Good new series

I love to read.  Yes, it is usually just for fun and it thrills me to no end when I find a great good that keeps me up till the wee hours of the morning because I just have to know what happens next.  Well...I recently received Submerged, by Dani Pettrey, and that is what happened.  The story is an immediately gripping tale that draws you in and has you rooting for the characters.  The regrettable past and pain are excellently portraited for Bailey.  Cole emerges as a deeply loyal and caring character that instantly shows all the attributes of a hero.  I enjoyed all the characters and their interactions as well as the suspense and the intertwined love stories.  The scenery and descriptive imagery was fascinating and the history was interesting.  The end was a bit abrupt but I am definitely hooked to get the next book in the Alaskan Courage series.  

Another read

I recently received a free book from Bethany House publishers, Prize of My Heart, by Lisa Norato.  The story was an interesting one and I enjoyed the unexpected twists of events.  I do wish she would have taken more time to compare the main character with our Lord God, and our adoption as child of God.  I would not give great praise but it was a nice pool side summer read.

Family talents

Just some of the crazy talent that shows up at our house most evenings.

Fun with Friends

We have a wonderful group of friends in our Lifegroup class AKA Sunday School class.  Almost every month is a planned social time and we have had some wonderful time.  Recently we had a blast from the past.  Can you guess the decade?

Tomorrow, tomorrow...

The girls got a great Christmas gift of tickets to the play Annie for March from Grandma.  So all the girls made a special date.  We headed down early for a special fancy "pinky raisin'" meal.

Add was not so happy to have her napped shortened.

However, once the show began all were captivated with the performance.  Terr and Add had a wonderful time.  They were so enthralled and not a disruption, I was surprised given that I cannot even read a book to them without a plethora of questions and interuptions.  Once the lights were flashed to indicate the conclusion of intermission, Terr was almost in tears that she did not want to miss it and was ready to throw away the large bag of candy to return to her seat.  Add has taken to calling the dog "Sandy", found a red and white polka doted dress she calls her "Annie" outfit, they sing "It's a Hard Enough Life" during chore time, and "Tomorrow" at bedtime, and we have bribed Add to give up the pacifier for the original movie.  It was a most memorable time.
 

Book Review

I enjoy reading, it could be considered my favorite hobby because unlike so many other things that wax and wane with seasons and life I am always in a book somewhere.  I recently got the opportunity to read Unashamed To Bear His Name, by R. T. Kendall from Bethany House Publishers.  I had previously not had any knowledge of the author and therefore had no preconcieved notions about his convictions and experiences.  Throughout the book I found refreshing wisdom in his experiences.  It was a thought provoking read and helped for introspection on what motivated behaviors, be it sound Biblical conviction or religion habit.  How far would you be willing to go to follow God's direction?  What or who would you give up for Him?  These questions seem ready for the rote answer but Jesus revealed to me the need to stop and see faces/items/experiences before responding.  An exceptionally faith growing tool.

Our latest miracle

Without sharing too much of my husbands testimony (for it is his to share for God's glory)...four and a half years ago I would have told you, "You are crazy!' to suggest what happened two weeks ago.  We were honored and blessed to have our leader and my dear husband ordained as a deacon for our church.

The service was done so beautifully with our pastor sharing a few words and the previously ordained men laying hands on the new inductees and praying over them.  We had some extended family and friends join us and a nice reception followed.  The girls and I made a fun DD (Deacon Doug, Deacon Dad) and cross cap for him as well as the church giving him a new personalized Bible.

  I cannot find words to express my graditude for God's faithfulness and grace.  Praise God, the Holy Spirit intercedes for me.