Q and A with Author Joanne Bischof

Please welcome our wonderfully fabulous guest, Author and friend, Mrs. Joanne Bischof! (The crowd goes wild! I can't hear!! The applause sounds like stampeding buffalo--as if any anyone now knows what that sounds like, lol). 

Joanne, thank you for joining me on my blog, and taking the time out of your busy schedule to answer my prying questions! I appreciate you! Joanne is debut author who just released her novel, Be Still My Soul--a fabulous study worthy must read! Click here to read the rave review!

Without further a due, welcome Mrs. Bischof!

1: When did you begin writing, and what do you love most about being an Author?

I began writing when I was little. The first story I can remember was one I wrote in third grade. I was in love with the written word. The best part about it was that my parents really encouraged me in that area. If it was my passion, they were just as excited about it. I love writing. I love creating characters and getting to know them—their passions, fears and their struggles and hopes. My favorite thing about being an author is connecting with people. I love to talk books and characters and whenever I get a note from a reader who was touched or blessed by one of my stories—it’s one of the greatest moments. And it’s never about me…I’m so glad that I write stories about God’s love. I think that is something people can get excited about.

2: Can you give a little insight on your journey to publication? How did it all start? What was the process?

 It was when I had the three books that make up the Cadence of Grace series finished that I first began querying agents. I queried over a dozen, and while many passed, a few of them hitched their door open, wanting to see more. One of those agents was Sandra Bishop with MacGregor Literary. I sent her the manuscript. I heard back that she liked what she had read and had an editor in mind. It was one of those pinch me moments. We worked on my proposal, submitted it and then waited.

As the proposal went further down the line, passing through the different levels of consideration, I got more and more nervous and more and more excited! I spent a lot of time praying and talking with God—the waiting wasn’t easy, a year to be exact, but He was with me the whole time, teaching me lessons about patience and faith that I wouldn’t have learned any other way. The manuscript headed to pub board which is where the BIG decision happens. The editorial team gets together with sales, marketing, and top decision makers and they basically negotiate over your proposal. I remember the day it went. I was SO nervous the whole day. A while later, I got the call from my agent. That year of waiting ended with a 3-book contract from WaterBrook Multnomah. It was an incredible moment.

3: How has becoming an Author changed your life? Your faith?

Probably the biggest way it’s changed my life is that it’s brought me out of my shell. I’m a super shy person and being an author has changed that. And I’m so glad! I realize now how much of life could have passed me by if I’d always been too shy to step out of my comfort zone. I love interacting with readers, chatting books and characters and just getting to know them as people. I think this has impacted my faith in the same way. It’s made me little bit braver and a little bit bolder. All for the sake of spreading the word about who God is and what He can do.

4: What inspired you to write Be Still My Soul?

As the idea for Be Still My Soul took seed, it unfolded to be a love story between two mismatched people—a marriage between a shy, innocent girl with a strong faith, and a cocky, confident bluegrass musician who hasn’t given God much thought. By throwing them together in a shotgun wedding, I wondered how their story would unfold. Could true love rise from the ashes of broken hopes? This was the question I asked myself as Lonnie and Gideon’s journey began. I love a good happy ending (and a good romance) so this couple provided a few additional challenges for me!

5: Many Authors use personal experiences in their writing. With that said, are there any instances in Be Still My Soul in which you can relate to personally?

Most definitely. Like Lonnie, the biggest one is probably being married to a man who had little regard for God. It was a difficult time in my life but God was with us each step of the way and I am so INCREDIBLY excited to say that just over a year ago, my husband accepted the Lord as his Savior and has never looked back. It’s been an amazing time of growing closer to the Lord together as a family and I know now that God uses the trials in our lives to make us stronger and draw us closer to Him.

6: Readers will LOVE Be Still My Soul—I know I can speak for them! When they read it, and love it, what message do you hope they receive from this captivating novel?

When faced with a difficult situation God is always ready and waiting to be our strength. I hope that readers will take away a peace that God works in all situations. The scripture I’ve based the series around is 1 Peter 5:10, and I chose it because it’s a great reminder that we are never alone on this journey called life. Through the ups and downs, God is there and His mighty plan is at hand.

 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. (1 Peter 5:10)

7: Tell us a little about yourself!

·         Favorite hobbies: Gardening, cooking and baking, music and singing (but the last time I sang in the car, my kids started howling. Maybe I’ll stick to my other hobbies) ;)

·         Describe your “best day ever:” Probably one of my best days was just recently. It was the day Be Still My Soul released, but it was ALSO our anniversary. My husband and I had a plan to go to the bookstores and see the book on shelves…but it wasn’t in stock yet. I was kind of sad and my hubby, being the guy that he is, decided he would spend the rest of the day making me laugh. We had so much fun!

·         Dessert you find impossible to say no to: Chocolate. Any kind of chocolate. Especially if it’s combined with cheesecake. I’m a goner.

·         Dream vacation: I would absolutely love to go to Scotland. I’ve had the joy of touring England, Ireland and Wales on a 10 day trip and absolutely love that part of the world. Scotland is on the top of my bucket list and I would love to bring my husband.

·         Three most important things in your life, in order of top priority: God, my family and afternoons spent writing while listening to good music and eating chocolate. (I just snuck in 5 didn’t I?) J

8: What advice would you give aspiring authors?

The good news is, you don’t have to have a degree in English or Literature to become a writer. As a stay at home mommy who never went to college, there are some things that have helped me on my journey: being part of a critique group, going to conferences, and reading great fiction have helped me in my writing.

Also, above all else, enjoy the journey. Often times, the path to publication is not an easy one. I’ve been on this road for years and I know many others have as well. I’ve learned more during this process than I ever expected. At times, it was easy to get discouraged and just when I felt maybe nothing was going to ever happen, God carried me through a valuable lesson because His timing is perfect.

9: Can the world of novels expect to be hearing from you again soon? Would you be so kind as give hints as to what we can expect?

There is more to come! Starting this spring with Though My Heart is Torn and then the third book in the Cadence of Grace series will arrive next fall. All three books follow Lonnie and Gideon and their love story. Let’s see….a hint ;) Here is an excerpt from the upcoming book, Though My Heart is Torn. It’s a scene between our hero and heroine:

Clearing his throat, he voiced her name. It fell from his lips like sweet honey. Would he ever have a reason to say her name again? Perhaps he would have to whisper it in the silent places of his heart to keep himself from losing his mind. They continued walking and Gideon waited until he had her attention. He longed for her forgiveness, but that seemed selfish. He focused instead on bringing her peace.

10: Any parting thoughts, comments, etc. you would like to add for your viewers?

I just want to thank your readers for being here and for the opportunity to get to meet them. Each new name and face is a blessing to me! And I really want to add what a joy it has been to get to know you, Hannah. Your fun review of Be Still My Soul stole my attention that day and it’s been so fun to get to know you ever since. Praying for your family and your precious soldier overseas!

God at the Voting Booth

Oh MY-LANTA! Was anyone at Hilldale Baptist Church this morning to hear Bro. Larry lay the smack down on what God thinks about the Presidential election? Whew! I'm sweating right now just thinking back on it! I was all fidgety waiting for some kind of outburst, lol. Seriously, I did not hear one Amen during the sermon, lol...I think we all feared a political riot! 

 Don't get me wrong, IT WAS A GREAT SERMON, AND FULL OF TRUTH, but when you talk politics and religion at the same time...well, let's just say I'm sure some pacemakers in that sanctuary were fluttering!  Bro. Larry was on FI-YA today! Sizzzzzlllle!

Highlights from the Sermon:
*God doesn't pick political sides...He is his own side (That kinda sounds like a Chuck Norris joke)
*God cares about all things, but who is in office is not going to change the fact that He is in control and still has a plan that can't be thwarted
*The outcome of elections gives us a glimpse of what the heart of America really looks like, and it's not a pretty sight right now
*What if Christians voted for Biblical values instead of their political party.

I've tried to live my life by making decisions based on what Jesus would do...and no I never wore a WWJD bracelet, or maybe I did in middle school, but in my defense, they were cool then.  Being a follower of Jesus is more than just saying you believe in him-- it's how you live, act, and talk that shows you are believer--and this applies to me even when I am in the polling booth. When it comes to voting, believers should vote for God and the things He stands for. Don't be silly, God's name isn't on the ballot, but we can vote for the person that represents the things that God has already voted for--note that I am about to steal my notes from Bro. Larry's sermon today.

These are the things that God has already voted for--the things He represents, and so should we as followers of Christ.
1: Protecting the lives of our unborn children. Abortion is a hot button topic, but God is clear on this. All life is sacred, and the killing of innocent unborn children is unacceptable.
2: The sanctity of marriage. God is very specific on how He designed marriage to be--between one man and one woman, and for our society to try to redefine what marriage means only leads us down a path we shouldn't go.
3: Religious liberty. God gives free will...we have the God-given right to accept or reject our creator, and our religious freedom is protected under the 1st Amendment.   However our religious freedom is being threatened...not cool.
4: God has already voted on Israels sovereignty. A nation that allies with Israel is wise...they are God's chosen and He says "I will bless those that bless you and curse those that curse you." I'm not into being cursed.

When we vote on Tues, let's vote for the candidate that supports the things God has already voted for. I know the choice can be difficult, confusing and down right frustrating, but pray about it. Ask God to give you wisdom when you dive into the polling booth on Tuesday (and I'm sure that means you will vote for the same person I am voting for...lol...TOTALLY JOKING! :) )

Show Some Lunch Box Lovin'

Who doesn't enjoy receiving a sweet note from someone you love? 

I will give kudos to my hubby who is fantastic when it comes to surprising me with thoughtful written words hidden in places he knows I will see--like a secret message on the bathroom mirror that only shows up from the shower steam, or a card on the kitchen counter waiting for me when I wake up. Ugh, thinking about how wonderful he is makes me miss him even more. Boo to war and deployments! Anyway...little thinking of you/I love you/You are Great notes can definitely add a pep in your step, and when given to your child, that note can really say even more than you ever thought!

I have made it a goal to put a little note in my son's lunch box each time I pack it for him. Sometimes I draw a funny little cartoon with a message. Sometimes I write a thank you note for something he did for me or around the house that I noticed. Sometimes I make a list of all the wonderful things about him. Sometimes I make up a silly poem about how great he is. Sometimes I make up a "to be continued lunchroom saga napkin story," lol. I just want to make him smile throughout the day. I want him to know he is special and wonderful, and appreciated.

I know it's just a lunchbox note, BUT if I for some reason forget to include that handwritten sentiment in his lunch, he is quick to ask me why I forgot--which tells me that it's SO MUCH MORE than JUST a "lunchbox note."

I would love to hear all of the creative ways you say "I love you" to your kiddos. :)

Things I Thought I Would NEVER Say...or hear!

My Little Angels :)  Yes, She is Screaming.

Motherhood! That says it all! lol :). With my hubby deployed right now I have been a little more tense than usual, and definitely more absentminded--which is saying something. Solo parenting is a tough field to plow, and some days I feel like I would actually rather be plowing a field than in the home where things can be intense/crazy/hectic/nonstop! I need to laugh more; I need to step back from the situation at hand and find the humor in it, and believe me, there is A LOT to laugh about. 

There are things in life you never think you would hear yourself say. There are things you never think that you will hear. Parenthood has a way of introducing you to these things, and these things are SOME SERIOUS KINDS OF FUNNY! I mean, TOTALLY  TV HIT SERIES FUNNY...it's just trying to remember that they are funny while you are in the moment.

Moments when I need to remember that "it's funny."
*When my two year old daughter runs to the breakfast table naked AGAIN, and I say "Remember, we don't come to the table naked."  Five hours later..."Sweetheart...We don't answer the door naked."  In the evening..."You don't climb into the dryer naked...you don't climb into the dryer ever, and just remember to always keep your clothes on."
* After my son's two hour long football practice and I am frazzled from chasing my daughter, on the verge of starving and my son runs up while my hands are full of stuff and starts loudly begging, "Can I please, please, PLEASE, grab the flashlight and hunt for Big Foot tonight?"  My tired response..."Not tonight son...Big Foot can wait." I'm sure everyone thinks we are freaks lol.
* It's bedtime and I am wiped out and my son says "Mom! My butt is thundering!!" What does that even mean?? My response, "Let me know if it begins to lightning."
* It's bedtime and my son says "Mom! My butt is dry and I can't stand it!" What does THAT mean? I tell him to shower better, text my mother-in-law regarding my son's "issue" and she texts back saying "put Vaseline on it...he probably has some potpie stuck in there that he missed."  Potpie? REALLY? HAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Oh autocorrect, you're sooooo silly!!! :) Ok, so I laughed at that situation like on the spot!

It's apparent that my son has a lot of strange things to say regarding his cute little tush, lol. I won't even begin to go into all of the crazy embarrassing, but hilarious, anatomy questions he has been coming up with lately!! Btw, Lifeway Christian Bookstore has FABULOUS books on puberty and other related topics.

Summing it up...it's funny what I never thought about saying or hearing, and I pray that I remember to keep in mind how funny it all really is when it seems too much to handle at the time.

Debate Anyone??

Yes, yes, last night was the final Presidential Debate and let me say that it was not as interesting as the second one.If it were to come to a boxing match--which I know we have all imagined--I think Romney may be able to take Obama. Call me sick and twisted, but I was totally looking forward to seeing the candidates go at it, but nada!   I'm sorry to have to announce that SNL is not going to have much ammo to work with in  recreating this debate in skit form. Side note--SNL's version of all things political brings great joy to my life! :) 

I love a good debate better than the next person. Really though, a debate is just a fancy word for "arguing," and arguing can be fun, ONLY if the other person you are arguing with understands that the argument is just all in fun--that's why there are Debate Teams, which I totally should have been a part of!

Debates/Arguments are SOOOO appealing! What is it about my nature that wants to scream "Uh,UH, you're wrong?" When I was a little girl my Momma would say, "You would argue with Jesus himself," and I would reply "No I wouldn't!" with my hands on my hips.  Lol--I was a defiant little blond headed child. Now I'm a defiant fake-brunette-headed adult.

The sky is blue. "Well, actually it's Robin Egg Blue!" The grass is green. "What shade of green because that depends on the kind of grass it is?" Slavery was the cause of the Civil War. "Actually that is not true...it was a BIG cause but not the sole cause." I  feel the need to argue! It feels good to argue! It feels even BETTER to win an argument! What is wrong with me? 

I don't think I am alone...I KNOW I am not alone! People want to be right. Why do you think game shows have been on TV forever?? They jump at the chance to prove they are right! I'm going to argue (lol) that our need to be right stems from selfishness--putting ourselves before another so we can look better, feel better, and THINK we are better. The Bible has a whole lot to say about quarrelsome people and selfishness...it's humbling and if I had a tail I would tuck it. This past year God has been working with me on my need to argue, to be right and I'm learning to just let it go. I'm a work in progress...

Titus 3: 9-11: But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

Deployment Bucketlist

Deployment Bucket List: UPDATED :) 

Disclaimer: I had to write a few things on the list that I have already done to make me feel more productive--I know you totally do that too! ;)

1: Organize the Garage  Um...I may need to do that again
2: Organize Laundry Area
3: Organize Top of the Fridge
4: Paint Kid's Rooms (And add shelving...)
5: Paint Our Master Bath  (Need to figure what design) Got a brain cramp trying to figure out what color
6: Clean Carpets (Or just pray for them)
7: Redecorate Master Bedroom
8: Start a Bible Study
9: Stencil the Book Shelf in the Living Room...and the one in our bedroom Not yet...lol
10: Spend Saturday's Playing with the Kids and creating an awesome Pinterest craft/game idea!
11: Take the Kid's Somewhere AWESOME for Spring Break  With the Fam in Ohio!!
12: Camp Out in the Living Room with the Kiddo's at least once a month   Did that like 4 times!!
13: Learn How to Sew It's just sad how bad I am...I should get a sewing machine to help me :) 
14: Figure Out Which Pinterest Crafts I Want to Do and Then Schedule Time to Do It!
15: Get a Pedicure or Massage Once a Month  um...nope...that was a lofty dream, huh?
16: Go See a Movie With No Kids With Me
17: Organize Emergency/Important Papers in the Firebox
18: Clean Out Kid's Closets
19: Make Chalkboard for the Kitchen          It looks so cute!
20: Create and Area for the Kid's Artwork      Did it! 
21: Stencil Wall in Living Room  Almost done...sorta...maybe soon...I think???
22: Create a Workout Routine
23: Finish Family Yearbooks on Snapfish     ummm...no, but there's still time
24: Pay off Student Loans!! Woohoo! (I'm so taking a pic of my smiling face with the last payment in my hand!)  ALMOST...soon!!
25: Volunteer more in the community I did! :) 
26: Have Dad teach me how to build stuff...gotta learn if I am gonna be a Pinterest Pro  Kinda did that
27: Go out of my way to encourage others (a good reason to hit up sendoutcards.com/alane )
28: Finish Reading the 5 Love Languages for Kids and begin to fluently speak my kiddo's love language
29: Pray Psalm 91 over my husband and his men every night  Did it, still doing it...won't stop doing it!
30: Clean car thoroughly!
31: Keep my car nice and tidy (yeah..that's gonna be a hard one...but I'm on my way!)  Sorta doing it...it's kind of a work in progress thing...lol

My First Court Appearance

I had my first court appearance nearly two weeks ago--it's taken me this long to blog about it 'cause frankly I was totally embarrassed! The whole thing was a misunderstanding really. 

Here's the story: my driver's license was apparently suspended--stop judging me, it was an accident; I didn't know, honestly! Literally the first week I had moved to Tennessee I got a ticket for pulling a U-Turn, in and area that totally did not have a sign posted saying that I couldn't pull a U-ey! Not fair! So...I got a ticket, forgot to pay it on time because I am a crazy Mom/Army Wife/Community Volunteer, and the great state of Kentucky suspended my license. Upon hearing this news, I quickly paid the ticket and thought life was peachy once more, UNTIL my wreck happened over a month ago. Yes, yes...hearing that you have been driving on a suspended license after you have just been in a car wreck is pretty devastating and pretty much a big bunch of horrible. Visions of jail-time flashed before me and I literally burst in to tears all but begging the officer not to arrest me or at least let me call someone to come get my daughter. Fortunately, Mr. Policeman was MUY BIEN nice, and just gave me a court date saying "You HAVE to appear!" in a crazy deep voice.

So I appeared. I rehearsed my story to present to the judge. I printed out a copy of my driving history proving that my license had been reinstated--I had to pay the great state of KY $40 to get my license activated again; $40!! Can you believe that? Do you know how many Chai Tea Lattes I could have indulged myself with for $40?  Ten! That's how many! So...back to my story.  I dressed in my court best, placed paper towels underneath my armpits to absorb the nervous sweat--I sweat like a beast when I'm nervous-- and walked into my first court room. It was a humbling and somewhat crushing feeling. I sat on a bench with other "offenders." Ugh...I felt criminal! Names were called. The people rose and stood in a line to await their moment in front of the Judge. Not only was I embarrassed to be there, but I was embarrassed for the people as the judge read aloud each person's offense. His voice boomed--he could have at least whispered.  "Drug charges," "domestic violence," "DUI, "violating parole " and a few driving violations. The Judge's word was sovereign--no one dared to argue with his sentence, or to speak when he was speaking. They were careful to address him as "sir" or "your honor."  Respect--it's what he demanded and what he received. 

I couldn't help but to be nervous! This man had the power to change my life for the worst! My name was called--that's a sinking feeling. I stood in line, waiting, sweating, rehearsing what I was going to say to make the Judge understand that this had all been a misunderstanding, and that's when the thought hit me. One day I will stand in front of God...we will all stand before Him--The Supreme Judge who demands honor, and who is worthy of all honor. Will my knees be knocking? Will I be preparing my excuses and explanations? No matter what the explanation, what the excuse, the truth would be, just like the truth was standing in front of this very human judge, was that I was guilty. No explanation changes the fact that I was guilty, and there will be no excuse for me, but one.  When I stand in front of God, guilty of breaking His laws, the only thing that will save me is Jesus. As He reads aloud what I have been accused of and asks me how I plead, I can say "Not guilty, only because of the blood of Jesus."

However, on this day, I wasn't in front of God, and when the Judge read my charge and asked how I pleaded, I had no one else to cover my hiney and I had to say "Guilty, your honor." He asked if I had handled the situation. I assured him I had, and then he just dismissed me as he called the next name. I stood, frozen for a second, expecting something else--advice, a wave, "don't do it again," something! This whole scenario played out in seriously under 60 seconds! I had just been judged and SET FREE! I had been dismissed! While I was completely elated, I couldn't help but feel for those who had not been as fortunate as I. There were others who would be spending many months and years in jail for their crime, and I couldn't help but wonder if they were believers. Who would reach them with the hope of Christ? Did they commit their crimes because they had no hope? How can I share the hope that I have with them?

I left the courthouse that day with a different perspective of God and a hearty dose of great respect for Him. My view of "criminals" had been altered too. Walking out of the courtroom doors, I found a place to discretely throw the soggy, sweat soaked paper towels under my armpits away, and pondered how I could make an impact of those are behind bars. Any suggestions? 

Must Read: Be Still My Soul by Joanne Bischof

Not that I have loads of time to just sit down and read at will, but I'm telling you, this book was worth the effort I took to find the time to read it!  I give Joanne Bischof's debut novel, Be Still My Soul a two thumbs up!

Through no fault of her own, Lonnie Sawyer has experienced many hard knocks in her short 17 years. Perhaps the most difficult hard knock to bounce back from was the unexpected and not at all desired/forced marriage between the town's "playboy,"  Gideon O'Reilly. Oh (I say shaking my index finger), but we Christians know that God works in the most mysterious ways, and the things others had  intended to harm us are the exact things God uses to bring about good! Beautifully written--the words create vivid scenarios that unfold before you at the turn of each page. The story, well, quite simply--it's captivating! I found myself staying up a little longer than I should have just to read a few extra pages, and of course I had to sacrifice a few mounds of clothes waiting to be folded, but it was essential that I finish! You will fall in love with Lonnie (and Gideon), and watch love grow in the least likely of places! Joanne Bischof, well done! When is the next book coming out?


PURCHASE YOUR COPY HERE!

 "I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."



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A Fighting Faith: Justified War from a Biblical Perspective

ABOUT HANNAH: 
Hannah Conway is a military wife, mother of two, and speaker. Her novels are a deployment experience of their own, threaded with faith, and filled with twists and turns sure to thrill, and encourage. Hannah is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, and My book Therapy. She and her family live in Tennessee

( A / IBook /BN / K )

CLICK the Links Below The Image to Download Your eCopy of WEDDING A WARRIOR! 

Once Upon a Time--Sounds A Lot Like A Bible Story To Me!

With the onset of Fall brings back dearly missed sitcoms--one of which, Once Upon a Time, is being welcomed back with open arms. Yes, there are nay-sayers who would like to make fun of this show and to you I say, YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE MISSING!

I don't completely understand the psychology of a good lure, but somehow, someway, this show has it. Yes, Yes, I know these are just retold fairy tale stories, but still--it's captivating!  Hulu and I have a date on Monday evening after I read the spoiler alerts after it has premiered on Sunday.

Maybe it's just me, but I can't help but notice how the story line parallels The Greatest Story Ever Told--that being the story of Jesus of course. Before you skip to the next blog, hear me out. Think about it for a second. Once upon a time an evil witch (the evil queen) casts a curse on the entire earth; no one was exempt and there was only one way out (the enchanted tree), and the one who made it out (Emma Swan) would one day return to bring the curse and free the people. Now! Seriously! Tell me that doesn't sound just a little spiritual to you! Let me break it down: Once upon a time sin entered the world destroying everything in its path; no one was exempt, but there was one way out--Jesus. By dying on the cross He created a way out for those willing to believe and follow him, and He too will one day return for His people and put the curse and the one who cast it in its rightful place. 

No kidding, this same message is found in most noteworthy books and movies. Like Harry Potter. There are some seriously spiritual concepts in that movie (way too many to touch on here). Star Wars has many Biblical truths,  even Twilight dances with the spiritual idea of a war within oneself---the good versus evil struggle that the Bible clearly hits on as we as believers struggle with the things we should and shouldn't do. Most successful stories have a problem and a hero who sacrifices to provide a solution. It's like this universal truth in storytelling and I honestly believe it's God's way of revealing His story to us in anyway He can. We relate to stories...maybe that's why Jesus spoke in parables....hmm...perhaps the movies and books we read today are like modern day parables.

Hello Fall! My How I've Missed You!

Please applaud for the beginning of Fall! Summer will be missed; we said our goodbyes with a commemorative Sonic Happy Hour Half Off slushy and then embraced the Fall Season with a hot cup of apple cider! 

Saturday--the debut of Fall--was beautiful! The air, the sky, the breeze! Completely ideal for Fall's first appearance! I Watched a little Jr. Pro Football followed by a family trip to the pumpkin patch at Riverview Mounds Farm. If you live in the Clarksville, TN area, YOU HAVE TO VISIT Riverview Mounds! Lots of fun to be had by all! Yes, my inner child was released as I heehawed at the donkeys, gobbled at a turkey, went down the pipe slide--a little too fast I might add, conquered a wall of tires, and attempted to win a walk & roll pipe race (I totally should have won...the kid beside me totally cheated...everyone knew it!). My kids and I could have stayed all day...we may just do that next Saturday! Looking around the farm got me thinking "I could do this! I could own a pumpkin patch one day, set up an awesome barn and host amazing family fun activities!" I think I'm going to add "Own a farm/pumpkin patch" to my bucket list!

So Saturday was a fantastically fun family day! Best day ever! Picture perfect! So perfect, it made me wanna take the back roads! So after the Jr. Pro Football game and trip to the farm,  I loaded up the kids and we drove those winding Tennessee roads with our windows down until I found a gravel drive....:) ....then drove a little further just to enjoy the sound of the gravel underneath my tires--one of the greatest sounds on earth.

Oh Fall! How I love thee...let me count the ways! 1...2...3...88...99...150...WAY TOO MANY TO COUNT....so...here's just a few reason Fall is amazing:

The Beautiful Trees, the falling and rustling of the leaves! The crisp cool wind, and the pumpkin desserts that seem to have no end! Hayrides, Hot Chocolate, S'mores...and Pumpkin Chai Lattes galore! Flannel and Fleece to keep us warm, while the fragrant scents of pear and apple fill our home! A little bit of football, some tailgating too; Welcome Fall, We have missed you!

Forgive me Lord...I killed a caterpillar...

Did I even spell caterpillar correctly? I think so 'cause it's not showing up on auto-correct--which I have a love hate relationship with currently. My hubby sent me a text the other night that said "I love you sweet feet." Um...okay?? What? Immediately after that text he sent another saying "Hahahaha, auto-correct. I meant sweet cheeks!"  Nice! :) It was good for a laugh. Oh Auto-Correct...you're so silly! Anyway, life seems to be handing our family a lot of lemons lately...good thing I have an amazing recipe for lemonade! It's been a week today since my cousin committed suicide, and this morning I got a phone call from my hubby's Aunt informing me that Oma (my husband's grandmother) had passed away. My stomach just knotted up at the news and OF COURSE Stephen is gone right now...ugh...delivering bad news over the phone is just awful! On the bright side, it looks like he will be able to come home for the funeral....I just wish he was coming home for a happier occasion.

Emotionally, this week has been exhausting! Death makes you think of, well,...death...all death...your death...the death of loved ones. It makes you wonder who you will see in heaven...and it makes you wonder who won't be there. I've been thinking a lot this week on the concept of "once saved, always saved," meaning that once you have asked Jesus into your heart that you can never lose your salvation. I believe that...but the real question is, "Was the person saved in the first place?" A Christian's life should show evidence of their salvation...TOTALLY NOT TO SAY we are perfect...we mess up (I mess up all of the time...like when I spaz on my kids or when I  killed that caterpillar out of anger--I will tell that story in a sec). It's a misconception to think we can say we are a Christian, ask Jesus into our hearts and then live like the world....but people do it all of the time....and if that's the case, we need to check ourselves to make sure what we have is the real thing and not settling for some knock-off.

Because this week has been so strenuous I have forced myself to find humor in the daily happenings of life this week...bare with me, and at least pretend to smile--it will make me feel better :)
* A caterpillar murdered my beautiful bell pepper plant, so naturally, I waged war on the critter. I am usually an advocate of caterpillars 'cause I love butterflies, but this little sucker picked on the wrong person's garden and met his maker. I felt guilty after killing him and seriously asked for forgiveness, lol...I'm so silly.
* I learned how to sort of, kind of, put football gear on my son after several attempts of shoving his head into the helmet with so many fails that ended with him shouting "MY EARS ARE COMING OFF!" All of the other parents were laughing at me on the inside...I could totally tell; OR they were about to call child protective services on me...
*My daughter successfully learned to take her diaper off...and in the most random of places--football practice, during dinner, nap time. The girl is a real Houdini! Oh what fun, lol. Yesterday, as I crammed my son into his football gear (at home this time to escape the view of other parents), my daughter ran around the living room with her bare bottom showing and diaper in hand. I had to stop and laugh...a few hours later.
* Any story that starts with "I was in the bathroom when..." is going to be awkward, so just know that duck waddling to get toilet paper so happened this week!

Since laughter is the best medicine...I'm trying to find it in huge doses right now! :)

Suicide...

It's been over a week since I've written! Ugh, life gets crazy, and this past week took the cake. Labor Day weekend was amazing! Stephen and I danced our weekend away at a cousin's wedding in Alabama, and spent some quality time with family we don't see that often. Tuesday came...back to school...laundry...back to the routine of things. Stephen rolled out around 3a.m on Wednesday morning....goodbyes are always hard. Church Wednesday night, get the kids in bed, take a hot bath...the phone rings around 10pm...nothing good really comes out of a phone call that late. The news, as I had expected, was literally Earth shattering. My cousin had committed suicide...on his birthday.

He was only 25, and he left our family in a lot of pain, and with too many unanswered questions. Just when I think I can't cry anymore, the tears come again...I can't help but wish I had reached out to him. Maybe sent a card or cookies occasionally. Of course I smiled at him, and hugged him at family events, made small chat...but I never took the time to really get to know him, it's sad to admit. It makes me wonder if he knew I cared. Do my other family members know how much I care? Do those around me know how much I care? I want to live my life intentionally...intentionally positively impacting others...it's what God made me to do.

This whole situation is sad. I keep thinking that it didn't have to end this way...that God had great plans for his life. He was more than what he was feeling at the moment he took his life.  I also keep thinking about my Aunt and Uncle...I can't stop seeing their pain, and grief...it was...indescribable, almost unending, like it engulfed them. It was hard to witness. It was hard to stand there knowing you could do nothing but be there and pray that being there helped them out in some way. I would have given anything to make their hurt stop.

I wonder if they will ever sleep again, eat without feeling nauseated...dream pleasant dreams...will they ever be able to smile again, and then I think of how much God loves them, and I know that somehow, someway, someday, they are going to be okay.  I know we serve a good God, and while this situation is not good, He will make good come from it. Right now, I pray God keeps my Aunt and Uncle and Cousins close to Him...that they will very much feel His comforting presence, that He will give them rest, and that this situation will draw them close to Him.

Resiliency...Army Wives Know That Word....

Ugh, Stephen leaves next week...the deployment begins. I knew it was coming, but it was still weeks away, and now it's a week away. :(. We had our pre-deployment briefing not long ago...nothing much new, same 'ole info for the most part, but I thought I might lose it if I heard the word "resilient," one more time. Yes, yes, resiliency is key to surviving in the Army/Military and basically life, but all I kept picturing in my head to conceptualize resiliency was that clown punching bag from my childhood that kept coming back for more after I  know I totally knocked that thing senseless....not a fun image...kind of frustrating actually. So I guess our family is like the clown punching bag now, and the deployment is the punch that keeps us "resilient?" That analogy just doesn't sit well with me, so I've been trying to think of other analogies to help me process the concept more thoroughly....   

Resiliency is like the elastic in my underwear that is able to miraculously go back to its original shape after each washing. LOL, well, that's true for at least some of my undies...my others, well, they need prayer.

Resiliency is like continuing to wear a pair of fabulously amazing high heels because they make you look awesome even though each step makes you cringe with pain. I totally did that on Sunday--thought I was dying!

Resiliency is like my beautiful begonias that continue to bloom against all odds--a drought, and our dog who has made my flower garden his urinal.

Resiliency is like the first batch of cookies I ever made--tough, refusing to crumble even after multiple attempts to be eaten.

So if I put these analogies together it means, basically, that if I'm resilient I am rolling with the punches, stretched--but never too far, looking amazing even when it hurts, blooming in the least likely of conditions, and too tough to crumble. Hmm...I guess being resilient isn't so bad...it reminds me of 2 Corinthians 4:8-10:

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.

Now that's RESILIENCY!

Kids can be...distracting...lol

I've started a Bible Study on Romans...well let's say that I've been attempting to start a Bible Study in Romans. No kidding, I have been up an hour earlier every morning this week--with my cup of Tazo Awake Tea (so amazing)--Bible open, ready to dig in, and guess what happened each day? Oh yes, all of you moms out there know what happened--the kids woke up! Of course they did! Surprised? I shouldn't have been! How do they sense when my slumbering has ceased, and why do they feel the need to notify me so loudly when they wake up? Oh, the joyous mystery of children! 

Thinking ahead, I decided to have all of my Bible Study materials handy by my bedside ahead of time, so when morning came I wouldn't even have to get out of bed--they would never hear me when I woke up! Genius idea--in theory only. I'm pretty positive children--or at least my kiddos--have some freakishly in tune, highly sensitive ability to know when their parents are awake, and when to interrupt at pretty important/busy times. To prove my case in point, please consider the following two scenarios among many:

* While on the toilet, little hands appear under the door.  One kid attacks the other and you hear "Mom I need your help," but reply "I'm not much help on the toilet right now," or something along the lines of "Can't I go potty in peace." Ugh, yes, I say potty--you do too, admit it. :( lol.

* While you are on the phone your children decide to throw an epic tantrum, thus creating the worst background noise known to man, and you half threaten them with a sweet tone so you don't sound evil to the person on the other end of the line.

Kids just somehow know how to push our buttons when we have our hands full, when we are tired, when are busy, and sometimes it can be downright frustrating. As I was sorting through through the frustration of being unable to get through my Bible Study, the thought occurred to me that my kids are probably not trying to be "disruptions." They just want to be with me...they want my attention. They actually like me. They like me so much that I am the first person they want to run and see in the mornings (smile), and that makes me feel pretty good. So, I've decided that instead of just closing up shop on my Bible Study time when they wake up, I will include them! We can all  learn about Romans together, which will either be a great experience or enough to make them stay in bed until their alarm goes off, lol.

My Son, Mr. Courageous

Mclain ran off the bus, chest puffed proudly and a smile stretched across his face. "I stood up for a kindergartner today! I stood up against a third grader!" he said, pretty proud of himself. 

That's my boy--my little second grader already has a knack for justice! It does my heart good! I hugged him, twirled him around and asked for the details...

"Well," he said pushing up his little wire frames. "This third grader was doin' inappropriate things to this kindergarten girl..you know, say'n mean things and all..., and you know how kindergartners look up to the third graders, right?"

I nodded--everyone knows that, lol. 

"Well," he continued. "I just couldn't stand by and let him pick on her so I walked up, crossed my arms so he would know I was serious and said, 'hey, please stop doin' inappropriate things,' and he said 'ok,' and then I hugged the kindergartner girl so she would know she was safe now, and then guess what?"

"What?"

His eyes got big. "She asked for my autograph!"

"I'm not sure that last part happened...."

"Yeah, I made that up, but it would have been cool."

My son, Mr. Courageous--I love that kid! I'm proud of him. He did what was right even when it meant facing someone bigger than him...he's pretty bold--I could learn a lot from him.

The Most Romantic Evening

I'm cozied up on the couch with my hubby. The kids are in bed, the lights are down low--an ideal setting for a romantic evening...meh, we'll just sit here and watch the history channel--WWII is always interesting to learn about. 

I'm still all sweaty and gross from my time at the gym, so there is nothing really romantic about my appearance. Cycling is killer...it looked like I spilled my water bottle on the seat when I was through! I would so rather exercise on a hoveround, lol--if those things can drive you to the Grand Canyon (so says the infomercial), I'm sure it could burn a few calories...or maybe not. Stephen's not looking so romantic-ish either, lol, holding his Mt. Dew can and fighting the urge to sleep. Geez, it's 9pm and we are wiped out--parenthood & life do that to ya I guess.

Though this may not seem like a "typical" romantic evening, it has had its highly romantic elements:
* Stephen came home holding an Iced Chai Tea Soy Latte and a Cake Pop in his hand, just for ME, for absolutely NO REASON! It's official--I have the most amazing husband ever! Not only did he surprise me, but he remembered my favorite Starbuck's drink!!! I feel so loved!
*After supper, he Stephen got up and did the dishes!!!!!!!!! SOOOOO HIGHLY ROMANTIC! 
*When I came home from the gym, my wonderful husband had the kids in bed all tucked in and snug as a bug! 

A dozen roses, shiny jewelry, fine dining--MOVE OVER; nothing says Romance like thoughtful expressions of love.

First Car Wreck...it's been one of those weeks...

 School is in full swing, complete with homework, and I feel like I'm starting to get into the routine of things just in time to add Junior Pro Football the list of many things a full time mom puts on her agenda. I don't know why it surprises me how quickly the weeks fly by...I should have grasped the whole "time flies" concept years ago; it feels like I woke up Monday, packed my son's lunch and then fell through some time warp that spit me out on Thursday! 

It's just been one of those weeks, ya know? You know the kind--busy, hectic and then Murphy's Law assaults you. Early this week I found out my dad was in an accident at work, was hurt, but by the grace of God, was protected from far worse injury. On Tuesday, while on my way to PWOC (that's army speak for women's bible study), a lady pulled out in front of me. There was hardly enough time to stop. I braked, but still smashed into the tail end of her car. Thankfully, no one involved was seriously injured. My poor daughter was in tears! My first car wreck happened with my daughter in the back seat! Terrifying! Teenagers are supposed to wreck, not mothers! I am pretty stiff in the back area...I'm sure I wouldn't be feeling that if I was a teenager, not that I want to be--good grief, you couldn't pay me to relive my teen years! Anyway, the soreness is proof I'm getting older....boo.

This week has definitely been a lesson in the value of prayers and friendships! God has been working overtime protecting me and my family this week since Murphy has picked a battle with us, and he has provided us with amazing friends to pray for our healing and protection, sit with us on the side of the road after the accident, and lend me a vehicle until mine is fixed! God is good and so are the people He puts in our lives.

Raising Little Boys...

My little boy started 2nd grade this week...sniff, sniff, tear, tear. Where did the time go? It's strange for him to be seven. In ten years he will be a Senior, applying to colleges, driving (YIKES), maybe even dating (I will highly discourage this...any girl interested will have to apply first lol...lol not really kidding about the applying to date my son part). In ten years he won't be into star wars, transformers or the avengers...well, at 17 he may choose keep that obsession a secret. In ten years I will probably be totally uncool because I'm more than halfway there already....he doesn't laugh at my goofy faces like he used too, although he still rolls with laughter when we play chase by bunny hopping instead of running.

My little boy is growing up and it makes me crazy sad and happy at the same time!! Ugh...I need a tub of ice cream... :(...maybe I will skip on the ice cream as I flashback to this morning when my daughter was pointing and laughing while I got dressed...nice how a two year old can affect your self esteem. :)

As I think about my kiddos I can't help but notice how boys and girls are TRULY different; it's not just a theory. Raising little boys is...is...is...well, it's different than raising girls...for example...
*Mclain fell the day before school; totally skinned up his knee and dotted his eye. Yes, he cried, but then perked up at the thought of having a black eye 'cause the guys in his class would think he was cool. What kind of logic is this?
*Willa and I look at the Magnolia tree in our front yard and see the beauty....Mclain sees a urinal. It's nice when the neighbors go by and see your son in all his glory "watering" the tree--as he claims.

Boys are rough little daredevils, but also so tenderhearted, and at times passionate. I love how he still gives me hugs and kisses, and waits for a bedtime story. Recently he was reading about Rosa Parks, and couldn't understand what the big deal was about not giving up her seat on the bus, because, after all, according to 2nd grade logic, the back of the bus is where the cool people sit. I tried my best to explain how African Americans were treated back then; it's like this awful stain on American History that's hard to talk about. He was totally upset and moved by this information, so later that day he said, "Mom, I've been inspired to write a song for African Americans."  It went like this. "I'm an African American. I'm an African American. I'm an African American and I'm FREE!" Nice. Sweet. Innocent. I'm hoping he doesn't sing it in public...somebody could take offense, but the point is, he was passionate about the topic and was moved to write a song.

Oh, the joy of raising little boys... :)

I Accidentally Went Missing Today

I'm settling down for the night, getting ready to take my vitamins (because your body heals at night and I wanna give it all the ingredients to do its job superbly)...made a batch of the pinterest inspired Peanut Butter Protein Fro-Yo (DOUBLE YUM!!), and was browsing through the http://www.deploymentdivas.com/deployment-bucket-list site....UGH Deployment...I'm getting one of those persistent lumps in my throat thinking about it....ANYWAY, I have decided to make a deployment bucklist of my own, but not tonight, because tonight I HAVE to tell you how I had my neighborhood searching for me!

SO...after a long, wonderful day at the pool, I ran to the grocery store, came home, put the groceries on the counter, let the dog outside to do his thing and noticed that my neighbor's trash can was still by the curb and decided to put it away just to help her out a bit.  Her husband passed away a couple months back and I have been meaning to go see her, I just haven't :(. Today seemed like a good day to stop in...and I'm glad I did! She and I had a great time talking, so great in fact, that I lost track of time. Needless to say my hubby came home earlier than I expected only to find the door wide open, my shoes by the door, purse, groceries, and phone on the counter with no sign of me anywhere....yeah he freaked (hahhahaheehahaha). He should totally be a detective...he went through my phone records, checked my emails, called all of my friends in the area to piece together my whereabouts, EVEN checked my grocery receipt to see what time I had made the purchase....Genius! I had the man panicking....and yes, I do think it's kind of funny--yes, I guess it's sick and twisted but I couldn't help but laugh when he told me how freaked he was. He said his thoughts were 1: Who took my wife? I will destroy whoever took the woman I love ( I added that last part) 2: How am I going to tell our kids their mom is gone? Hannah was my soul mate! I will never love again! (I added the last two parts, lol).  It's sweet to think about the length he went to track me down . :) Our love knows no bounds...lol. :)

So anyway...that is how I almost ended up on unsolved mysteries....oh, and btw, I called my friends in the area to let them know I was just fine and they could stop their search. You never know how special you are until you go missing on accident lol.

Who's Picking on Chick-Fil-A?

Focus on the Family's Jim Daly posted his latest blog "Did Facebook Boycott Chick-Fil-A?" recently and it caught my eye because, well, Chick-Fil-A is just AMAZING--best chicken sandwich ever AND a soundproof kid's play area (GENIUS!).

Basically Chick-Fil-A has said that they support the biblical definition of a family unit--WHICH HELLO, THAT IS NO SURPRISE--and now social media, politicians, celebrities, and gay rights activists are all up in arms and ready to bring Chick-Fil-A down or acting like the whole food chain has leprosy. Craziness. Geez people! Chick-Fil-A is a WONDERFUL company that gives so much back to the community. Besides, who else says "It's my pleasure to serve you," (with a smile) at a drive through window let alone anywhere else in the world? These Chick-Fil-A boycotters need to wake up and realize that they are boycotting CHICKEN SANDWICHES...it seems a little sad to me...definitely a waste of good time.

Whatever happened to just agreeing to disagree over different perspectives/opinions? Why does Chick-Fil-A have to be punished for sharing their views...ugh, that's so unfair.

I am sorry if our nation feels like Christians hate gay people...that's so not true. Let me say that it should not be true, but some people, Christians or not are just hater kind of people. I'm a Christian and I love gay people; Jesus loves gay people--His whole message is about Love! Love doesn't mean you agree with everything someone does. I totally feel for the the gay community's cause, and if it were not for my faith and belief in God's Word then I would totally be in support of same sex marriage because it's their life, they can do what they want. However, God has a different view on marriage and family, so I'm going to stick with what He says because, well, He created everything so I figure He knows what He is doing.

All that to say:
It's going to take a lot more than a few frenzied public figures to keep my car away from Chick-Fil-A. In fact, I will be there Wed. Aug. 1st for a play date--you are welcome to come! I'm not giving up the children's soundproof play area, lol, and I like knowing that I am supporting a company that stands for something I can build my life around--Good Faith and Good Food.

The Blessings of Being an Army Wife

With yet another deployment lurking around the corner I find myself, now more than ever, focusing on the many positive things in my life--Momma always said to count your blessings...or was that an old hymn we used to sing at church?

I could go on and on and on about the difficulties of military life, especially when it comes to deployment...it's simply not fun to send your hubby away in a war zone and then keep it all together for the sake of your kids and your sanity--it's hard to do.

SO...I'm counting my blessings...all the positive things about being an Army Wife, going through a deployment and whatever else I can come up with that will be a silver lining...I'm going to think positive!

1: This deployment is only 9 months...rumor has it, it could be shorter...
2: Deployment means that I don't have to shave my legs everyday...lol...no judging, this is seriously a perk!
3: Deployment means I can order a veggie pizza (Stephen doesn't like veggies on his pizza).
4: Army Wife Blessing: It's nice to not have to be too concerned with the health care debate/issue...our insurance is pretty nice
5: Army Wife Blessing: I've met some really amazing women, some best friends, and great experiences through moving around
6: Deployment/Army Wife Blessing: I feel like this life gives me an opportunity to live in faith...so much of what happens in the military life requires a great deal of faith, and I have been able to see God do totally cool things when I put my trust in Him.
7: Deployment Blessing: There will be extra pay which means I can finally put my student loans to death ONCE AND FOR ALL (MWWAAAHHAAHAA!), or at least chop them up smaller!
8: Deployment: Absence makes the heart grow fonder...it's true, and I always seems to appreciate Stephen more when he is gone...sad to admit that :(
9: Deployment means there should be a ball coming up soon....I LOVE BALL GOWN SHOPPING....
10: Deployment means I get to be the master of the tv remote for 9 months, lol...you laugh, but this is a nice perk!
11: I live 2 hours from my family...SUCH a blessing, especially during a deployment....if I feel like I'm going crazy, I can just drive up the road and drop the kiddos off with Mom and Dad for the day


I'm sure there will be more blessings and perks to add, but right now I have laundry to do! :) OH,

12: Deployment means less laundry to do! lol :)
13: Deployment means that I will be buying less toilet paper while he is away...not that I use more when he is home, WE use more...this is just embarrassing to talk about...lol
14: While Stephen is away I will be able to fix breakfast for supper! HELLO PANCAKES & OMELETS!

I Stepped in Poo the Other Day...

Motherhood--it brings tears to my eyes for several different reasons. 

On many occasions, I find myself tearing up over the mere thought of my little boy and girl growing up, and on other occasions, I find myself tearing up, hair frazzled and fighting off an anxiety attack because my daughter has colored the carpet with a permanent marker (true story). 

I love making homemade play-dough with my kiddos. I love reading them stories. I love the funny things they say and do--that list is practically infinite. I love how they wrap their little arms around my neck and say "I love you Mommy," (I'm tearing up thinking about it!). I love the fact that my kisses heal any boo boo. I love so many things about being a Mom, but sometimes what I love about being a Mom can be overshadowed by the craziness of motherhood. Take for example, the other day, when I stepped in poo...yes poo.

I had scrubbed the whole house clean--Stephen had been gone for training and was coming home, so I wanted the house looking shipshape for his return. I was getting the last load of clothes in and was about to get my little girl ready for bed when it happened. I opened up the bathroom door--smearing the poo in the process--and then stepped right in a big heaping pile of it!! Yep, it went between my toes and all! Naturally, I accused our dog, screamed at him accordingly, and then banished him to the yard, where he stayed until I noticed that little Miss Willa was the one covered in poo and saying "Shoo, I stink Mommy."

Yes, I shed tears, but they were the "I'm about to lose it" kind of tears. My beautiful clean floor was no longer clean...the hall carpet now sported little poopy footprints, and my freshly bathed daughter was now filthy!  Stephen would be home in just a few hours and my house not only smelled horrible, but it looked like a poo grenade had gone off!!

What did I learn from this experience? Well...I learned a great deal about controlling my anger, and choosing to respond in love--even if it was through gritted teeth. I learned that the smell of baby poop seems to smell more foul, and has this ability stink longer than any other kind of poo. I learned the value of a steam mop (applause for the Shark!). I learned that even covered in poo, my daughter is still beautiful, and I learned that infantrymen are used to smelling smelly smells and don't really notice if a toddler had pooped in the floor--why did I even bother cleaning it up, lol?

Wellness Tip: Liver Cleanse!

So...I will do this if you do it--

Actually I will be doing it regardless, but come on, do it with me. Cleaning my liver sounds terrifying...oh, if only we were made like some assembly toy where we could take a part the limb or organ that needed a good scrubbing, but we are not, thus we must keep our bodies in fine running condition.

Why clean the liver? Well, it does a lot and we--with our American way of eating and drinking--do a lot to it. The liver helps to regulate hormones (including estrogen). It helps metabolize carbs, stores and processes vitamins, helps maintain healthy sugar levels and creates bile which helps break down the fat in the food we eat, among other really great things. The fact that the liver helps to break down fat is enough for me be all gung-ho in making sure it's functioning well.

How do you cleanse your liver? Well...of course we ALWAYS want to drink lots of water. The rule of thumb with water drinking--drink half your body weight in ounces of water, ie. if you were to weigh 100 pounds then you would drink 50 ounces of water.

Here are what my friends from Shaklee Natural Health & Wellness, suggest for a good, solid liver cleanse:


You will need: 6 quarts apple cider
6 teaspoons Epsom salts
½ cup cold-pressed olive oil
½ cup lemon juice
The liver & gallbladder cleanse is an important detoxifying agent. It helps restore normal functional capacity of the liver & gallbladder and if an individual has gallstones
NOTE:
A. This cleanse is NOT recommended for:
1. people under 25 years of age
2. pregnant women, or
3. people with known large gallstones (larger than a dime … this can be determined by an ultrasound). These individuals can still do this cleanse, but MUST FIRST have the large gallstones shattered by sound waves by their doctor.
B. Plan to stay home the evening of the 6th day.
LISTED BELOW ARE THE STEPS TO FOLLOW:
1. Day 1 through 6, drink 1 quart of apple cider DAILY (fresh extracted vegetable juices may be substituted for apple cider).
 It is preferable that you purchase additive-free apple cider.
 Keep your diet vegetarian style (fat free) for a more thorough cleansing. Eat as much as you like of fat free foods.
 Continue with your regular supplements.
2. At noon on Day 6 eat a normal vegetarian lunch.
3. Three hours later, take two teaspoons of epsom salts dissolved in about one ounce of hot water. That taste may be objectionable to some people. If so you may follow Epsom salts with a little citrus juice (fresh squeezed if possible).
4. Two hours later, repeat step three.
5. Four your evening meal on Day 6 you may have only citrus juices or citrus fruits (eg. grapefruits, oranges, etc.)
6. At bedtime, in a blender, whip ½ cup of warm olive oil (cold-pressed) with ½ cup of lemon juice. (It is better to use fresh lemon juice, but bottled juice is permissible.)
 Drink the mixture quickly – do not sip slowly.
 (Some people occasionally reported slight to moderate nausea when taking the olive oil & lemon juice. This nausea will slowing disappear when you go to bed. If the olive oil induces vomiting, you need not repeat the procedure. This occurs only in rare instances.)
7. Following step six, go immediately to bed. Lie on your right side with your right knee pulled up close to your chest for at least 30 minutes.
8. The next morning, one hour before breakfast, take two teaspoons of epsom salts dissolved in two ounces of hot water.
9. Resume your normal diet on Day 7 & continue your normal nutritional supplements.
NOTE:
People who have chronically suffered from gallstones, biliousness, backaches, nausea, etc. occasionally find small gallstone-type objects in the stool on Day 7. These objects are light green in colour. They are very irregular in shape, gelatinous in texture, and vary in size from grape seeds to cherry pits. If there are several of these in the stool, you should repeat the liver cleanse in two weeks.

Purpose, Purpose, Shmurpose: Author Jon Acuff Review

I'm totally loving Jon Acuff's--author and blogger of Stuff Christians Like--post, I want destiny, not a desert. You have to check it out--he cracks me up!

He hits on how we, as Christians, romanticize the idea of our calling...we think when we've been called to do something by God it's going to be this big adventure like you are in the starring role of some karate-chop, kick- action type of movie, but often times God will lead us into a "desert" place that has us totally confused! So true...I mean, I can't tell you how many times I have asked "God, what are you doing--I should be freeing slaves in India by now, what's the hold up?"

Yes, it can trip us up when we aren't where we thought we were going to be, but I think we can get even more tripped up about what our "calling" is. Maybe it's just me, but I hear a lot of church talk about finding our purpose, our calling, and what has God called you to do. No kidding, I spent three years of my life in a constant state of crazy stress because I was trying to find my divine calling, so afraid I would miss that one thing God had planned for my life. I would dare say that Christians everywhere have at some point freaked out about this too...I mean, after all, you have to have a calling, right?

It's funny to me how we have kind of equated our calling with our career too. Think about it... when we are getting ready for college or seeking employment we ask "what career is God calling me into?"   That's great and all because we should be asking God what kind of job we should take. We should be asking Him who to marry, and how to handle our money. We should ask God a lot of things, but I think we are putting a little too much emphasis on the "calling" thing and missing the big picture.

Does God have plans for my life? Yes. Does He let me know there are things He wants me to do? Yes. Does He have one specific calling/plan/purpose for me?  I don't think so or I would have said "Okay God, I married the guy you gave the green light on. Thanks for giving me that one thing you called me to do; I'll chill out now until I get to heaven."

My one and only "calling/purpose" is to love God and love others, and that applies in  every situation that I'm in--which as an Army wife, has been several different situations. It bums me out sometimes that I'm not always excelling at what I was designed to do, but, nevertheless, I keep on truck'n. My calling isn't really wrapped up in my career, but it's wrapped up in my life and how I live. God gives us choices, and we read His word--the Bible--and learn about His character which will enable us to choose wisely like He would choose whether it's a career, a spouse etc., but our calling/purpose is to love God and love others, and as followers of Christ, we are all called to that. So stop freaking out if you can't figure out where to spend your summer mission trip or which charity to give to or if God wants you to be an astronaut or a stay at home Mom...get to know about God and His character and make the wise choice. 

Fifty Shades of Grey Has Nothing to do with Sunglasses....

No, I haven't read the latest book craze, Fifty Shades of Grey-- why does everyone keep asking me? On an outing to the bookstore, I picked up a copy to read the back cover...meh...it didn't catch my attention, so I asked a few of my friends about it and...well...I blushed...well, giggled then blushed.

"Everyone" says the plot is a good one...that's great and all, but I can't get over the fact that it's erotica (that word sounds so eww dirty), which is a nice way of saying pornography, right? I just can't bring myself to read something I would feel uncomfortable with my husband watching--which by the way, I heard it through the google grape vine that there are movie plans in the making. Why is it okay for me to read sexually explicit material and expect my husband to pass on the latest hot-naked-ladies magazines? It's not.

Though I am no expert, and totally the sinner of all sinners, Proverbs 4:23 tells us to guard our hearts because it is the wellspring of life. Doesn't guarding our hearts include what we watch, listen to and read? Like I said, I'm no expert at guarding my heart, but addiction to pornography is a slippery slope that has been the downfall of many men, women and families.  I feel like Fifty Shades of Grey has the potential to push someone down that slippery slope. My advice is to stay as far away from the slippery slope as possible, don't even toy with the idea of flirting with it. I say this fully understanding that my convictions are not necessarily your convictions, but for me, this is something I feel uneasy about reading. If you feel fine with it, then more power to you. :) 

All that to say, Fifty Shades of Grey is not about the color of my sunglasses and is not on my summer reading list ...and don't call me a prude. Hugs :) 

Teen Hannah's Ultimate Summer Goal

Who hasn't noticed the crazy heat wave sucking the life out of veggie gardens across America? Thanks to an awesome soak hose set on a timer, mine is hanging in there. :) 

Oh those Hot Summer Days....funny how we complain about them when they are here, and look forward to their return when they are gone. There is something almost magical about summer, agree?  It's definitely exciting, and it kind of gives off this lure of romance too--think of all the summer romance novels and movies that readers and movie-goers alike binge on.....hmm....it kind of reminds me of my teen years....travel to the past with me...

Ten years ago my summertime was focused on finding the perfect bikini, squeezing in ten more minutes at the tanning bed, and what flavor of lip gloss I should buy. My ultimate summer goal:  procure a summer fling just like one in Mariah Carey's music video "Always be my baby," (Click to watch and be inspired, lol). You know the one, where girl meets boy at a summer camp, and they sneak off at night to go swing on a tire-swing that overlooks a lake--yeah, that one. To this day I love tire swings! 

No judging my dear viewers, I'm sure, actually I'm positive, most girls have dreamed of a summer romance. So, you ask, did I ever achieve my goal? Well, after spending nearly every week of my summer vacations from 6th through 11th grade at Christian camps--all of which unfortunately had neither a lake nor a tire swing--I never found my summer romance prospect UNTIL, I stopped looking and realized there were better goals in life to pursue. :) 

My, my, how things have changed. My summer goals now are quite different--painting the kids rooms, making homemade play-dough, play-dates and pool parties. Now I'm like, "Ugh, I don't want to get in a bathing suite, who has time for the tanning bed--I don't want skin cancer--and I'll wear lip gloss only if I remember it and if I have a coupon for that."  

BTW, my hubby was my one and only summer fling...we've been summer flinging it for nine years now, well eleven if you count the dating years. :) 

Nerdy Hannah History Moment: The 5th of July

Has anyone ever thought of what July 5th would have been like in 1776?  Most of the colonies probably hadn't even heard that American Independence had been declared on the 4th, and probably not even on the 5th..When they did hear the news, were they shocked? I would dare to say no, however,  the British people were probably somewhat shocked--who knew those yanks would actually have made good on their threats? I mean, the British totally had seen the declaration coming, what, with all the riots and the tarring and feathering of many their troops--what else says "a revolution is coming" like tar and feathers?

Just because we declared independence on July 4, 1776, doesn't mean that's when we received it. Independence actually came in 1781 when we won the war, and then the British didn't really agree to leave America until 1783, which kind of means we--Americans--only thought we were our own country seven years before the Brits declared that we actually were. Hmm.

So anyway, for most Americans during 1776, who had not heard "the news," the 5th of July would have been no different than the 4th, but for those who had heard, I would say they must have walked a little taller than the redcoats on patrol that day.

Just a little nerdy historical rant...

First Kiss

Who remembers their first kiss? I'm not sure my first kiss counts. I was in the first grade, on a school bus, and the boy beside me leaned in, and then kissed my cheek. I punched him and blacked his eye--one of my finer moments, I confess. I'm not ashamed of the fact that I pack a pretty good punch--for a girl. :) So that was my first kiss...though, like I said, I don't think it counts.

There were other kisses, yes, but the one I'm thinking about is the first kiss my husband and I shared. I kind of had this moment of nostalgia the other day while sitting in the backyard at my mom and dad's home watching my kids play in the playhouse my brother and I used to play in as children. This is the same backyard where my hubby and I first kissed. Watching my son and daughter laughing and running struck me as somewhat poetic...I was watching the product of our love in the spot where Stephen and I first fell in love. Isn't that kind of beautiful? :)

I was 17...he was 18, about to leave for college and I was starting my senior year of high school. It was dark outside, nearing curfew and he would have to go home soon--I'm sure mom and dad were keeping an eye on the clock and on our location. :) The stars were out and that's where we were...sitting under them, making plans for our future...after college, after marriage...where we would travel, how many kids we would have, etc. He hadn't dared to kiss me and we had been dating for several months, but this night--I guess the stars and the talk of our future made him bold. Our first kiss was sweet, perfect and under the stars. Does it get any more romantic than that?

So, I'm curious...where was your first kiss or at least the kiss that counts?

The Great Lion Dream :)

First of all I want to take a second and savor the silence in my house...hubby, kids and the dog are all fast asleep, NICE.......ok, enough savoring.

So...for MANY weeks, if not months I have been having this dream that a lion, yes, like a ROAR kind of lion, is in my room, craziness I know, but the dream freaks me out every time! Who wouldn't be freaked out?  In the dream I just open the door to a room, any room really, but mainly my bedroom, and there either stands or sits this HUGE lion. He's not aggressive by any means, he just turns and looks at me with those large, yellow, cat eyes and then I quickly close the door and wake up like I'm having a heart attack!

Have you all ever had a dream that just sticks with you and you can't shake it or a dream that seems so real you actually feel like it is? This is that kind of dream. What does it mean? Does it have meaning?

I do feel like God can still talk to us in dreams...maybe He comes to comfort us, encourage us, give us direction, warn us or all of the above...I think it's just a cool way He can use to communicate. :) Not that I'm saying God is trying to tell me something, my subconscious could be just completely loony, which is probably likely....ugh, if only I had a dream interpreter like Joseph in the Bible who interrupted for the head honcho.

First Family Vacation!!!!

We just returned from our first ever official Conway Family Vacation!!! YAY!

 Like most military families our vacation days are spent visiting extended family in various states...but this year, with an impending deployment looming overhead, we decided to just focus on our family and HIT THE BEACH--Gulf Shores, Alabama!!

Not only was this our first family vacation, but it was the first time our kiddos had seen the beach--such a great experience to see their faces! Our little girl--who turns 2 soon...tears, tears, sniff, sniff--loved the waves almost as much as our 7 year old who found a new life mission in catching as many waves as possible with his wave-board. 

The kids LOVED the beach! 

Who doesn't? 

I don't mind that sand was everywhere--even in the sandwiches we packed for an oceanfront picnic--and I didn't mind the heat, which was offset by the salty breeze. Even with our squealing children running amok, hubby and I were blissfully relaxed. Three Cheers For Family Summer Vacations and a big round applause to our Creator for creating a little piece of beach heaven for us to enjoy!

Hacking Cough & New Age Beliefs

For two, maybe three days now, I have had this hacking cough. I'm not sick, but there is this crazy tickling in my throat that won't go away! I'm pretty sure it sounds like I have TB, but rest assured that I do not...in fact I was recently tested...not because I thought I had it but because it was required for my master's program, which is totally strange because all of those courses are online! So anyway I have spent my days hacking at iinappropriate times: late at night when hubby is or was sound asleep, during step aerobics class and now everyone probably thinks I am a smoker, and the most inappropriate time was at church last night. Not only was I at church , but I was at the prayer meeting before the class actually began. It's hard to focus during times of prayer anyway even when the room is silent so I know I was a huge distraction and annoying. Coughing is annoying, and last night I was annoying.

 I felt the tickle and held my breathe, drank water, and even chewed on gum, but the tickle persisted. My face was turning bright  red from straining to keep in the cough and my eyes were even watering...in the end my hacking escaped my mouth sounding like a honking goose being tortured. I'm pretty sure they added me to the prayer list. I tried to be cordial and escaped as quietly as possible out the side door into the foyer area where I continued to my hacking episode and only when it ended did I notice that the front foyer doors leading into the sanctuary where prayer group was in session. Seriously embarrassing! What's even more embarrassing was that I was one of the youngest ones in there...everyone else was like 70 and older! They should have been the ones hacking , not me!

So, our class was on Eastern Religions...I didn't hear much of it because I had to dart towards the restroom to hack way too often...but what I did learn was interesting. The New Age Movement is just an American version of Eastern Religions...I did not know this. Truth is relative, and right is wrong is relative...you can be your own God...these are common beliefs in the New Age Movement and quite frankly they seem to be beliefs that have been adopted by our society. So...if right and wrong is relative then hurting someone could be justified because to someone else, hurting others is not wrong. Where is the justice?Who creates standards to live by?  It seems to me these new age beliefs are selfish, self-seeking and include no consideration for others, which is no way to live. Jesus gave us two good rules to live by, love God and love others...those standards are solid, stable, worth living for...anyone living for themselves is in for a disappointment.

Biting Off More Than I can Chew Hurts More Than My Teeth

I totally bit off more than I could chew for awhile....I fell off the bandwagon with reading the entire bible in  year, but now I'm back with having to make a few adjustments to my schedule. My Master's classes started back and that kind of threw me for a loop learning how to juggle staying home with Willa Zilla, do the class work, get to the gym, be a Wellness Coach, clean the house, keep up with the bills and checkbook, get dinner on the table, grocery shop, be a hottie wife, amazing mom, and find time to shower and shave my legs....BTW you know you need to shave BAD when Harry Big Foot mistakes you for his own kind, totally joking on that part. Wink.

ANYWAY...I was just having a hard time finding time to blog after I read my Bible and got so stressed over not having time to blog that I just stopped reading because it reminded me that I didn't have time to broadcast my "shpeels."  Since this past weekend I have come to the realization that it's okay if I don't have time to blog about what I have been reading as long as I continue to keep hanging out with God and spending time in his Word. Why hadn't I thought of that before? Well, because I was too busy freaking out over my schedule that I totally forgot to ask God what He thought I should do...when I finally broke down and asked, I got an answer and it feels freeing....AND as this morning I was blessed with extra time to blog!! (Yay for the kids not waking up early! A big shout out for God for making that happen! Holla!)

So...while I won't be recapping everything I read, I will when I can. SOOO, I have just a few more minutes and I wanna talk about what i just read....I read in Genesis about how sin came into the world. I would dare to say we all know this story...The serpent tricked Eve, she ate  from the tree she had been forbidden to eat from, then Adam ate too because Eve made the suggestion. Ok...here's the thing that stuck with me...for their disobedience, God punished each of them and evidence of that punishment is still in existence today and is all around us.

Examples, you ask? First thing...look at all the Old People around us. I love old people...I will be an old person one day...but the older we all get we know death is coming. Aging past the point of fully developing is  kind of like evidence of "the curse" issued in the garden in which we die. Don't tell an Old Person that...or if you do, say it nicely...you know...just don't say it at all. Another piece of evidence...the ground was cursed...so the earth doesn't work the way it was intended...so earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes are evidence of the curse. Another thing that I found interesting was the whole part about how a woman's desire will be for her husband but he will dominate her. I could spend FOREVER on this but won't. However, isn't it true that even today women make less on the dollar than a man does...even after women's rights, equal opportunity guidelines this is still very true. Could this be evidence of the curse as well??

Ok...Willa Zilla woke up! By guys!