Book Recommendation - Redeeming Love

I had a God-incident involving this book. One day about a month ago I put something on Facebook that said "Kathy is needing a new book to read" and my friend Leeann emailed me and told me that she recommends Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. I put that info in my memory bank for later. Two weeks ago, the day before our camping trip, my friend Debbie brought me a book to take with us on our trip. It was a book that she had been recommending to me for a couple of weeks. I packed it along with the other half dozen books that I thought that I could read on my 4 day camping trip. (ha ha!) When I posted the blog about the books that I was taking on the trip, I listed the book as one recommended by a friend - thinking of Chuck recommending the book to me. When I got it out to read on our trip, I thought to myself "I think I'll read this book that Debbie loaned me - I mean the one that Chuck recommended - Oh, wait! They both recommended the same book to me!"

Isn't that awesome?? God definitely wanted me to read this book, I think. They both knew what they were talking about, too. It was just my kind of book and it was a great way to look at God's love for His children.

Now, about this book - it is a story that the author had on her heart after studying the book of Hosea. It is a kind-of 1800s story of Hosea and Gomer. It takes on a story of a man who has been called by God to marry a prostitute and his love for his wife. Additionally, it is about God's love for us. The book reminded me that NO MATTER WHAT our circumstances in life God loves us and is calling us to Him. He will do anything for us - so that we can spend eternity with Him. The book, although set in the 1800s, provides us an excellent opportunity of how we can show others Christ's love for us through our love for them.

If you haven't read this book, I hope you will. Please let me know what you think of it!

My Hero/Role Model

Today I want to tell you about something/someone that I don't talk about often enough - my mother. I am a little biased I guess because I think that I have the most awesome mother in the world. She is always here for me whenever I need her. She probably wishes that I wasn't her daughter because I need her so much!! My mom pretty much raised me by herself. My dad and stepdad have been in the picture but my mom gets nearly all the credit. She was so good to my brother and I when we were young and always made me feel secure and loved even in the midst of a lot of difficult times.

During my teenage years, especially, my mother and I didn't always get along...my brother hated listening to us yell and argue. The reason, I think, is that we are both so independent, stubborn, and HARD HEADED -I got it honest from the Wilson and Jones side of the family! I remember one time when my mom, Michael, and I were talking about the word "dogmatic" and my mom said that I was dogmatic and I very emphatically said, "I AM NOT DOGMATIC!" See, she was right! Even through my 20s, I have to admit, that my mom and I have not always gotten along. I'm not sure why...I just think it's because we are so much alike.

Although we sometimes still disagree, I have to tell you that I am so close to my mother and do not go a day without speaking to her. I don't go more than a couple of days without seeing her. We are so close and I tell my mother almost everything. She has taught me so much throughout the years...usually not by lecturing me or lots of talking or sage advice, but by her example. She is a wise Christian woman who has taught me to be strong and to have faith. (I probably should have learned patience through her too...but I haven't gotten there yet!)

My mom is too good to me and helps me in so many ways. She has been here for me during the days following the births of my boys staying with me during the days and lots of nights. She stayed with me after my knee surgeries. She keeps my boys for me most of the time when my work schedule has crazy hours and I can't tell you how much she helped me during the time that I was in graduate school. My mother handles my crazy whims with great talent. I come up with all kinds of outlandish ideas and plans but she usually doesn't protest or at least let's me figure out the problems on my own. Most recently I wanted to make lavendar brownies for the ladies dinner at church and she could tell by looking at the recipe that they wouldn't be good, but she just suggested we do a trial run. We went to 4 places in search of "dried lavendar flowers" and she made them for us. On Sunday, she served them for dessert at lunch. Nolan tried first and took one bite and said "these are bitter...they taste like soap!" Well...they WERE terrible and we DID NOT serve them, but my mom knew this all along.

Another thing that my mom does to help me is going the long way to work so that she can pick up Elijah and take him to his baby sitter for me so that it doesn't take me so long to make it to work every morning. How many people would do this willingly??

I really don't know how to tell you how awesome my mother is, but she is. She quietly goes about doing things for others and doesn't do it for attention. She is an awesome cook and often cooks for other people (or for some crazy idea that I came up with!)

She also has handled the death of my brother so wonderfully. I know that she is quietly grieving while I am telling everyone I know about my grief. But my mom has taught me so much in the past few months while dealing with his death in her own way. She has, without words, made me realize what a strong faith that she has in God.

Thanks Mom for being so awesome to me. You are the best! My mom and I are going on a trip this weekend with just the 2 of us because we hardly ever get to do anything without my boys. I am so excited to spend this time with her away from the hustle and bustle from life.

Horse Show

Do you think it's bad when your child can do this with his pacifier???

Grandad, Nolan, and Toppin during the class.

Nolan and Chevy during the judging.

Grandma and Elijah watching the horse show.

Today was a fun day for us. Nolan was in the Davidson County Horseman Association's Spring Horse Show. We love getting to spend time with Grandad and Mimi and the horses. Of course, Nolan doesn't want to miss the opportunity to spend a little time with his cousin Chevy. Nolan and Chevy participated in the same class and both won 1st place medallions. Nolan is riding (my horse) Toppin and Chevy is riding Dixie. Next year Elijah will want to ride probably, but this year he wasn't too sure about this horse thing. I need to make time to get used to riding Toppin again. He is much bigger than he was when I got to ride him before Nolan decided that he was his horse!

Nolan is growing up!!

Nolan is getting to be so smart and such a grown young man! Here are pictures from while we were camping, bowling with the church group last Sunday, and being a "puppy" in the PTA program on Tuesday night!

Most of the pictures of Nolan from our camping trip didn't turn out for some reason but here are a few. Getting Nolan out of the camper and away from the TV is difficult, but once we get him outside he is fun to camp with. He loves to play board games, take walks, ride the bicycle, and spend time with us. He did a great job with Pictionary on this trip...his motorcycle was much more distinguishable than my pathetic attempt. Luckily, he got the drawing gene from his father!!

Nolan was the youngest participant of the church bowling trip but he was a good sport and had fun. (He could do a little better if he had a 4 lb bowling ball I think). Here are pictures of him with his friends Trey, Justin, and Jay. They are good church buddies.

During the PTA program, the kindergarteners sang "Who Let the Letters Out?" and then danced to the Sesame Street song "ABC, 123". We weren't able to get a picture of him dancing but Brent and I were so proud of him for doing such a good job even though he told us that he had a little "stage fright"! This was the first time that he was in front of a group of people that he didn't "freeze up" or get upset and we think he did a GREAT job!! Brent and I both grew up very shy and afraid to say or do anything when others were watching and we pray that our boys will be able to overcome their fears and have confidence in themselves.

Elijah is a mess!

While camping last week, Elijah was very busy! He loved "fishing", building and sitting by the "fider", riding the bicycle with Papaw, and being outdoors! Here are some of the pictures that we took! It is so amazing how much different he and Nolan are. He loves to do everything that his daddy and Papaws do. From digging in the dirt, riding tractors, working in the garden, and helping water the flowers to just sitting by the fire and eating marshmallows, he loves to do whatever they are doing!

Today we are leaving to go camping at Hiddenite Campground. We are excited to have nice weather for the next few days. I have packed some books - including Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers, So You Don't Want To Go To Church Anymore by Jake Colsen (recommended by Ben), Children the Challenge by Rudolf Dreikurs, Fast Food Nation by Erick Schlosser, Soon To Be A Major Motion Picture by Donna Partow, At the Feet of Jesus by Brian Shipman, and, of course, my Daily Bible (which I have to admit that I am behind on!). Ok, so I have packed TOO many books, but I couldn't decide...so I just packed all of them. At least I won't run out! Well, the boys are excited because they love camping and Brent and I are excited because it will be a relaxing few days and we love to camp too. In case I haven't mentioned it before, I think camping is a great way to make memories and bond with your family! I can't wait to get back and post pictures from the trip. Brent, by the way, is a little nervous because this is the first campground we have gone to in a while that doesn't have Wi-fi! Oh, no....we're going primitive!!! Well, we still have heat/air/refrigeration/a bed/a stove/a bathroom/a shower...well, maybe not so primitive! See you soon!

Recipes for you to try

On Saturday night, I prepared dinner for an event at church and various people have asked for the recipes...therefore, I'm going to post them here and if anyone else asks for it, I can refer them to my blog.


Wicker Show's Champagne Chicken
Ingredients:
4 chicken breasts
salt & pepper
Lemon juice
Butter

Sauce:
4 tbs butter, 4 tbs flour, 6oz Chicken broth, 3/4 cup champagne, 2(10oz) jars of artichokes, 1 cup heavy cream

Instructions:
Place chicken in shallow baking dish, Sprinkle with salt & pepper, and lemon juice.
Place a pat of butter on each piece. Bake at 400 for 20 minutes.

Sauce: Melt butter, add flour until bubbly. Stir in chicken broth. Add Champagne and cream. Drain artichoke hearts and cut and add to chicken. Pour sauce over chicken and bake at 350 for 1 hour.
**Best when cooked and left in fridge overnight, then reheat at 350 for 45mins to 1 hour.
**Best when add extra champagne and cream....

Company Salad

Ingredients
3/4 cup canola oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 bunches Romaine lettuce
2 cups chopped tomatoes
1 (3-ounce) jar real bacon bits or 6 strips bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2/3 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1 cup Caesar-style croutons

Instructions
Prepare the dressing by combining the oil, juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well, and refrigerate until ready to use. Rinse, dry, and tear the lettuce leaves into a large bowl. Add the tomatoes, bacon bits, cheeses, almonds, and croutons. Toss well. Add the dressing just before serving. Yield: 8 to 10 servings

Green Beans with Craisins and Walnuts

Prepare green beans however you normally prepare them. Right before you serve them, toss in a few craisins and toasted walnuts. This is great...I promise!!

Enjoy!

The Grocery Game

About a year ago, I tried out The Grocery Game. It is designed to help you save money on groceries by telling you when things are at the best price. You choose which store you shop at and the list tells you when to use your coupons to get the best deal. Also, other items on sale are listed here. It didn't work too well for me the first time because 1 - you have to shop at my chosen grocery store on Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday if you are going to use these lists and this just doesn't seem to be the days that I want to go to do my grocery shopping, 2 - I had to stop on the way to or from church to buy a newspaper on Sundays and that seemed like an added burden. Well, last week I decided to give it another try...I mean it does seem like it should work and should help me save money. I am going to try it for a couple of months and if it doesn't work, I am cancelling the monthly fee! Has anyone else used this website?

Cool Website

I found a neat website. You can sign up to receive a weekly email with a menu for the week and a grocery shopping list. For those of you that buy Angel Food boxes each month, there is something else that they provide for a small fee ($4.95/month, I think) - a list of recipes to make using your food from Angel Food each monh. What a cool idea! Why didn't I think of this money making venture?

Awesome Video

Have any of you seen this video? It was emailed to me and Brent and we think that it is very neat. What an awesome way to praise God! What do you think?

Small Victories

Well, today the counselor that I have been going to released me back into the sane world! (Just kidding) Seriously, though, today I went to counseling and it was my last appointment "until I decide that I need to come back". The lady that I've been seeing has been a blessing from God. She has gotten me through some very difficult weeks in my life. Although I only saw her a couple of times, she had some very good insight for me and gave me some excellent advice. (Not to mention the medication that has helped do its own miracle!) So, for today I am celebrating and rejoicing in the fact that I am having much better days. I still miss my brother and I will never be able to understand or grasp why he isn't in my life anymore, but I am not in the deep depression that I have been experiencing in the past several months. I know there will still be bad days and bad times and new trials in my life, but she gave me some tips today on preparing for them. God IS awesome and He will take care of me and give me people to get me through the tough times ahead. (Thank you if you have been or will be one of those people!)

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God,

that He may exalt you in due time,

casting all your care upon Him,

for He cares for you. (1 Pet 5.6-7)

Favorite Song

I didn't get to watch American Idol on Tuesday night but I heard some of the recaps on the radio on my way to work yesterday morning. Most, if not all, of you probably don't know that one of my favorite songs is "Somewhere Over The Rainbow". It's one of the songs that I love to sing. I sing it in my car to my kids sometimes. Anyway, Jason Castro sang a ukelele-version of the song this week on American Idol and I thought that he did a great job. Since I also like bluegrass and other similar styles of music, this was right up my alley. Walking into work yesterday morning, I was singing the song and it made my day start off on a cheery note. I'm not sure who my favorite is on this year's American Idol crew, but I definitely became a fan of Jason's this week! I do like David Archuleta too, though, Mindy!

Fun time with friends

Both last night and tonight we spent time over at two of our best friends' house - Nathan, Erin, Kaitlyn, and Patrick. We all observed that it was the first time that our kids seemed to play for an extended amount of time without getting upset with each other. For a five year-old, four year-old, and 2 two year-olds that is a pretty big accomplishment. We aren't really sure what they were playing together, but they were happy and that is what matters! It is much more enjoyable to spend time together when they aren't fussing every minute! We learned a long time ago that taking 4 kids 5 and under to a restaurant together is more like torture than fun so now we like to take turns visiting at each other's houses. (Mexican take-out on Friday night and Thank you Erin for the spaghetti and salad tonight!) We love spending time with our friends!

I'm Gonna Miss This

So, Nolan took his "girlfriend" to church on Sunday for the Spring Fling. He wants to know why he can't have girls over for sleepovers. He can spell almost any word that I can think of and uses them all in sentences. His vocabulary is about as big as mine. He thinks that he might be getting his wisdom teeth in like me and is wondering if this will make him say smart things.

Elijah is saying things like "Need gas today, mama?...No gas today." and "Need cake...I'm HUNGRY" and "Need to watch Tunes(Looney Tunes) for 2 minutes (as he holds up his 2 fingers)."

Tonight I was thinking about how much I will miss it when they aren't "little" anymore. I just want to keep them the way they are because I love them so much. Elijah still has that soft skin and baby smell that I love. He gives me hugs when he thinks something is wrong with me. Nolan is so sweet when he tells me that he loves me and that I am the best mommy in the whole world. I've never thought about how much mothers must miss these early days in their children's lives, but I'm sure that they do. Or maybe I'm the only one that dwells on how we can't stop time from ticking.

There's a Trace Adkins song that I love, "You're Gonna Miss This". Here are the words:

She was staring out the window of that SUV
Complaning, saying "I can't wait to turn 18"
She said "I'll make my own money, and I'll make my own rules"
Mamma put the car in park out there in front of the school
Then she kissed her head and said "I was just like you"

You're gonna miss this
You're gonna want this back
You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're gonna miss this

Before she knows it she's a brand new bride
In a one-bedroom apartment, and her daddy stops by
He tells her "It's a nice place"
She says "It'll do for now"
Starts talking about babies and buying a house
Daddy shakes his head and says "Baby, just slow down"

Cause you're gonna miss this
You're gonna want this back
You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're gonna miss this

Five years later there's a plumber workin' on the water heater
Dog's barkin', phone's ringin'
One kid's cryin', one kid's screamin'
She keeps apologizin'He says "They don't bother me.
I've got 2 babies of my own.One's 36, one's 23.
Huh, it's hard to believe, but ...

You're gonna miss this
You're gonna want this back
You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're gonna miss this"

The Room

The following is an excerpt from a book, I Kissed Dating Goodbye, by Josh Harris. I actually received it as an email today that claimed a high school student wrote it the night before he was killed. I did a quick check on snopes.com and found out that this student actually plagiarized the work by Josh Harris and used it as his own. He was killed several months later and his parents had it read at his funeral because they thought is was his own writing. Josh Harrs comments on the email that is going around on his webpage.

Even though the student didn't write this, I'm glad that it found it's way to my email inbox because I really liked it. It is something that I would like to keep handy so that I can read it regularly. It really made me think about how Jesus' blood covers every little thing that we have done in our lives. His sacrifice is so amazing and it is for each one of us. For those of us who have grown up in the church, I think it is easy for us to take Jesus' death on the cross for granted and forget what it means for us. But, this writing reminded me that Jesus' blood is real and will cover a multitude of sins, including my own.

The Room by Josh Harris

In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I have liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I have betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed at ." Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've yelled at my brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger", "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by the contents. Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these t housands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature. When I pulled out the file marked "TV Shows I have watched", I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented. When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh. And then I saw it.. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With." The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand. And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cri ed. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him. No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? F inally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me. Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. "No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card b ack. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished." I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."-Phil. 4:13

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only son,

that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."