Give-away Winner!!

Drum roll please......the winner of my Angela Thomas Book give away is Lea over at Cici's Corner!


Yay Lea!!!

Little Frogs, a Hop (blog style) and a Giveaway

Today is Friday and that means it's time for Company Girl Coffee!  I love Fridays as I get to stay in touch with some amazing women in Blogville.  It is great "virtual fellowship" and a way to pray and intercede for each other (who doesn't need some prayer??)  This week we are having a "Blog Hop" and you can join too!  Just link up and join the party!!

Karen Ehman had this story posted over on her blog yesterday.  Once I read it, I knew I had to re-post this precious story.  Like me, maybe you have read this story before but I believe it is worth a reading again. 

There once was a bunch of tiny frogs who arranged a climbing competition. The goal was to reach the top of a very high tower.

A big crowd had gathered around the tower to see the race and cheer on the contestants. The race began. No one in the crowd really believed the tiny frogs would reach the top of the tower.

Heard throughout the race were statements such as, “Oh, way too difficult,” “They will never make it to the top,” “Not a chance they will succeed,” and “The tower is too high.”

The tiny frogs began collapsing, one by one—except for those who, in a fresh tempo, were climbing higher and higher. The crowd continued to yell, “It is too difficult! No one will make it!”

More tiny frogs got tired and gave up. But ONE continued to climb higher and higher. This one refused to give up.

At the end of the race, all had given up climbing the tower except for the one tiny frog who, after a big effort, was the only one who reached the top!

All of the other tiny frogs wanted to know how this one frog managed to do it. They asked him how he had found the strength to succeed and reach the goal, despite the horrible odds and the cruel taunts and jeers of the crowd.

It was simple. You see, it turns out that the one determined, focused, and disciplined frog …….was utterly and completely……….DEAF!!!!

Press-on dear sisters (and brothers)--keep pressing on until the end.  Run the race and don't quit (Heb. 12:1).   Whatever it is The Lord has called you to do--do it and do it for His glory.  If the Lord has told you that you "can"--then you CAN!!  Who cares what those other negative voices in your life say, listen to the One True Voice and allow The Father to guide you and direct you in His ways (Ps. 32:8).   If He is leading you, He will carry you and He will help you!    Trust Him and Him alone!!  May we fix our eyes on Him and plug our ears to them (the nay-sayers).  May we focus on Him, our Lord and Savior, and give Him our all.  May we also turn a 'deaf ear' to all that tries to distract us from His voice and His call on our life. 


I'm signing off  as I am getting ready to go "face a fear" that I have avoided for a few years.  I am taking an exam this morning (nothing medical).  I have not taken a test in YEARS (20+) but I am leaving the results in The Lord's hand.  Regardless of the outcome, I am just excited to face this fear.   For me, that alone is a huge step and a victory. 

Oh--Don't forget to check out my giveaway (click here).  I will pick a winner this weekend!!   Have a BLESSED weekend!

Tada! Tuesday

Last week I mentioned doing an upcoming giveaway and today is that day.  

A few weeks ago, I ran across a book at the store and decided to flip through the pages.  (I am not a fan of all these e-books.  I am still old-school and love a good ol' fashion book that I can mark in, write in and highlight.) Each page I flipped to really ministered to me, so I bought the book.  I've been devouring it  since.  I even invited my book on a date Friday night to Chipotle (before rumors start to fly, my man was invited first but he had an appointment and couldn't go.)

me and my book on a date

This book is one of my all time favorites (ever!)  The Lord has used this book to really speak to me the past few weeks.  I think you will really enjoy this book too, therefore, I want to bless someone and give away a copy. 


The book I am talking about is "Do You Know Who I Am? (and other brave questions women ask)"  Tada!!!

This is the first Angela Thomas book I have read and she rocks!  (My friend Jennifer tried to get me to read her books years ago but I guess I'm just a slow learner.  Thank for nudging me Jennifer!!  You were right!)


Here are a few chapter titles:

• Do You Know I am Afraid to Dream Big? (He is Worthy)
• Do You Know I am Trembling Inside? (He is My Comfort)
• Do You Know I am Worn Out?  (He Does Not Grow Weary)
• Do  You Know I am Disappointed?  (He is my Hope)

This is just a snippet of topics.  If you want to win your own copy, just leave me a comment (that's all you have to do is leave a comment....no hooking up on Twitter, jumping through hoops, signing away your first born--nothing more, just a comment--see I really am old school!!!)   I will announce the winner over the weekend.  

I can't resist leaving you with a picture of my little Valentine and precious grand-daughter.

***Just a neat update!  I just received an email from blogger friend, Heather over at A Place of Quiet Rest that I won her give-away from last week.  I'm so excited...I've never won a thing in my life!  Yippee!!***

YAY, Amen and LOTS of spirit fingers

What time is it?  Time for a Saturday praise!  Little Miss Jaelynn (my grand daughter) had her check-up yesterday with her cardiologist.  In case you are new to the blog, Jaelynn has heterotaxy syndrome.  (You can read more here and here).


Back to the praise - the cardiologist said the "flap" has closed by itself and there will be NO need for heart surgery!  


Praise The Lord!!  Can I get an Amen? AMEN! Anyone want to join this giddy grandma and do some happy dancin'?  


Here is little Miss Jaelynn (10 months now) excited about her good news.   Thank you all for your prayers the past year.

The LORD has done great things for us and we are filled with joy. Psalms 126:3

Painting The Barn

Photo J. Sullivan

Kelly over at Kelly's Korner (love that gal!) had a great topic for today.  She is asking for "Beauty Secrets".  

I can't wait to read all the great tips.  Shoot!  I'm over 40 and will take all the help I can get.   

Off the top of my head I wanted to chim in to the tips: 

1. Wrinkle help the natural way- My hair dresser Georgine just recently cut me some great bangs.  Since I am not a believer in Boxtox (and even if I were --I can't afford it!!) I needed a way to cover up this massive crater that is growing deeper by the week on my forehead.  Yes, the  one that has decided to take up permanent residence on my forehead.  *sigh*  

2. "Paint the Barn Baby!" -  One of my personal mottos.  A dear Pastor many years ago randomly addressed women in the middle of his sermon and said "if the barn needs to be painted...then paint it and be sure to put two coats on it if needed!"  Some women took offense but I took it to heart (and saw great humor in the statement).  So......my "barn" gets lots of painting each and every day. Several coats, in fact.   The way these wrinkles are coming in, I might need to use 3 coats. 

3.  Fire extinguisher sized products - Click here to read more!

Untie the ribbons and flashing back

How did it get so late so soon?
It's night before it's afternoon.

December is here before it's June.

My goodness how the time has flewn.

How did it get so late so soon?

~Dr. Seuss

Yesterday I organized some files on my computer and ran across my "oldies" photo file (meaning time not age!!).   Seems like these "oldies" were just yesterday.  I am sure all agree that time is zipping faster than ever these days.  Makes me want to enjoy every moment of life and live with no regrets. 

Me and My Mom 30 years ago and 3 months ago

 

My precious princesses from 17 years ago and  12 weeks ago

   

Each day comes bearing its own gifts.  Untie the ribbons.  ~R. Schabacker

Speaking of gifts, today is Friday and that means I am linking up with Company Girl.  

Every week I look forward to Company Girl Coffee as it is a blessing to have other like-minded women out in Blogville to share with, receive encouragement and inspiration from.  Be sure to link up with us.

Enjoy your weekend, make memories that will last a lifetime and "untie those ribbons" from the gifts each day holds. 

Can You Feel The Love Tonight?

"Don't marry the person you think you can live with; marry only the individual you think you can't live without."  James C. Dobson

Photo: freedigitalphotos.net

In case you didn't know, it's National Marriage Week (February 7th-14th)!


The National Marriage Week has a great web site chocked full of fantastic tips, ideas for cheap dates and there is even a neat "love letter"template to help you write some sweet nothings to your Valentine!


On their site, I found this great little "Love Language Quiz".  Give it try to discover your spouse's love language.  (My love language? Hmmm...is ice cream considered a love language?).

Rachael Anne of Home Sanctuary has a great post on her site this morning about 'The Frog Inside My Prince Charming'. Be sure to 'hop' (ribbet, ribbet) over to her site and check it out!

Lastly, I found a cute site I wanted to share.  Check out The Dating Divas.


It's a fun website packed with lots of creative ideas to, as they say, "strengthen marriage, one date at a time".


Have fun!!!   Be sure to share any creative ideas you have! 

Freaky Friday (but it's only Wednesday)

I am excited! (me: jumping up and down, clapping. spirit fingers. striking the 'Elaine from Seinfeld' dance pose).  It's only Wednesday so what’s got me so fired-up? It's not the six cups of coffee I have inhaled today but the fact that  I am going to be introducing a few changes to my blog in the weeks to come.   Things like give-aways (which you'll have to check back for in a few days).   

Other things like this little tid bit of news that you don't have to wait for because it starts today.  I am adding a few voices as ‘guest writers' to my blog.   Since you know I'm all about me some family (imagine We Are Family playing in the background on Musac) then you know I couldn't be more excited  to let you know my precious daughters (Jo and Amanda) will be helping to contribute to the blog from time to time.  

Not only are they both super writers, they are very transparent, fun and each have insightful views.  They are as different as night and day but that will only add some fun over here.   I hope it will be a refreshing change to the blog that will add some more fun and flavor for you other than my 40-something world. (Now, if I can just sweet talk my man to guest write some....whatcha think honey?  smoochy, smoochy!!)

Remember the movie Freaky Friday when the mom and daughter switched places?  Well, with no further ado, let me introduce Amanda (my oldest preciousness) to you. 

Yay!  Clap. Clap, Clap. jump, jump!

Tae Bo Bonanza by Amanda G. Rivera

 As I sip on my black coffee with skim milk, and eat my fat free cottage cheese, I have to giggle at my recent weight loss “challenge” as I call it.  I, like most every human being, have been on the path of trying to come to peace with my physical appearance for years. After becoming a new stay at home mother and feeling the extra poundage (my word for the pounds that have turned to baggage around my legs and mid section) from the holiday season I have yet to embark on another weight loss journey. Growing up I had one all time favorite work out, the late 90’s phenomenon “Billy Blanks, Tae Bo.”  So in an attempt to keep up my workouts and not grow bored I invested in all sorts of Billy’s latest and greatest DVDs. 

a few from my collection

The last four weeks have consisted of me kicking, punching, squatting, and counting my way back to my skinny jeans. If you know me at all you know I tend to air on the side of excessive , when I become focused on something (right mom?). Therefore, I knew last night as I was counting in reps of eight as I was trying to fall asleep, that my relationship with Mr. Billy and his Tae Bo might be getting a little out of hand. 

Once I entered my dreamland I discovered Billy Blanks was my father!!! Ok well only in my dreams…however, he also left all of his DVD collections to ME, little ol Amanda Ashley to teach everyone the moves and love of Tae Bo! Needless to say I woke up a little amused and a little creeped out when I looked at my work out DVDs this morning. 

 Needless to say Billy and I took a brief break today and I did another workout set, however even though we are not related (by blood) I do know that we are brother and sister in Christ (and in Tae Bo).  Until next time I will leave you with a few thoughts from my favorite fitness guru: 

 “Be in control of your thought process because thoughts can determine action, and action determines consequences.” 

To this I think of my dream from last night and the consequence.  I realize as important as being fit so is God and my family.  Both should always be at the forefront of my thought process, instead of my vanity.

 In response to my last statement, another Billy quote:

“Our bodies are just outer earth suits, the true you resides inside of the earth suit.” 

So as bikini season approaches each of us, remember no individual is perfect on the inside or outside. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and as long as Jesus (and my husband of course! ) still love me just as I am (plain old Amanda), then that is enough for me. 

I encourage each of you to take a look in your internal mirror today and remember you also are, and will always be-- beautiful. 

 ~Amanda Rivera

Going to the Balcony

My daughter and I were recently riding in the car to one of our many destinations and she shared a recent situation she had experienced.  She recently became involved in a new “activity” and she told  me how she enjoys this experience but she just doesn’t feel welcome.   (Keep in mind this is a Christian activity).  I asked her to explain and she went on to say, “Everyone is really nice but I just don’t feel welcome.  They’re just hard to get to know.”

My mama bear was ready to jump out of my skin at this comment. Who wouldn’t welcome my little baby girl.   Upon our arrival to the “activity” I had half a mind to jump out the car, rush into the “place” and give these folks a piece of my mama mind accompanied by some of my mama body language (a.k.a. my thriller pose)

Realizing my baby is now considered an adult, I figured I better not react in this matter and more importantly, I represent Jesus.  I must represent well.   Luckily my mind took over my feelings since I had hopped in the car that morning in my brown loafers, raggedy old hoodie with holes, and my booty pants.

 (*insert random explanation which has nothing to do with this blog post.  Booty pants are these hand-me-down pants my oldest daughter left at my house this summer.  This is my term and they are not sold under that description.  These britches are the MOST comfortable stretchy pants I have ever worn.  And I’ve worn me some stretchy pants through the years.  They have a yoga style waist and they are definitely not appropriate for public especially for a 40 something mother of two.   Imagine  cloth covering the moon with all it’s craters.   Yeah.  Yikes is my thought too! …end of random explanation*)

Keep reading.....

Snow Miser and Heat Miser

Thursday afternoon randomness from inside The Burton’s household:

photo from: lowes.com

Jim – watching news and talking to me about world events.

Me - half listening and reading blogs

Jim saying something about:  “…not safe for American journalist …”

Me:  (still reading blogs) “oh…uh huh…really?”

Jim:  “Yeah, Anderson Cooper got hurt.”

Me:  “ANDERSON COOPER!!!??!!!”

Jim:  It’s okay hun—his face didn’t get hit. 

Me:  (really embarrassed)  Oh! (hurrying back to read blogs)

A few minutes later:

Jim: “It’s really cold in here!”

Checks thermostat

Jim:   “Good gracious Beck!  It’s 64 in here!!!  Do you have a plan?"

Me:    “huh”  (still reading blogs)

Jim :  “A plan to get rid of me. That’s right nudge me on into pneumonia and be done with me!”

Me – assuring Jim there is no plan but laughing and thinking back to a scene from earlier today (see next scene)

Earlier today:

Father-in-Law comes over for a bite to eat and a visit.

Father-in-law gets up, puts on his coat and hat.

Me:       “PePaw?  You leaving???

PePaw:  “No! I’m about to freeze!” and he proceeded to sit on 

the couch (in his coat and hat) under a blanket to finished his cup of                                             coffee and visit.

Me - (now has the song 'Snow Miser/Heat Miser' in my head) logging off to turn-up the heat a little and snuggle with my main man (that's you Jim Burton!!)


It's only appropriate that I leave you with our love theme song for the day:

Love Ya!

My mother-in-law started a tradition in The Burton family about 20 years ago.   Each time we would pray or bless the meal we always (and I mean ALWAYS) had to hold hands and at the end, after we said “Amen” we would all swing our joined hands upward and loudly proclaim, "LOVE YA!!!”.   

The tradition continued even recently while MeMaw was in the hospital on her death bed.   To keep true to MeMaw’s tradition, the last thing everyone at her funeral did was hold hands, swing them upward and proclaim, “LOVE YA!” in unison.

The funeral is over.  Out of town family have gone back home and we are returning to life as usual---which has left me with a ginormous  'to-do' list (which includes taking down my Christmas Tree. *sigh*).  As I set out last week to run errands, I admit, I was rather overwhelmed and feeling a bit blah. 

Wandering aimlessly down the grocery store isle, I glanced at the Valentine’s Day section and saw this:

At that moment, I was totally overwhelmed in a new way.  No longer overwhelmed with my 'to do' list but with the Lord’s love.  Who would have thought I’d find a God-wink in the middle of Kroger?  A small, cheap, plastic heart-shaped plate was loudly declaring to me that the Lord loved me.  That He cares about me.  That He is in control, He alone is my help (Ps. 121:1) and everything would be okay!  He loves me and nothing can separate me from Him!  

Romans 8 says: No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.  And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

How about you?  Are you feeling a bit tired?  Overwhelmed? Discouraged? Do you need a reminder that He LOVES you very much?   Do you desire to see the Lord show-up in your everyday (and often  mundane) tasks?  Of course we see His fingerprints all over creation if we will stop long enough to notice.  Yet, sometimes we just need a little “love ya” from Him.  


I want to encourage you to seek Him.  Yep, go ahead and ask Him to give you a “God wink” (an ounce of encouragement).  It may happen when and where you least expect it but I believe He will show-up for you!  (When He does--give some testimony and praise in the comment section.  I’d love to hear about it! )

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD -Jeremiah 29:13b-14a

The best way I can think to end this blog post is to include a video of one of my all time favorite praise songs by David Crowder Band. 

LOVE YA!