Growing for Christ

Jul. 13, 2009 - WannaBe e-book Giveaway

Remember the review on the ebook about using ebooks? Well I have an extra copy of a TOS' (The Old Schoolhouse) WannaBe Chef. This is part of a great new series called WannaBe, a great way to find out about occupations like firefighter, chef, vet and on and on so I have been given permission to give away my extra copy. It's a digital download so no waiting on my husband to get paid for me to mail it out you'll get it as soon as I email it to you!

If you want to know more about the Chef WannaBe ebook my review is here or you can read more here.

Now for what you need to do to enter: (**make sure to leave me a way to contact you, email, blog, FB, whatever, if I can't contact you I can't email you the ebook**)

There are several ways to enter, you can do each way one time a day for up to 5 entries per day! This is my first international giveaway!!! so everyone can enter. You MUST do #1 before you do any of the others.

1. Visit the TOS WannaBe series store page and look around at the other ebooks in the series, come back here and tell me which one really caught your eye.

**EXTRA ENTRIES**

2. Follow me on Facebook ( My page click here.)

3. Follow me on Twitter (my twitter click here.)

4. Follow my blog, Growing For Christ.

5. Follow my review blog, An Ohio Reviewing Mom.

If you are already doing any of 2 - 5 just tell me that and you will be entered. Remember to leave me a way to contact you. Remember you can enter all 5 ways once per day. This mean you can get 65 entries if you do all five ways until the contest ends at midnight EST on July 13th!!!

So enter away!!!!

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Jul. 1, 2009 - New dress and pin cushion

I have been trying to figure out to do the ruffle on a dress that was supposed to be Hannah's but I took so long in making it that it's now Bethanne's and I finished yesterday evening. She was so happy with it that she begged to wear it today, I was going to save it until the 4th, but I relented LOL. I add a tag in the back that says "made with love by mom" and she was ready. She had to wear a shirt under it for modesty and it looks cute on her, but then again I am biased :D

Next up is my tea cup pin cushion. I have been trying to figure out what to do with the cute tea cup and saucer since I bought it for $0.50 a couple years ago. Now that I have a wonderful, beautiful sewing basket from my DC and DH for mother's day and a sewing table, what better way than to make my sewing area (albeit a small sewing area) a little more beautiful. So I made a tea cup pincushion, definitely better than my tomato/strawberry (no one can agree in my family what fruit it is LOL). I took some fabric with a light flower pattern, quilt batting, a metal scrubby pad, liquid nails and put it all together. I liquid nailed the saucer to the cup so I have a place I can put small notions while sewing or in case of dropped needles.

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Jul. 1, 2009 - TOS Summer Subscription Promo

Even though I am no longer on the TOS review Crew I still love and enjoy the TOS magazine. It just keeps getting better, they are now on Facebook so you can stay up to date on what is going on with the magazine, there are montly freebies and right now there are 30 days of giveaways, plus you can get answers about curriculum that has been used by other homeschoolers around the world, support for your homeschooling and just general, helpful information regarding homeschooling. It's a great place to go for information and support BUT first you have to be a Fan so come on over and become a Fan of TOS on Facebook!

Another thing I wanted to let you all know about is the 19 Free gifts that is the TOS but they only go to the first 5,000 two year new or renewing subscribers to TOS. Some of the great freebies are a:

free 10X13 portrait from Sears
Natural Gift Pack from Wildtree
$20 gift card to Franklin Springs
$10 Apologia Gift card
I Can Write - 1 year writing program
Quarter Mile Math - free math drill software
Daystar $10.00 gift certificate
In the Hands of a Child project pack CD

and many, many more!!!!!! So come on over to check out TOS' 19 Summer Gifts.

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Jun. 25, 2009 - E-Homeschooling: Embracing the E-book Revolution

Have you wondered what all the hype is about e-book? Wonder how to organize and decide what to keep and what to let go? I know I do and I am addicted to e-books! E-books have been gaining in popularity especially in the homeschooling arena because of the simplicity and not having to take up room on our already crowded bookshelves. When there are a surplus of free and cheap e-books for curriculums, literature, lapbooks, notebooking pages it's easy to have a e-book overload. This is where The Old Schoolhouse has come to the rescue yet again.

There is a new e-book titled E-Homeschooling: Embracing the E-book Revolution put out by The Old Schoolhouse. It is definitely worth it to buy this if you want to figure out how to read, organize, use and all the other uses that you can do with e-books. I am the first one who would admit I would much rather have a book in my hands, the smell of a new book, feeling the pages in my hand, but e-books especially when it come to homeschooling does have a specific niche to fill.

The e-book is divided into sections ranging from why buy e-books, unique benefits of e-books, how to read them, virutal bookshelves, storing e-books, publishing and other topics. One drawback to ebooks is the fact of sitting in front of your computer and reading it, this is addressed in the e-book, but there are many ways that you do not have to sit for hours in front of the screen. Reading devices are becoming more available (if you have the money, most homeschoolers I know do not) and can be used to hold in your hand while reading. Printing off just what you need is also an option. Many ideas and issues about e-books are addressed and can put your fears to rest about using e-books.

I will say using e-books has saved me from spending a lot of money on homeschooling supplies, so I am very happy with e-books but I think I would have started using them sooner had I read this e-book first. This e-book really does contain tons of information regarding frequently asked or thought questions about e-books and is well worth it's cost in the amount of information included. If you have never bought an e-book before I suggest you start with this one and then once you put your fears and questions to rest start slowly. Check it out, but I will warn you - e-books can become addicting!

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Jun. 21, 2009 - TOS Summer Reading

Have you been by to visit Splish's TOS Summer Reading blog? If not please stop by, there are some wonderful, fun things going on over there and book giveaways! My three children submitted their Splish coloring pages and Hannah was the winner for the 10 and under age group! She is getting a prize pack of 5 books from Sleeping Bear Press. The pack includes the following titles:

A Girl Named Dan
B is For Big Ben
B is For Bookworm
J is For Jumpshot
D is For Democracy

Here is Hannah's picture of Splish. Can you tell she loves color, the more the better :D Hannah also has a blog, there isn't much there yet but she is working on it, you can visit her at Fruits of the Spirit.

Here is Bethanne's (she will be 5 at the end of September)

And last but not least is Christian's (he will be 3 at the end of July)

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Jun. 20, 2009 - The Vanishing Sculptor by Donita K. Paul

Welcome to another blog tour for The Vanishing Sculptor by Donita K. Paul it is a fantasy, allegorical, fantasy. I have not had a chance to full read this book but have read 4 chapters and thus far it has been a good book one I think children will like. If you'd like more information on purchasing this book after reading my blog tour please visit Random House, Inc.

Summary:

Donita K. Paul’s 250,000-plus-selling DragonKeeper Chronicles series has attracted a wide spectrum of dedicated fans–and they’re sure to fall in love with the new characters and adventures in her latest superbly crafted fiction novel for all ages. It’s a mind-boggling fantasy that inhabits the same world as the DragonKeeper Chronicles, but in a different country and an earlier time, where the people know little of Wulder and nothing of Paladin.
In The Vanishing Sculptor, readers will meet Tipper, a young emerlindian who’s responsible for the upkeep of her family’s estate during her sculptor father’s absence. Tipper soon discovers that her actions have unbalanced the whole foundation of her world, and she must act quickly to undo the calamitous threat. But how can she save her father and her world on her own? The task is too huge for one person, so she gathers the help of some unlikely companions–including the nearly five-foot tall parrot Beccaroon–and eventually witnesses the loving care and miraculous resources of Wulder. Through Tipper’s breathtaking story, readers will discover the beauty of knowing and serving God.

About Donita K. Paul:

Donita K. Paul is a retired teacher and author of numerous novellas, short stories, and eight novels, including the best-selling DragonKeeper Chronicles, a series which has sold more than a quarter million books to date. The winner of multiple awards, she lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she spends time mentoring and encouraging young writers. Visit her online at donitakpaul.com.

If you are interested in joining in for Waterbrook blog tours ( a division of Random House) pleas visit the Blogging For Books website.

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Jun. 19, 2009 - Used Curriculum Sale

I have never been to one and finally had my chance this Tuesday to go, my DH gave me a little money and I went prepared with a list (which I usually stick with) I couldn't find anything on my list but did find some great deals anyway and we will use for our school as well as just for some fun reading!

The two items not shown is a small children's book on Dinosaurs which promptly disappeared to be looked at and ohhed and ahhed over as well as the homeschool group's production of The King and I (it was so nice to be able to get that on DVD for $1.00) Did I mention I belong to a great homeschooling group? The family who made it the DVD's included the case with them and didn't want to charge an arm and a leg for it.

So in case you can't see what's in the picture, working my way from bottom to top:

Dinah Zike's Big Book of Books by Dinah Zike (this is great for writing projects, book reports, notebooking, lapbooking etc)

A Mobile kit which I thought and new my oldest would like.

Home Lif in Colonial Days by Alice Morse Earle (1851-1911) republished by Berkshire House Publishers

Child Life in Colonial Days by Alice Morse Earle (same info as above)

The Hope Chest: A Legacy of Love by Rebekah Wilson

Wildflowers Northeastern/Northcentral North America by Roger Tory Peterson/Margaret McKenney

For a Grand total of $11.25 My husband was impressed and I am happy with my choices :)

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Jun. 19, 2009 - TOS FB fan page and 19 FREE gifts promo

free 10X13 portrait from Sears
Natural Gift Pack from Wildtree
$20 gift card to Franklin Springs
$10 Apologia Gift card
I Can Write - 1 year writing program
Quarter Mile Math - free math drill software
Daystar $10.00 gift certificate
In the Hands of a Child project pack CD

and many, many more!!!!!! So come on over to check out TOS' 19 Summer Gifts.

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Jun. 15, 2009 - Father's Day Inspiration

Here are some great, short reads for some Father's Day Inspiration put out by Kathy Carlton Willis Communications:

Meeting Daddy
By: Cynthia Ruchti

Amy was six weeks pregnant when her husband’s army unit deployed to Iraq for eighteen months. I felt my friend’s pain deep in my bones, aching with a brand of grief reserved only for times like that. Caring for her two young children and their home would be stress enough for her without the added demands and challenges of a new baby on the way. Concern for her husband’s safety would mask every remotely joyful moment. The wonder of labor and delivery lay shrouded in loneliness. And the child would be many months old before meeting his or her daddy for the first time.

Change a few details and backtrack more than fifty years and that was my story.

My father served with the Marines during the Korean Conflict. Four days after I was born, his unit shipped out, leaving my mom and me to fend for ourselves for the next thirteen months. When relating my personal history, I have to start with that. It shaped my beginnings. I lived my first thirteen months seven thousand miles away from the dad who loved me and wasn’t allowed to hold me until I was already walking and capable of squirming out of his arms.

He’d read magazines during Mom’s labor. Fathers weren’t welcome in the delivery room in those days. He saw his first glimpses of me through the nursery window. Then he obediently reported for duty aboard the ship that would take him far from us and into the arms of daily danger.

In an era before the invention of camcorders, camera phones, and e-mail, my mother and father had only air mail letters to connect their hearts. Letters and scalloped-edged black and white photos.

As the firstborn child, my photo album bulged, all the more so since still pictures offered my dad his only tangible evidence that I was alive, growing, and as happy as a child can be without her father.

Mom would have sent him a lock of my hair from my first haircut if I’d had any to spare. When I learned to blow kisses, she’d “collect” some in an envelope to send to him. An amateur artist, Daddy sketched cartoonish scenes from his Marine unit—jeeps and tents and enlisted men and helicopters. Even before I understood a word she said, my mom read those letters to me over and over again. They were my lullabies. She showed me his picture and talked about what a wonderful daddy I had.

Mom wanted me to know who he was and what he was like before he came home. From the stories they’ve told, both of my parents were nervous about that first meeting. They worried I’d be frightened of the stranger who was my father. He’d survived the war, but my fearing or resisting him would have killed him, they said.

To compound the concern, I was just at that age when a toddler begins to fear strangers. Somebody would smile at me in church and I’d start screaming.

But my mom had prepared me well. The pictures. The letters. Her gentle words about how much that smiling man in the pictures loved me. I’m told that when he finally came home and walked through the front door, I looked up at my mom, pointed to the tall Marine and asked, “Daddy?” Mom nodded, her throat imploding on itself. Her nod was all the assurance I needed. The next minute I was in his arms, dodging his tears of gratitude that I’d accepted him.

I give my mother a lot of credit for the success of that first meeting. She had prepared me well, leaving nothing to chance. My toddler mind entertained no doubt that he cared about me. I knew that truth before he even got home from the war because of what my mother taught me about him.

If the Lord walked into the room in a few minutes, would the people around me recognize Him not by His beard or hair or flowing robes, but because of how I have described Him?

Would people meeting Him for the first time find the situation comfortable and reassuring because of how well I prepared them?

Am I constantly showing others snapshots of the Lord through the way I live and love, the things I say about Him, the things He said that I pass on to them?

Do I talk about Him frequently, with loving words, expressing how very much He loves even those who have not yet met Him?

Would His sudden presence seem intimidating and frightening, or more like a warm homecoming?

In light of how you and I act day to day, would others respond to His entrance into their lives this way:

“Oh, sure! I recognize Him. I've heard my neighbor talk about Him. I've seen my coworker act like that. I've heard those same affirming words coming out of my brother-in-law's mouth. I've seen examples of what He's like. His amazing love and generosity and compassion and caring don't surprise me at all. They are just what I expected from what my friend shared about Him. I heard that His touch brings healing. I heard that He can help make sense out of the questions that trouble me. I didn't need more of an introduction than the one my friend already gave me. I’d recognize Jesus a mile away.”

Pictures and reflections and stories and evidence still lack the wonder of that first face-to-face encounter. As I Corinthians 13:12 (KJV) reminds us, “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face; now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”

About Cynthia: Cynthia Ruchti writes stories of “hope that glows in the dark.” The drama/devotional radio broadcast Cynthia writes and produces—The Heartbeat of the Home—airs on 16 radio stations and two cable/digital television stations. Cynthia is editor of the ministry’s Backyard Friends magazine. She also serves as current president of American Christian Fiction Writers. Her debut novel—They Almost Always Come Home—releases in spring 2010 with Abingdon Press.

No-Cost Big Reward Father's Day Gift Ideas
By: Sharon Lovejoy Autry and Laurie Lovejoy Autry

There we sat at dinner - a time that, in my mind, is supposed to be calm and non-stressful. (I've heard food digests better.) But, after a draining workday, little things can seem huge. The kids were planning yet another summer business endeavor which crawled all over my husband. He began lecturing the negatives of such an endeavor...point 1, point 2...I felt like we were in a business meeting. I must have rolled my eyes. I glanced at my daughter who wasn't listening to her father. She was looking at me. Her response to point 1 and 2: rolling her eyes.

Children do what we do . . . Boy, that's a scary thought for me. How do you treat your husband? Do you respect him with your words, actions, attitudes, eyes? I struggle sometimes when I feel so justified in my disrespect. Can you relate? I think the best thing we as moms can do to help our children to respect their dad is to treat him with respect ourselves. Here are some Father's Day (and everyday) tips to help our children respect their fathers:

A compliment a day goes a long way! Brag on your husband in front of your children (and in front of him).
Show me the love! Let your children know how much you love their daddy. Show affection in front of your children. They may say, "Yuck!" but it provides much needed security for their lives.
Instead of being put-out -Pray! Include your children in praying for dad's job, leadership, etc.
Give him grace . . . Show him grace even when he doesn't deserve it . . . remember, neither do we. Nehemiah 9:17b says "But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love."
Phone Manners. Next time you are in the middle of something and your husband calls you on the phone, be aware of your tone of voice, are you respectful? . . . little ears may be listening and learning.
"Daddy's Home!" Be as excited to see your husband when he comes home from work as your children are! Make yourself stop what you are doing to greet him.
Choose your battles -When you think your husband is being unfair (and it's a battle you need to fight) talk to your husband in private; listen first and speak last. Psalm 141:3 "Set a guard over my mouth O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips."

Try these no-cost (big rewards) Father's Day gift ideas and see if it proves to be the gift that truly keeps on giving!

About Laurie Lovejoy Hilliard and Sharon Lovejoy Autry: Laurie Lovejoy Hilliard and Sharon Lovejoy Autry are wives, moms, sisters and great friends. They are the founders of Mom and Loving It Ministries whose mission is to provide hope for families by encouraging and equipping moms.
After these sisters and their families toured 40 states speaking and singing to thousands of moms, they settled in the North Texas area near their hometown of Whitesboro. They've been featured on numerous TV and radio shows and have written Mom and Loving It: Finding Contentment in REAL Life, and Hold You, Mommy: Moments with God for Moms on the Go. Their musical CD, Hold You, Mommy has encouraged thousands. Laurie and her husband Charles, have four children, Sharon and her husband Pat, have three.
This twosome inspires audiences at their Mom and Loving It Conferences to move from simply enduring motherhood to enjoying it. Through their genuine hearts and relatable stories, moms are put at ease and challenged to be a "Mom and Loving It!"
To find out more about using their books as studies in your ladies group, having them for a conference or to sign up for a free monthly Mom-e-Moment visit them at http://www.momandlovingit.org/

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Jun. 15, 2009 - Father's Day Blog Tour!!!

I had the pleasure of participating in the Father's Day Blog tour which allowed me the chance to read three books, unfortunately I only had the time to read the first two but after I finish the third there will be a forthcoming review done at An Ohio Reviewing Mom. So enjoy the blog tour!

1st book: "The Disappearance of God" by R. Albert Mohler Jr.

About the Book:

More faulty information about God swirls around us today than ever before. No wonder so many followers of Christ are unsure of what they really believe in the face of the new spiritual openness attempting to alter unchanging truth.

For centuries the church has taught and guarded the core Christian beliefs that make up the essential foundations of the faith. But in our postmodern age, sloppy teaching and outright lies create rampant confusion, and many Christians are free-falling for “feel-good” theology.

We need to know the truth to save ourselves from errors that will derail our faith.

As biblical scholar, author, and president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Dr. Albert Mohler, writes, “The entire structure of Christian truth is now under attack.” With wit and wisdom he tackles the most important aspects of these modern issues:
Is God changing His mind about sin?
Why is hell off limits for many pastors?
What’s good or bad about the “dangerous” emergent movement?
Have Christians stopped seeing God as God?
Is the social justice movement misguided?
Could the role of beauty be critical to our theology?
Is liberal faith any less destructive than atheism?
Are churches pandering to their members to survive?

In the age-old battle to preserve the foundations of faith, it's up to a new generation to confront and disarm the contemporary shams and fight for the truth. Dr. Mohler provides the scriptural answers to show you how.

My Opinion:

I enjoyed this book, I enjoy books that talk about what Christians should be and how they should follow God's Word as the inerrant truth for yesterday, today and tomorrow. While the author is President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and his writing does show a penchant for the Baptist denomination - this book is good for any denomination that wants to live like the disciples of old.

Mr. Mohler gets down into the nitty gritty that most churches ignore such as the ignoring of sin, sweeping Hell under the rug, and how we make God in our image and not in His Image. He uses some big terminology that may throw some people off in the reading of his book, but if you long to understand what is wrong in today's churches, wether it's Luthern, Baptist, Church of Christ, Catholic, Emergent, etc, it is imperative that you try to work your way through the book. You may want a concordance or a Bible/Theology dictionary at your side but it would be well worth it to read this book in it's entirety.

You can find more about purchasing this book HERE.

2nd Book: "The Knights of Arrethtrae Book 3: Sir Dalton and the Shadow Heart" by Chuck Black

About the Book:

Sir Dalton, a knight in training, seems to have everything going for him. Young, well-liked, and a natural leader, he has earned the respect and admiration of his fellow knights, and especially the beautiful Lady Brynn.

But something is amiss at the training camp. Their new trainer is popular but lacks the passion to inspire them to true service to the King and the Prince. Besides this, the knights are too busy enjoying a season of good times to be concerned with a disturbing report that many of their fellow Knights have mysteriously vanished.

When Sir Dalton is sent on a mission, he encounters strange attacks, especially when he is alone. As his commitment wanes, the attacks grow in intensity until he is captured by Lord Drox, a massive Shadow Warrior. Bruised and beaten, Dalton refuses to submit to evil and initiates a daring escape with only one of two outcomes–life or death. But what will become of the hundreds of knights he’ll leave behind? In a kingdom of peril, Dalton thinks he is on his own, but two faithful friends have not abandoned him, and neither has a strange old hermit who seems to know much about the Prince. But can Dalton face the evil Shadow Warrior again and survive?

My opinion:

Wow! I had never heard of this author before this blog tour let alone this great, allegorical series and I feel very deprived! I picked the book up to read one morning and finished by that same afternoon. It was action packed with knights, a man that is supposed to remind the reader of Christ and all sorts of sword fights to fight for the Son.

The whole book is filled with parallels to the Bible and that is what the author strives for in his writing, he wants to serve the Lord, that is his main passion besides loving his wife and their six children. Normally I don't read allegorical fiction books because I feel as if they detract from the true Bible stories but I must say that Mr. Black really hit on something with this series as he maintains Biblical integrity.

I am thinking of letting my 7 year old read this book, it is geared toward youth and teens and some younger children may not be able to handle some of the fight scenes as there is mention of blood and a mention of a dead body. I don't think this takes away from it though because as Christians we know death is not the end but only the begining so for a child who can comprehend and understand that I think they could gain something from this book, namely about our Lord Jesus Christ.

You can find more information on purchasing this book by visiting Random Houses' Sir Dalton page.

3rd Book: "Eyes Wide Open" by Jud Wilhite (this is the book I have not had time to read yet)

About the Book:

I had it all backwards. The main thing was not my love for God, but his love for me. And from that love I respond to God as one deeply flawed, yet loved. I’m not looking to prove my worth. I’m not searching for acceptance. I’m living out of the worth God already declares I have. I’m embracing his view of me and in the process discovering the person he created me to be.

In Eyes Wide Open, Jud Wilhite invites you to discover the real you. Not the you who pretends to be perfect to satisfy everyone’s expectations. Not the you who always feels guilty before God. Not the you who secretly feels God forgives everyone else but only tolerates you. Not the you who looks in the mirror and sees a failure. The real you, loved and forgiven by God, living out of your identity in Christ.

A travel guide through real spirituality from one incomplete person to another, Eyes Wide Open is a book of stories about following God in the messes of life, about broken pasts and our lifelong need for grace. It is a book about seeing ourselves and God with new eyes–eyes wide open to a God of love.

You can find more about Eyes Wide Open here.

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Jun. 14, 2009 - Brother's Graduation

Yesterday was my brother's graduation party plus we got to see their new house. My brother is officially a Dr. he earned his D.O. degree on May 30th. I pray that God gives him the wisdom as he begins working at the hospital that choose him on July 1st because we know God is the Supreme Doctor and earthly doctors can do nothing without Him. Being the thoughtful and frugal sister that I am I decided against buying him something that probably won't have much worth in the next few years and give him something that he can enjoy and treasure for years to come. Here is the fruit of my efforts:

I cross stitched this sampler for him. The tassel and the diploma ribbon is done in his alma mater's colors and done with a blended needle. Then I backstitched his name (minus his middle name because it wouldn't fit), date of graduation and the college name (try fitting Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine on a sampler LOL - my SIL gave me permission to abbreviate it as VCOM) I left enough aida fabric on the back if he ever chooses to have it professionally framed. My intials are in the bottom right corner. It is done on 14 count aida fabric.

Okay now each of my children also did a little something for him and here are their following works of art. Christian's is first, Bethanne's is second and Hannah's is third. They are done on canvas with acryllic paints.

Here is the picture of his cake. From Schuler's Bakery with their yummy icing flowers. Of course now that I know how to make identical icing I can be frugal LOL Nevertheless Schuler's cakes win hands down!

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Jun. 13, 2009 - **WINNER** Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes Giveaway

Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes!

I have a winner for the book!!!!!

It is number 9. Provided by Random.org

So the winner is:

Heatheranne

Thanks to everyone who entered my contest, check back often as I will have more blog tours and book contests.

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Jun. 12, 2009 - Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes book giveaway

Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes!

I have been given an extra copy of Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes to give away to one of my readers. This is a brand new, never been read copy of Robin Jones Gunn's new book! Read below for how to enter.

Please read my blog entry for the Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes blog tour and review and then follow the steps to enter. You may enter 1 time per day per step but not more that 3 entries per day. Open to U.S. residents only.

Make sure I have a way to contact you, either an email address or blog, if I can't contact you the prize goes to the next person that is drawn. Now for how to enter: (make sure to read my review first)

1. Leave a comment telling me where you would like to go to visit with your Sisterchick.

2. Follow my blog via the FB follower. Scroll down and it's on the right side bar. Leave a comment telling me you did it.

3. Follow me on Twitter. SarahJoBailey Leave me a comment so I know you did it.

That's it. Remember you can enter all three ways once per day (although you may only want to follow me one time LOL)! The contest ends on June 12th and I will draw a winner shortly thereafter.

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Jun. 12, 2009 - Wonder about Revelation?

I know I do, I have read Revelation but still it doesn't flow for me and I wonder about what the rest of the end times will hold for us. Well if you come over to Quiverfull Family's blog in conjunction with Debby Topliff she is giving away 3 copies of Painting Revelation. Come on over and check it out!

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Jun. 10, 2009 - Summer Survival Tips for Mom brought to you by Kathy Carlton Willis Communications

Saved By the Bell
A Summer to Remember
Sharon Lovejoy Autry
The final bell rang. The kids screamed for joy. Mom sits in the carpool line wondering, "What in the world are we going to do all summer?!"
Maybe as summer has begun, you've found yourself resentful and angry because your children constantly "interrupt" your schedule. If that's how you're feeling, you're normal.
But, wait. We wanted these kids, right? Are they really interruptions or blessings in disguise? How can we move from simply surviving the summer to making it a summer to remember?
Here are a few ideas to get you out of the summer survival rut:
1. Realize they won't be this way forever. What is it about your kids that you won't have in two years? If you are a parent of:
Preschoolers: Look at their hands and notice how tiny they are. Enjoy that.
Elementary children: When you're away from home, call them. Their voices sound small on the phone. That always reminds me to enjoy their innocence rather than expecting them to act like little grown-ups.
Tweens: Laugh at and enjoy their giggles (usually girls) and the fascination they have with being gross (usually boys)! Hopefully that won't last forever!
Teens: Even if they are driving you crazy, make your home the safe place. I still remember the fun place our parents created at home. It was our refuge. Let kids feel safe in your home by cutting down on the criticism and looking for ways to build them up. Mom and Dad's secret was a ping-pong table. We spent hours there.
2. Say "no" with a smile. It makes you and your child feel better. They know you have some regret at having to say no. You are on their team.
3. Play music. Anger and music don't usually dance. Movie soundtracks, praise songs, music from my teen years or even classical stations. I rarely find myself upset with my kids when we have music playing in the background.
4. Go outside. Sometimes taking a walk or bike ride with the kids can do wonders to change everyone's perspective.
5. Things aren't always as they seem. Remember that the way you are seeing things at this moment is probably not how it will look in a couple of hours. Frustrations can build and dissolve quickly when you have kids.
6. Offer them 30 minutes of your time. After they have helped pick up around the house let them pick what the two of you will do together and watch their eyes light up! For older kids, offer them the day off after helping for an hour.
7. Ask your kids what they think is fun. You might be surprised to find that their idea of fun often doesn't cost any money. My sister was amazed to find that her 7-year-old son's idea of "fun" was playing tag in the front yard with dad, mom and his little sister.
8. Slow down. Successful parenting doesn't mean you have your children involved in every possible extra-curricular activity. Successful parenting means you are there for them. If you've been running all year, it takes "practice" to enjoy staying home. Don't give up. Turn off the computer, TV, cell phone, etc. and read or play games (no matter what the age of your children).
9. Pray. When you are at your wit's end, ask God to help you remember what to do with your kids. On our own, it's hard to enjoy the moments because "life happens." But God has a way of giving us perspective that will slow us down and help us see our families the way He sees them: with love and compassion.
The next time you blow your top or realize you're just surviving your kids instead of enjoying their clumsy feet, silliness, or their constant desire to talk on the phone, stop and think, "one day I'll miss this!" The funny thing is, tomorrow we'll be longing for today. If we choose to think like that long enough, the kids won't be the only ones sad to hear the school bell ring this fall.

Sharon (Lovejoy) Autry, a mom of 3, co-authored Mom and Loving It, Finding Contentment in REAL Life with her sister, Laurie (Lovejoy) Hilliard, mom of 4. http://www.momandlovingit.org/

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Jun. 9, 2009 - Bella Sara Giveaway

Bella Sara is an online virtual world where girls can get their own horses and care for them, it's like owning thier own horse but with the cost. Visit Three Different Directions and check out the giveaway for trading cards so your daughter can own her own horse!

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Jun. 8, 2009 - The Simple Woman's Daybook - June 8th edition

Want to join in the fun come on over and check it out at The Simple Woman blog

For Today...June 8th, 2009

Outside my window... bright sun, green trees, maybe some rain later today

I am thinking... how nice it is to have a semi-clean house and the ability to take my children outside into our own backyard.

From the learning rooms... finished grammar and copywork, some math later

I am thankful for... air conditioning

From the kitchen... sourdough dough rising, making and freezing muffins and pancakes, healthier foods

I am wearing... my 'frumpy' day skirt, a tshirt and a pair of brown crocs

I am reading... lots LOL Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World and The Disapperance of God

I am hoping... I am praying to become pregnant

I am creating... nothing right now but I have a ton of WIP on my sewing table and a cross stitch sampler for a present for somebody

I am praying... for the gas prices to drop so we can do some fun local stuff during the summer

Around the house... smell of dough, surrounded by books, books and more books,

One of my favorite things... My son's bday in July and my bday in August and my DD's bday in September (and of course my other DD's bday in February and my DH's bday in March)

A few plans for the rest of the week... nothing, AWANA is done, no ballet this week, just rescheduling some dr appts and some trips to the library.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

My nine patch quilt block for a quilt block swap, in colors I normally wouldn't use :)

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Jun. 6, 2009 - Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes by Robin Jones Gunn

Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes!

Welcome to my next blog tour which is put together by Waterbrook a division of Random House for another great Sisterchick by Robin Jones Gunn titled Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes.

Summary:

When a mammogram result comes back abnormal, midlife mama Summer Finley makes a snap decision to relegate fear to the back burner and fulfill a lifelong dream. Summer heads for Holland where she meets up with tulips, wooden shoes, and her best friend, Noelle.

Pen pals since fourth grade, Summer and Noelle have never met face-to-face. Through decades of heart-level correspondence, they have sustained a deep friendship. A week of adventure helps both women trade anxiety for a renewed and deeper trust in God. When Summer confides in Noelle about the abnormal medical report, Noelle finds the freedom to share a long-held heartache, and both women discover they needed each other more than they realized.

Women ages 35 and up, readers of Christian Boomer Lit, and fans of books such as The Yada Yada Prayer Group will enjoy Robin Jones Gunn’s humorous and uplifting style. True-to-life characters and moments of poignancy bring a deeper understanding of the value of life and the gift of true friends. Readers guide and bonus material included.

Author's Bio:

Robin Jones Gunnis the best-selling and award-winning author of over seventy books, including the Glenbrooke, Christy Miller, Sierra Jensen, Katie Weldon, and Christy and Todd: The College Years teen series. The Sisterchicks® series has sold more than 300,000 units, bringing her total sales to more than 3.5 million books worldwide. A Christy Award winner, Robin is a popular speaker, both at home and abroad, and is frequently interviewed on radio and on television. Robin Jones Gunn Sisterchicks

My Opinion:

I have enjoyed reading the Sisterchicks books and this one was no different. Two Sisters in Christ enjoying themselves in a foreign land - at least foreign to one and reveling in the life Christ has given us all - one to live!

I know the above summary of the book says it is enjoyable for the 35 and older set but I am only 30 and found it to be very enjoyable. Maybe having older friends who go through some of the issues in the book gives me more insight I don't know but I think it could be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys an uplifting book and one that keeps Christ at the the center of the writing. Robin Jones Gunn does a great job in making sure Christ is involved in the characters life and does so in a way that feels real not just some superficial friendship.

When I read this book I come away feeling lifted up and just wanting to praise the Lord. These books are inspiring that even in the worse of times God doesn't leave us or forsake us and we need to remember that. There are times that it's easy to forget or put Him on the back burner until things get bad but Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes really makes one take a look at what we are doing in our walk with Jesus and makes you want to walk closer and get a little more personal with Him. Isn't that the way it should be?

I really urge you to check out how to buy Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes and read it, I think you will enjoy it as I did.

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Jun. 5, 2009 - Update: Spring Reading Thing 2009

If you don't remember me joining in for this year's Spring Reading Thing you can check out my original Spring Reading Thing post. The post will have my list of books, which I have updated and is now current. I am not surprised that I have read 27 books with one being read as a Bible study, I am never without a book and it is easier now as I review books for publishers - and a lot of fun too. Please check out Callapidderdays blog and see what else she has. She has other reading challenges and book giveaways. Look for another update as the end of the Spring Reading Thing Challenge ends on June 20th (although I will never quit reading LOL) so only 15 more days.....I wonder how many more books I can fit in on my list between now and then?

I am happy with the books I did finish, I am looking forward to the next Reading Challenge.

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Jun. 2, 2009 - Follow Me....

If you'd like to follow me and be updated of my new posts you can now do so through Facebook. There is a box on my right side bar, just scroll down to find it and follow me :)

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