cheese, quilts, and reading

As you read in my last post, I wasn't feeling very well in the first part of the week. The second part of the week, my cold got better, but then I ate some cheese, and I've been feeling very sluggish because of it. This is what happens when I crave something that is "legal" on my diet, but still doesn't sit well with me. I take a few bites anyway - and then suffer.

For three days.

The question is: Will I ever learn?

The answer is: Probably not! :))

But in other (good!) news ... Next week is Thanksgiving, and not long after that, it'll be time to start getting things ready for Christmas! Ashlee and Daniel are coming and will be here three or four days. I'm so excited I might just wet my pants stay away from forbidden food that makes me feel awful.

We plan to go see the new Narnia movie, Voyage of the Dawn Treader while they're here. Can you believe I've never read the Narnia series?

Biggest crime for a reader, I know. However - in celebration of the new movie coming out, I'm going to read as much of the series as possible. 

How 'bout you? Are you doing anything special to celebrate the Holiday Season? Leave a comment and tell us about it! Or - tell me what you're reading and whether you would recommend it. I'm always on the lookout for great books!

One more bit of good news before I go. I finally finished Jessie's Coca-Cola quilt!! This is the good part about being down with an illness. You tend to get a lot of hand sewing done. :)

I could have wrapped it up and given it to her for Christmas, but since it's been hanging on the stairwell for three years (cough, cough!), I didn't figure it would be much of a surprise.

Next post, I'll show you her reaction to (finally) getting the quilt.

 

P.S. I chose Coca-Cola because 1.) She likes Coke! And 2.) Her bedroom is decorated in Coca-Cola garb. Her bed cover is red, and her sheets are black. Her curtains are also black, so it goes well with what she's put together. Not sure how we coordinated so well ... I guess we're just awesome like that. 

*rolls eyes

be still my soul

I'm currently reading Be Still My Soul, by Elisabeth Elliot. Her spiritual wisdom and grace have blessed me beyond measure. This is my second time reading it, and I'm learning new things as if I've never read it before.

Instead of trying to explain, I'll simply show you an example. 

And I quote ... 


To walk with Him is to walk the Way of the Cross. If the cross we are asked to take up is not presented to us in the for of martyrdom, heroic action of some kind, dragons or labyrinths or even "ministry" -- at least something that looks spiritual -- are we to conclude that we have missed the Way? Not at all. Sometimes the humblest life, such as that of "Mom" Cunningham (mentioned in Chapter 5) is the clearest example of obedience. 

And get this ...

The Way of the Cross is an ordinary street in an ordinary city. It is an ordinary life lived in the grace of God. There is a pot of gold, there is a king's reward, but it comes at the end of the journey. (p. 94-95)

This gives me hope, meaning, and focus. It's so easy for me (little, insignificant me) to believe in my heart that what I do day in and day out makes little or no difference. What is so heroic about washing underwear and teaching long division? I ask myself.

Ah, but that's the Way of the Cross. Those ordinary, every day tasks that seem so menial, so blah, are my ministries. My God-given assignments for the day. 

The older I get, the more I am able to say that I want to live an ordinary, servant oriented life, but I still have a long way to go. I do find comfort, purpose, and ministry in the ordinary. And if nobody else on earth sees ... if nobody takes notice ... that's ok. Because God notices.

I can rest assured that at the end of my journey, I'll find my my pot of gold.

And so will you, my friends.

So will you.

Just be faithful. Keep serving. Keep loving.

Most of all, keep praying.

Your king's reward awaits you.

book review: buried alive

Buried Alive, by Roy Hallums, is a true story of an American contractor working in Iraq, kidnapped by Iraqi insurgents. He was help captive for 311 days. Most of those days were spent in a concrete tomb, infested with sand fleas, where he was poorly treated - to put it mildly.

Hallums not only shares his physical surrounding in great detail, but also his emotional state during his captivity. He also goes in to great detail about his fellow inmates, and what it must have been like for them.

The book also includes information about his family, and how they dealt with the ordeal back in the states, which I found interesting. However, the page turner portion of the book was learning about how Iraqi insurgents capture innocent American contractors, throw them in trunks of cars, beat them, starve them, and entomb them, all in the name of funding more terrorist operations. It's not fascinating in a curious sort of way, but in an incredulous sort of way. To think that human beings can treat other human beings in that manner was enough to boil my blood, and it made me want to quickly finish the book.

I was thankful when I reached the last three or four chapters that reveal his rescue by Army special forces. And I was thankful for Roy's dogged determination to not only live through the ordeal, but to remain sane and available to those who were entombed with him. His courage and ability to cope was nothing short of amazing.

Between Roy's tenacity, and the bravery of the troops that rescued him, Buried Alive was not only a page turner, but a tear jerker. I couldn't help but tear up at those troops, their bravery, and their care for a fellow American.

God bless American soldiers.

And God bless Roy Hallums.

a coffee for mr. coffey

Congratulations to Billy Coffey, who has won the Starbucks gift card giveaway. Billy, if you'll send me your contact info (email me at PrairieTales@hotmail.com), I'll get the card right out to you.

I did use random.org to determine the winner, because nobody guessed correctly who cut the middle of the brownies out of the pan. So I thought pooling all of you into one and randomly choosing would be the best way to determine a winner.

What's that? Who did bake those brownies and cut the middle out?

Well, not me. Because, contrary to Billy's belief, I do not eat brownies - not even gluten free brownies, because I don't eat any grains. Or sugar.

Boring, I know.

It was not Jessie either. Because Jessie doesn't like to cook.

It was not Shaun, because Shaun doesn't cook very much, and he likes the crunchy edge pieces.

It was not Ashlee, because Ashlee lives in Georgia with her new husband. :)

Peter is as innocent as he looks. Peter eats anything and everything, no matter how it's cut. But he was innocent. This time.

It was Andrew. My pitcher loves to play chef, and he likes what he likes when it comes to brownies. He'll not hesitate to eat edge pieces, but apparently, given a choice, he prefers the middle!!

So congratulations to Billy Coffey for winning some coffee!!!! Sorry, I couldn't resist. If you haven't visited Billy's website, please hop on over there by clicking here. Billy is an incredible writer with his own book, Snow Day, coming out this year. I'm personally twiddling my thumbs, waiting for day it hits the shelves. I'm going to gobble Snow Day up like Andrew gobbles brownie middles.

Now I'm off to start my day with Jessie, who is feeling akin to Eeyore today. And for very good reason. Stay tuned to find out why!

Not Me! Monday

I've never participated in a Not Me! Monday, but there's a first time for everything, right?




Deep breath. Here goes.



This week, I did not let my child make a fort in the back yard made out of wood scraps, cardboard, and other various materials that made our backyard look like Redneck Central. I would never impose upon our neighbors in that way. Nope. Not me!!



And speaking of Redneck Central, I also did not, nor would I ever, ever, ever post a picture of Jeff Foxworthy on Facebook as my husband's Doppelganger. Shaun doesn't look like Mr. Foxworthy, nor is he a redneck, so there is no resemblance at all. And no, I did not laugh right along with my friends when they saw the inaccurate accurate Doppelganger.



And last ... I was not too lazy to walk down the stairs to retrieve the book I am currently reading, and start a new book before finishing the other! I always finish what I'm reading before going on to the next, as that is the proper, systematic way of doing things. I am never lazy, and never undisciplined like that.



Nope!! Not me!!!



~Brenda

Book Review: Rediscovering God In America

If you love U.S. History, God, and America, get this book!

One of my goals in life is to tour Washington D.C., but until then, this book served as a sneak peek of what I will find when I finally make the trip. Beautiful photography by Newt Gingrich's wife, Callista, is all throughout the book, giving the reader a second best tour of many of the main historical monuments and memorials. From the Lincoln Memorial to the Arlington Cemetery, Callista's photography is eye candy worthy to behold.

The book's main theme is to remind us of our rich, Christian heritage. Through Callista's photography, and Newt's vast knowledge of the sites, we are given a history lesson of how God, Providence, and Christianity are common themes throughout the rising and upkeep of our nation. If you have any doubt as to whether our country was shaped by the belief that we are a nation under God, read this book. You'll discover that there's no denying that our forefather's (and many recent presidents) believed that religion is an essential component to our nation's survival, as is seen on the permanent etchings throughout the sites of our nation's capitol.

This book will renew your love for our nation, and your resolve to preserve our precious freedoms.

~Brenda

You can learn more about and purchase Rediscovering God In America, by Newt and Callista Gingrich by clicking here.

My New Year's Resolution

If you're a regular reader here, you'll know that I have determined in my very own little heart to write a book this year. I've wanted to do this for quite some time. But frankly, I've been intimidated, and the self-doubts that arise in me are most overwhelming at times.

While I'm not a fan of New Year's Resolutions, I'm making an exception this year. I'm taking the plunge, putting myself out there, taking risks, trusting in my Lord and Savior, and ... writing a book.

I have many ideas and plans for the books (plural!) I want to write. But I quickly narrowed it down to three:

1. A devotional book, with a theme on suffering.
2. A devotional book, with no particular theme (other than Christ centered, obviously).
3. A novel.

I love devotionals, and I seem to have a knack for writing them, and blessing others in the process. So I really leaned towards this idea. The book I would like to write on suffering, would, in my opinion, take a huge amount of planning, prayer, and studying. All of which I am not sure I am prepared for.

The second book would certainly be easier for me to write, but after consulting my best friend (who also happens to be my husband), I could see how I would possibly have trouble getting that type of project published. After all, I am not well-known.

Heck, I'm not known at all!!

I also struggled with the idea of writing a novel. Not because I wouldn't love the process, but because I want what I do to have an eternal effect. Not just for me, in the form of pleasing the Lord and living a life that is not wasted. But in other's lives as well. I wasn't sure that a novel could accomplish all of that, and I've struggled the last couple of months with whether novel writing is a futile undertaking.

I asked myself if writing a novel could lead others to desire a closer relationship with God. Could a fictional story truly glorify God? My fictional story?

Again, after consulting with my best friend, I am convinced that it can. Ok, maybe convinced is too strong. I am hopeful it can and trusting it will.

I am reminded of my sister-in-law, who came to know Christ by reading some Christian fiction that I had loaned her. It was a story about a young lady that was nearly as stubborn as herself, who had to ultimately learn to lean on Christ after an accident that left her blind.

I am also reminded of the many fictional pieces I have read, and the resolve that I have walked away with to live my life for the better, because of what my favorite (or not so favorite) character had shown me.

What better way to encourage my readers to live a life for the glory of God than to give them an example to follow? Or to learn how to heal from past hurts? Or to learn how to deal with difficult people? The list goes on and on.

If you haven't guessed by now ... you're dense!

With God's help, I'm going to write a novel this year!!!!

If that's not the most difficult, wild and crazy resolution I've ever made, I don't know what is! I personally think I'm nuts! But I suppose Noah was deemed nuts also when he started building a monstrous boat in a world that had never seen or felt a drop of rain. And David? What kind of small-statured nut case goes out and fight's a giant with a piddly little sling shot and a few stones?

The kind of nut case who is God fearing, obedient when the task seems impossible (ridiculous even!), and the kind who realizes that it will not be his own strength that wins the battle, that's what kind. Noah and David had what seemed to be impossible tasks. And now so do I.

I can't do it without God's help. But I will do it regardless of who tells me that I can't (this includes myself). I'll do it because God wants me to. I'll do it because with God, all things are possible.

I'm trusting in that truth. I'm trusting in Him to enable me. And I'm trusting that He will be glorified thought it all.

May He increase, while I decrease.

~Brenda

Decisions

My Facebook status yesterday:

Decisions, decisions. I hate 'em.

Jessie's comment on my status:

That's why they invented eenie meenie minie moe.

Not only did that make me smile, but maybe there's something to it! I think I'll try it next time! ;)

~Brenda

P.S. Speaking of decisions, I'll soon be announcing what type of book I'll be writing this next year, so stay tuned!

Eenie, meenie, minie, moe .....

Book Review: The Making of a Madam

I just finished reading The Making of a Madam, by Patsyann Maloney, with Wayne Holmes. Wayne is the author of the book that I contributed to a few years back. You can find that book here.

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The Making of a Madam is a story of turmoil, hardship, and heartache. While growing up in a family of fourteen children, Patsyann's physical, spiritual, and emotional needs went unmet, until she ran away from home. Patsy and her sister eventually went to live with older siblings. But although her physical needs were met, emotional turmoil continued. While still living with her father and mother, she was sexually molested at a very young age by an old man, and she learned at a young age that men would provide a little pocket change in return for sexual favors. Moving in with her older sister should have remedied that situation, but instead, it continued as her brother-in-law continually molested her until her engagement near the end of high school.

Patsy's story takes almost every imaginable turn for the worst. From molestation, to her husband cheating on her with a man, and beyond. Just when I thought the story couldn't get any worse, it does, and soon she is in to full blown prostitution to provide for her children, and then on to being a madam. All in the hope of gaining what her father could never give her.

However, God's grace and mercy go farther and deeper than any imaginable pain, suffering, and sin. When Pasty is incarcerated, she learns (through programs available to inmates) healthier ways of thinking, and for the first time in her life, she sees a possible ending to her tumultuous life.

Because of good behavior, Pasty's time in jail was cut much shorter than her original sentence. Not long after she was set free, she humbly and eagerly gave her heart to Jesus Christ. While that did not instantly make her life and relationships golden, it paved the way for her to reconstruct the relationships with her children, siblings, and others that she hurt along the way.

The Making of a Madam is a true story of human frailty, victory over sin, and Christ's love for us. It's a page turner that will pull at the strings of your heart, and ultimately make you weep with those who weep, and rejoice with those who rejoice. It's an inspiring read that you won't soon forget.

~Brenda

Goals and Resolutions

**Update

I am on vacation, but I see Annie and Mary would like to be my accountability partners - and I'd like to take them up on it!! So stay tuned, Mary and Annie, and thank you so much for volunteering.

More soon!!

~Brenda

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It's a bit early for this post, but it's on my brain, so here goes:

I am not a fan of New Year's resolutions.

Why?

Partly because I know I'm going to break them, and a resolution is better off never made than to be made and broken. And in my mind, they also have a negative connotation that says, "I'm quitting a bad habit."

Eating less.

Eating less junk food.

Kicking the habit of cigarettes.

Only cussing twice a week. ;)

But goals are different. Goals have a positive ring to them. They help us accomplish a task (sometimes a monumental task), bringing better health, discipline, and hopefully, desired results.

As I said in my last post, I have a goal of writing a book this next year. And here's where the problem lies:

I have no idea how to do that!!! For starters, I have way too many ideas floating around in my head. How do I pick just one, and stick with it - for 365 days!? It seems like a really daunting task, and I need help. Not just from those of you who read my blog, and also happen to be writers (hint, hint!), but from the Lord.

I know my own resolve is going to play a huge part in this. But this is going to require outside help.

And a lot of strength.

Jesus strength.

I pray for strength to write when I have no words to say. I pray I will remain focused on my priorities. And I pray that I will be self-motivated. Because after all, I have no deadlines that are not self-imposed.

In addition to prayer, I intend to ask someone to keep me on track. Check up on me. Ask me how it's going. Ask me how far I've gotten in the book. Even ask to read what I have so far.

Sound an awful lot like accountability? Smell like accountability? Act like accountability?

Must be accountability. **wrinkles nose**

While I don't like the idea of accountability (mostly because it infringes upon my freedom and ability to do what I like with my time), I recognize the need for it, and I recognize my lack of discipline and focus.

What's that? You'd like to volunteer?

Well shucks!! I think that'd be swell. In fact, if you email me, or leave a comment saying you'd like to help keep me accountable, then I'd just love it and you! I do intend to ask a person who I see regularly to be my accountability partner in this. But if I could have a virtual partner also, that would be a double whammy! The more help the better, right?

So, if you're willing and able, just shoot me an email or leave a comment. I'll get back to you asap. And if not, that's okay. I'll stick with the close to home accountability partner. Either way - I'll post my progress right here, once a week, beginning the first week in January.

That's my first deadline. First week in January, I'll post my decision on what type of book it is that I'll be writing. It will most likely be a devotional, a novel, or a compilation book.

Of course, I'll be seein' ya' before the first week in January. So come back often, ya' hear?

~Brenda

Book Review: Fearless

Fear is something we all experience, and I am not immune. In fact, I have welcomed fear in my life numerous times, and under numerous situations. In Fearless, Max Lucado addresses the very real, and sometimes ominous presence of fear in our lives ... from fear that God is not real, to fear of violence, fear of not mattering, fear of death, and many other scenarios. Chapter by chapter, he takes what many people in today's culture are afraid of, and compares them to the experiences of those in the Bible. I was amazed at his ability to make such parallel's, bringing these Bible stories and situations to real life, making it easier to identify with the age old, but true, stories of fear and how to deal with those fears.

Max Lucado invites us to fight fear. It's something we all have to do, because it comes into every one of our lives at one time or another. He points out that the one statement Jesus made more than any other is to "Fear not." So if you are struggling with fear, to whatever extent, I would encourage you to pick up this book and read it! Because with Jesus, the conquering of fear is a very real possibility.

The overall point of the book is to begin looking to Jesus to conquer your fears. Have faith in Him, instead of fear of others or situations you are unable to control.

If I was asked to recommend a book to others on Fear, Fearless would be among my choices. However, I didn't find it to be overly profound or deep. I would recommend it to a new Christian, but a well educated, mature Christian may not find it stimulating enough.

~Brenda

Toddler Bible Winner

Everyone join me in saying a big Congrats to Toni over at The Happy Housewife for winning the Read and Share Toddler Bible!

She's a fantastic blogger, homeschooler, mom to seven children, and frugality specialist (makes me tired just typing all of that out). So hop on over there and give her a little love.

A huge thank you to everyone who participated, and helped get the word out about this giveaway! I truly wished that I could give one of these books to each and every one of you.

Toni, please email me your contact info at Tuppermom77@yahoo.com, and I'll send the book and DVD asap style!


~Brenda

Book Review and Giveaway!

***Contest is now closed.

A few weeks ago, I decided to sign up to be a book reviewer for Thomas Nelson.

You know ... because I don't have enough little projects going.

But this is my way of getting myself reading books more faithfully. Plus, I love to give things away, and this is the perfect opportunity to do so. So if you love books too, then check back in once in a while to see what book I may be giving away next!

The first book I chose was a little out of my league.

See?

Not out of my league in that I couldn't understand it, obviously (that is obvious, right?). But out of my league in that I don't have any toddler children. Still, it looked like such a cute book, and I know a lot of (uhmm, some) Mommy's read my blog, so I couldn't resist.

Wait, what was I doing?

Oh yes - book review! Here's my official book review for this adorable Toddler Bible:

This Read and Share Toddler Bible is graced with adorable illustrations (by Steve Smallman), and easy to understand stories for your little ones (by Gwen Ellis). It begins with the Old Testament, followed by the New Testament - an excellent way of helping parents get their toddlers accustomed to the way a "big person" Bible is laid out.

Each new story also gives a Bible reference. I believe this is a critical feature, as it will begin early recognition of books of the Bible and where each story is found.

Each story was easily understandable, and laced with a strong Biblical truth. Everything from learning to be kind through the story of Joseph and his brothers, to learning about God's faithfulness through the story of Noah and the Ark (and many more!) are in this new Toddler Bible.

Also included are helpful parent suggestions (crafts, hand motions, etc.) after each story, some of which are practical, others simply suggest that the parents verbally reinforce the story. While I found most of the suggestions to be very helpful, there were a few that I would refrain from using - mostly because they didn't fit my personality.

All in all, the Read and Share Toddler Bible is a great way to start your toddler learning about God's faithfulness, our sin, what God has done for our sins, and getting ready for Jesus to return. I would definitely be thrilled to have it if I had young children.

The 60 minute DVD that is included is also helpful (and adorable!), and will help your toddler learn and grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior ... even at a young age.

Now I see you jumping up and down, and hear you saying, "Yippeeee!! How can I win that book for my toddler?"

Glad you asked!

I thought about requiring you to either join my blog, tell your friends about this giveaway, tweet about it, post on your blog, or better yet, all of the above! But honestly, I don't like it when people do that to me, so I'm not going to do that to you. I figure if you like my blog, you'll join my blog! If you're excited about this giveaway, you'll tweet yer little heart out, and post it on your blog. So - it's up to you! All I really require is that you let me know what you'll do with the book (will you give it to your grandchild, read it to your own child, give it to a lady in your church or neighborhood?), and leave contact info (all by leaving a comment) so I can let you know you are the winner!

I do reserve the right to take your name out of the pile if you tell me you'd like to have it, but your kids probably won't sit still long enough to read it, and therefore it will be a dust collector.

So good luck, my sweet Lovely Lurkers! If I have over twenty entries, I'll use an automated system to choose the lucky winner. If I have under twenty, it'll be the ol' draw it out of a hat trick.

Now get this show on the road and leave a comment!

Winners will be announced when ... when ... when I say so!

~Brenda, the bossy lil' book reviewer on the Prairie