‘eyewitness’ to the events of Christ’s life, and in doing so, to be more like him.”

Ball has always been a great student, especially in math and the sciences, but hated English. He excelled in high school; however, because his family was impoverished, he was unable to attend college. After high school he took a menial job that supported his parents and siblings. In 1968 he married Kay and they had three sons. Kay passed away in 2005. Ball currently lives with his family in Fort Worth, Texas.

When personal computers became available, Ball embraced systems analysis and business administration. He devoured reading material on the high-tech industry and was a successful business executive until he made a commitment to full-time ministry in 2002.

In 1995, despite his dislike of English, Ball believed God was redirecting his life, and he devoted himself to writing—which has, ironically, become his passion. Knowing the challenges he faced without a secondary education, Ball became self-taught by voraciously reading books as if they were college texts. He studied as if he were preparing for tests.

Ball says that this project wasn’t his idea at all. He just had an unexplainable desire to do this chronology, and along the way he realized that God had a plan. Using his Eyewitness Stories version of the Gospels as a foundation, Ball assembled the gospel information, as well as more than two hundred other Bible verses from the Old and New Testaments, to create what he believes is the accurate order of events. Ball believes the combined stories resolve some of the discrepancies that some say exist in the Gospels.

Better Than Jewels Blog Tour

noreply@blogger.com (kim) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:29:00 +0000

This month's blog tour brings us a devotional from Linda Newton, I WANT SOMETHING…BETTER THAN JEWELS: 31 DAYS OF BIBLICAL INSIGHT FOR A WOMAN SEEKING GOD.
I hope you enjoy.
Blessings, Kim ~ Butterflies & Bullfrogs

Linda: I’m delighted to be sharing with you about my new devotional from Proverbs, Better Than Jewels: 31 Days of Biblical Insight for a Woman Seeking God.

B&B: Your devotional is full of inspiring stories--one for every day of the month. What made you write a devotional book using stories?

Linda: I’ve always thought that stories were powerful. They can illustrate a point and offer an example many times better than just logical explanation alone. I wrote a few that were published in different Chicken Soup for the Soul books. That’s when I got the idea to write stories like those chosen for Chicken Soup, colorful narratives to make the reader laugh and cry, that would help to illustrate biblical concepts. I love how Jesus used stories to illuminate the ideas he was teaching, so I decided to follow the example of the best!

B&B: I like the fact that your book is hardback. It’s quite cute and compact, and with the word Jewels in the title, it makes a great gift book for any woman on your Christmas list. Is that what you had in mind?

Linda: That’s what I was hoping for. Thanks so much. As a busy person, I have to buy gifts on the run. I figured any lady would like an appealing gift book full of fun and encouraging stories. A gift like this is a great witnessing tool. It’s a non-threatening way to introduce someone to God’s lavish love and to affirm His love in those who already know Him.

My goal is for every reader to laugh, learn, and leave each chapter feeling closer to the Lord. Jewels is an easy read. One busy lady got it home, brewed a cup of tea, curled up on the sofa, and finished the book in a couple of hours. Then she started through it again using it as a daily devotional, reading a story each day and working through the Polish Your Jewels section at the end of each chapter to apply what she learned. I am so pleased that this book offers comfort and growth to the women who read it.

B&B: Your stories are authentic and you’re not afraid to laugh at yourself. Is it hard to be that vulnerable?

Linda: I try to stay transparent in my writing because I think readers need to see real people searching for solutions to real struggles, not people pretending to be perfect. If we can’t laugh at ourselves then who can we laugh at? I’ve got plenty of material! Better Than Jewels has a story about how I accidentally brought bright purple shoes to a speaking engagement to wear with my pale pink and white outfit. I didn’t know the area well enough to find a store, so I slapped on the bright purple shoes and tried to make the best of it. I wrote that story to illustrate Proverbs 31. That’s my best attempt at being this wise and capable woman. The Lord keeps me on my knees, and usually I fall there!

Better Than Jewels contains everyday challenges of being a busy woman in today’s culture. It has insights in surviving the hair-flipping, door-slamming teen years. What mom doesn’t need a sense of humor when it comes it her parenting? If I can bring a smile to someone’s face as she starts her day, that will certainly bring a smile to mine.

B&B: This book has a lot of stories from your own life. Could you share some of them with my readers?

Linda: It features many stories about answered prayer. I think we need to see how God comes though to help bolster our faith. If your truster is busted, the awesome stories of God’s provision in everyday life can be just what you need. I wrote stories about Sunday School teachers, my youth pastor, and other precious people who made God look good.

Nancy’s Note tells how during one of the most challenging times of my life, God prompted a friend I hadn’t talked to in years to pray for me and send me a note to tell me so! It’s just one of the faith-building tales of God’s amazing care and comfort.

There are stories of the trails and triumphs of raising three kids on a shoestring budget. A humorous but helpful story talks about my son, Jacob, who is melancholic in temperament. He grew up as a deep, sensitive, musical child who tended to see the cup of life half empty instead of half full. What’s In Your Cup? is a fun story of the tools I learned through research to teach my boy to see the world in a more positive light.

I wrote about all the Lord taught me when my youngest daughter, Ashley, needed heart surgery in Change of Hearts and As The Deer. I included a story of how the Lord used a car accident to show me that my petite blond daughter was ready to join the Air Force while our country was at war, called Solid Gold Friends, because my friends prayed me into that understanding. I tried to be a good mom and teach my kids, but it turns out, I learned as much from them as I ever taught them.

I even wrote stories of the extraordinary life lessons I learned from my faithful dog called Good Ol’Gus, and a story about my feral cat turned friend called Quincey, the Comforting Cat.

B&B: What is one of your favorite stories from your book?

Linda: Practically every story I share with my readers is a favorite. There are so many about how God came through! One of my favorites, Dare to Dream, is how the Lord intervened to get me from the Deep South to college in California. After accepting Christ while I was in junior high, I started receiving info in the mail from Azusa Pacific College (now University). Right away I knew that is where I wanted to be. Since my mom was a pretty hostile nonbeliever, I knew she would never go for it. So I prayed.

Two months before the end of my junior year, that little country church I attended in Tennessee hired a new pastor, a graduate from Azusa! Even though my mom had a major mother melt down and I had to go live with my dad in North Carolina, losing contact with my church in Tennessee, my old pastor still made it happen for me to fulfill my dream of attending Christian college in California.

B&B: That’s an awesome story. You have a lot to write about. You have lived an eventful life, haven’t you?

Linda: I believe everybody has a story—a string of stories that make up life. In my first book, 12 Ways to Turn Your Pain Into Praise: Biblical Steps to Wholeness in Christ, one of the ways I teach folks to deal with their pain is to write down those moments in their lives when God showed up. I call them “Monumental Moments.” In the Old Testament when God did something memorable or miraculous for the children of Israel, he would instruct them to erect a monument to commemorate the event. The Lord wanted His people to do that so that they wouldn’t forget his goodness and care. We can have those moments forever etched in time when we remember seeing God’s love up close and personal. It’s very therapeutic to record and revisit His faithfulness. After writing down my monumental moments for years, I filled a book with stories!

B&B: It’s not just a book of stories. Can you tell us how each daily reading flows?

Linda: Each day starts with a verse from Proverbs and a brief scriptural insight into that verse, then a story to illustrate the concept presented in that scripture. My goal is for busy women to have a bite-size bit or instruction and inspiration to start each day. I have talked to ladies who have known the Lord for decades and baby believers who have expressed appreciation for the insight they received into God’s Word from Better Than Jewels. They relate to the situations I present in my stories about “the Lord in the everyday.”

B&B: Remind us again about how to use of the Polish Your Jewels section at the end of each chapter?

Linda: As a Christian counselor, I want to offer up ways to give the reader something to work on each day. Polish Your Jewels offers questions and suggestions to help you apply the principles presented in the scripture verse and illustrated by the story.

B&B: What made you write about Proverbs?

Linda: It’s one of my favorite books in the Bible. It’s filled with wisdom and instruction for living, like a “Life 101 class.” Proverbs is so rich in wise counsel that the stories came easy.

B&B: How can folks get Better Than Jewels: 31 Days of Insight for a Woman Seeking God?

Linda: Amazon has it and I offer a discount on my website when you purchase more than one book. Better Than Jewels is packaged in such a way as to make a thoughtful gift. I also know ladies who have used is as a small group study, discussing their take away from each story and working through the Polish Your Jewels section together.

B&B: What is your next project?

Linda: I’m a mother so I have learned to multi-task. I have several irons in the fire. My website (lindanewtonspeaks.com) is being reinvented to a teaching tool for people to learn more about how turn the trials of life into triumphs. I want to offer a COUNSELING TIP OF THE WEEK to enlighten, encourage, inform, and empower people to deal with the challenges that life dishes out in these insecure times. I am working now so that those who visit my website can sign up to have the Counseling Tip of the Week delivered to their mailbox and open up to new insight each week.

I am pedal to the metal to complete a gift/devotional book in the same format as Better Than Jewels illustrating the book of Psalms. In keeping with the jewels theme, my working title is Sapphires From Psalms. I am feverishly finishing stories as we speak. It should be out by Mother’s Day 2010. I would love for your readers can check my website for updates.

I am also working on a book with my daughters. Sarah, who is now a Captain in the Air Force working as a psychologist, and Ashley, who survived four heart surgeries, and is now a fiercely healthy Weight Watchers instructor. We want to write a book about how to have a healthy, mind, body and soul. Our working title is You Can Fix Stupid: 7 Savvy Choices for Mind, Body, and Soul. In case that’s too “in your face” for publishers we are also thinking of Eat, Pray and Love Sleep, working off the best selling title Eat, Pray, Love. Captain Sarah’s doctoral dissertation is on the Healing Benefit of Sleep. She has done groundbreaking work the major part sleep plays in our mental and physical health. Ashley had perfected the art of “Weight Loss on the Run.” As a Christian counselor, I have the privilege everyday of offering people tools to deal with life and relationships from a more positive perspective. We want to share these tools with readers everywhere to help them access the abundant life God has for them mentally, physically, and spiritually.

If your readers would like to email me at lindanewtonspeaks@gmail.com I will put them on my mailing list and keep them informed when our book comes out.

B&B: Is there anything that we didn’t ask that you’d like to share with us?

Linda: I want your readers to know that God deeply desires to be involved in even the most mundane parts of their day. He loves us that much, and He continually seeks an intimate relationship with the person sitting in you seat! My stories illustrate how much God loves his girls with an unquenchable love and He is available to us in a moment’s notice.

Thanks so much for having me on your blog. I hope your readers will visit me online at www.LindaNewtonSpeaks.com. Remember, God’s got wisdom and insight for you is BETTER THAN JEWELS!

Family Night

noreply@blogger.com (kim) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +0000

We went to 'Family Night' at our local library last night. You can read all about it and see some pics of the kids over at JBLog.

Enjoy your Blessings!
Kim

Behind Again

noreply@blogger.com (kim) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:01:00 +0000

Once again, I find myself behind in my posts.

We have been on our homeschool journey (officially) now since September 15. I had planned on posting daily about what the girls were learning (me too for that matter) and how we all were adjusting. We go to school Monday through Wednesday, Field trips are on Thursdays and Friday is our makeup day if needed, otherwise we visit the library. The girls LOVE the library and we usually leave with no less than 10 books (per girls) at a time! I need a bigger library book basket.

I am amazed at mom's who homeschool, bake their own bread, plan ahead meals for the whole month, sew their kids clothes and still manage to get it all in a post - DAILY!

If you are one of those moms - can you share your secret?

So, here's to day number 15 of 'school'. Hopefully, I can get first day of school pics up soon.

Emma is beginning to write her numbers. We are officially up to '3'. She can trace all of them. She is beginning to learn the sounds the letters make: m, s, e, a. She loves learning and working in her books (even on 'non-school' days).

Sarah is a whiz! She reads at a third grade level which makes teaching first grade a bit of a challenge. She is bearing with me as I do my best to make sure she really knows what she is reading as well as making sure she understands the phonetics of it all. She enjoys learning and likes it even better when there is some coloring, cutting, and pasting thrown in. Sarah is quick to help Emma with a problem she has (too quick sometimes). :-) She is taking ballet lessons on Wednesdays and is involved in a girls club at the church we have been attending.

Carter likes to color along side his sisters and is quite proud of himself when he makes a mark on the paper. You should hear him squeal! Most often he is down for a nap during school time (this is a blessing for me). If he happens to be up, he is learning quite nicely how to play with his trucks and blocks by himself.

Over all, the experience has been a good one and we are looking forward to many more days of home school.

She Did What She Could Blog Tour

noreply@blogger.com (kim) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 01:24:00 +0000

I am excited to share our next blog tour author with you. I was introduced to Elisa Morgan through MOPS. As much as I LOVE MOPS, I am not sharing about that today. We are going to hear about Elisa's latest book - She Did What She Could: Five words of Jesus that will change your life.

I hope this gets you thinking about you can do.

Blessings!
Kim

She Did What She Could: Five words of Jesus that will change your life by Elisa Morgan (Tyndale House Publishers)

Five letters. Unthinkable power.

But what if we did . . .Something?
Just one thing.
The thing that matters more than anything else in that one solitary moment.

What if we did just that?
What if?
S•D•W•S•C
Five letters that have the power to change your life, free your spirit, and transform your world!

B&B: What is the premise behind your new book, She Did What She Could?

EM: Most of us care deeply about the needs around us – poverty, injustice, everyday concerns of those in our families and in our offices and in our neighborhoods. But faced with the challenges of getting food on the table and children to and from activities and keeping up with our jobs etc, we feel more than a little overwhelmed. Who has the time or the energy to start another nonprofit or to participate in yet another celebrity-help-the-world-athon? We conclude we have to do something BIG to make a difference. Not true. We don’t have to do something BIG to make a difference. In a Bible story where Mary of Bethany anoints Jesus with a beautiful gift of perfume before his death, Jesus applauds her action saying, “She did what she could.” We can make a difference every day by simply doing what we could in the given moment before us.

B&B: When did the idea for this book/movement come to you?

EM: I’d been reading what I call the “Girl Stories” in the gospels – stories where a woman is the main character. I was stopped in my tracks by Mary’s acting out her love for Jesus and by his pairing her action with the gospel. Mary lived loved. She acted out her faith by doing something with who she was and what she had in a moment that mattered. At the same time I was reading that story, I was suddenly overwhelmed by issues in our world like the HIV-AIDS pandemic and poverty and needs everywhere I turned. I began to think about the power of one of us acting and then another and another. I began to prayerfully wonder – what if I did what I could – just like Mary did? And then each of us did what we could? The whole world could be changed!

B&B: In the book, you point out that this message of everyone doing what they can is Biblical. What story are you referring to specifically?

EM: The story is told in Mark 14 but is also told in Matthew and John as well. Just before Jesus’ death on the cross for the sins of all humankind, Mary of Bethany took a jar of nard, a very expensive perfume, and poured it on Jesus – as a symbol of anointing his body before his death. In a moment when the gesture would mean the most to him. You get the impression that Mary hadn’t really planned out this action. It seems more spontaneous. And while the nard was expensive, that wasn’t the main point. Mary acted out of her understanding that Jesus really was the Christ and he really loved her. She wanted to give back. She took what she had – nard – and acted with it in a moment that mattered to Jesus and to the world. She did what she could.

B&B: You’ve shared your message with the MOPS organization. What has the response been so far to the SDWSC (She Did What She Could) movement?

EM: Moms are passionate about being the best moms they can be. They’re also passionate to make a difference in their world. They know that they may not be able to do something GIANT in the day to day of raising children. SDWSC gives them a methodology for acting in a way that matters in their daily lives. With a neighbor or a coworker. With a child. To care for the earth. To reach out to someone who has less and needs more. Moms have pasted the SDWSC flare on their Facebook pages and are telling the SDWSC stories, encouraging others to do what they can as well.

B&B: How do you hope readers can change their lives with your message?

EM: She did what she could (SDWSC) is a mantra that rules my days as opportunities come before me. I run each through the grid of SDWSC. Is it something that I can uniquely handle? Is it a moment that matters NOW? Will I make a difference if I do WHAT I could – not ALL or EVERYTHING I could? I hope and pray that readers will do the same. She did what she could. When I do what I could and you do what you could and we do what we could – we can change the world. We can be the body of Christ in action, on the earth, demonstrating individually and together what it means to live loved.

Elisa Morgan is a nationally recognized speaker and the author of more than fifteen books, including the best–selling What Every Mom Needs and Mom's Devotional Bible. Elisa has served as CEO of MOPS International since 1989. She is also the publisher of MomSense and FullFill magazines and is a frequent contributor to Christianity Today. Elisa is married to Evan (vice president of strategic development for RBC Ministries, known internationally for Our Daily Bread, and founder of christiancourses.com). They have two grown children and one grandchild and live in Centennial, Colorado.

Made by Rae Jackpack Backpack GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (kim) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 03:16:00 +0000

Made by Rae Jackpack Backpack GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

This is SO adorable. There are a ton of very talented and crafty people out there.

My question is this??? How do all these mom's of new babies find time to craft? Mine are not so new anymore and I still can't find time (SIGH).

I digress! How cute would this little "Jackpack" look on your little one as they head to school? Really cute!

Sew Cute Shop Amy Butler Birdie Sling GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (kim) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 03:02:00 +0000

Sew Cute Shop Amy Butler Birdie Sling GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

The quilt shop downtown carries Amy Butler patterns and fabrics. I LOVE them! Yet another reason I wish I sewed...

Exceeding Your Expectaions Blog Tour

noreply@blogger.com (kim) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 19:00:00 +0000

We are thrilled to have Linda Olson, inspirational speaker, author, and leadership coach with us today. Please find a comfortable seat as you join our visit with Linda introducing her new book, Exceeding your Expectations.

LINDA: Thank you! I’m delighted to be with you and your readers today to share about a topic that is close to my heart and something we all need to hear in light of today’s economy.

B&B: Linda, you have a strong leadership background. You have served for more than thirty-five years both in Canada and the United States as Dean of Women, Marriage & Family Therapist, Women’s Ministry Director and a Creative Memories Director. Recently you founded a program called, Made for Something More. Share with us how that came about?

LINDA: I served as Women’s Ministry Director at three churches over a fourteen year period. As I was invited on full time staff to entrepreneur a women’s program with over 5,000 attendees, I knew this was more than a position, it was a calling. During that time I searched for resources to develop my leaders and came up empty-handed. It was at that time God laid on my heart to begin developing a program for Christian Women in Leadership. In the program, Made for Something More, I was developing a five-part series with books, teleseminars, DVD’s and other resources. When it came down to getting my first book published, God laid on my heart a sixth book, Exceeding your Expectations.

B&B: Why are you passionate about the message in this book?

LINDA: Like many people today, I didn’t have any dreams or expectations.
Growing up on the farm in mid-west Canada, life was more about surviving than it was thriving. It seemed the biggest expectation was to bring in a big enough crop or sell enough cattle to pay the bills and cover basic living expenses. I learned to survive rather than thrive.

B&B: When did that change for you?

LINDA: I entered Bible College as a shy, inhibited teenager seeking God’s direction for my life. It was there that I met students with dreams and aspirations. They were enjoying life and had a purpose. It triggered something in me that made me realize I was made for so much more. During those three years at a dormitory college my life blossomed.

B&B: So, how did that change things?

LINDA: I knew God had a special purpose for my life. I had gained confidence, self-esteem and many leadership skills. Big doors began to open. At 21 years of age I was invited to become Dean of Women at Trinity Western University on the west coast of Canada. It was the beginning of a 35-year leadership journey where God has exceeded my expectations beyond my wildest dreams.

B&B: We are all affected by our present economy in one way or another. Besides a job and enough money to hang on to our home what are people looking for and how can we help them?

LINDA: Besides the tangible things people are looking for encouragement, hope, peace, health, and security. When the woman at the well said to Jesus, “Sir, you have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep”, she was looking to the well for practical answers. It’s the same thing we do when we look to our circumstances hoping for changes that will transform our life. The answers are not in the well nor are they in our circumstances. They are in the Almighty. We need to look to Him and trust Him to fulfill the many promises He has given us.

B&B: What was the turning point for the woman at the well?

LINDA: The turning point occurred when Jesus brought her face to face with her fear. He said, “Go call your husband and come back.” Jesus knew her struggle with relationships, so why would He ask her to call her husband? He needed to know if she was willing to confess her situation and take responsibility. She needed to face her fear and know she could move beyond it.

B&B: How can we learn to exceed our expectations?

LINDA: Before Jesus exceeded this woman’s expectation with living water she had to:
Recognize her need for change
Be willing to take responsibility for herself (take down emotional barriers)
Commit herself to Him (believe in Who He was and What He had to offer)
It isn’t any different for us. We need to be open to change (recognize our need for change), be willing to take responsibility and commit our day and our situation to Him (and leave it in His hands). When we do that He will exceed our expectations.

B&B: Where do we often fall short?

LINDA: It’s not in having an expectation we go wrong, but rather in hanging on to our expectations. We want something to happen at a particular time and we hang on like it is our right. The other area where we often fall short is NOT being willing to wait silently. If we are willing to submit our expectations to God every morning and wait on Him, He will far exceed them.
“My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my (personal responsibility) expectation (hope) is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense.” Psalm 62:5,6

B&B: What resources do you have available for us?

LINDA: There are several things available that you can find on my website which is http://www.madeforsomethingmore.com

Coordinating Journal, Goliath Challenge – My gift to you.

My new book & DVD, Exceeding Your Expectations
Capturing your Vision – is a program where I will work with a leadership team and teach them to Capture their vision, Explode their influence and Bring $ back to their organization. As part of that program I speak to their group equipping and empowering women to recognize their value and their potential.

Teleseminar Series – for anyone who wants to go deeper. This series consists of 6 teleseminars as well as time for leaders to ask their personal questions.

About the Book

Exceeding Your Expectations: Learning the Ten Leadership Principles that Guarantee Results by Linda Olson (Guardian Books)

Is it possible that no matter how many times you’ve failed at getting ahead, that the secret to finally breaking through could be … Easy?

The Answer is Yes…No matter how many times you have tried to get ahead and failed, even if you have had little breakthroughs and then were set back again – you can learn to rise above your circumstances and enjoy the life you deserve.

Linda Olson is best known for her work in equipping and empowering women. She knows how discouraging in can be to work hard at getting a breakthrough only to be set back one more time. She also knows that getting the big breakthrough is possible regardless of how many setbacks, how many people tell her to give up, or discourage her from moving ahead. Linda has learned to exceed her expectations wherever she goes.

Exceeding Your Expectations offers timeless principles in an easy to follow format where readers can journal their insights about the material. Applying the principles will work in any situation, for any generation, and are guaranteed for a lifetime.

Anyone reading the book will benefit by:
1. learning the secret to connecting with others wherever you go
2. recognizing the power available through relationships
3. following the actions steps that position you to exceed your expectations

Exceeding Your Expectations, a must-read in this economy, teaching how to rise above your present circumstances and learn to exceed your expectations.

About the Author

Linda's infectious storytelling ability, along with her passion for giving to others, captivates audiences wherever she goes. Linda believes in living life and living it to the fullest.

From a farm in Midwest Canada to the desert in Southern California, Linda has embraced every part of her journey. She has learned strong work ethics, the power of perseverance, and finds her strength through her personal faith in God. Her leadership journey began at the age of twenty-one and has included everything from teaching troubled teens to surviving on an island. She has enjoyed the college life as Dean of Women, counseling men, women, and families in her private therapy practice, empowering women through service in Women’s Ministry, to inspiring women to preserve their photos and memories through Creative Memories. She has also worked as a counselor and program coordinator at a Domestic Violence Shelter, as a social worker with Visiting Nurses in the Hospice department, and has volunteered many years in children’s and women’s ministry at her church. Linda has encouraged people from all walks of life, equipping them to fulfill their innermost dreams.

Her formal education includes a Master’s in Marriage & Family Therapy, and one in Christian Education. She’s a Certified Life Coach, a member of Toastmaster’s, and has over thirty-five years experience as an entrepreneur and leader–all of which have equipped her to train and inspire leaders to become who they were meant to be. Linda has empowered audiences throughout the United States and Canada since 1973 with her inspirational stories, leadership principles, vulnerability, and call for action.

Linda has a special heart for non profit organizations. She loves to “give back” to the organizations whether it’s a church group or a fundraiser in the community. She speaks to both Christian and secular audiences-both men’s and women’s groups-on anything from inspiration and motivation to developing Christian women in leadership. Her husband, Rick, a counselor, Life Coach, and speaker, often joins her at her events. Together they have raised two beautiful daughters, and make their home in Palmale, CA

Are they serious!?!

noreply@blogger.com (kim) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 01:04:00 +0000

Are they serious? That really can be a trick question. There are times when we really want the answer to be "YES" and there are times when we want the answer to be "NO". In this instance, I really want the answer to be "NO"

I was invited by a friend (via facebook) to join a cause - one I had not heard of...until now. I am still trying to figure out why there is not more concern over this. I think we need to take notice and action!! It is a sad state of affairs when you cannot trust your own government - one that is supposed to be by the people and FOR the people.

I have really never been one to get involved in politics. When I was in beauty school we were taught that there are three things you never discuss - religion, politics and sport (not sure why on that one) :-) Since politics was not a topic to discuss, I guess I really never paid much attention, aside from the presidential elections. Well, it looks like that is about to change. I cannot, with good conscience, sit idly by and let the UN and an international country take away my parental rights. God blessed me & my husband with these beautiful children. He has equipped us to raise them - not the UN or any other government.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Check it out then write your congressman and state representative!

(This is the info from the group on Facebook)

Support the Parental Rights Amendment

Thank you for joining Support the Parental Rights Amendment!

Welcome to the cause! Thank you for joining and helping us in the fight to protect our children by preserving parental rights. Please help us spread the word by inviting your friends to join. Visit www.parentalrights.org to sign the petition and learn more. Also, please contact your representative in Congress and ask him or her to become a sponsor to the amendment. Contact your Senators and tell them that you OPPOSE the UNCRC and ask them to protect families. TELL everyon that you know because not many people know about this or believe it will happen in the USA. The family is under attack as never before. Let's work together to protect our children and spread the word! End-quote-black

— Mary Souther Clendenin (creator)

Blessings,
Kim

Missing Friends

noreply@blogger.com (kim) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:21:00 +0000

For quite some time now Sarah has been lamenting to me that she is missing some of her friends in AZ. I must admit, I am not sure how to help her deal with this - as I, too, am missing many of my friends in AZ.

This morning she announced not only to me, but to her father also that she was going to write said friends a letter.

What a GREAT idea!

Here are a few pics from the letter/card making session. Even Carter got in on the creative action. I imagine a walk to the post office is now on the agenda for later this afternoon. :-)

To all our friends - we miss you and love you and think of you every day!

Time Flies!

noreply@blogger.com (kim) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 20:09:00 +0000

WOW! Where does the time go?

Admittedly, I have been having trouble with my wireless connection, but it has been over a month since I have posted anything! I suppose there are no big surprises there though, right? My blogging goes in spurts. I often wonder where mom's find the time to blog every day! I currently have about a hundred posts running through my head but time seems to be against me.

I did just run across a site that I wanted to share with y'all. It is a really cool tool for planning meals. You can go here to check it out.

Well, I gotta run, time to make dinner for my amazing family!

Blessings,
Kim

Happy Father's Day

noreply@blogger.com (kim) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 01:34:00 +0000

Well, it is 9:30pm and I have the house to myself (sort of). Carter is sleeping peacefully in his air conditioned room & the girls & Jason...well, they are sleeping outside.

Daddy has been wanting to take Sarah camping (he's not convinced Emma will last a weekend yet). However, with no trailer & no tent (big enough for all of us), the back yard has become a campground.

So, on this most special of days - Father's Day - Jason & his girls are spending a special evening 'camping' in the backyard.

Jason taught the girls how to set up his backpacking tent. They laid the tarp.

Emma helped with the tent pegs.

Sarah helped snap on the rain cover.

Mission accomplished!

After tucking them all in...

Jason said "See you in an hour" to which I replied "if they last that long".

Time will tell, The girls just might surprise him (and me) and last the night. Hmmm, then again maybe not. There is the sound of the back door...it's just Emma coming in for a potty break. She is back in the tent, there is still movement inside the tent and they have the rain cover open to the night sky. I am sure it will be a bit longer before eyes close and the talking ceases.

Me, I am going to enjoy having our whole full size bed to myself.

Sweet Dreams.

MAN, I didn't even have the chance to post this before the back door opened again. This time both girls came in carrying their sleeping bags and pillows. Apparently, the ground is not very comfortable. It would appear as though sleeping mats are in order.

Well, maybe next time I can enjoy having the bed to myself. :-)

Oh, PS! For anyone who is curious as to how long the camping trip lasted...they lasted approximately 45 minutes.

Sweet Dreams, again!

I AM says You Are - Blog Tour

noreply@blogger.com (kim) — Sat, 09 May 2009 07:00:00 +0000

In the midst of traveling to Thailand, packing up our belongings in AZ, and moving back to MI...I have been reading a fantastic book/Bible study.

It is called - I AM says, “You Are…” by CJ Rapp.

Today, I am hosting CJ for a blog book tour. I hope you enjoy getting to know her & learning a bit more about the book. I definitely recommend getting the book and discovering what I AM thinks of you.

Blessings,
Kim

INTRODUCTION:
I AM says, “You Are…” Understanding Your Identity in Christ is the first book by Bible teacher and speaker CJ Rapp. Not only does this book explore your rock solid identity in Christ, it also helps the reader identity patterns of thinking that threaten healthy self-esteem. For each daily devotional, questions have been included. These questions provide an opportunity for personal study or for sharing the journey with a small group. It’s perfect for women’s ministry groups to use as a six week study.

Q. What inspired you to write I AM says, “You Are…” Understanding Your Identity in Christ?
A. One of the biggest challenges in my life has been overcoming insecurity and low self-esteem. In fact, my journey was long and difficult. My low self-esteem began during my teen years and remained into my thirties.

In my late twenties I began to follow Christ. I committed my life to Him and began to read the Bible. As I read, I discovered that His Word actually contradicted lies I had long believed about my worth and my value. His words were kind, compassionate, and full of love. The more I read the more I realized that God loved me and that he didn't think I was stupid, ugly, or worthless. Instead His Word says that I am priceless, a masterpiece, a treasure, and I am His child. He even loved me enough to send His Son to die for me. That was shocking! The girl who grew up believing that she had little worth or value was passionately loved and desired by the Creator of the universe! It was life changing for me. Through my study, acceptance of His truth, and application of God’s Word I was set free. I like to say that God replaced the trash, my negative thoughts, with the truth or the treasure of God’s Word.

The more I read the more I realized I held the keys to freedom and healing in my hands. Not just for me but for other people just like me. Three years ago God impressed on my heart the importance of sharing my journey with others. My heart’s desire in writing this devotional Bible study is to help other people find the same hope, freedom, and healing that I have found.

Q. What are some of the topics covered?
A. Each day begins with this identity statement, I AM says, “You Are…” The thirty daily themes cover many aspects of our identity in Christ such as:

• I AM says, “You Are loved.”
• I AM says, “You Are beautiful.”
• I AM says, “You Are unique.”
• I AM says, “You Are forgiven.”

Q. Do you have a website or blog for your audience to check out?
A. Yes! I have a blog site www.cjrapp.wordpress.com for women to interact and share their thoughts on the daily themes. Small groups and Women’s Ministries also have a tab on the blog where they can share their insights and idea’s.

CLOSING
I AM says, “You Are…” Understanding Your Identity in Christ provides women with a glimpse of God’s heart for them. Embracing the truths from Scripture found in this book can help women overcome the low self-esteem that studies say over 80% of American women suffer from. The quickest way to get your copy is to order from amazon.com. For more information about CJ Rapp visit her website at www.cjrapp.com. Don’t forget that this study can be used in small groups and as a church wide women’s ministry study.

The Secret Holocaust Diaries Blog Tour

noreply@blogger.com (kim) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 10:30:00 +0000

It has been some time since I have been able to find time to post. I am returning with a blog book tour.

Please take time to at least read about the topic of this book.

Blessings,
Kim

The Secret Holocaust Diaries by Nonna Bannister with Denise George and Carolyn Tomlin

Introduction

Nonna Bannister appeared to be a typical American housewife. She married Henry, the love of her life, in 1951 and together they raised three children in Memphis, Tennessee. But Nonna was far from average. For half a century, she kept her story secret while living a normal life. She locked all of her photos, documents, diaries, and dark memories from World War II in a trunk in her attic.

Tyndale House Publishers announces the publication of The Secret Holocaust Diaries: The Untold Story of Nonna Bannister written by Nonna Bannister with Denise George and Carolyn Tomlin (April 2009, Tyndale House), the haunting eyewitness account of Nonna Lisowskaja Bannister, a remarkable Russian girl who saw and survived unspeakable evils during World War II.

Questions & Answers

Q. The Secret Holocaust Diaries is written by Nonna although she passed away in 2004. Did she write the book before she died?
A. Yes, she slipped up into the attic each night, translated her diaries (from several different languages), and recorded them in English onto yellow legal pads. Much later, after she told her husband, Henry, about her incredible past, she showed him the stacks of yellow legal pads on which she had translated her diaries and recorded her thoughts about her past, and he typed them up into a manuscript.

Q. Would Nonna have liked to see her book published before she died?
A. Nonna translated her diary into English and her husband, Henry, typed the manuscript. However, she requested the diary not be published until at least 2 or 3 years after she died. Henry honored this request. (She died in 2004.) The story was very painful and reminded her of the suffering her family endured. When she came to America in 1950 she was overwhelmed by her new life. She was determined to make a new life for herself and to give her husband and children a happy home.

Q. Many people assume most of the people killed by the Nazis were Jewish. Was Nonna’s family Jewish?
A. Although it is estimated that approximately 6 million Jews were killed by the Nazis, other nationalities experienced suffering and death, also. Nonna's family was Russian and owned seven grain mills and homes in southern Russia and the Ukraine. Her father, Yevgeny, and his family were from Warsaw, Poland, which included a large population of Jews. Due to border restrictions, Nonna never met her father's family. Yevgeny never told Nonna and her brother, Anatoly, if his family was Jewish. If the children didn't know, they could not let it slip. The admission of being Jewish could have meant deportation or certain death. There is speculation, but no one is certain.

Q. Nonna saved many documents from her time at Nazi camps; what are these artifacts?
A. In a small ticking pillow she kept tied around her waist, she kept many one inch square photos of her family and friends in the Ukraine. She also kept her small childhood diary. On tiny slips of paper, she wrote her experiences (in diary form) and also kept these in the little pillow.
Later she kept all these in a small trunk, which she painted bright green.

Q. What can people of Christian faith or Jewish faith/descent take from The Secret Holocaust Diaries?
A. That grave injustice exists--Nonna learned that from the Red Army (who killed many of her family members) and Hitler's army (who also killed many of her family members and imprisoned her in a labor camp). But that God's love and forgiveness for those who hurt us are stronger than even Hitler's evil and injustice. Nonna came out of the whole experience with her heart still filled with love. She experienced none of the bitterness and hatred that some Jewish Holocaust survivors have held onto. She was able to marry, raise children, and bring them much joy and happiness through her own love and through introducing them to God's love.

Q. Why did Nonna feel it was so important to share her story?
A. The Secret Holocaust Diaries: The Untold Story of Nonna Bannister is a true story of a young Russian girl whose family was caught up in the Russian Revolution and in World War II. In spite of the injustice inflicted on her family and millions of others, it is a story of love and forgiveness. Nonna wanted others to know the horrors that occurred during the Hitler and Stalin era so that it might never happen again.
Nonna felt compelled to tell her story because she was an eyewitness to many dramatic events, and she was the only survivor of her entire family.

Conclusion
Late in life, Nonna unlocked her trunk filled with memories from World War II first for her husband, and now for the rest of the world. Nonna’s story is one of suffering, torture, and death—but also of incredible acts of kindness that show the ultimate triumph of faith and love over despair and evil. The Secret Holocaust Diaries is in part a tragedy, yet ultimately it’s an unforgettable true story about forgiveness, courage, and hope.

SMORE for Women - Gail Showalter Book Tour

noreply@blogger.com (kim) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 07:00:00 +0000

I am pleased to introduce you to another author this week.

Gail Showalter

Gail has an incredible passion for women, especially single mothers. I am blessed to have an amazing husband to share in the task of parenting. However, my mom was a single mom for many years. I would have loved for there to have been something like this for her when she was in this season of her life.

Thank you, Gail, for reaching out and caring for such a special group of women.
Kim ~ B & B

Thank you for the opportunity to share my passion for single mothers. In
the United States, alone, there are over ten million mothers raising children
alone. Over one third of them live in poverty. After years of being on my own as
a mother of three, I came to realize how little is done in our communities and
churches for this group of children with absent fathers and women with no
husbands. The vast majority does not attend church, but our neighborhoods are
filled with single moms. I’ve created and implemented, along with an eleven
member board, a detailed plan for encouraging, inspiring, and blessing single
mothers. If you have ever wondered what you could do to make a difference for
even one of the moms, this is the answer. It is easy, inexpensive, and
exceedingly worthwhile.
-Gail Showalter

B&B: Gail, You have established a ministry plan for single mothers. What motivated you to do this?

For sixteen years I was a divorced mother with three children. I was fortunate
to have family support and yet the disappointment, emotional pain, and daily
difficulties were devastating. I’m happily remarried now for twelve years and my
passion for the over the ten million single mothers remain strong.

B&B: Why do you think a ministry plan is needed?

Single mothers have a difficult time day-in, day-out. I think churches want to
provide supportive programs for them, but –though there are some successful
ministries—much still needs to be done to minister to single moms. Often what
you see on the outside doesn’t reveal the heartache and fear she is experiencing
on the inside. Church leader I’ve spoken with have expressed genuine interest in
implementing this plan.

B&B: What do you call the ministry?

SMORE for Women. SMORE is an acronym for Spiritual Ministry Offering ReTREATs and Encouragement. Our program assists churches in providing Saturday reTREATs in a home or intimate church environment.

B&B: What is the ultimate goal of SMORE for Women?

Our mission is to inspire and encourage women, especially single mothers, to
discover and develop their abilities and inner strengths. Ultimately I hope to
see churches across the country implement these programs. And in the process
develop ongoing programs and activities for single mothers in their communities.

B&B: Tell us why you prefer that the reTREATs be in homes?

Homes provide an intimate, friendly, and non-intimidating environment. Homes
also have the amenities for several of the pampering areas. A reTREAT can also
take place in a church or other facility.

B&B: What do you mean by pampering areas?

At each reTREAT each mom is treated in several areas. Depending on the home she
may use a hot tub or swimming pool. She will receive a brief massage, and even
have a quiet private prayer time.

B&B: Where can we go for more information about the SMORE for Women ministry?

We have a web site which is www.smoreforwomen.org and a blog which
is www.seeinguthrough.wordpress.com.

In closing, A Retreat can be hosted by a small group of compassionate women. The guidebook, Encouraging Single Mothers to Grow Their Strengths, includes step-by-step guidance for planning and hosting a reTREAT. Once you’ve experienced one Saturday reTREAT filled with joy you will want to plan another and another. In the process you will get acquainted with some remarkable women and you might inspire them as they see Christ in you. Please visit SMORE for Women at www.smoreforwomen.org.

Gail, thank you for taking time to share with my readers today. I hope that you will take a moment to visit Gail's website. Have a wonderful day.

Blessings,
Kim

Happy Thanksgiving

noreply@blogger.com (kim) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 04:34:00 +0000

I pray you had a full Thanksgiving Day! We spent a wonderful afternoon with some friends and their family. Thanks, Steve & Susan, for a great day, a yummy meal and once again opening your home to our family.

I received this email from another friend. I enjoy reading his email messages - I hope you do to.

As we look to the journey ahead, it is my hope that our family can "Be joyful always; praying continually; giving thanks in all circumstances."

Blessings,
Kim

Dear Friends and Family:

Happy Thanksgiving!!! That’s the familiar greeting of the season; I like it much better than “happy turkey day”.

Certainly when we think about all the ways that God has provided for our needs, we are thankful. It is easy to thank God for the good stuff, but what about the bad? We are living in a time when there are a lot of “bad” things happening around the world; the violence in India yesterday, the continuing worldwide economic instability, political uncertainty…

But what does God teach us about that? In Ephesians 5:20 we learn, “always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (not just in the good times but ALWAYS) Then we learn in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 to “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” Not only give thanks when times are bad, but be joyful about it!! Wow, that is a tall order. How can we do that?

Notice in both of those passages Jesus Christ is mentioned. Isn’t He really our true source of joy? When we consider Jesus’ awesome love for us that led Him to a cross to pay the price for our sins, how can we be unhappy? When we think of the millions upon millions of years (eternity) we will spend in Heaven because of Jesus’ sacrifice, experiencing more happiness than we ever experienced on earth, how can we be sad?

So I pray that you really have a HAPPY Thanksgiving this year and every year, no matter what. Romans 8:28

Even if we feel poor and weak; we are actually rich and strong in Christ Jesus. 2 Corinthians 12:10

I am reminded of an “old” hymn from 1978. (Not old for me, but for some of you…) It is called “Give Thanks”

Give Thanks

Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks unto the Holy One
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son

And now let the weak say, "I am strong"
Let the poor say, "I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us"

Give Thanks… Give Thanks… GIVE THANKS!!!

Love,
B

“I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union.“

A. Lincoln (October 3, 1863)

Homeschool Resource Deal

noreply@blogger.com (kim) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 05:13:00 +0000

Are you homeschooling your munchkins or thinking about it?
Check out this resource 'The Old Schoolhouse Magazine'.
Jen at "Balancing Beauty and Bedlam" has posted about a special offer.

One-year Women's Friendship Devotional Blog Tour

noreply@blogger.com (kim) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 18:35:00 +0000

ONE-YEAR WOMEN’S FRIENDSHIP DEVOTIONAL

The One-Year Women’s Friendship Devotional(Tyndale) is the latest book from friends and coauthors Cheri Fuller and Sandra Aldrich. Not only does the text provide a deeper connection to and enjoyment of God and His Word, but it is a wonderful opportunity for today’s busy women to connect with each other as they discuss the short daily devotions and the “To Ponder” questions at the end of each week’s section. Perfect for small groups or two girlfriends meeting over coffee, the devotional also is appropriate for those who prefer individual study.

Q. What can women gain from The One-Year Women’s Friendship Devotional?

Sandra: The One-Year Women’s Friendship Devotional is designed for today’s busy woman. Each of the 365 devotions are on one page and contain a daily Scripture, short devotional thought from either Cheri or me and end with an honest prayer and an insightful quote. At the end of each week are questions to ponder individually or talk over with a friend. But beyond the friendship connection is our heavenly Father’s invitation to know more about Him and His living Word.

Cheri: One of the benefits of our One-Year devotional is it provides a vehicle to discover your natural rhythm for drawing near to God in a personal and regular way. For right-brained people like me, the structure helps me stay in God’s Word day by day so my roots can grow deeper in Christ. Being a lover of people, I also enjoy exchanging ideas and discussing how a certain verse or story spoke to me, and the weekly questions are ideal for that purpose.

Q. Why do you say “His living Word”?

Sandra: God’s Word isn’t just ancient wisdom. Its principles apply to modern challenges such as how to make good decisions, how to get along with those who irritate us, how to handle finances, how to know our heavenly Father on a deeper level. And that is just some of the treasures contained within the pages.

Q. What types of questions are at the end of each week?

Sandra: The four or five questions work well for either journaling or discussion with a friend. For example, the first week of April presents the theme “Loving the Lord and Others.” The questions at the end are:

1) What loving-kindness have you received at a low moment in your life? Who gave it? 2) What encouragement do you try to offer others?

3) When it is most difficult to show love?

4) Have you ever learned a lesson from someone who didn’t know you were watching?

Cheri: We also suggest to the reader she might pick a few of the questions for the week to discuss as she exercise-walks with her walking buddy. Or she can share her responses and thoughts via e-mail with an across-the-miles friend. Reading the same daily devotional with its Scripture, prayer, and devotional thought is bonding and connects our hearts no matter where you and your friend are. You could even share it via webcam or over lunch with a co-worker in the office. The format makes it very versatile and doable.

Q. What’s an example of a devotion in the book?

Sandra: My accounts usually feature one of my young friends facing a challenge or a memory from my Kentucky farm days, which leads to a spiritual point. The following devotion is from June 13:

Carried by Our Father
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.—1 Peter 5:7

I remember a long-ago night in our Kentucky farm
community. I was five years old, and my parents had
taken me with them to visit neighbors. By the time
we left for home, the stars were already out, and
our lane looked long and dark in the moonlight,
especially where the thorny blackberry bushes hug
over the ditches. Quickly my dad swooped me up and
carried me on his strong shoulders. The night was
still dark, and the bushes still had thorns, but I
felt so safe I fell asleep.

There have been many times in my adult life when
I’ve been carried by my heavenly Father. And I’ve
noticed that though I long to be carried away
from the darkness, I’m actually carried through
it, just as Daniel was saved in the
lion’s den rather than from it (see Daniel
6:16-23). I confess, I don’t like the challenges and
trials that often accompany daily human existence.
In fact, I’ve often thought I’d like God to say,
“Good morning, Sandra. This is what I plan to do
today for you and your family. Is that all right?”
But, of course, he doesn’t, and I’m left to choose
once again whether I will trust him during the scary
times.

A while back, I was intrigued by the word care
in 1 Peter 5:7, so I researched it. I discovered
that the word can have two meanings: our worry and
God’s comfort. The worrying type comes from a Greek
word meaning “to divide the mind.” How perfect. My
mind is divided when I allow worries, distractions,
and anxieties to interfere with my trust that my
heavenly Father will carry me past life’s dark
ditches and thorny bushes. So what’s my goal? To
concentrate less on the situation and more on him.

Lord, even though I’m an adult, many times I feel
like that little girl facing thorny bushes and deep,
scary ditches. Help me to feel your strong arms
carrying me to safety. Help me to rest in you.

God is in His heaven; God is on the throne; God is fully in charge of His world.
--J. I. Packer, Theologian and Author

Q. What parting words do you have for your readers?

Cheri: Remember that God loves to hear your voice, just as you love to hear the sound of your kids’ or loved ones’ voices—not just once a week on Sunday but throughout your days. And every time we open his Book, the Bible, there’s a gift, a promise, or a truth that will help us learn to live abundantly no matter what we’re facing.

Sandra: Because of the shed blood of Jesus, we have the incredible privilege of stepping directly into the Presence of our heavenly Father through prayer. Years ago, a woman asked the great preacher G. Campbell Morgan if she should pray about everything or just the big things. Morgan answered, “Dear lady, pray about everything. After all, what could possibly be big to God?” I love that. And I love knowing we do not pray to air.

In closing, The One-Year Women’s Friendship Devotional provides connection in this fragmented world—connection to other women and, most importantly, connection to our heavenly Father. The quickest way to order it is through amazon.com. For more information about Cheri Fuller or Sandra Aldrich visit their websites at www.cherifuller.com or www.sandraaldrich.com And remember: the heavenly Father is just a whisper away.

Simplify Your Holidays Blog Tour

noreply@blogger.com (kim) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:30:00 +0000

Simplify Your Holidays Blog Tour

By Marcia Ramsland, The Organizing Pro
National Speaker, Media Guest, and Author of Simplify Your Holidays,
A Classic Christmas Planner to Use Year after Year (Thomas Nelson 2008)

Are you looking for a way to simplify the most stressful time of the year? Feeling like it’s impossible to keep up with all the demands of the coming holiday season? Marcia Ramsland, The Organizing Pro and author of Simplify Your Holidays, has found a way to change seasonal stress into intentional success! She believes everyone can find that calm and peace they are looking for. I am excited to introduce you to Marcia Ramsland. As a full time wife & busy mom of three, I am always in search of ways to simplify our lives. With the holidays quickly approaching the search to simplify intensifies. Marcia has some great advice for simplifying our lives - starting with the increasingly hectic holidays. I hope you enjoy my latest Blog Tour author and find a few tips to help you in your quest to Simplify Your Holidays.
~kal

Every year the holidays come around and we face them with mixed emotions. You have a great book title of Simplify Your Holidays, but how do you simplify the holidays?

I love the dictionary definition of “simplify” – “To make something less complicated and therefore easier to do.” I can’t think of a more complicated time in the year than the holidays. Why? Because we are already busy 24/7 and then we add another layer of complexity to our lives – the holiday season.

In my view as a Professional Organizer, simplifying your holidays is all about having a meaningful Christmas without feeling overcommitted or under prepared. And my motto is: If you do anything more than once in life, organize it and simplify it. That’s especially true for the holidays that come year after year like clockwork.

I can’t think of a more complicated time or emotionally challenged season, but I also know you don’t have to stress to get through it.

Were you always ready and organized for the holidays?

No way! Before I became “The Organizing Pro” I struggled with holiday pressures big time. I was stuck in the mall shopping for gifts at the last minute, standing in the rain looking for a “real” Christmas tree late in December, and staying up Christmas Eve wrapping presents. That was a stressful life I decided to change, and did years ago.
One day I sat down at the kitchen table determined to get control of the season. Looking at my calendar, it suddenly dawned on me -- there was an easy way to manage it all! It all hinged on one date and no, it wasn’t Thanksgiving.
Many people, myself included, have used Thanksgiving to trigger serious action steps for Christmas. It just didn’t seem right to commercialize Christmas by purchasing gifts before Thanksgiving. But that’s the problem. Waiting until after Thanksgiving does commercialize the holidays and puts us smack dab in the middle of a mall with throngs of shoppers.

So how did you change from frazzled to peaceful… and you now have a beautiful new three ring notebook, Simplify Your Holidays? And Sam’s Club just bought 15,000 of them! Congratulations!

My first personal turning point came when I discovered one particular holiday occurs exactly eight weeks before Christmas -- and it’s NOT Thanksgiving. It is Halloween. That event is important to note because the next day you can kick off your holiday plan on November 1 every year.

Noting that November 1 is your springboard to begin the holiday season means you have eight weeks until December 25. Now you have a structure to easily organize and prepare -- with a good plan. You’re back in control whatever day it is.
Once I figured that out, I found you can organize your holidays no matter how many weeks you have left before Christmas. In my book I have an 8-week, 4-week, 2-week calendar plans you can choose to guide you whatever day you start. The Plans are like a “holiday compass” that people use year after year to stay focused and take the stress out of the holidays.

Can you tell us what’s in your notebook and why is it considered a classic Christmas planner to pull off your shelf and use year after year?

Once I got organized I thought of every woman struggling to pull together meaningful holidays in an already busy life. So I created a hand made notebook years ago which my publisher picked up and is available right now on my website or wherever books are sold. This is a holiday planner you can pull off your bookshelf any time day or night and start the season.

The six tabs inside the three-ring notebook include: The Plan, Gifts, Cards & Decorations, Events, December 1-25 Inspiration, and Recipes. There are almost 200 pages of charts, table talk topics for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, room for photos, and even journal pages of “The Best Things that Happened This Christmas.”

Within those six tabs I’ve sprinkled “10 Tips from 10 Experts” covering things like 10 Money Saving Tips for Holiday Gifts, 10 Super Simple Holiday Décor Tips, 10 Holiday Tips for the Working Woman, 10 Tips to Serve Fabulous Food and Impress Your Guests, 10 Tips for a Successful Event, and 10 Tips to Celebrate and Not Gain Weight!

Do you have any last words of encouragement for the woman who wants to pull together a meaningful (and peaceful!) holiday season?

This is your year! The Simplify Your Holidays notebook will help you create that organized Thanksgiving and Christmas you’ve dreamed of with all your notes in one place! You’ll love its beautiful red cover, sturdy tabs, and attractive green charts.

To simplify your holidays, manage your time with our holiday plan and keep your notes all in this notebook. You will graduate from seasonal stress to intentional success!

Thanks for having me today. I truly believe you can simplify the coming holiday season and have a more meaningful season than ever!

~ Marcia Ramsland, The Organizing Pro

Speaker * Author * Media Guest Expert

P.S. Can you simplify your holidays this year? I truly believe so and am eager to know how you do it with my new book, Simplify Your Holidays. Start today by getting your notebook and downloading your FR*EE Master Gift List at http://www.organizingpro.com