So, I just finished a great book and wanted to see what you all were reading or wanted to read.  I really enjoy reading.  I don’t get much time to do it, but it does give me a respite from the daily life.  The book I just finished was “When Women Walk in Faith” by Lysa Terkeurst.  I love to highlight things in books that take me into deep thought or convict me.  This book is so highlighted!  It is great.  It walks you through the 5 steps of walking in faith.  If you have a list going of books to read in 2010, put this one on it.   

So, what’s on your list to read in 2010?  Are you gearing up to dive deep into God’s word with a bible study?  Do you have a favorite author?  When do you find time to read? 

Our women’s bible study is going to be starting “Experiencing God.”  I did this study when I was pregnant with Natalie back in 1999 (which I was on bed rest and while at study had to sit in a lawn chair that reclined)  so I really don’t remember alot about it.  I am eagerly anticipating the adventure Jesus has in store for me during this particular study!  I am sure it will be one not to forget. 

Well, I am off to get something warm to drink and see how the gang is outside.  Bet there will be some kind of snowman or fort built.  We have around 5 inches of snow and it is flurrying.  Oh, how do you like the new look of the blog.  I just love the colors…they are me.  I have been going through this journey of rediscovering who I am, what I like and don’t like.  I recently had the epiphany that I am a people pleaser and would make decisions based on if someone else would like it or not.  Would they think I was weird, judge me or change their view of  me.  Instead of being the person God created me to be I would be like a chameleon with whoever I was with.  This is a topic I would love to dive deeper in future posts.   If you have insight or are reading this thinking that sounds like me, let me know.

There is an organization that was created to encourage, educate and equip women in the profession of motherhood. Hearts at Home helps thousands of moms love their lives through their many resources including conferences, website, and books.

Recently I partnered up with this organization as a blogger. Over time I hope to share with you the many resources this ministry has to offer (old ones and new). To learn more about the Hearts at Home Blogging team go here.

In the meantime I would like to encourage you to explore their website and blog for an immediate dose of mothering encouragement.

from left to right: Karla, Carol, Jennifer, Lori and Tricia

 The venue was great.  There were close to 5,000 moms in attendnce.  You could sense God all over this thing.  On Friday evening we had a moms night out with GO FISH.  Talk about a fun group of dads.  These guys rocked the house.  They sing fun, interactive bible songs and more.  It felt like a rock concert.

Go Fish

   Dr. Kevin Leman, the author of several awesome books including,  Have a New Kid by Friday, was a featured speaker.  He was hysterical.  We laughed until our sides hurt.  He was so real and spoke such truth.  Bill and Pam Farrel spoke about marriage and added plenty of laughter to it.  Than we had the comedic fun of Sally Baucke, the minivan mom.   The worship was led by a group that is so gifted.  4ever is a mom and daughters group.  There are four of them and this mom home schooled all of them to college.  They were such a blessing to the weekend.  Jill Savage brought realness, fun, honesty and passion to the weekend.   We laughed, cried, shared and shopped!  The resource center was great!  It had tons of freebies and fun things that us women get into.  Clothes, jewelry, books, etc. 

Needless to say I came away with so much to ponder and pray about.  I sensed the whole weekend was about reclaiming your family.  Building a firm foundation in Jesus Christ and focusing on what is truly important. 

I look forward to next year, which by the way is already scheduled for March 12-13, 2010.  You can go to www.hearts-at-home.org and get tons of resources, sign up for eNews which is emailed twice a month and more. 

It was fun to get away with girlfriends all who are on different walks in their faith and on very different  journeys.   Those of us who have gone more than once have made it a tradition to stop at a Cracker Barrel for dinner and recap the weekend.  Here we are,

from left to right: Karla, Carol, Lori and Jennifer

Tricia (left) and Karla (right)

Now we are home and I know that I have a lot to work on.  My desire is to be the best wife, mom, friend, daughter, and sister I can be.  This means that I have to be walking hand in hand with Jesus.  Making my relationship with Him  number one.  I want to be obedient to him and what he has called me to do and be.  This is radical but with Christ all things are possible!