In just one week

So much can happen (or change) in just one week. A week ago I was looking forward to all that Summer brings and the many plans I had made. Today I am just thankful. Thankful for so many little things.

Last Tuesday morning, our community experienced a horrible and much more devastating flood than anyone expected.

I have lived through the effects of earthquakes, wild fires, and even riots, but never a flood. There is something very very different with water flowing wherever it chooses to go and absolutely nothing anyone can do about it.

My husband and I moved about the community on Monday evening trying to reach everyone in our church who lives in the flood zone. It was amazing to watch the community work together to help one another prepare their basements, empty their refrigerators before losing power, sandbag their property, and safely evacuate their homes. It was also difficult to watch families leave their homes not knowing what they would find when they returned.

Monday night we had trouble sleeping. We prayed for those we helped that day, for those we didn't, and for a community we are trying to reach.

Tuesday morning we awoke early. There was one family we had been concerned about. We threw on some clothes and headed out the door before our children were even awake to check on them. We spent most of the morning helping to keep their garage from flooding. At one point I was carrying flood water saturated sandbags being brought up from their already flooded basement out to their garage. My friend looked at me when I went to grab the first bag as if to say, "oooh, don't get yourself all wet and ucky" and I quickly told her, "give me the bag and don't worry about it." I told her, "there is nothing else I would rather be doing". Her basement was flooded along with her washer, dryer, and freezer, I had nothing to complain about.

We spent the rest of the day delivering water, retrieving ice chests and ice for neighbors, and checking on others whose homes we could get to. We invited an older couple from the church over for dinner who had been evacuated from their home. After dinner my husband and I went back to relieve the family we had been with earlier in the day from watching over their home so that they could go and shower.

On Wednesday morning my husband and I again woke up early, dressed and jumped in the car to see what had happened over night. Much of the water had receded quite a bit, and the news of the devastation was just beginning.

My husband spent some time in prayer that morning. I loved what he shared with me. He said, "God has called me to be a shepherd. This is exactly what I plan on doing. I will continue to go out and try and get to as many people as I can. Yes, there is much opportunity for ministry at times like this, but it is not my title or even some organized church effort that is needed, but instead the ministry is to be like Jesus and truly care for the people one by one and let the church be the church." And that is exactly what he has tried to do and what the church body (both ours and others in the community) have done.

Our phones have rung constantly over the last three days of people who have been blessed by others in the church or by those who are looking for someone to touch.

The difficult thing is that we are going to flood again, probably on Saturday evening. We are praying it won't be as bad and that the rains stay away. Next week, the cleanup will continue. Some have a very long road ahead. We will take every effort as a church to bring some relief. I was in contact with two women today who I could see the weariness on their faces over the uncertainty and the huge work that was in front of them all while not living in their own home. I agreed to walk alongside them through prayer and cleaning throughout the weeks to come.

I have been praying Psalm 33 today...

1 Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.
2 Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.
3 Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.

4 For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.
5 The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.
6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.
7 He gathers the waters of the sea into jars ; he puts the deep into storehouses.
8 Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere him.
9 For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.
10 The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.
11 But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.
12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.
13 From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind;
14 from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth-
15 he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.
16 No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength.
17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save.
18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
19 to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.
20 We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.
21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.
22 May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you

Welcome Summer!

• We slept in...(thunder, lightening, and wind last night helped a lot!)
• My morning quiet time was not so quiet
• I have already listened to two or three (I lost count) disagreements
• Pancakes were the breakfast of choice this morning and the kitchen looks like it.
• My house has been invaded. Every room has the remnants of a school year completed.
• My son informed me this morning that his shoes have had holes in the bottom of them for the last two weeks, but it didn't matter because his 5th grade class still won the kick-ball tournament.
• The three year old is thoroughly confused and doesn't understand why he can't watch his usual dose of Dora the Explorer.
• The kids have asked 138 times if they can go to the pool

Welcome Summer!

Summer Planning Link

The Girl Talk blog (my first regular blog read) has some great posts on Summer. They fit perfectly with what I have been talking about here, here, and here. Only they say it so much better.

Preparing for Summer ~ part 3

I mentioned here my desire to make memories during the summer months and I shared here that having a plan is more for me than for my kids.



Summer provides us with lots of time with our kids. And the question for me becomes, "how am I going to use it?"



One approach may be to schedule our kids with lots of organized activities. There is certainly no shortage of camps, classes, groups, and other events that compete for our sign-ups. It is literally possible to keep your child very busy through organized group activities all summer long.


Our personal approach is to focus on just a few things. Each year proves to be very different depending on what is going on and what we are planning for vacation. One year our summer seemed to revolve around three pairs of black goggles. My three oldest kids received goggles as a gift and they became part of their sun kissed faces. They lasted all summer and went with us everywhere. They even had special hooks in the garage where they hung with their towel. They went with us to the pool, the river, and the lake. This was also the year we worked through a fun kids devotional. My kids were 11, 8, 6, and 3. The three older ones could sit and read together. It was a very fun summer.



This year my plan is simple. We will have daily bible study and reading. My girls are excited to do some studies with me personally. We have set aside time in our week to accomplish this. The kids are choosing one "classic" from our own collection to read this summer. My husband bought this book to read in the evening before bed with everyone. This is a favorite summer tradition. Hunter will be making his way to the library to join the Summer reading program.

The kids made a list of potential summer activities . My only request was that they couldn't cost anything or very little. This became a fun exercise in creativity and an opportunity for us to talk about saving and spending with our kids. We have set up simple ways the kids can earn money this summer. We have made envelopes for tithing, saving, and spending. They will have to earn all their own money for treats at the pool etc. I think we have a theme here. The kids want to clean out toys and other stuff and even hold a garage sale.

I don't have a calendar filled with activities and places to go. I want the kids to hop on their bikes and ride to the community pool most days. I have not signed them up for any classes, but I do hope to see them grow in their relationship with the Lord. They are not taking any type of lessons, but we hope to learn a lot about saving and spending.

I have a plan. The plan should allow me to make the most of my time this summer with my kids. It is my prayer that many days will be spent relaxing, sipping ice tea and enjoying the fellowship of one another.

Preparing for Summer ~ part 2

I began what I refer to as Summertime planning several years ago. When my three oldest kids were young, I remember wanting the summer months to look different than the rest of the year even before my kids were in school. I set out to create some plans so that we could enjoy the outdoors and as many water activities as possible.

As my kids grew, the planning had more to do with me, than the kids. During the school year I had a routine. Once the kids are home for summer or finished with their homeschooling, my days (or routine) changed. And I found when I didn't have a plan, I became easily frustrated.

My plans have changed a bit each year as the ages, abilities, and needs of my kids change. We also now live in a very seasonal climate, so the need to take advantage of the warm weather is crucial. Below is a list of things that I have prepared for the summer in order to make the most of our time together, the warm weather, and my kids being home.

But before you think I am some kind of crazy person, let me also tell you that I am a lover of spontaneity. Some of the best times have been very spontaneous. But in order to take advantage of the unexpected or the last minute invitation for fun, I find that having a plan only makes those times all the more fun. Notice that I have not called this our summer schedule but rather a summer plan. A schedule sounds rigid and not so fun, but a plan just says to myself, if nothing else, I have a plan.

• Spending time with the Lord ~ The kids being home from school changes the morning routine and it would be easy to miss my time in the Word. But this is the season I need it most. So, getting up early and spending time with the Lord is a one of my first priorities. I am not attending or teaching a bible study through the summer, so personal study time is necessary. Last year, I tried having my quiet time mid-morning and it just didn't work.

• Menus ~ I have planned my meals for the entire summer. Basically, I have about fifteen meals or so that I just repeat. Super easy, super simple meals. Lots of grilling, sandwiches, easy salads and fresh fruits and vegetables. Last week we began the six week marathon of baseball and softball games four nights a week. I don't have to think about what's for dinner. Again, this is not rigid. If we are invited out, or we want to have someone over, we will adjust accordingly. I have learned I don't want to think about what's for dinner or be running to the store. I buy differently in the summer so that I am not at the grocery store very much. My freezer is full of prepared meals and meats that just need to be added to something. The past couple of years I often felt that my kitchen had a revolving door. So to help with the feeling that I stand in the kitchen all day making sandwiches and controlling the consumption of snacks, we are going to try something new. (I will let you know how it goes)

• Housework ~ Throughout the school year my kids have simple chores that they are responsible for. Most have to do with their own rooms, taking out the trash, and dishes. But during the summer months I completely involve the kids in keeping everything done. We take time each day to work together and everyone has their own Google calendar set up with what they are responsible for that day. It will only take about fifteen minutes and maybe thirty on Saturday mornings. It is also my opportunity to show them how much work goes into caring for a home and how to do certain things properly.

Just in case you have some image that my home is sitting in perfect order waiting to receive my children for a summer filled with sunshine and fun, let me assure you that as I look to tomorrow (the last day of school), I might be tempted to scream, "I am not ready." Perfection is not my goal, but rather an environment that allows me to enjoy the season. They will be home on Friday, and there will still be several loads of laundry that I haven't finished folding, dust that I have not touched, closets that haven't been cleaned out and floors that need to be mopped. But I have five kids all day to myself for almost three months...and I plan to enjoy them.

to be continued...

Wordless Wednesday ~ Ready!

Book Review ~ Skizzer

I have a funny little story to tell you about this book. I had begun reading the book myself when one day the book suddenly disappeared. For several days I had no clue where the book had walked off to. I checked in the usual places where I have a tendency to leave books, and no Skizzer. I had all but given up when one evening I went in to turn my oldest daughter's lamp off in her room and found her completely engrossed in the book. I chuckled to myself realizing I should of known that she was the culprit to the missing book. I asked her if she was enjoying my new book and she mumbled "yea" barely taking a break from running her eyes back and forth on the pages.

When she finished the book I asked her what she thought. I loved her response, "It is one of those books that won't let you put it down. I felt like I was there, I wanted to know what was next, and you know how I love a good mystery mom?"

It is not often that I have an opportunity to read fiction, but when I do, I love it when a book allows my senses to experience the smells and the sounds of the places the words take you. A.J. Kiesling's, Skizzer would provide pure enjoyment for anyone looking for a fun Summer read.

About Skizzer: After receiving news of her sister Becca's abrupt disappearance, Claire Trowling must piece together the shadowy remnants of a past she's long forgotten in order to find her. A cryptic note scrawled in Becca's handwriting leaves more questions than it answers. When a stack of mysterious letters bound by a rare necklace is found, Claire races to discover the secrets that hold her family captive. Suspenseful and full of intrigue, Skizzer takes you on a transcontinental hunt for answers, weaving seamlessly between the distant past of childhood and the urgency of the present.

This debut novel from Kiesling is a quick and engaging read with plot revelations meted out skillfully enough to keep the pages turning.... [The book has] an adventurous story, a compelling protagonist and thoughtful musings on the real meaning of sisterhood." -Publishers Weekly

A.J. (Angie) Kiesling grew up loving trees and words--trees because they formed the natural backdrop and playground for her childhood years in rural North Carolina, and words because they captivated her from as far back as she can remember. When she wasn't' romping through the woods with her siblings, she might be found with her nose in a book--or lost among the shelves at the local library. To learn more about A.J. Kiesling go here. To order a copy of the book go here.

For a chance to win a $40.00 gift certificate to a restaurant of your choice go to the blog tour post and answer the following question:

"What's the most important thing you've ever lost and then found?"

Treasure

I have intentionally not posted anything over the past week until yesterday. I have had this post hanging around as a draft throughout the week. My mind has been everywhere but here.

One week ago, my husband and I attended the funeral for a little guy we did not know. His memorial service left me realizing once again how precious life is and how easily I take so much for granted. I came home weary and completely sick of all of my selfish concerns, you know all the stuff that weighs on us that has no eternal value what. so. ever. His precious young life, lived so courageously, had impacted so many in less than three short years. I wondered if my own much longer time here so far (life) has had such an influence?

On Sunday afternoon a community not far from us was changed forever by a devastating tornado. My family and I clueless to what was taking place so close, sat and watched the storm roll through. We later realized that most were huddled in their basements waiting for it to pass. We stood stunned at the pictures broadcast that evening and how quickly so many lost so much. My heart has been so heavy this week. I have received several emails asking us to pray for families and extended families who have lost their homes. Sarah has given us a glimpse of the devastation through her blog.


I have spent the week trying to get things caught up in my own home before Summer hits, and yet in the midst of it, I find myself looking at all this "stuff" as a weight. I find myself worried about things that don't matter. I sense God drawing me in close and whispering this stuff is not eternal, don't value it.


My kids have come home this week from their respective schools each talking about how they personally want to help. The school's have provided ways that the kids can give towards helping those impacted by the tornado. Even our little league is asking the players to consider donating equipment.


Hunter (7) sat down one morning looking at his flimsy plastic box which he is currently using as his piggy bank and stared at the crisp five dollar bill laying across the pennies, nickels, and dimes. He looked up at me and said, "mom, I really want to take money to school, but I was saving my money for summer vacation and I don't know what to do?" I told him that it was his decision, but I also understood how hard these choices are. I noticed a piece of paper sitting next to him. After I returned from dropping my kids off at their schools, the piece of paper was still sitting on the table, and the piggy bank was still full of pennies, nickels and dimes.


I heard the Lord whisper, For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21

Preparing for Summer

We are only two-thirds through Spring and I think all of us over here are begging for summer to finally come. Once today is completed, the kids have three and a half more days to go. I don't know how many more days of moaning and groaning at 7:15 am I can take. They are done! Completely ready to be done with this school year.

I have been busily preparing myself for my kids to be home. I absolutely love this time of year as the weather warms up (or is supposed to...I think). For good reasons, the last couple of years I haven't felt prepared as I would like. I like to take the time to think about what I want summer break to look like for my kids. I learned many years ago that if I don't plan, then nothing happens. (or maybe better stated that I am overwhelmed by everyone being home and running around in ten different directions)

I used to think that I wanted summer days to be long and care-free for my kids as they seemed for me. As kids we would leave the house after breakfast and it seemed we didn't return until dinner. But as I think about it, it is not that we didn't go back in the house, it's that there was nothing indoors that we wanted to do or that was calling for our attention. We certainly didn't have any type of video games and kids television programs were not on during the day. Even as a teenager, there were no computers or cell phones. So, we headed outside to swim, ride bikes, run through the sprinklers, ride the bus to the beach, and most days wait for the ice cream truck to drive by so that we could spend the change we had made from turning in pop bottles.

As I think back through the years, I have made it my personal responsibility to be our family's event coordinator of summer memories and fun. (I wish I could come up with a better title for myself) It is more than activity planning or vacation coordinator. It has been a secret personal goal of mine to create unforgettable memories so that the kids will go back and talk about them for years to come. Memories from time spent together and the crazy adventures we have tried have brought much dinnertime laughter.

Just yesterday while out running errands with Kelsey (13), she said, "mom, I have a great idea for making memories", "what's that I asked", "let's have ice cream for dinner one night a week." I told her that would be a great idea. So, we may have ice cream sundaes, shakes, and root beer floats on our dinner menu. And I can tell you this, my kids will never forget the summer we ate ice cream for dinner.

to be continued...

Praying...

for the tragic and heart wrenching loss of two children on the same day. Steven Curtis Chapman's young daughter and for Elijah Carlson, the grandson of a sweet couple in our church who passed away in his home today of cancer.

Our thoughts and prayers are with both families today.

If you are weary in mothering toddlers...read this

My sixteen year old daughter just emailed me this from school. Yes, she attends public school and has access to her email account everyday during study hall. As I look down at my toddler and the continual demands he places on me, the constant picking up, the day to day discipline, I also remember when this child was in this stage and wondering what choices will she make, who will she become, will she listen to God's voice, will she choose to make Him Lord and Savior?

Many days we are still in the midst of constant demands, instruction, discipline, but then I get a glimpse of what God is doing in the life and heart of this child. This is not to brag or toot my own horn, (believe me, if I could change some things I would) but to encourage us as moms that all the time and energy we give to these children in teaching and instructing them in the ways of the Lord is not done in vain.

"Mom read the forward! it totally spoke to me about what we talked about last nite."

The Daily Bible Verse : Email Edition May 16th, 2008~
John 5:18-19~

If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.That is why the world hates you.

Commentary:
Since Satan is the one who dominates the evil world system in rebellion against God (14:30), the result is that the world hates not only Jesus, but those who follow Him (2 Tim. 3:12). Hatred toward Jesus means also hatred toward the Father who sent Him (v. 23).
MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997).
The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Jn 15:18).Nashville: Word Pub.

Last night after we stayed up way too late talking and I finally said good night to her, I prayed! And then I prayed some more! I knew that I could not meet the need this child was facing. I can't fix everything even though I desperately want to. So, I laid my head on my pillow and said, "Father, she is your daughter and I love her. Would you minister to her? I am helpless here. I want to fix all of this and make life easy for her. But I know better. My ways are not your ways. My plan for her is not your plan. I trust you with her completely. Amen. "

Looking Back...

My poor blog. I think those ladies are about to get up from the table leaving nothing but an empty cup. Hopefully, this will give them something to talk about.

Lisa tagged me several weeks ago with an archive meme where I must choose five posts from my archives in the following categories: family, friends, me, something I love, and anything I like, so that you can revisit some posts or perhaps read some posts you've never read.


Family: Yesterday as I pulled up to my usual spot at the crosswalk to pick up Hunter (1st grade) from school. He was busily talking to the other kids and showing them some long strip of paper he had received at school. The teacher who is there everyday raising the "stop" sign so that the children can safely cross the street had to go over to Hunter to get his attention. He turned around and with great shock, (as if I don't come to this same spot every. single. day.) he quickly ran across the street to enter our vehicle. The teacher/crossing guard walked over to my car and said, "I hope you are enjoying this age", I assured her I was. As I drove off I thought about this post written just over a year ago. It was a day I watched my then Kindergarten son do some Puddle Jumping.


Friends: Without even looking back, I know already that I don't post much or at all about my friends. Mostly because who wants to wake up one morning and open up their Bloglines and find a new post at Come to the Table about them unless we had first discussed it of course. So, instead of linking up to one of my old posts, I will send you here to read what God is doing in the life of one of my long time blogging friends.


Me: I still struggle with this, I should re-write this and elaborate more since I know I am not alone here either. And yes, I did this at the same time.


Something I love: I love (in no particular order) this one, this one, this one, these two, and this one.


Anything I want: Just this morning I prayed with a women and said these words again, "He Has Not Forgotten".

If you would like to be tagged consider yourself "it".

Spring Conference 08

As I mentioned in my last post, one of the things that had kept me busy over the last month was preparing for a Women's Spring Conference at our church. The conference was such a blessing and the ladies of our church have amazed me by their sweet words of encouragement.

The conference title was "Running the Race" and our guest speaker, Luann, did an amazing job bringing us a word from the Lord.


Our theme verse was Hebrews 12:1-2. I have been reading and re-reading it over and over all week. The Lord won't let me move away from it. I know there is so much for me to learn.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)

I keep going back to "lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely" In my study bible the "weight" is referred to anything, even those things that bring us joy and that are good that will keep us from running the race with endurance. It is so easy to be distracted and "weighted" down by good things and miss what really matters.

In the first session, "The Race to Freedom ~ Priorities", Luann shared the words of Jesus from John 17:4;

I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.

The words, "You have given Me to do" spoke so powerfully to me. Often times my priority list is a compilation of what everyone else is wanting me to do, hoping I will do, what others expect me to do, or probably mostly what I perceive others want me to do, rather than a list that has been compiled because I have first inquired of the Lord. And yes, even in the midst of our everyday lives of housework, mothering, working, caring for our husbands, and the many things we face, God has given us work to do and finish. But first, our eyes must be fixed on Jesus.

In the second session, "The Race of the Faithful ~ Servanthood", Luann compared our self-righteous service versus true service. Sadly, as she layed out the comparison I found my own service much more on the self-righteous side. For example, self-righteous service is impressed with "big deal", while True service doesn't distinguish small from large service. It welcomes all opportunities. It is God initiated. It is God focused. It is God glorified. The world and it's influences had in- filtered my service, not only in the church, but also in my home and towards the ones God has placed before me to serve. I found myself quietly repenting before the Lord. Much of what we do as wives and moms goes un- noticed by others. No one hands me a bonus at the end of the year. We are rarely praised for what we do. If anything, our roles have been greatly de-valued and we are left to think there must be something more. As I sit here finishing up this post I have four loads of laundry to fold, two bathrooms that need to be cleaned, and a family room that needs to be vacuumed and there is no guarantee that anyone will even notice what I have done.

In the final session, "The Race to Victory ~ The Crucified Life", Luann led us down the pathway to victory. But it's not what you think. Victory only comes through the cross. The cross is painful. The three points which spoke so personally to me and those which I have recently experienced in the Race to Victory were:

• Abandon your own will and agenda Matt. 26:39
• It requires intense times of aloneness with God Matt. 26:36-40
• There will be times your dignity is forfeited Matt. 27:27-28

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Gal. 2:20 NJK

Thank you to all the wonderful women who made this conference so very special. And yes, the cute polka-dot high heels were displayed on our tables and filled with sweet goodies.

(all conference photos courtesy of Heth)

Can you guess where I've been??

The last month has been very busy. Can you guess where we have been besides soccer practice, baseball practice, softball practice, school, church, laundry, dishes, and enjoying some warmer days as a family?

(this photo courtesy of Heth)

Here are some hints...someone turned 13, someone went to her first prom with a christian young man who is an exchange student from South Korea and is living with a family in our church, My two daughters and I went to visit a weekend camp for women and girls, our church hosted a Spring Conference for the Women in our church, someone was a little apprehensive and excited all at the same time about having two teeth pulled and getting braces, the family went on a short trip for a few days. Guess away! It shouldn't be too hard to figure out (edited to add) what picture goes to what event?

Wordless Wednesday ~ Work Day

I have been so busy that I almost forgot to select a winner for Lisa Bergren's book, "The Busy Mom's Devotional". Congratulations to BeckyJoMama at Sweet Abundance. Your Number (2) was chosen!

Another reason I haven't been here...

It was 73 degrees today!

A Book Tour ~ A Mother's Heart Knows

To enter the "My Favorite Mom" spa basket contest go here.

This is a beautiful gift book. The photos touch your heart.

It would make a wonderful Mother's Day Gift!

Each page begins with, "A Mother's heart knows..." and is completed with the many things that we face and experience as moms.

About the book: What better way to tell Mom how much you appreciate her on Mother's Day than with this lovely reminder of thoughts about the loving, selfless attitudes that fill a mother's heart?

The text and original four-color illustrations will be a beautiful and touching reminder to Mom that her love is never forgotten. The text is a reminder of those things that only a mother's heart knows, with some special emphasis on a Christian mother. Appropriate Scripture verses will be incorporated into the design element.

All royalty proceeds from this book go to WINGS (Women In Need Growing Stronger) and a student missionary scholarship fund. WINGS is a non-profit organization that provides a domestic violence shelter for women and their children in addition to transitional housing and programs.

About the Author: Margaret McSweeney lives with her husband and two daughters in a Chicago suburb. Her book, A Mother's Heart Knows was published by Thomas Nelson in 2005. Go Back and Be Happy, a co-authored book will be published by Lion Hudson in July 2008. Margaret has been featured on Greg Wheatly's "Prime Time American, " TLN's "Aspiring Women," and LeSea's "The Harvest Show." Margaret writes freelance articles for The Daily Herald, the largest suburban Chicago newspaper. Notable interviews include Wolfgang Puck, Thomas Kinkade, Susan Branch and Dr. John Gottman. Margaret also wrote a feature article for crosswalk.com. With a master's degree in international business, Margaret became a vice president in the corporate finance division of a New York City bank and worked there from 1986-1993. Supporting charitable causes is important to Margaret. For the past five years, she has served on the board of directors for WINGs, an organization that helps abused women and their children get a new start in life.

The "My Favorite Mom" spa basket contest is being held at Margaret's blog. Go here to enter by sharing your favorite story about your mother (or someone who has been like a mother). Also if you leave her a comment here, she is giving away a signed copy of A Mother's Heart.

To purchase a copy of this book, go here.

The reason I haven't been here...

Definition:
re·al·i·ty
Pronunciation:
\rē-ˈa-lə-tē\
Function:
noun
Inflected Form(s):
plural re·al·i·ties
Date: 1550

1: the quality or state of being real
2: a real event, entity, or state of affairs
3: the totality of real things and events

Sometimes the reality of things keeps you away, but I do miss it.

A Book Review ~ The BUSY Mom's devotional

A few weeks ago I received a copy of Lisa T. Bergren's book , The BUSY Mom's devotional to review.

My curiosity caused me to open the book up immediately and begin reading. I haven't purchased a devotional of this type in a number of years, so I wanted to see if this book was different than others I own. I remember when my older three children were young receiving several cute and sometimes inspiring mommy devotionals. Many of them were encouraging to me in those early years of motherhood. But it wasn't long before I desired more. My spiritual growth required it.

As I read Lisa's introduction and the first few devotions, I was pleasantly surprised and encouraged to see that it was more than just cute mommy stories tied in loosely with a scripture.

In the introduction Lisa says, "But the truth is, the devotional life is more a way of looking at life than anything you do. It's beginning to see God infusing every moment of your day." Lisa goes on to encourage us as moms to look for God in everything we do.

The devotional is broken up into four parts based on the four seasons. There are fifty-two devotions in the book. This is completely doable and could easily be incorporated into your week. It would also work well if you put it in your purse or diaper bag and whenever you found yourself waiting somewhere, you could pull it out and work through one devotion in about fifteen to twenty minutes.

I remember when my oldest was four and I had just given birth to my third child nineteen months after my second child. It was a busy season of nursing, two in diapers, double strollers, and endless piles of toys, laundry, and dishes. (we did not have a dishwasher). I longed for the days before children when I could sit for an hour and study scripture. I could spend a whole afternoon on a Sunday cuddled up with a book and I listened to countless messages on tape while cleaning our apartment. But those days were gone and getting my own spirit fed was now more difficult.

I am now at a different season in life. I have two more children, which means I am still busy, but as my children have grown I have learned to make the time each day to spend in quiet time with the Lord and the study of His word. It is not always easy and some days and weeks I still struggle with getting up early or sitting down and ignoring the toys, dishes and laundry for just a few moments to kneel before the Lord.

As I finish reading through this devotional, here are a few highlights:

The layout of each devotion makes it easy to understand and has a place for you to make notes and journal your prayers.

Each devotion begins with the Word of God.

On the first page of each day, Lisa provides a section called, Things on My Mind. There is a place to jot down your to-do list or anything that may take your focus off of what you are reading and cause you to be distracted.

The next section is her own personal story. She shares how God has revealed himself through her life and experiences. More than likely we all can relate to something she has experienced. At the end of this section she shares a prayer. This is usually where most devotionals end. But it is the next three sections that I appreciate most about this devotional:

What is God Saying to Me in This?
This forces us to think about the condition of our own heart and life, and not just be tickled by an inspirational story.

Making the Scripture Mine
In this section she takes us back to the word of God and helps us to look deeper. This section sometimes includes additional scripture references as well as background information to what we have already read.

My Prayer
In conclusion, she has provided a place to write a personal prayer.

I found Lisa's writing refreshing. The BUSY Mom's devotional could be used in many different ways. I have a sweet friend who is a new believer. She would benefit from these short and yet rich devotions as she is learning and growing in Christ. I personally will put mine in my car and when I am waiting at the school, or in the orthodontist's office, or any of the many places I find myself waiting, this will be a wonderful and practical way for me to spend a few moments sitting at the feet of my Savior.

This book would make a wonderful Mother's Day gift or even a fun baby shower gift. To purchase the book or to learn more about Lisa you may go here.

Lisa has graciously offered to give away a copy of The Busy Mom's devotional. Just leave a comment to this post and I will choose one name on Friday. (April 25th)