To shop my online store, please do the following (I’m sorry, it is currently against Pampered Chef rules to link from a blog… but I can link to it from Facebook):

1. Go to http://www.pamperedchef.com/ and click “Find a Consultant” at the top (see below)

2. Click “Find Your Consultant” and then fill in Melanie Moore from TN (thank you!!!!) and then click “Find”

3. Then, you will see my photo, and if you click “Shop”, it will take you directly to my online shop (so I will get credit for your order and be oh so thankful for you!)

3. IMPORTANT — At the top left, click the little triangle for “Shows you are attending or invited to”. If it doesn’t automatically show my “Show”, please click “Find a specific show” and enter my name as the host below (Melanie Moore)

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Important Note: ONLY purchases through the “Show” will receive the exclusive Memorial Day discount. Otherwise, I can’t apply the discount. Please contact me if you have trouble locating the show.

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Happy Shopping!

Don’t forget that you can receive products at 60% off in June for hosting an (ONLINE only) Pampered Chef Show! My last hostess just passed around the catalog I mailed her and ended up getting 2 free items, a 20% discount, free shipping, and hostess exclusive items!!! She said it was super easy and fun!

Email me today (Melanie at OnlyABreath dot com) to host your own!

10% Discount ALL Pampered Chef {Memorial Day SALE} is a post from: Only A Breath



Shop online at my NEW Pampered Chef online store! We deliver to anywhere in the US! Did you know you can earn FREE and discounted Pampered Chef products simply by hosting "Online Facebook" parties? Email at Melanie@OnlyABreath.com for details!

For inspirational gifts and home decor, check out my online Blessings Unlimited store!

But…………

The surprise highlight of our trip was ziplining through the beautiful forests of NC! When my husband showed me photos online of Navitat, I have to admit that I was really nervous.

Just so we’re all on the same page, I must tell you that I am not an “outdoorsy” type. I don’t camp. I don’t stay in tents. I don’t like bugs… or snakes… or dirt. So, hiking through the woods to glide on wires hanging on treetops sounded a little out of my comfort zone.

… when I say a “little”, I mean like the “Grand Canyon” is little.

Anyhoo….

My husband was such a great sport to go to the places I loved so I wanted to be a good sport for him. When we arrived at Navitat, it was packed. We actually had to get a reservation for the next day (note to self — make a reservation beforehand).

The next day, rain was pouring down when we arrived at Navitat. Pouring. Frog-strangler. My hubby was so down in the dumps. He really had wanted to zipline, and now it was raining, so he was not a happy camper.

I was secretly thanking God because I thought we were probably not going to “get” to go on the zipline tour. Bummer.

But, what do you know? Those Navitat people are hard-core. They don’t mind a little rain. So………. I guess we were good to go.

Yippee.

So, I put on my brave-big-girl pants and stepped forward as they called our names for the tour.

Our tour guides, Travis and Dylan, honestly were like little tree-zipping, safety-conscious, nerve-calming little angels. Travis was even teasing my husband about being so sad. I felt immediately at ease, and that is saying alot considering only moments before I was considering faking an injury to avoid the tour.

We got all harnessed up and went outside to ride the vehicles to the top of the mountain. The rain had slacked off, and my prayer life had suddenly increased. The photos I had seen online were about to become my reality, and a 200 foot high zipline will get your prayer life in order really quickly.

Travis gave us amazing instruction. He was thorough, patient, and super encouraging. He lined us up, and I was the first one.

Yay.

At this point, I was committed. I was harnessed up, and there is no other way to get back to the car than to zip on down the course. So, I went for it. Stepping off of a platform when all that’s holding you is a harness to a line is a scary feeling…. but it’s also awesome!

Don’t you think that’s like a metaphor for life? We have our sturdy little comfort zone, and the thought of stepping out into the unknown is scary… but it can also be thrilling! We will never know the thrill and joy of something new unless we are courageous enough to take that first step!

But I digress….

The first zipline was just training, but after it, I was hooked! Ziplining is possibly the most fun you will ever have. We worked our way through 10 ziplines, 2 rappelling lines, 3 sky bridges, and I loved every minute. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Dylan told us all about the different plants in the forest and how many of them are used for medicinal purposes from cleansing to cancer treatment! Travis pointed out the types of trees and how to identify each one. It is clear that Navitat cares deeply about the forest and protecting it. The tour was educational and so refreshing.

Safety is their first concern, and everything is redundantly designed. I never felt unsafe at all, and that is saying alot because I tend to be a little paranoid.

… and thank you, Dylan, for smiling sweetly and triple-checking my harness at every single line when I would ask if it looked okay. You have the patience of Job.

This day was such a wonderful experience and reminder about God’s power and design in nature. I am amazed by His creation and seeing it from the forest was really a time of worship for me.

I highly recommend Navitat. This post is in no way sponsored by Navitat. I just wanted to share so if you are in this neck of the woods, you can give it a try too! Don’t say you can’t or you’re too afraid — sometimes you just have to jump out of your comfort zone!

What are you scared of today? Can I encourage you to JUMP?!

God is your harness. He has you, sweet friend — just take that first step!

Go check out Navitat and tell them howdy on Facebook and Twitter from Melanie at OnlyABreath.com!

Navitat Ziplines! {friday fun} is a post from: Only A Breath



Shop online at my NEW Pampered Chef online store! We deliver to anywhere in the US! Did you know you can earn FREE and discounted Pampered Chef products simply by hosting "Online Facebook" parties? Email at Melanie@OnlyABreath.com for details!

For inspirational gifts and home decor, check out my online Blessings Unlimited store!

Lightening flashed between the curtains and lit up my son’s bedroom as we bowed our heads to say bedtime prayers. My youngest son’s eyes grew wide and his little body shook with each boom of thunder.

“Don’t worry”, I assured him, “You are safe here. Mommy and Daddy will watch the storm. God will keep you safe.”

… God will keep you safe…

… God will keep you safe…

… God will keep you safe?

Even as my lips spoke promises of safety and comfort, my heart waved a red flag of unanswered questions.

How can we tuck our children in at night, promising safety and comfort, when children live in an unsafe world? When children die at school, from shootings or tornadoes, how do we reconcile that God is with us, that He loves us, and that it is okay to close your eyes in sleep because He watches over us?

Even as arguments discussions abound on social media about why these tragedies happened — God’s judgement? freak of nature? Satan? — the real question is “WHY did this happened and how do we prevent this from happening again?”

If we know the cause of school shootings and tornadoes, we reason that we can “fix” the problem and avoid another disaster.

Sounds simple, right?

But what if tragedy is unavoidable? What if somehow, especially when we don’t understand, God is still sovereign?

… it just doesn’t seem like words to whisper to a child before eyes close to sleep.

I scour the Bible, looking for proof that God will always keep us safe. I find it there — God spared Isaac after Abraham raised the knife, God parted the Red Sea for the children of Israel, He delivered Jonah from the belly of a whale, God shut the mouths of lions and spared Daniel’s life.

See? Proof that God will always keep us safe…right?

… then I remember that Jesus didn’t live a life of safety. He died a horrible death.

The apostles were murdered, Paul was imprisoned, John the Baptist was beheaded, Christians were used as torches by Nero, and all around the world Christ-followers are still persecuted for their beliefs.

I definitely don’t whisper these stories to my children when I tuck them in at night.

I try to avoid the thought myself when I curl up in my nice, warm, comfy, “safe” bed.

So what do we do?

How do we reconcile that God loves us but doesn’t always keep us safe?

Perhaps we stop after the first part of the question.

God loves us.

God loves you.

God loves me.

When bad things happen, this doesn’t mean God is mad at us or that He is punishing us. When Jesus healed a man who was born blind, He told His disciples that the blindness was not at all a result of sin.  

“As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”

“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” ~ John 9:1-3

God used the man’s blindness for a bigger cause, one that really had nothing at all to do with the blind man.

God wasn’t mad at the blind man. He wasn’t punishing him. God loved him. … but at the same time, this man was suffering from blindness.

Suffering for something bigger than himself.

While we know that all things work together for good for those who love the Lord, I have to say that if I was one of the parents in OK that had lost a child, hearing these words might make me sock someone right in the teeth.

I’m just being honest.

In times like these, when faith is trying, and we are clinging to the promise that God loves us and God is always with us, may I propose one option?

Stop searching for the cause.

Perhaps now is not the time to search for a cause, to assign blame, to hatch a disaster-avoidance plan, and to point fingers. When the disciples asked Jesus why the man was blind, Jesus moved the finger-pointing away from the blind man and his family. Jesus pointed to God and said that God has bigger plans that what we see.

So, when we feel like shaking a fist at God who allows tragedy, or pointing at “sinners” and saying they deserved it, or just asking why as we formulate a plan to avoid the next big disaster, maybe we should just stop.

Stop.

I don’t think God put us in charge of assigning root causes.

I never see that commandment in the Bible.

What I do see is the commandment to love each other and to love God.

Right now, hearts are breaking, homes are destroyed, families are heart-broken, and we (as “The Church”) want to just sit around in our comfy chairs and discuss causes and theological reasons why disasters strike.

Maybe God just wants the “cause patrol” to get off of our high horses and love on our neighbor.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” ~ John 13:34-35

“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them.” ~ Romans 12:9

“The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love” ~ Gal 5:6

Instead of arguing, we need to be praying. Instead of intense debates, we need to be intensely loving. Instead of social media wars, we need to use social media to ban together to support the people of OK.

We can do both, right?

Um… if I had a flat house, I think I would be encouraging energy to be used for helping instead of couch debates, but that’s just me.

God loves us.

He commands us to love each other.

Simple, but true. These are the truths I am clinging to when I don’t understand root causes of disasters. Because as far as I’m concerned, God doesn’t need my help in being the “cause patrol”. He only told me to love, and it seems like right now especially, there’s plenty of need for that…

The Cause of the OK Tornado {“cause patrol”} is a post from: Only A Breath



Shop online at my NEW Pampered Chef online store! We deliver to anywhere in the US! Did you know you can earn FREE and discounted Pampered Chef products simply by hosting "Online Facebook" parties? Email at Melanie@OnlyABreath.com for details!

For inspirational gifts and home decor, check out my online Blessings Unlimited store!

The sunrise solemnly appears this morning, May 21, a day after devastating storms ripped through Oklahoma.

Here in Tennessee, I hug my sons a little closer, and think of the moms and dads who long to hold their own children… but now can’t.

Words seem irreverent. Respectful silence is my heart’s response. Prayers, tears, and heart-aching understanding of this risky parenting. How can we bear to parent our own children when we have seen how easily they can be ripped from the safety of our arms?

But I can’t be silent… because they need a voice. Those who have lost homes, families, everything. They aren’t just nameless faces on the news. They are our friends, brothers, sisters, neighbors — working with us, raising the next generation together.  They need a voice, but I would imagine that right now, breathing in and out… in and out… is all they can muster the strength to do. To put one foot in front of the other and will themselves to move forward into completely unknown territory.

So we, who gather all around them – from the mountains of Tennessee, to the cities of New York, the beaches of Florida, the coast of California, the forests of Washington – we all must be their voice. When the heart of a body aches, we wrap around them in a fetal position… protecting the heart by wrapping arms of love, pulling up legs of strength, mouths that speak encouragement and hope. We must cover our brothers and sisters, many we have never met and will never meet, in the hope that is humanity.

We must be the helpers.

“When I was a boy and  I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for  the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” To this day,  especially in times of “disaster,” I remember my mother’s words and I  am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many  caring people in this world.” ~ Fred Rogers (“Mr. Rogers”)

We must be their voice. We must deliver more than supplies… we must deliver hope where there is none.

Please financially support the American Red Cross and organizations like Samaritan’s Purse who have already mobilized their trucks to provide assistance in Oklahoma.

Your gift is more than a dollar amount. Your gift shows a tangible commitment to stand with those in Oklahoma.

Your gift delivers the crucial message to them today: “You are not alone”.

Please help in any way you can.

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UPDATE: Samaritan’s Purse is now calling for volunteers — you can sign up here.

Also, you can text to donate: text SP to 80888 for a $10 donation to Samaritan’s Purse Disaster Relief. Msg and data rates may apply.

How to Help the Oklahoma Tornado Victims is a post from: Only A Breath



Shop online at my NEW Pampered Chef online store! We deliver to anywhere in the US! Did you know you can earn FREE and discounted Pampered Chef products simply by hosting "Online Facebook" parties? Email at Melanie@OnlyABreath.com for details!

For inspirational gifts and home decor, check out my online Blessings Unlimited store!

I do remember that he smiled when he saw me. My husband.

It felt strange to say “husband” for that first year — the hardest year. Living with a stranger can be quite an adjustment. Now I can’t imagine life without him!

I’ve learned some things in these “first” 13 years…

I’ve learned to share and the art of creating a home. Our first home was tiny — you could load the dishwasher, reach into the refrigerator, and eat at the kitchen table all in one spot! — but it was home because we made it one. We laughed there, learned there, and brought home our first baby to that tiny little house on the hill.

I’ve learned to forgive and the importance of apologizing. Ruth Bell Graham was spot-on correct when she said “A happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers”. It turns out that promising “for better or for worse” doesn’t just sound good on paper. In times of “for worse”, the promise keeps you together… even if you don’t want to be.

I’ve learned the importance of my husband, my best friend and supporter. When I’ve had a great day, I can’t wait to rush home and tell my husband. When I’ve had a bad day, he’s the shoulder I lean on.

I’ve learned that love is a choice we make each day. When a million responsibilities pull my attention, I have to consciously choose to guard my heart and my relationship with my husband. If everything in the world goes right at the expense of my marriage… it will all be a waste. I have to choose each morning to make my marriage a priority.

I’ve learned that God alone can satisfy this hunger in my heart to be loved, not my husband. Sure, my husband loves me, but seeking to claim my confidence through his words, affection, or love will always leave me wanting more. When I feel confident in who I am in Christ alone, I can love my husband and accept his love in a healthy way.

I’ve learned that laughter makes everything better. Sometimes, you just have to laugh. Life is tough, sweet friends, and a happy heart can sometimes feel choked. Laughter lightens the load and is as important as the air we breathe…

I’ve learned that some things get better with age… including marriage. I notice little flecks of gray in my husband’s hair that weren’t there before. Lines on my forehead that used to only appear with certain expressions… are always visible now. I smile when I think of both. I treasure the thought that as lines formed and as hairs grayed, we were together. We were building a family, creating memories, and holding hands. I pray we’ll have many more lines and gray hairs when we hold hands after sixty years, and sit on the porch and smile at one another through dim eyes. We will love each other even more then than we do now…

I’ve learned that my husband is an awesome father. That’s a great thing since I never considered this while we were dating…

I’ve learned that some things in life are worth fighting for. No marriage is perfect, and in the times we live in, it’s almost always easier to leave. I’m not talking about an abusive marriage, but just petty arguments often turn into an “I’m outta here” mindset. Some things — our homes, marriages, families — we have to look Satan in the eye and say “This is mine. I’m fighting for this by the grace of God. Back up off me, Satan.”

I’ve learned that life is just more fun with your best friend! I can’t imagine life without him!

I’ve learned that children need to know their parents love each other. Go ahead, smooch in front of them — the grossed-out faces and gagging noises they make are PRICELESS!

I’ve learned that because life is only a breath, we must cherish each other every day. My grandparents were married 60 years when my grandfather went home to hug Jesus. My grandmother’s heart broke completely, because she and my grandfather just weren’t finished loving one another yet… I want to love my husband like that, like the first 60 years of marriage are just warming up.

I’ve learned that life is a great big unknown, but having your best friend by your side makes it an adventure, instead of a chore. When I think of the future, I picture him. When I think of the past, I picture him. Of all of the gifts God has given me, my husband is my most treasured.

Happy 13th Anniversary to my hubby! Here’s hoping 13 is a “lucky” number for us!

13 Lessons from 13 Years of Marriage is a post from: Only A Breath



Shop online at my NEW Pampered Chef online store! We deliver to anywhere in the US! Did you know you can earn FREE and discounted Pampered Chef products simply by hosting "Online Facebook" parties? Email at Melanie@OnlyABreath.com for details!

For inspirational gifts and home decor, check out my online Blessings Unlimited store!

First, I have to say this post was inspired by Kristen at “We Are That Family” (my all-time favorite blog) when she wrote about signing away the movie rights to her new book. She said her family had fun laughing about it and dreaming up who might play their roles in a movie. She made me start thinking about her “Celeb Lookalike”. I found Michelle Dockery of Downton Abbey and thought they were a great match! What do you think?!

Then, my sweet friend Lee of Prayer Gifts (go check it out!) posted this photo on Facebook. I can totally see Lee’s resemblance to Paula Deen! Can you? I think it’s the sweet smile! Love you, Lee! (Love you too, Paula, if you are reading this — HA!)

So, I started asking my friends and readers to send me photos of themselves and their celeb lookalikes — and to help me find one for ME because I could not think of anyone at all.

This is by far my favorite. Sandy, girlfriend, you are a hoot! You had been literally laughing out loud at my computer screen. You are a brave woman! Thank you for sending this to me — love it!

Sandy and Boy George:

Next up, my sweet friend Anna (aka ThePeacockQuill on Twitter) has an UNCANNY resemblance to Kate, Duchess of Cambridge! Uncanny, I tell you!

Anna and Kate:

So, my friends — bless their hearts — tried to help me come up with a lookalike for myself. The responses were quite a surprise to me and I really don’t see a resemblance, but we’ll let YOU pick! What do you think?

My husband says I look like Meg Ryan after I blow-dry my hair. I don’t think he meant that in a good way… ahem.

Paula at Beauty Through Imperfection has always been told she looks like Anne Hathaway… and I agree! Don’t you?

Another Facebook friend, Robyn, chose Jennifer Connelly as her celeb lookalike — great match!

Last but not least, my Facebook friend Allison looks like Natalie Merchant!

There were so many more GREAT lookalikes that I wish I could include, but I’m running out of time. We may have to have a follow-up post! This was so much fun!!!

Thanks to everyone who joined in the conversation on Facebook and Twitter. By the way, if we haven’t connected yet — come on over and say howdy! We have alot of fun conversations there and would love for YOU to join us!

Who do people say YOU look like? What was your favorite lookalike on this post? Have any suggestions for ME?

;

;

Celeb Lookalikes! {friday fun} is a post from: Only A Breath



Shop online at my NEW Pampered Chef online store! We deliver to anywhere in the US! Did you know you can earn FREE and discounted Pampered Chef products simply by hosting "Online Facebook" parties? Email at Melanie@OnlyABreath.com for details!

For inspirational gifts and home decor, check out my online Blessings Unlimited store!

My “one word” is HEALTH, and today I am SICK. Not good. I have found that eating good foods is really quite easy for me. Sometimes I fall off the wagon and eat junk, but overall I think that part is doing pretty well. I am trying to rest more and stay conscious of my stress level. I feel really good about those baby steps, so that’s progress, right?

However…..

Can I be honest? Exercise is just not going well.

Not.

At.

All.

In my mind, I am a runner. In reality, I hate the treadmill, and I just watch the timer the whole time until I can jump off. I would rather read a book than lift weights. I don’t run outside because I’m scared of dogs. Yoga makes me go a little nutty because I am just thinking about my to do list. It’s even been difficult to do a fitness DVD without breaking an ankle on a little matchbox car left behind on the floor by my boys.

Anyone?

I know this sounds like a million excuses. It is. I am very disciplined in every area of my life except exercise. I just completely lack self-discipline there. I also get frustrated because I want to see results faster — like couch potato to marathon runner in 2 weeks. It’s just not realistic, but this is honestly my “all or nothing” approach.

So, this month I am setting ONE goal — to do 10 minutes of *something, anything* every day that is active. Walking, stretching, lifting, running, etc.

10 minutes for 30 days.

I know for some of you, this may seem like a joke, but honestly this will be a stretch for me. Baby steps… baby steps…

I’m just being honest.

How’s your one word going? What’s your biggest struggle? Could we gather around you to pray for you, encourage you, or help you find baby steps to make progress in the coming month?

Please link up and share with us!

If you would also grab the button above, save it off to your computer, and use it in the post you are linking up, I would be most grateful.

Please be sure to link back to this post so that other friends who may feel all alone with their “one little word” might see the button and decide to hop over here and link up.

One Word Linkup {may} is a post from: Only A Breath



Shop online at my NEW Pampered Chef online store! We deliver to anywhere in the US! Did you know you can earn FREE and discounted Pampered Chef products simply by hosting "Online Facebook" parties? Email at Melanie@OnlyABreath.com for details!

For inspirational gifts and home decor, check out my online Blessings Unlimited store!

Pssst….we have a bit of a secret to share for Mother’s Day! Here is a sneak peek of a super special project that is now in the works and coming soon to a Kindle near you–The Pursuit of Motherhood eBook!

Moms/Authors include:

Jasmine of Far Above Rubies
Melanie Y. author of Raising Real Men
Kelly  of Generation Cedar
Caroline of The Modest Mom
Mary  of The Encouraging Home
Jacinda  of Growing Home
Me! (Melanie of Only a Breath)
Sara of A Mama’s Story
Richelle  of Under the Golden Apple Tree
Heather  of Raising Mighty Arrows
Latoya  of Learning to Let Him Lead
June at A Wise Woman Builds Her Home

and more….

Stay tuned for more details coming soon! I’m so excited to be involved in this great project, and I know you will love it!

Pursuit of Motherhood {eBook coming soon!} is a post from: Only A Breath



Shop online at my NEW Pampered Chef online store! We deliver to anywhere in the US! Did you know you can earn FREE and discounted Pampered Chef products simply by hosting "Online Facebook" parties? Email at Melanie@OnlyABreath.com for details!

For inspirational gifts and home decor, check out my online Blessings Unlimited store!

… except, she’s famous and I’m not.

… and her prizes are way over the top fabulous and more expensive.

… and people are screaming and fainting…

… okay, maybe this is not like Oprah at all.

ANYHOO……..

Did enter all of the giveaways? If not, I have rounded up a handy dandy list so you can jump over and enter to win!

1. Mother’s Day Blessing Giveaway ($435 value!)

2. Travel Art Portfolio for Your Little Artist

3. RoomMates Wall Decals

4. Pampered Chef Gift Card (2 Winners!) – Plus how to get your own free products and discounts!

5. Children’s Puppy Lunchbox

6. Kid’s Headlamp Giveaway

7. Magazines.com Subscription {$10 code}

Have a great weekend everyone!

Big Giveaway Week — Did you enter them all? is a post from: Only A Breath



Shop online at my NEW Pampered Chef online store! We deliver to anywhere in the US! Did you know you can earn FREE and discounted Pampered Chef products simply by hosting "Online Facebook" parties? Email at Melanie@OnlyABreath.com for details!

For inspirational gifts and home decor, check out my online Blessings Unlimited store!

I love magazines. I think I’m teetering on the brink of an addiction to them. After staring at a computer screen all day, I just love the feel of paper in my hands, looking over the beautiful glossy photos, and reading the articles.

If my family ever needed gift ideas, today’s giveaway would be my perfect fit!

Magazines.com FREE Subscription {Giveaway!} is a post from: Only A Breath



Shop online at my NEW Pampered Chef online store! We deliver to anywhere in the US! Did you know you can earn FREE and discounted Pampered Chef products simply by hosting "Online Facebook" parties? Email at Melanie@OnlyABreath.com for details!

For inspirational gifts and home decor, check out my online Blessings Unlimited store!