I Loved this book!

 I know you are not suppose to judge a book by its cover but when I saw this book on my local book store’s counter it jumped right out at me. Then I read this quote on the cover.


“My grandmother said she prays for me every day. Which is funny, because I’d only ever heard Mamie pray, “Dear Lord, give me strength.” That sure sounded like a prayer for herself - and Mrs. Knopp in Sunday school always said our prayers should only ask for things for others. Once I made a mistake of saying that out loud to Mamie and got slapped into next Tuesday for my sassy mouth. My mouth always worked a whole lot faster than my good sense.”

It had me. I asked about it but they had just received it and it wasn't being released yet. Bummer! My friend then gave me her advanced copy to read, Yeah!
If you liked The Secret Life of Bee’s or The Help you will love this book. This has got to become a movie!

The story is about Starla, a feisty, nine year old who is being raised by her Grandmother while her Father is working on an oil rig and her Mother, who left when Starla was 3 is in Nashville trying to become a famous singer. Life with Mamie gets hard and Starla decides she is going to go live with her Mom in Nashville and is sure her Daddy will come live with them too and they will be a happy family. The adventures start when Starla runs a way and is picked up by Eula and as another reviewer says “ The inseparable bonds and relationship that develops between Eula and Starla is the stuff compelling novels, that leave a hole in your heart are made of.”

I love the story being told from a 9 year old child’s perspective. The southern slang and phrases she uses makes me laugh. Her innocence about how she sees the world is so real. When the Bible says we should be as the little children, I think this is what it’s talking about!

Miss Crandall has many words of wisdom to share with us throughout the story but the one that sums up most of what this story said to me says. “My daddy always said being brave wasn’t not being scared. Being brave was keeping going when you were.”

I gave this book 5 stars because the messages throughout the book are thought provoking and heartwarming. The relationship between Starla and Eula makes me want to cry and cheer. I loved several of the characters and they will stay with me for a long time.  If you need a good book for discussion this one is it! 
Don't wait, read it this weekend!

Waiting

This is how I feel

Do I just sit and wait on God? "Be STILL and KNOW that I am GOD.

or

Do I try to find a way out of this place?

I'm feeling Pressed

This poem was in my devotional the other morning and I wanted to share it with you. I was waiting till I had time when I got home to add a pretty photo coz I hate post without photos.

But...

I am feeling Pressed!

I have NO time when I get home to do my blogging right now.

I am in a frenzy to get as much made for my up coming craft shows so I am putting way to much pressure on myself and I am not really enjoying the process as much as usual. I just want to help with the finances with my creativeness. I NEED to do this. It brings me satisfaction.

I haven't had time to read my books and we won't even address the house cleaning, except for the fact my craft stuff is all over the place so dust can't find a place to land!

My temporary job is ending with in the next month so I am trying to find something with insurance, but at this point a pay check will do.

My husband has been having chest pains almost daily, nitro pills help so we are biding our time.

Oh yeah and, my daughter is graduating from High School next Wednesday and we have a party to plan.

I am sorry I have not been here. I only like to share happy, uplifting post but right now I don't have a brain cell left to pass along. Then I feel like no one is reading these anyway so it really doesn't matter. Things will settle down soon and I will get back to posting regularly. Until then here is the poem from my Devotional Streams in the Desert.

Pressed beyond measure; yes, pressed to great length;

Pressed so intensely, beyond my own strength;

Pressed in my body and pressed in my soul,

Pressed in my mind till dark surges roll.

Pressure on pressure, till life nearly ends.

Pressed into knowing no helper but God;

Pressed into loving His staff and His rod.

Pressed into liberty where nothing clings;

Pressed into faith for impossible things.

Pressed into living my life for the Lord,

Pressed into living a Christ-life out poured.

This entry really comforted me. Trials and difficult times are needed to press us forward and to be able to be sympathetic to others in need. God has truly provided for our needs so far and I will trust that He has everything under control. We may not be able to see it right now but in His perfect timing and in His way, all will be well.

Adventure

I just came across my written thoughts for my blog entry for my word for 2010. Having seen other bloggers choosing a word to represent their thoughts and hopes for the new year I figured I'd do the same.

A year has passed and it was very interesting to read what my thoughts were back then.

Did I remember my word?

No...I did not. LOL

Well, it was an interesting read. (smile)

Life is still up in the air for us and actually less settled in some areas than it was a year ago. The bank bought our house back so we will be moving in the next few months. We are still waiting for a job for my husband. (please, keep praying. I know God has something for him.)

I, on the other hand was able to get a part time job last week that I am enjoying. If we stay in the area I hope it will become full time.

As I revisited my thoughts and feelings I see that God has not forsaken us and has provided; food, clothing, and shelter but most of all a drawing closer as a family and stronger faith in God. We have seen what truly matters and that is our love for one another and those who God has put into our lives.

I guess I am going to take a leap this year and choose as my word for 2011 as...

Adventure!

This coming year, I feel, will be full of adventures.

We will have to move

I am closing my business after 26 years

I am starting a totally different job

I am pursuing new avenues to express myself artistically

Our youngest just turned 18, will graduate high school and leave for Miami Florida in the fall for College.

(That alone would be enough for some people.)

Our oldest will turn 21 in the summer and graduate from college.

(Praying she will be able to find a job that will allow her to live independently)

Instead of looking at all these changes in a negative, fearful light. I will continue last years outlook in hopeful anticipation, waiting to see what God has in store for us!

Adventure

Sounds like a lot of fun!

Now to leave you with a bit of humor.

This is a startled tree on the golf course I walk Cooper on. I guess he just figured out he was the only naked tree there!

Is this not natures way. Giving us humor as well as beauty.

My challenge to you is to keep your eyes and heart open every moment of every day to see what God has for you. He has a since of humor too :)

Dreaming and Waiting on God

I am sitting at a golf course in Defiance, Ohio enjoying the wonders of technology. I watched day 1 of the golf match yesterday of my daughters boyfriend. I had a good day but today for the 2nd round I decided I'd sit this one out and read at the club house. Then I found out they had free wireless! So, I get to sit outdoors, enjoying a beautiful view and a wonderful breeze. Catch up on my blog and check in on friends then read my current book. Can't ask for a better Sunday.

I was catching up on a fellow blogger
thecottagenest.blogspot.com
and was reminded how wonderful God is.

So often we are lead to believe he isn't interested in what we would enjoy, or, we think He doesn't care if we are happy. "He is the mean parent keeping us on the straight and narrow!"
Well Jen reminded me that He does care, and for those of us who are artistic, He understands our need for beauty in our lives. (He made us this way!) Sometimes we need to look closely for it in tough circumstances but He gives it to us. Actually it is all around us. We just need to open the eyes of our spirit and see what He sees!

I have had a very difficult year and have been pushed to the brink several times but I just keep hanging on to the fact that God wants the best for me. It may not be what I think of as best but as I look through His eyes I see things a bit differently. All the things I thought I needed or were important have fallen away and now I live simply and much more at peace since I just live each day in quiet expectation of what he will show me today.

At this time our home is in foreclosure and I wonder where we will end up living? My photography studio is in our home so this loss will also affect where I will work as well as live. Early on I got scared that we would live on the streets. But God has been so faithful and has provided that I am now convinced that He will give us a place to live and a place for me to work in the vocation that He called me to.
Jen, reminded me that His timing is perfect and Good things come to those who wait. If we do loose our home, I would love to have a smaller cozier house. I will live where ever He has for us but a cute little place with a woods and nature would be a dream! Most of the time I feel I don't deserve what I dream. Old negative voices say it won't happen and God doesn't care but I know better.
I live near a wonderful, artistic community that has some of the cutest homes and I would LOVE to live there, BUT, it is a very expensive town. It probably isn't possible with our situation and will never happen. (Negative voices) but you just never know where God wants you, so I am posting a few of the places I dream of living and we will just WAIT on God and see where He takes us!

Uncertain Future

Tonight it is late. I should be in bed. I am sleepy but the house is so quiet and peaceful I just want to enjoy this moment.
Like my photo I feel like I am living in a fog with no way of seeing what is up ahead. At times it is exciting to think of starting over and beginning again but the unknown sometimes seems just to hard to bear. I know God has a plan and I have peace most days. Actually almost all days but for some reason tonight I just wish I could have a small glimpse of hope. I small taste of what He has waiting for us. I so desperately want to do something new, I am tired of what I have been doing and I just want to follow my heart...

but,
it is scary.

How will we pay the bills?
What about my daughters last year of high school?
How will our family feel if we up and move away?
Why should I be allowed to just take time off to try art?
What about being responsible?
Doing what will make everyone happy?

What about me?

I'm tired of doing what everyone else wants me to do. Doing what is expected. I'm tired of having so much responsibility. Is this bad? Sometimes I just want to run away.
For tonight I guess I'll just go to sleep and think about it tomorrow.
Tomorrow is another day!

Thankful!

So, I'm sitting here knowing I need to update my blog. I'm tired and over whelmed. It has been a very long week and I am so far behind in work and house work and getting with people but as I sit here just trying to relax and read some of my favorite blogs I am reminded that nothing last forever and what I feel I need to do is not an emergency and can wait. I need to stop trying to be perfect. I need to take time for myself or I will not be able to take care of my family.

Let me explain just a bit of what has been happening here.

Monday evening a week ago my husband and I were getting ready for the Monday night new episodes of our favorite TV shows. It is the only night I really watch TV. I was finishing up some work in my office when my husband comes to the doorway with his hand on his chest. I ask him "Do we need to go to the emergency room?" and what you hope not to hear , he says.
Yes.

I want to add a bit of comic relief here coz it really is funny and so typical of me. My husband has had afib or what ever it is called in the past, so I thought it may just be that but a bit worse so I go back to get decent clothes on, pee and brush my teeth. Then I was thinking "I better get a book. You know how emergency rooms are. We may be there forever" when he kinda yells out " Where are you!"
Woopsie! I better just go.

Then I see his face again and know this time it is different. So off we go around the corner to our local hospital. Literally, it is 2 minutes away. He makes me leave him at the ambulance entrance coz he doesn't want to wait for triage and registration. I drop him at the door and go park. This door is locked and he has to bang on it for them to let him in. (He knew this, I did not) But he gets right in, bypassing all the paperwork. He is so sneaky.

Skip to next day

He has a heart cath. It is not good news. He has bad coronary artery disease. They want to do several bypasses the next day. They go back and put him on a balloon pump to keep his artery open until they can operate the next day.

Another funny scene. When I get to the hospital Wednesday morning he is on his blackberry conducting business, in his hospital room! It is 3 hours before open heart surgery and he is working on a bid for a job! We teased him that we were going to give the Doc. the phone to answer any important calls and wake him if it was an emergency. If it wasn't, just tell them "His heart isn't in it right now." We really are bad. Our pastor said that now I can't accuse him of not having a heart and I said yeah but I now know for a fact he has a cold, hard heart!

We have been going through some very trying times for the last couple of years and the last few months have been the worst but God has given us a peace and has provided all we have needed so I had faith in God that He would see us through this also. We had family and friends praying and sitting with us and I just knew he would come through this.
Sometimes we have to go through difficult times in order to grow and trust God. I have always heard this said but until you start to live it you really don't understand. It has been a really rough go for quite some time now and we keep wondering when the tide will turn. But I wouldn't give anything to change any of it because of how close we have grown and our trust in God has changed. It has all been worth it.
I am thankful for what God has brought us through and because of all of this I do not battle fear or anxiety anymore. After almost 50 years of not living for me but doing what I thought everyone else wanted. I am finally free. I have a hard head and it took a lot for God to finally make me see but He is so faithful and He never leaves us!

Today is day 3 at home and my husband gets stronger and better each day. I am learning to take each moment as a gift from God and cherish the time God gives us. I also say in stressful times, It is what it is, and I go on.

God has been showing me how to appreciate all that is around me. This is why I take so many photos and why I share them with you. I want others to see the beauty of everyday that is all around us. I will continue to just put up images that move me hoping that somehow they will speak to you too!