Wouldn’t you agree that it’s very easy now to stay connected?   Between blogs, facebook, twitter, and email we can know a bunch of information in a short amount of time.   With this quick finger approach I feel we are losing an oldie and goodie…sending a card.  I love going to a card shop, seeing all the rows of cards.  Some funny, romantic, some with words of encouragement, there’s thinking of you, thank you and congratulations!   I enjoy reading through the words, pondering what they say, sometimes laughing my head off and praying over who needs to read and  hear them.  Who could could use some encouragement or just a smile through a card? I purchase the ones I feel led to get and take them home.  I always know of someone who could use the blessing of a card.  We all have something going on in our lives whether it’s a marvelous moment or a trial.  Words of love written in a card can speak volumes to someone’s heart and soul!

Once home I get a blue ink pen (that’s another post, I am addicted to blue ink pens and yellow highlighters), sit with my choice of warm drink and start writing.  I love to feel the joy in my heart thinking that I could brighten and bless someone’s day.  I have sent many, many cards and feel it is sorta a ministry.  I would rather send a card then an email.  It’s more personal.  There is a novelty in it.

I admit I enjoy sending a card because I really enjoy getting a card.  To know that someone took time out of their day to write me a note is so thoughtful.  To know you are thought of, brighten’s your day!

There have been many times in my life when a card is just what I needed.  In tough times when I was in despair…a card in the mailbox from a friend or family member telling me I will get through it.  Joyous times, our wedding, the birth of one of our girls…a card congratulating us on our treasure.   Birthdays…a card from someone celebrating with me  the day God delivered me to earth.  Then there are those cards that are the “just because” cards.  LOVE them…no reason for one, but someone cared enough to send one.

Dayspring has beautiful cards.  Their cards come in many varieties and I love that they have  scripture inside of them.  To give someone God’s truth is such a gift.  I was recently asked to review the “SIMPLY MARVELOUS” card pack.  I want to disclose Dayspring gave them to me free to review and that all opinions stated are my own. Take a peek…can I just say that these are fun and pretty!

This assorted pack of cards features messages of encouragement, friendship, and birthday greetings.   I can’t wait to sit and go through each one of them, pondering over who I want to send one too.  So friends, be looking in your mailbox, your day could be brightened!

Here is an email that’s been making the rounds. How does it strike you?

 Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?

What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?

What if we flipped through it several times a day?

What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?

What if we used it to receive messages from the text?

What if we treated it like we couldn’t live without it?

What if we gave it to kids as gifts?

What if we used it when we traveled?

What if we used it in case of emergency?

This is something to make you go….hmm…where is my Bible?

Oh, and one more thing.

Unlike our cell phone, we don’t have to worry about our Bible being
disconnected, because Jesus already paid the bill.

Makes you stop and think ‘where are my priorities’?

And no dropped calls!

Something to think about as we head into a new year!

You kids have made them. You know, the list. The list of things they have to have for Christmas. The things that if they don’t get them their world could potentially stop spinning. Our daughter’s lists are pretty simple for now. Natalie is somewhat hard to buy for. She get’s alot of clothes, hair accessories, nail polish and lotions. Girl stuff. She does love books on CD’s so she gets those too. Phoebe is still at that age where she is playing with dolls and toys. No big “gadgets” on her lists right now..yeah!! She want’s doll accessories and Furry Frenzy toys. She also asked for more games for us as a family.

So my question to you, what’s on your list? My hubby just asked me what I wanted last night and I have to say I could only come up with a robe..seriously a robe. I was at a loss for words, which doesn’t happen often. So from one gal to another, what are you asking for. This could help me out with some ideas. My sister said jewelry and I do want a new silver necklace…hmm.   I don’t need any books, have a pile I need to read. Got slippers, got perfume, although I might ask for some new perfume.

I do have another list. A list in my heart. A list of things I pray for over my marriage and my family. A list I talk over with Christ regarding my own heart. A list I give to Him. Only he can and did purchase things on this list. Only he can be the giver of things on this list. The list contains, peace, kindness, gentleness, self-control and joy. I pray he gives me  the things on that list. I pray that I can slow down and marvel in the miraculous season of Christmas. I pray I can see, really see Jesus at work daily. I pray that I am a good servant with what he has blessed me with and that I step in to help those in need when I see it. This season is such a wonderful chance to be the shinning lights we are called to be.  So, take those lists  while you are out in the craziness of shopping for the much wanted things and  SHINE!

Matthew 5:16
New International Version
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

I hope that everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving.  I hope to get some pictures out soon.  Our’s was grand…we had family, food and fellowship.  Doesn’t get better than that. 

I wanted to share a couple of “fun finds.”  Everyone remembers the 1980′s family sitcom Full House.  Remember the girl that played “DJ?”  Well her name is Candace Cameron Bure and she has a new online magazine.  Here, let’s refresh your memory:

Here  she is today,

Her new online magazine is called Roomag.com.  Be sure to check it out.  She has compiled a bunch of fun contributors and many topics that apply to us as women, wives, and moms.  Fashion, food, fitness, faith, fun!  Sounds good to me!!

The other fun find is with Karen Ehman,

This is such a fun way to start the Christmas season.  Karen highlights a friend each day, asking questions about Christmas memories, food, activities and so on.  All you have to do is leave a response and you could win a special surprise!   We all like to win things, and we like tips and ideas so this easy as pie! 

I hope you take some time out of your crazy, busy day, grab something warm and fun to drink and look around at both of these fun finds.  You could win something! 

I really enjoy having my home feel cozy.  With Thanksgiving next week and Christmas coming upon us, I thought it would be fun to share how we make our homes feel warm and inviting. 

I love to have a fire in the fireplace and classical music playing in the background.  I almost always have a candle or tart burning and a tea kettle ready with water for that yummy cup of warm tea, hot chocolate or cider.  Blankets drape my couch and I have a fun winter novel and devotional on the side table.  I enjoy having many of our nightly meals from the crock-pot and yummy apple or pumpkin treats ready for an evening treat. 

There is just something about this time of year.  I love the idea of getting cozy with a good book, snugly throw, and a cup of something warm.  Time to read, rest and rejuvenate our souls. 

So how do you make your house a home?

My husband and I recently went to see COURAGEOUS the movie.  Can I just say, incredible.  It has such a good story line and message that has you crying, laughing, cheering, and is very thought provoking.  I encourage you to go see it.    Find out more information about it  here. 

Our sweet, caring friends at Dayspringhave come up with an entire collection that accompanies  the movie.  I love that they have created products that can take the movie  from the big screen to our homes.  They have created mugs, cards, t-shirts and this beautiful print that is the message of the movie.  Great gifts for the great men in your life.   (Oh, a disclaimer, DaySpring gave me  the free product to review and  all opinions stated are mine.)

Courageous Resolution PrintEncouraging Card Pack

Here is the cool thing….you have a chance to win the very things pictured above.  Just leave a comment about how you encourage the men in your life.  The 7th person that leaves a comment wins.  Deadline for comments is Friday October 28th at 2pm EST.   Thank you Dayspring for being so generous!  You must have a U.S. mailing address to win.

 I absolutely love this time of year.  There is nothing like it.  I thought it would be fun to list our top 10 favorite’s of fall.  Here are mine,

1.  The changing colors, have you looked around?  I love the majesty of the oranges, reds, yellows and browns.  God is  Amazing!

2.  The cooler temps.  We had such a hot summer here.  The cooler temps are a reprieve!  Can’t wait for it to be closer to 65 degrees.

3.  Pumpkin spiced Latte’s at Starbucks, yum!

4.  Roaring fireplaces.

5.  Trips to the pumpkin patch and apple orchards.

6.  Jeans and sweatshirts. 

7.  Baking!  Love to make anything apple.  Pumpkin mousse, pumpkin muffins, pecan pies.  Also add soups and roasts.

8.  Quiet days…time to rest.

9.  Time to snuggle down with a great novel and something warm to sip. 

10.  Fall decorations!  Love to see all the leaves, pumpkins and scarecrows!

 So now it is your turn.  Tell us what you like about fall.  I thought I would add a few links of some fun websites to check out.  Lots of fall ideas from cooking, baking, activities and decorating. 

 http://www.sugarpiefarmhouse.com/blog

http://www.mommyskitchen.net/

http://www.gooseberrypatch.typepad.com/blog/

http://www.southernplate.com/

http://www.aprongirls.blogspot.com/

Happy Fall Y’all!  I hope to post some fall recipes soon and would love to have you share a simple one as well.

A decade, 10 years, it’s alot of time.  September 11th, 2001 marked a day in history we will never forget.  That day will forever be etched in my mind and heart but another day  is forever ingrained in my memory and heart that changed my life.  September 16, 2001.  Five days after our hearts broke for all those families affected by the World Trade Center attacks, my family was personally attacked.  That day, our very “normal” toddler had a life altering event that rocked our family.  Our daughter Natalie was 18 months old and pure joy, fun and love.  She had such a sweet personality. 

As you can see from the photo’s, life was good.  Well life went bad very quickly.  Natalie suffered a brain injury that has left her severly disabled.  Her disability is similar to CP.  She is in a wheelchair, can’t talk, eat by mouth, sit by herself, she is full care.  I don’t want to dwell on the past, but I can say that it has taken a long time, and I mean a long time to mend the brokeness in my heart.  I have processed the incident, trying to figure out how I could have changed the outcome, we tried to heal her by our own doings and research, fought with God,  pleaded with God and tried to make deals with God.  I asked why, which is a loaded question.  One that if you really new why you might not have wanted to ask it.    

I started this journey with my backpack packed wrong.  It was full of bitterness, fear, anger, pride, doing things in my own strength and many, many masks.  It was not one that I wanted to carry for a long time and it really didn’t help me anyways.  So I asked God to come, change me, help me  and he did!   He came and dumped out my backpack, refilling it so I could walk this journey with Jesus as my guide down the path.    Don’t get me wrong, life is tough, full of steep ledges and pits,  but I am confident that there is a plan.  I am confident that God has employed Natalie for HIS kingdom.  There is something about Natalie. Everyone that meets her falls in love with her.  It’s the twinkle in her eye, that side smile she does, her sweet spirit.  God is using her and has a purpose for her life.  I claim and hold onto His promises.   We might not know who her life is impacting or how her life is making an impact, but we do know that our God is faithful to complete a work in us. 

Phillipians 4:13  I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Romans 8:31     What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Psalm 105:4   Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.

Romans 8:28  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose

 I could write so much more.  Our zany life has encountered so many blessings and trials.  God has been so faithful, teaching, loving and guiding.  Natalie has endured her fair share of illness and pain, bouncing back with a power that is only of God.  She is a trooper and God’s hand has been all over her.  We are grateful for all the people we have met, friends we have made, prayer warriors who have lifted our family up and those who have stood in the gap for us when life get’s hard.  We are thankful for Natalie’s school, her assistants at school, her doctors, her therapists,  and all the help that has come into our home to help with her. 

Today I honor Natalie.  I am confident that God has a plan for her..his word says so! (Jerimiah 29:11)  She is an heiress with Christ, (Galations 3:28).  I love her, she is a blessing and she is my hero!!  One day sweet girl you will dance on the streets of gold, you will sing with all your might, you will praise Jesus with a beautiful voice and we will feast together.  I cannot wait for that day.  To see you whole, healed and with the KING.  May God be glorified in her life and we give Jesus all praises!!   Natalie I am proud to be your Mom!!!!

 

Okay, so we all can say that deep down we love getting mail.  Not email, facebook comments but real mail, the kind that comes in a mailbox.  Come on, I know you all do.  I do and I  really love getting cards.  To get a card in the mail is bliss for me.  To think someone has taken the time to go to a store, pick out the perfect card for that time and season in life, write a short or long note, lick the envelope and place a stamp on it..sending it to me. Ah, can you see my smile!   I also love to send cards.  I love to hold them,  read them, thinking of that person that needs some encouragement, laugh or support.   Sometimes I laugh my head off or cry my heart out over cards.

I have the privilege to review these delightful, beautiful cards.  DaySpring sent  me the cards to review and all the opinions I am writing are my own.   Take a look at these pretty’s.

These cards are the creative expression of  Holley Gerth.  You can find them at Blessings Unlimited.  Blessings Unlimited is DaySpring’s home party business (think Pampered Chef of inspirational home décor). All products are sold through independent Consultants. You can visit Blessings site to view the full Catalog, learn how to host a Gathering, or even start your own business.  These cards are perfect for sending a girlfriend encouragement, love, or support.  The “theme” of the cards is to share who we are in God’s heart.  So how would you answer this question, IN GOD’S HEART I AM…  I know for me I answered with the word captivating.  We are his creative masterpiece, no two alike.  Don’t you just love that.  There is only one you!  The bonus is God knows you to the core.  He see’s all and loves us so graciously.  That is amazing.  So, I hope you get on Blessings Unlimited website and view their new fall catalog.  They have tons of pretty things to make your house a home filled with encouragement.