Thursday, February 25, 2010

The Airplane Song

One of my favorite songs ever.  And now the girls love it and we listen to it over and over and drive Jim crazy.  Worried I would wear out my cassette, but I see that there is actually a CD on Amazon.  Who knew?  Think I need the ringtone.

(It is nothing to look at, but the song is the point.)

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Daffodil Days


It's that time of year again....
Daffodil Days!!!


If you know me, you hopefully know this is one of my favorite fundraisers.  Every year the American Cancer Society sells daffodils to raise funds to support all the wonderful programs they provide for those touched with cancer.  It is a beautiful way to celebrate spring, honor or remember a loved one, or just brighten someone's day.  I strongly encourage you to participate in your area.  You can go to cancer.org/daffodils to find a site near you.  If you are local or want to just make a donation, contact me or go to my personal page.

Each year you can order your daffodils alone or with a commemorative vase.  This is what this year's vase looks like (at least in this neck of the woods - I don't know if they do the same ones nationwide, or if each district does their own thing).
Thank you for your support!!

Monday, February 22, 2010

Whassup?

Hey Tricia, you haven't blogged in weeks, what's been goin' on?  Didja get snowed in or something?

Oh, friends, if only I had time.  But soon I shall bore you to tears with tales and tales and tales of tales.

In the meantime, here is my nephew cleaning house.

Saturday, February 6, 2010

SNOW!!!

I think snow is one of the most beautiful things God created.


Such evidence of His handiwork, testimony of His power, a beautiful example of the intricacies of His creation.
If you have never taken the time to lay down in the snow (especially when it is snowing) and just be, you are missing something awesome.  It is the most peaceful, tranquil experience.  Try it.  I could sleep in the snow if it wasn't for the whole freezing part.

(Yes, that is me in boots and my pajamas)

Excellence: Ever Elusive

Received an email today from Superintendent Jones containing this sentence:

"Together, we are advancing to the next level of excelllence!"

Maybe they should re-think the no spelling test policy.

Update:
Today I went to nfl.com to check out the NFL's contest to win a trip to the 2010 Combine. Here is how they describe the Combine:

The 2010 NFL Scouting Combine, which will be held from Feb, 24 to March 2, is the annual job fair for prospective new NFL players. For six days at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, players are put through a series of drills, tests and interviews with more that 600 NFL personnel including head coaches, general managers and scouts.

Does no one read this stuff first?  I know I am setting myself for everyone to start pointing out my mistakes, but, in my defense, I don't have 5 layers of management and/or my own staff to check my work.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Looking for a Small Group Bible Study?

(Tricia here:  Hopefully I already mentioned Dr. Wiersbe's "Be Books" - which I haven't had a chance to read yet, but I have one on my short list of TBR books (to be read) - as opposed to my very long list which probably won't get read until I retire.  Here is an example of a Bible Study related to that series.  I am working on getting a copy of this particular study, so let me know if you'd like to see it.)
PS - As a small group study, I also highly recommend Unexplainable by Don Cousins.  Good stuff.



A New Small Group Resource that includes
the legendary insights of Dr. Warren Wiersbe

David C Cook releases four studies based on Dr. Wiersbe’s trusted Bible commentaries—the “BE” Series

Finding good small group material can be tricky. Some studies look slick on the outside but lack the kind of depth that can help the group move from a social gathering to a place of spiritual intimacy. Other studies focus so heavily on information and detail that relational connection is an afterthought. More than ever there is a need for a balanced study guide that combines community building with in-depth Bible knowledge. Thankfully, both of these priorities can be made clear to your group with the help of one of the most influential, in-depth, and relational Bible scholars in modern history.

A man who has given his life to a deep examination of the Word of God, Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe is an internationally known Bible teacher, former pastor of The Moody Church in Chicago, and the author of more than 150 books. For over thirty years, millions have come to rely on the timeless wisdom of Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe’s “Be” Commentary series. Dr. Wiersbe’s commentary and insights on Scripture have helped readers understand and apply God’s Word with the goal of life transformation. Dubbed by many as the “pastor’s pastor,” Dr. Wiersbe skillfully weaves Scripture with historical explanations and thought-provoking questions, communicating the Word in such a way that the masses grasp its relevance for today.

The Wiersbe Bible Study Series will incorporate material from Warren’s popular series of expositional commentaries (known as the “Be Books”) into a small group Bible study format, consisting of a Bible book introduction, tips for small group study, self-introspective questions, and practical application. The studies will be Bible book specific and follow along with certain topics respective of how they are presented in the “Be Books.” The studies will not overshadow the actual commentary but instead give the reader just enough of a sampling of Wiersbe’s enduring wisdom that he will want to go out and read the rest of what Wiersbe has written.



Studies to be released this spring include:
· Galatians—Offers believers the alternative of exchanging legalism for true spirituality. (ISBN: 978-1-4347-6509-3/softcover/128 pages/$8.99)
· Proverbs—A rich study of the fundamental truths from God’s guidebook on wise living. (ISBN: 978-4347-6511-6/softcover/144 pages/$8.99)
· 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon—Encouragement from the writings of Paul on what it means to press on and never give up. (ISBN: 978-1-4347-6510-9/softcover/128 pages/$8.99)
· Matthew—An exploration of the remarkable life of Christ and wise teaching on what it means to follow the King of Kings. (ISBN: 978-1-4347-6512-3/softcover/144 pages/$8.99)

Acclaimed worldwide as a pastoral resource for international leaders, the “Be” series has inspired these companion study guides—The Wiersbe Bible Study Series—so that each study guide correlates with the appropriate “Be” book. David C Cook plans to release additional editions of the series over the next few years.

The Wiersbe Bible Study Series by Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe
David C Cook/January 2010
http://www.davidccook.com/

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Shopping for a Cause

Something I love to do is shop for a cause.  I love accomplishing two things in one.  I get something I want/need and a worthy organization/person gets something, too.  Girl Scout cookies?  Check.  Scrip fundraising cards?  Check.  Market Day, popcorn, American Cancer Society stuff?  Check, check, check.  One year I bought half my Christmas gifts from missions partners at our church Missions Fair.

Here are some sites I'd like to share with you of some very groovy products helping some phenomenal individuals.

http://www.bytavi.com/ by Tavi is a line created by the Center for Global Impact (visit their site), providing an outlet for women in Cambodia to earn income by marketing the products that they create in their home city of Phnom Penh. 

http://www.missioncoffee.org/ Coffee!!  Need I say more??  All proceeds from the sale of Mission Coffee
fund the mission of Panama Christian Evangelism - the proceeds are returned to the mission in cash or in medicine.



http://www.threadsofyunnan.com/ Threads of Yunnan is a project that helps rural women in China learn a skill and create income for their families. They also receive other training to help them lead safer, healthier lives.



I have items from all of these sources and they are wonderful.  A number of ladies in my office recently purchased pashmina scarves from by Tavi for the awesome price of $15!

These are just a few on my mind this evening.  Many similar organizations are assisting individuals world-wide with micro-enterprise operations that bring hope and a future where poverty is very, very real.  I encourage you to support these operations when and where you can and share with others whenever you find an opportunity to do so.  So share any other good Shopping for a Cause tips/strategies!!!