Clueless

Apparently, even when they get older our kids have no idea what we do at work. My husband, Jim, is Environmental Services Director over 2 Community Network hospitals. He's been in the cleaning business like 20 years. Here is the conversation I had this morning with my oldest daughter, Hannah, which I found very entertaining:
Me: I have officially decided that what I want for Christmas is a new vacuum.
H: Good luck with that.
Me: Why?!?
H: Because I don't think Dad is the one to really know how to get you a vacuum.
Me: Seriously? Who better than Dad? He buys vacuums for a living.
H: No he doesn't. He buys paper towels and toilet paper.
Me: *hahahahahahahaha*
H: He does. I always hear him on the phone asking if the toilet paper got ordered...

We can make it!

Another video (I'm on a kick).  First saw Mike-E a few years ago at an American Cancer Society/Relay for Life leadership event.  Liked this song immediately.  Never regretted snatching up his CD right away.  This is one of Hannah's favorites, too.  Don't know how many times I've sung over and over to myself, "Alrught. Everything will alright - we can make it."  And it helps.  Love the message that we are all one, different but one.

Everything's Coming Up Roses

This song pretty much sums me up today.  So had to share.  Hopefully it will brighten your day a little if it hasn't exactly been sunshine and lollipops for you.  (Come on, can you really frown through a whole Ethel Merman performance?)



I am so crazy blessed.  It's overwhelming to me.

There's Gold in Them There Teeth

Kaylie story: (because it has been awhile)

(If you know Kaylie, you'll appreciate this; if you don't know Kaylie, I'm not quite sure what you'll think...)

Kaylie has decided she needs money to buy some random toy she doesn't need and I will not purchase.  (Have you seen the child's room? .... please tell me no, if you have, I don't want to know)  So, when she unearthed some teeth when cleaning her room today, she decided she was going to claim what she apparently failed to previously claim from the Tooth Fairy. 
"Mom, I found some teeth when I was cleaning my room - and one of them, Mom, has a silver filling in it - and anyway, Mom, I found some teeth and I need some money; I really need some money, so I am going to turn them all in to the Tooth Fairy." 
To which I probably said something lame like, "Ok" because I was trying to remember how much cash I had on me. 
But then she says, "Or, I think I might start a tooth collection."  (Like she needs another collection in her room.  Once again, have you seen the clutter in there?)  "I'm either going to save them, to remember my childhood, or I am going to sell them."
Me: "Who do you think is going to buy them?"
K: "Well, one has a silver filing in it.  Or people who need dentures."
That's one small set o' dentures, kid.

(PS - I read the Tooth Fairy's note - oh, yes, there is always a note.  Usually because she is instructed to leave one, answer multiple questions about her lifestyle, AND draw a picture.  And while the Tooth Fairy might be adept at disguising her handwriting, she is definitely not an artist.  She draws stick figures.  ANYWAY (see where Kaylie gets her ramblings?), the Tooth Fairy's note said Kaylie is too grown up and she (Tooth Fairy) can't keep coming back.  I love and treasure the notes and the sweetness and innocence of it all, but Asperger's or not, she (Kaylie) has to grow up, too.  *sad*)

(PPS - above photo is Kaylie at Colts Camp.  In Anderson.  Reading.  Because that's how she rolls.)

Do Everything!

Tune-in Tuesday!
Today is the release date for Steven Curtis Chapman's latest album, re:creation.  You need to check it out.  Here is the clever and fun video for the single "Do Everything".  Enjoy!
(PS - if you haven't heard, he'll be performing at Traders Point in September!)

Scales of Blahness

So I bought a new bathroom scale because I felt my old one was not consistent enough.

OK, how stupid was that? What was I thinking? Am I delirious from the heat?? Before, if I was too heavy, I could turn a blind eye and blame it on the scale; if I was extra light, I could rejoice in my "success", even though I knew that I could step back on the scale 5 minutes later and be 5 pounds heavier.

Did I choose to revel in and enjoy this blissful ignorance? No, I had to go purchase a new (presumably more accurate) scale. Can I just tell you how depressing that was? To make it worse, this new scale also measures body fat. (Trying to remind myself why I thought that would be a good thing to know.) I think I had naively convinced myself that I was thinner than I am. The readings on the scale were depressing enough to send me into milkshake therapy.

But I am trying to use it for good. Hopefully this is the slap in the face I need and I will finally start reversing the past several years and get back to a decent weight.  Always a challenge with the meds I take and working in a French bistro, surrounded by fattening foods and tempting, delicious, calorie-laden desserts. But I am going to do it. I will see those numbers go down.

I hope. (Did that sound convincing?)

Happy Independence Day!

Lee Greenwood getting patriotic - love it!



Hope you have a wonderful day!

Start a Movement

The Life Book Movement has big plans for the 2011-12 school year.

Printing is underway for 1.2 million Life Books, and half of those have already been spoken for. Don’t miss your chance to let the churches in your area know how they can get involved in this fall.

What is the Life Book Movement? Founded by The Gideons International, The Life Book Movement is an innovative strategy to reach high school students with the Word of God. The movement is a Christian mission centered on The Life Book, a unique presentation of Scripture designed to engage high school students with the truth of God’s Word, created by Carl Blunt, president and CEO of The Life Book Movement. The Life Book presents a brief overview of the Old Testament and the Book of John using an interactive format with honest student comments and real-life questions in the margins. Readers are drawn into the only story that can change their lives forever.

The Life Book Movement works with churches throughout the country by providing free copies of The Life Book for students to give as gifts to their friends and classmates during school. Blunt’s organization brilliantly takes advantage of a student’s freedom to distribute religious literature by getting The Life Book into the hands of Christian high school students and having them pass the books out to classmates at school—a practice that is acceptable, as long as the books are not distributed by school staff or other adults. In less than two years since the Life Book Movement got it’s start, over half a million Life Books have been distributed and the movement is growing by leaps and bounds.

Summer is almost here, but now is the time to think about mobilizing your students to reach their classmates this fall. Don't miss out! 1.2 Million students will be reached with God's Word in the coming school year and we want Christian students in your area to reach them. If you wait until the fall, you may be too late - books are being spoken for every day.

Watch the promo video here.

A full online version of The Life Book is available for you to take a closer look at by clicking here.

http://www.thelifebook.com/ – www.twitter.com/carlblunt – www.facebook.com/carlblunt

TCM International

Here is a video clip about the ministry that I will be serving in May - so excited and blessed to be traveling to Austria again this year!!


TCM International from Traders Point Christian Church on Vimeo.

Victory in Jesus - Standing Firm and Overcoming

Victory in Jesus


Warren Wiersbe Studies Standing Firm and Overcoming


Developing an intimate relationship with Christ is a life-long process, and the study of His Word is one of the primary avenues through which we learn and draw closer to Him. Dr. Warren Wiersbe’s ability to explore and explain the Bible has been a foundational resource for many during this life-long pursuit, and now his well-loved “Be” commentaries are available in a series of eight-week Bible studies. These small-group studies will enable readers to reach deeply into the riches of God’s Word and gain a clearer understanding of who Christ is and how He taught His followers during His ministry here on earth.

Each eight-week study includes an introduction to the particular book of the Bible, tips for small group study, self-introspective questions, and practical applications. Throughout the study, portions of Dr. Wiersbe’s “Be” commentaries are included to provide greater insight and to encourage those participating in the study to continue to deepen their study of God’s Word. Students of God’s Word may then decide to explore Dr. Wiersbe’s commentaries more completely as they move through individual books of the Bible.

Dr. Warren Wiersbe has devoted his life to the deep examination of God’s Word. He is an internationally known Bible teacher, former pastor of The Moody Church in Chicago, and the author of more than 160 books. Among this large body of written work, the “Be” commentary series has become a resource that millions have come to rely on for over thirty years. Dr. Wiersbe also served as the contributing editor of The Transformation Study Bible. The timeless insights on Scripture provided by Dr. Wiersbe have helped countless numbers of readers to better understand and apply God’s Word to their daily lives. Known to many as the “pastor’s pastor,” Dr. Wiersbe combines historical explanations and thought-provoking questions with the unchanging truth of Scripture in such a way that believers at every level of spiritual maturity can easily grasp its relevance.

Studies to be released this spring include:
Nehemiah: Standing Firm in the Face of Opposition – Nehemiah was an ordinary man given an impossible task: to rebuild the war-torn city of Jerusalem. This Bible study examines the life, legacy, and perseverance of Nehemiah. (ISBN: 9780781404556/softcover/144 pages/$8.99/February 2011)

Revelation: In Christ You Are an Overcomer – The book of Revelation is one of the Bible’s most mysterious books. This Bible study takes a practical approach to Revelation and shares how one can experience a victorious life. (ISBN: 9781434702319/softcover/144 pages/$8.99/February 2011)

Dr. Warren Wiersbe’s commentaries and his world-renowned knowledge of God’s Word can now be enjoyed in a format that allows everyone to enjoy spending time getting to know the Savior. David C Cook plans to continue releasing volumes in the Wiersbe Bible Study Series over the next few years.

The Wiersbe Bible Study Series by Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe
David C Cook/February 2011
http://www.davidccook.com/

A BIllion Reasons Why

Practically Perfect



Can God’s best include passion and security?



Katie McKenna had resolved to live a quiet life, marry a practical Christian man, and leave all her “worldly” desires behind. Since moving to California, she’d made it her goal to live life logically and for the Lord. She has the perfect life—a fulfilling job, a cute apartment, and a wedding to plan with her soon-to-be fiancé, Dexter.

But then in walks Luc DeForges, the handsome ex-boyfriend who’d broken her heart. After graduating college and rejecting Katie, Luc cornered the organic food market and became one of the most eligible multi-millionaire bachelors. But now he’s back and asking her to go home to New Orleans to sing at his brother’s wedding. She hasn’t fallen victim to her emotions since leaving New Orleans, and she’s invested too much to give into them now.

When Luc was in his element, there was nothing like it. His excitement was contagious and spread like a classroom virus, infecting those around him with a false sense of security. Katie inhales deeply and reminds herself that the man sold inspiration by the pound. His power over her was universal. It did not make her special.

Katie’s boyfriend, Dexter, is a practical man. As Katie’s roommate Eileen offers, “Katie, no matter how many entries you put in that book, Dexter is not going to be a romantic. I mean, fine, you’re going to marry him. He’s a good man. I just don’t want you to be disappointed. No matter how many junior high school hearts you draw next to his name, Dexter is going to order you what the Internet says is the proper gift for each anniversary. He’ll probably have a program created that does it for him.” But Dexter is safe. He’ll be a good dad. He’s very intellectual. He’s punctual. He’s everything she needs in a husband.

And Dexter will propose as soon as she gets her grandmother’s ring from her mom. And Luc will provide her with a free trip home for just that purpose. Plus, she needs to go home to New Orleans. It’s her last chance to find out why Luc tossed her from his life like a banana peel off the back of her father’s pickup. Love is a decision. A choice. All the leading experts said so, and she’d decided she would love Dexter in a way that honored and respected him. The way she’d loved Luc left her worn out and depleted, like an empty air mattress. Then what use was she? She’d get her ring and closure as well. Then nothing would stand in the way of her life with Dexter.

But what if God has more in store for her? What if God’s desire for her is a heart full of life? Can the passions she had as a young woman, which led to many of her past mistakes, still have a place in her life?

Kristin Billerbeck is a successful novelist from northern California. She has authored more than 30 novels, including the Ashley Stockingdale series and the Spa Girls series. She is a leader in the Chick Lit movement, a Christy Award finalist, and a two-time winner of the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year Award. She has appeared on The Today Show and has been featured in the New York Times.

A Billion Reasons Why by Kristin Billerbeck
Thomas Nelson/February 2011/ISBN: 978-1-59554-791-0/320 pages/softcover/$14.99
http://www.thomasnelson.com/ ~ http://www.kristinbillerbeck.com/


Tricia here:  Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy.  I feel badly, however, as I was not super-fond of this book.  Had I been able to spend more quality time with the characters, I think I would have really liked it, but it just made too many leaps - I would have liked things to be developed a little more and see the changes in the characters take place over time.  Perhaps it is because I read the book over several days, but it just seemed like a lot of flip-flopping only to serve plot, not because the characters got there on their own.  But it was a fun book and nice to read something set in New Orleans.

Daffodil Days

Don't forget to order your daffodils to support the American Cancer Society!

To place an order, please visit my page.  Not in Central Indiana?  You can still give a Gift of Hope that will benefit ACS and provide daffodils to local cancer patients.

Thanks!!

No thanks for your "support"

Police fund telemarketer man calls.


Dude: "(blah, blah, blah) We're the police fund that doesn't use telephone telemarketers"

Me: (to myself) didn't you call me?

Me: I can't give anything this year because all of our charitable donations for the year have already been allocated and we don't have any to spare.

Dude: (disbelieving) In February?

Me: Trust me, we are dedicating a significant amount this year and it is all allocated. You are going to say, "you can't even give $10?" and I'm going to say "no, I can't even give $10".

Dude: grumble, grumble "have a good year" (um, you could tell this is really not what he wanted to say)

 
Is that bad? Should I have broken down for him the $10,000 for mission trips we are taking (prayerfully not all of this will come out of our pockets, but a really big chunk will), plus our church giving, plus the Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, Taylor University, our sponsor child in Haiti, the missionaries in Central Asia we help support, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera? 
 
I just don't think I should have to justify to some dude how I choose to do my giving, but I also don't like somebody judging me and thinking I am a horrible person because I won't give $10.  Grrrrrr.

We're not alone....

Lest we forget that the rest of the world has to deal with extreme weather too, I present this photo taken via satellite over Queensland, where they are feeling the wrath of Tropical Cyclone Yasi. 

(Click the link below to access this and additional photos attributed to NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center - there are several really intriguing photos!)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gsfc/5409839027/

Nachoterians

It's a snow day, so the girls and I are at home today.  Had a late breakfast of coffeecake, so I told the girls we'd have a snack later in lieu of lunch. 

H:  I know what I'm gonna have.  Nacho cheese and chips!
K: You eat that alot.  Why do you always eat that?
H:  Because I like it.
K: Well at least your not a nacho-terian
Me: (snorting the coffee I just drank)
H:  What on earth is that?!?
K:  Someone who says they are a vegetarian so that they can eat nacho chips and cheese all the time.

So next time someone tells you they are "vegetarian", maybe you should keep an eye on what they actually eat.  :)

Interrupting Life...

Have you or your teens seen or heard the TV and radio commercials for Groundwire?

From MTV to Popular Hip Hop Stations, Groundwire Interrupts Teens with Answers to Life

Teens today can be overwhelmed searching for meaning amidst depressing hopelessness, negative self-image, and the pressure to be perfect. To meet the needs of hurting teenagers across the country, Groundwire, a current and innovative outreach, has become a ministry where teens find comfort, guidance, and answers delivered through multi-media communication.

Groundwire leverages media and technology to meet teens exactly where they are — viewing, listening, texting, or chatting — and to invite them to voice their questions and struggles so they can find answers in the message of the Gospel. With a raw and real approach, the ministry builds its burgeoning impact through broadcasting that strategically places television and radio spots on secular stations. Teens listening to popular radio broadcasts or viewing favorite shows on networks like MTV, VH1, Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim programming, and Comedy Central are interrupted by direct spots. These spots catch their attention, resonating with where they are today. Groundwire’s targeted, authentic, and well-produced commercials are grabbing the attention of teens by the millions. Teens responding to the broadcast messages are invited to visit Groundwire’s website where they can chat with a live spiritual coach available day and night, as well as find a collection of resources such as podcasts by Groundwire’s founder and executive director, Sean Dunn, and daily devotionals.

Relevant topics, cutting-edge communication, the dynamic speaking and content of founder Sean Dunn, and powerful truths have made Groundwire a growing ministry. “Eighty-six percent of teens today believe in God, but don’t believe God is loving,” explains Dunn. “Even fewer believe that they are lovable. What would happen if those teens truly understood God’s purpose for their lives and the hope and meaning he offers each one?”

What began on radio over seven years ago has now expanded to also include television broadcasts in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, San Diego, Phoenix, Tampa, Denver, Little Rock, and Spokane. Groundwire is experiencing growth as the ministry cuts right to the heart of the issues teens are wrestling with today and invites them to a safe and honest conversation where they can find answers in the truths of God’s word and in his love. Life-changing stories are received from teens of different backgrounds across the nation.

“I was struggling with a lot of things—cutting, not eating, depression, and suicidal attempts. I was angry and wanted to talk to someone. I felt that I would be judged or shunned if I talked to anyone I knew about such sensitive subjects. I heard an ad on the radio for Groundwire and decided to check it out. I logged on one evening, and since that night my life has changed in a lot of ways. The people at Groundwire chatted, prayed, and encouraged me. I could log on at pretty much anytime of the day and there would be someone to chat and/or pray with me. Since then, I’ve come a long way with their help, and most of all, God’s.”

“We are committed to expanding our reach even further in the coming year. We plan to grow our radio reach from 14 to 20 million listeners each week and our television audience from 20% to 40% of households in the US, and to even replicate our message into other languages,” says Sean Dunn. Groundwire has captured a unique opportunity to use mainstream media to “go into all the world” and reach an entire generation right where they are with the hope of the Gospel.

There are several ways you can help Groundwire reach their goals for 2011!
Post about Groundwire and spread the word about what they are doing.
(check out their website below to get the HTML to post a video)
Pray for them!
Learn how to become a coach.
Let your church know about Groundwire.
They are looking for partner churches to point young people to.
Financial support to aid in getting the spots to air in your area.

For more information, visit http://www.groundwire.net/ and http://www.broadcasthope.com/

My Debut as a Band Mom

Hannah had her first band concert the other night. Here's an excerpt. Unfortunately, you can't see her most of the time because the director is in the way. But if you get a glimpse of half a head with a big bow...that's her!!!

(PS - my dad, the criminal defense attorney, posted this to YouTube. His username is Mr. Soddi, which stands for "some other dude did it". Hee hee. Guess he hears that alot.) :]

What Does It Mean To Be Healthy?

The health care system may be a mess—

but you don’t have to be

Your health and wellness belong to you—and you alone. While it’s true that doctors and the health care system play a role in your care, they’re only one part of true wellness. If you’re ready to venture into real health, read this book.

Dr. Scott Morris, founder of the church Health Center in Memphis, TN—the largest faith-based clinic of its kind in the United States—shows how your physical health is being affected by your spiritual well being.

In Health Care You Can Live With, Dr. Morris explains how
• health care went wrong
• the church offers real answers
• you can take charge of your own wellness


Showing that healing—both physical and spiritual—is a key aspect of the Christian faith, Health Care You Can Live With provides an understandable framework for wellness and the encouraging real-life stories of those who found a better life within the overarching love of God.

With twenty years as a family practice physician serving a diverse population in Memphis, the nation’s poorest major city, Morris is uniquely experienced in the challenges of our health care system today and Health Care You Can Live With offers a surprising behind-the-scenes visit into the troubles we are currently facing around the issues of health care and health care reform. With a thoughtful yet candid approach, Morris invites the reader to question what we really know about health care. Who does our health care system serve, and what does it do or not do for others? Do we even know what medical research is really accomplishing? With clarity, Morris informs the reader, drawing from history, current research, and personal stories taken from the thousands of patients he has cared for, and equips the reader with both practical and valuable knowledge.

Health Care You Can Live With:

Discover Wholeness in Body and Spirit

by Dr. G. Scott Morris

Barbour Publishing/January 2011

ISBN: 978-1-61626-247-1

http://www.healthcareyoucanlivewith.com/

Listen to an interview with Dr. Morris on uReadBooks!

Would you like to review this book on your blog?

Email Audra at The B&B Media Group to find out how!

The Cabbage and the Cat (by Kaylie)

Here is a story Kaylie wrote in computer lab last week.  Not sure what the assignment was or how focused she was when she wrote it.  Thought you might find it interesting, though.  (If you know Kaylie, you can hear her telling you this story as you read it.) 

There was a cabbage and a cat in Arizona, on the rough desert sands.  The cabbage was rough too, in texture.  The chair they played on was sometimes pulled by the wind.  One day, the cat, whose name was Ashley, had a flag.  It was not a cute flag, but a crude one.  The rough cabbage didn't do anything, because, well, cabbages are not alive.  Ashley told the cabbage that the flag was from King Arthur's court!  Again the cabbage did not do anything,  Ashley and the cabbage, okay, the cabbage is called Rico, Ashley and Rico went off for King Arthur's court.  When they got there the cabbage finally did something!  He gave King Arthur the flag.  Then he started doing nothing again and they went home.  The End.

It's No Secret

(Tricia here:  I wasn't too sure about this book at first, but I am glad to say I was pleasantly surprised.  It was an enjoyable read, with some lovely nuggets to take away.  It would make a good group study, too.)

ARE YOU TIRED OF LIFE AS USUAL ?

Done with feeling exhausted—or worse, bored? Ready to trade your issues and hang-ups for greater intimacy and fulfillment? Then it’s time you did some digging for biblical “bling” and discovered the shining secrets to life in God’s kingdom. Rachel’s writing is lighthearted and fun, but she’s serious about helping you uncover biblical secrets that can make your life shine. This book will help you:

o Overcome the comparisons and competitive urges that leave you lonely
o Accept help from others
o Discover God’s surprising source of spiritual beauty and strength
o Embrace your need for rest
o Find adventure as you yield wholeheartedly to God

o Dig into the Bible for yourself and understand what you find there

Grab your Bible and a girlfriend, and come discover twelve secrets the world doesn’t know.

About the Author:
Rachel Olsen is a writer, editor, and speaker on staff with Proverbs 31 Ministries. She writes for and serves as senior editor of their popular online devotions, “Encouragement for Today,” with a readership of more than 300,000. She also writes for and serves on the editorial board of the P31 Woman magazine. Olsen is a national women’s speaker and enjoys interacting with audiences at women’s retreats and conferences from coast to coast.