I am Unique!

Beginner Crochet

2012-01-14T06:49:00.000-06:00

I found this great video from Christina at Little Fashion Diary on the basic single crochet with a chunky yarn. What a great way to get started into the addictive world of crochet!

Check it out!

I’m a teacher!

2012-01-11T12:26:00.001-06:00

Remember in High School when you would get called to see the school counsellor and they would ask you what you want to be when you grow up?

What was your answer?

Mine was, “I want to be a teacher.” The counsellor’s reply was, “Your not smart enough.” Well, I would like to find that counsellor and show them this post!

This spring I AM TEACHING crochet classes at Michaels, you can find the list of classes HERE.

I will also be teaching three classes at the Prince Albert Arts Centre.

Wonderful World of Crochet (Ages 12-18)

Course Dates: Jan 25 - Feb 29 5 Class(es) over 6 Week(s)

Schedule: Wed, 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM Boardroom

Description: Come and learn (or refresh your memory of) the basic stitches - chain, single crochet, half-double crochet, double and treble crochet and maybe puff, whirlwind, shell, popcorn and chevron. You will surely get hooked on this addictive form of yarn play.

Details: Yarn, bamboo crochet hook and pattern will be supplied for the first class. There will also be a
review of the basics and work begun on first project. You will receive a booklet of the basic
stitches and a few patterns to have fun with. Homework for week 2 will be to purchase the
supplies necessary to complete your main project and bring those supplies to the second class to
work on for the remaining sessions. Please note there is no class on February 22, 2012.

Fee(s): $50.00 Registration Fee

** I am very excited about this class!!!!

Discover Your Personal Potential (Ages 12-18)

Course Dates: Jan 26 - Mar 08 6 Class(es) over 7 Week(s)

Schedule: Thu, 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM Boardroom

Description: During this course you will be encouraged to live up to and beyond your personal potential.
Through a variety of exercises and journaling you will begin to see your true self emerge. We will
be working through a variety of areas of life to help you find balance that leads to a greater
understanding of who you are.

Details: Please bring a notebook and pen. There is no class on February 23, 2012.

Fee(s): $50.00 Registration Fee

Creative Writing Fun (Ages 10-18)

Course Dates: Mar 03 - Mar 31 5 Class(es) over 5 Week(s)

Schedule: Sat, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Boardroom

Description: This course is designed to foster creativity and self-expression in a supportive environment. With just creative writing the young writers are encouraged to develop thinking and writing skills that will help them discover their unique voices.

Details: Please bring a notebook and pens.

Fee(s): $65.00 Registration Fee

I am so excited about what is happening this spring. Please visit the Arts Centre to sign up for classes. There are tons of classes for Adults and Children, please support this great resource in our community. Check out the full brochure of classes HERE.

Crochet Classes at Michaels

2012-01-11T10:13:00.000-06:00

I will be teaching a variety of classes in the coming months, each class is $25. To register please visit Michaels and register at the check out; they will give you your list of materials for the class and a coupon for 10% off what you purchase. You must be registered 24 hours before the start of the class.

Discover Single Crochet

The long skinny scarf is the easiest and most versatile accessory. So fun to crochet, you can make one in several colors or personalize your smartphone with this easy to crochet carrying case!

Prerequisites: None! All you need is an interest in learning to crochet.

Techniques that will be taught: slip knot, foundation chain, single crochet, and turning chain. Basics of reading patterns and gauge will be introduced, along with a yarn department tour!

Upcoming Class dates:

Saturday, January 14th 9:30 – noon

Discover Tall Crochet

This crocheted pillow is an ideal beginner project. It’s done with no shaping. Stitches are the building blocks of crochet – try half double, double and triple crochet in this scarf.

Prerequisites: slip knot, foundation chain, single crochet and turning chain.
Techniques to be taught: half double, double crochet, triple crochet, working into the front loop, working into the back loop, along with reading patterns and gauge and a yarn department visit.

Upcoming Class dates:

Saturday, February 4th, 9:30 – noon

Discover Textures

Make a matching scarf or neckwarmer using this easy shell stitch.

Prerequisites: slip knot, foundation chain, single crochet and turning chain.Techniques to be taught: increase, decrease, shells, along with a review of reading instructions and gauge, and a yarn department visit.

Upcoming Class Dates:

Thursday, January 19th 9:30 – noon

Discover GRANNY SQUARES

Prerequisites: slip knot, foundation chain, single crochet, turning chain and increase.

Techniques to be taught: stitch motifs: crocheting in the round, slip stitch and changing yarn colors along with reviewing reading instructions and gauge, and a yarn department visit.

Upcoming Class Dates:

Monday, February 13 9:30 – noon

New Classes for 2012

Here is a sneak peeks at what is coming!

Handing out Blankets for Canada

2011-12-19T06:10:00.000-06:00

What a busy and exciting month. The squares started to slowly come in to Michaels in Prince Albert.

Then the bin began to overflow! I even had boxes being delivered to the store.

Hundreds of squares were brought in during the month of November.

Some of the squares were works of art!

It was like Christmas for us when were opening the bags of squares. I wish I knew who made them so that I could personally thank them!

We held two joining parties during December and it was great to see the excitement as the square began to develop into blankets. It became an addiction, once you started a blanket you had to finish it. Maybe of the volunteers would want to take their squares home to finish their blanket.

There were so many great stories of people who came to help. One of my crochet students who just learned the single crochet came to help join the square using the single crochet stitch. To date she has put a couple of blankets together. She is now a pro at the single crochet! Another die-hard blanket maker learned how to crochet and knit from YouTube so that she could start with making squares, then she joined blanket after blanket. She has a dedicated contagious passion, so exciting!

Then came the day to hand out what we were able to put together. I had a total of 14 blankets assembled, many squares were still at Michaels that we just didn’t have the hands to put them together. But I call a local shelter to see if I could drop them off. Edna was very excited that I would be coming by. She told me that three comforters had been dropped off and it is so hard to decide out of the over 200 people on her list that need help who to give them to. I was excited to to add 14 more blankets for her to hand out. It wouldn’t supply the need of over 200 but it would help.

I have to admit that this was an eye opening experience for me. The need in my community is greater than I realized. Michaels will continue to collect squares and I am going to keep looking for willing hands to help join the squares into blankets. I have promised Edna that I will be back with more.

Why blogging is difficult

2011-12-06T09:23:00.001-06:00

With our house renovation still going strong we have not had a phone or Internet connection in the house. So this is where my computer has been located so I can access the Internet. Not very inspiring but it works.

Things are moving along and I am moving my computer back in the house and blogging can resume! I miss my little outlet. My mind is full so be prepared for lots of posts!

Blankets for Canada

2011-11-03T11:28:00.001-06:00

For the month of November Michaels in Prince Albert will be collecting 8 x 8 knit or crocheted squares for Blankets for Canada.

Blankets for Canada is a non-denominational organization devoted to creating blankets for Canadians who need warmth. www.blankets4canada.ca

To kick off the event I will be crocheting in the store from 1-3pm on Sunday, November 6th handing out information about this special event.

The squares will be sewn together by volunteers to make blankets and in December we will be handing out the finished blankets to those in need in our community.

Making squares is a great way to use up yarn from previous projects and a great way to help those in need in our community. It is a great project for beginners to practise their crochet or knitting skills as well! My daughters ages 8 & 9 are helping to make squares as well!

To find out more and find out the latest updates please “like” us on our Facebook page ‘Living Skies Crochet’.

The Simple Secret

8 x 8 x 8

The secret to making a blanket is very simple: just spend at least 8 minutes a day crocheting or knitting. Soon you will have an 8" x 8" (20cm x 20cm) square. When you have made 48 squares, you sew them together and will have a blanket that measures 48" x 64" (120cm x 160cm).

Through Blankets for Canada, this blanket will be given FREE to organizations who care for those who have no shelter, or are in need of warmth.

It can be even simpler: Knit or crochet strips, instead of squares! Much less sewing is is required. Make the strip a minimum of 64 inches long, and as wide as you want - 8", 12", 16" or 48". Knitting or crocheting long strips means there is significantly less sewing together of pieces that needs to be done.

Making the blanket is fun, and a good way to use up those scrap balls of yarn that are laying around the house. Squares can have many different colours in each one. This makes for a very colourful blanket too! You can use any stitch you want. It's a great way to try a new pattern.

Remember, too, we don't make mistakes! We make ORIGINALS!

Here is a link with tons of patterns for making 8” squares: http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory/8in_squares.php

Need more information please contact Carolyn at carolyn@cjcarleton.com or 922-7788.

We will be joining the squares in the classroom at Michaels on Saturday, December 10th from 9 – noon and Thursday, December 15th from 6 – 9pm.

Everything will be supplied, so please donate a bit of your time to come and help sew the squares together.

Renovation continued…………..

2011-10-19T06:30:00.000-06:00

We are still moving full steam ahead, trying to get the house done before it snows! Here in Saskatchewan it tends to snow around Halloween so we are quickly running out of time. Here are a few update pictures!

We have had to haul a lot of dirt to level out the floors and the backyard. We had two little bobcats flying all over the backyard and they were even driving into the house through where our back door will one day be installed.

It is starting to take shape!

I went to Ontario to visit family and when I came back it was encouraging to see so much getting done!

We had to get a lot of supplies onto the second floor so we used Dustin’s ladder that has a little elevator on it and Acacia was quite excited to work the buttons to deliver everything while I ran around and unloaded it.

We are still sleeping in our trailer on the front lawn.

The rafters are starting to go on!

The cement truck is here for the last pour in our walls. It was quite the ordeal with the bridge being closed to big trucks. The pumper truck had to go across a ferry and about an hours drive out of its way to get to our house, just North of the bridge. Oh well, we were happy to see it when it arrived.

And all the loads of cement.

Here is Dustin guiding the pump nozzle that is shooting cement into the walls. I can’t believe that he is stand up there. You have to understand that this is the second story in the top of the walls.

To get a better understanding look at this picture!

That is very high. I was so nervous I had to leave. I can’t stand Ferris wheels! But everyone was fine and it turned out great!

Everything is coming along, not has fast at we hoped but our family adventure continues!

The Renovation Continues

2011-09-20T06:00:00.000-06:00

It has been an interesting summer and now fall has arrived and we are hoping that this renovation can kick into high gear and we can get moved in!

As in all things, our renovation has become an adventure. The one and only bridge that leads into Northern Saskatchewan has a big crack! So it makes travel across it very difficult. Our daily commute is longer and no heavy trucks are allowed across. Which means, any building supplies now have to travel to a ferry that adds about two – three hours driving time. Oh well, the renovation must go on!

Here is the update:

The girls have been really helpful with garbage duty. We can’t do a lot to help with the build so they help where they can.

Not only the bridge has been a problem for us, but the weather as well. We keep having freak storms such as this hail storm that blew in one night during supper.

It left quite a mess that we had to wade through mud for a few days.

But we persevered and continued on so that we could prepare for the first cement pour! This is the IDF’s all ready and the framing for the doors and windows. It is really quite the process.

Then the cement arrived, the walls are filled from the cement pumper truck.

It went up and over our existing house. I was a little nervous, I made the girls go and play in the trailer.

This is the inside of an ICF, the blocks come with the black plastic pieces, that will be used to attach the drywall and siding. Dustin adds all the rebar which adds the strength when the concrete is poured.

Here comes the cement!

I missed the second pour when I was in Ontario visiting family and when I came home they were working away on the second storey!

I have so many more pictures to catch you up to where we are now, but I will keep you waiting in anticipation for that post!

Crochet Classes with Carolyn

2011-09-15T22:34:00.000-06:00

Starting this fall I will be teaching classes at the Prince Albert Arts Centre and Michael’s.

Not sure which class to join?

I will be teaching the basics of crocheting at each location. The main difference is that Michael’s gives me the patterns that are to be taught. At the Arts Centre I am able to teach whatever I like and help you with whatever project that you are working on.

For information on the Michael’s classes please CLICK HERE.

For information on the Prince Albert Arts Centre Classes please CLICK HERE.

Ever made a Bad Choice? Me neither!

2011-09-14T14:29:00.001-06:00

I wrote this article for a teen magazine but I think we can all learn something from it.

“Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tender-hearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it. 1 Peter 3:8-9 (NLT)

How you react in situations says a lot about who you are and what makes you different from the rest of the crowd.

How do you react when your friend decides that you’re not so cool anymore? How do you react when that rumour going around about you is the furthest thing from the truth? How do you react when asked what you are doing Friday night and you reply, “Going to youth” and you get the “your one of those people” looks?

I have experienced and lived through each of those scenarios, and I didn’t always react in a way that portrayed who I was striving to be: a follower of Jesus Christ. In some cases I made the situation worse and in others I made myself look like a fool. But hey, that is a part of developing character and figuring out who God created us to be. Right?

I can admit that I didn’t always make the best choices and honestly, I don’t expect you to either. Sometimes wrong is how we get to right. There is always a learning curve. Don’t get me wrong, I am not giving you permission to go out and make stupid choices. (1 Cor. 10:23)

But if by some small chance, at some point in your life you make a bad choice, please know that it is okay. You need to understand that you must learn from your mistakes and continue to blossom into the awesome woman of God that you have been created to be!

1 Peter is a letter written by Peter, a disciple of Jesus Christ to Christians who were being persecuted and suffering because they chose to be followers of Jesus Christ. Through this letter Peter encouraged believers to live lives of integrity--to be examples of Jesus Christ.

In our North American society we do not see the persecution that Peter saw and experienced in his life. But at times we do suffer.

We can suffer by being mistreated by friends or acquaintances at school. By being different and choosing not to do what everyone else is doing. Or by being judged because of our “Christian” label.

How should we choose to react when these types of suffering enter our lives? Peter tells us not to retaliate with actions or words. Then look at what Peter instructs us to do when someone says something unkind to you. Pay them back with---- a blessing! WHAT!!! Are you serious?

If you have been on the receiving end of having unkind words thrown in your direction this could seem like an impossible task. A blessing is what they need and this is what scripture is instructing us to do and what God wants us to do.

When I was 16 I spent my summer working as kitchen staff at a camp. One evening while everyone at the camp was sleeping, we were robbed. They broke in the kitchen and stole whatever they could take out the window. Tons of food, my stereo I had left there that night, they threw the knives in the walls and just made a mess. It felt like such an invasion and a personal attack. We scrubbed the kitchen with bleach from top to bottom and it still felt dirty. It wasn’t until I gave up my anger and prayed for the people responsible for the break in that I could feel at peace and comfortable once again.

1 Peter 3:14-15 says, “But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.”

Have these verses written on your heart. Peter wrote these words about 2000 years ago so that when you or I struggle with feelings of suffering that these words were there to encourage, strengthen and give us hope. Suffering produces character; there is no one in the past, present or future like you. You are unique! Your character is unique! You have been created for a unique purpose!

Worship Christ with your life and if someone compliments you by asking, “What’s different about you?” Be prepared to share with them where your hope comes from.

To see how to do that let’s read what Peter has to say in verses 16 and 17, “But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!”

Thank you Peter! What an encouragement to live a good life!

Take time to apply it to your life: (grab your journal and spend a few minutes thinking about these questions) What do your reactions say about your character? Take time and evaluate what you can learn from good or bad choices that you have made? Do you know how unique you are? What Makes You Unique?

Thankful Thursday

2011-09-08T13:03:00.001-06:00

Today I am thankful for people who have intentionally come into my life and inspired me.

Mrs. Pocock is a spitfire of a woman who has forever touch my life. I remember her when I was young; my brother, sister and I would fight to sit beside her in church because she would always bring a second purse to church that was full of candy and things to do. I remember my brother getting the prize spot most of the time. Probably because he was the youngest.

In my early 20’s my grandmother passed away. I sat beside her every Sunday in church, we shared a hymnal and I so enjoyed my Sunday mornings worshipping with her. The Sunday after the funeral, Mrs. Pocock came and sat beside me and said she wanted to by my adopted Grandma and that I could share the hymnal with her each week. She didn’t have the beautiful voice of my grandmother but I was grateful none-the-less.

She has always had a quick wit about her and she still makes me laugh till my sides hurt. You never know what is going to come out of her mouth. One line that I will always remember is when she was talking about someone she knew and as a side comment she said, “She has a face only a mother could love.” It was one of those moments when you didn’t know whether to be shocked or roll across the floor laughing!

The girls and I were able to visit with her during our recent trip to Ontario. Here she is 99 years young! What a precious woman. I am so thankful that the girls had the opportunity to meet her and catch a glimpse of this special woman that touch my life in such a unique way.

Get Hooked on Crochet!

2011-09-03T13:22:00.011-06:00

In these 6 sessions you will be introduced to the speedy and wonderful world of crochet! Learn (or refresh your knowledge of) the basic stitches: chain, single crochet, half-double crochet, double and treble crochet. We can even move on to more advanced stitches such as puff, whirlwind, shell, popcorn, chevron, etc.

Come on in and get hooked on crochet and get started on this addictive form of yarn play with confidence!

Classes: $55 for 6 sessions

On October 26 we will begin with our first project. Your yarn, bamboo crochet hook and pattern in beginner, intermediate and advanced options will be supplied. We will review the basics of crochet and work on our first project. You will also receive a booklet of basic stitches and a few patterns to have fun with!

Also that evening you will be given the option of a few patterns that you can make for yourself or maybe a Christmas present for a friend. If you have a pattern that you have wanted to try then I will help you.

Your homework will be to purchase the supplies necessary to complete your project and bring it to the next session. The following five sessions will be your opportunity to work on your project with assistance in a fun, relaxing environment.

**As an added bonus you will receive a 10% discount at Beth’s Yarn Barn located on Central Ave.

Registrations are now closed. New Classes will be available in spring 2012.

A Remarkable Love

2011-08-08T15:15:00.000-06:00

Dr. Maxwell Maltz tells a remarkable story of a love like this.

A man had been injured in a fire while attempting to save his parents from a burning house. He couldn’t get to them. They perished. His face was burned and disfigured.

Her husband had repeatedly refused any help. She knew he would again.

He mistakenly interpreted his pain as God’s punishment. The man wouldn’t let anyone see him – not even his wife.

She went to Dr. Maltz, a plastic surgeon, for help. He told the woman not to worry. “I can restore his face.”

The wife was unenthused. Her husband had repeatedly refused any help. She knew he would again.

Then why her visit? “I want you to disfigure my face so I can be like him! If I can share in his pain, then maybe he will let me back into his life.”

Dr. Maltz was shocked. He denied her request but was so moved by this woman’s love that he went to speak with her husband. Knocking on the man’s bedroom door, he called loudly, “I’m a plastic surgeon, and I want you to know that I can restore your face.”

No response.

“Please come out.”

Again there was no answer.

Still speaking through the door, Dr. Maltz told the man of his wife’s proposal. “She wants me to disfigure her face, to make her face like yours in the hope that you will let her back into your life. That’s how much she loves you.”

There was a brief moment of silence, and then, ever so slowly, the door knob began to turn.

So these three things continue forever: faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

I have to admit that Thomas Nelson is my favourite publisher. They have not published one of my books (yet), but I have to admit that every book that I enjoy is published by them. (especially the Yada Yada Prayer Group Series and the House of Hope Series) They have good taste!

The story that you just read is from the book, ‘You Changed my Life- stories of real people with remarkable hearts’ by Max Lucado. I have really enjoyed this book and when I read the story above it made me cry and I have thought about it many times since I originally read it. I contacted Thomas Nelson for permission to share it with you.

They granted me permission and they shared this video with me for more information about the book.

What do you think of the story? Have you had someone change your life?

Bling!

2011-08-01T09:31:00.001-06:00

Something fun that I have been making lately is rings! I generally have a huge reaction to metal so I thought why not make something from yarn!

Here are the results!

I just love them! I will definitely be making a selection of these for my Etsy store!

I am Second–Laura Klock

2011-07-29T13:43:00.001-06:00

Please take a moment and watch this video, and then visit http://www.iamsecond.com/ for more great videos!

The Reno continues……

2011-07-25T19:17:00.001-06:00

The land is prepped and ready for the next steps.

The next step is screw piles.

They did a great job, we called local companies and they didn’t even return our calls. This company came right away and did a very professional job! So thankful!

Now time for the blocks! We blocked the road as they began unloading them. We wanted them unloaded in the back but the truck couldn’t get back there, so we just interrupted traffic for a little bit.

The company even sent a crew of guys to help unload!

No, these guys are not super-human, they are light! Just foam and plastic.

My driveway.

The company we chose to get the ICF’s from is called Build Block.

Can you read the small print along the bottom?

Yep, that is a scripture verse! Matthew 21:42. How cool is that! I will have scripture verses on the walls of my new home!

This system goes up quickly, it fits together like Lego. This is what my yard looked like before supper tonight, (the Build Blocks were just delivered this morning).

So happy that this is all finally coming together. When I think back over the past few months I didn’t think that this would be possible. But it is actually becoming a reality!

Happy Anniversary to ME!

2011-07-24T08:14:00.000-06:00

Today we celebrate our 12th Anniversary!

Our wedding was many years ago. The celebration continues to this day. ~Gene Perret

Saskatchewan

2011-07-23T08:06:00.000-06:00

When people first see or hear the word Saskatchewan they wonder who on earth would want to live on a flat barren wasteland. In school I didn’t like Saskatchewan because whenever I had a geography test I would always spell it wrong. And now this has been my home for the past 13 years, and it is not what people perceive it to be at all.

Our daughters have been involved in Brownies for the past year and at the end of the year they took part in a weekend camping trip. Since I had not been that involved in events throughout the year, I thought I would help with the camp out. My husband and I booked a site for our trailer at the same camp ground that the girls were camping at. I had been to Struthers Lake years ago but I didn’t take the time to really explore what the campground had to offer.

As it turned out, they didn’t need extra help for the camp out so my husband and I had the weekend to camp by ourselves. What a treat! We brought our dog ‘Bear’ with us and spent a lot of time going for walks.

It is interesting having a pet named ‘Bear"’, especially when you are camping. Whenever you call for her it freaks all the other campers out.

The trails around the campground were just beautiful!

We walked for hours on the trails; partly by accident because we were lost at one point. The trails go on forever and then they would come out to an open field and you would have to figure out if you wanted to take one of the many openings or go back the way you just came. We decided that another path would take us back a shorter route but it didn’t and then it started to rain. But it felt so good just to be wandering around in nature that the rain didn’t really matter.

On Saturday night we had a fire going, I don’t know about you but I can stare into the coals of a fire forever. Watching the flames dance and the coals flicker.

Every morning we were awakened by the same beautiful sound. There was a mysterious bird that we continued to hear but could never see. While we were watching the fire I tracked it down through the trees.

Not sure what it is; if you know please leave me a comment below, I would love to find out.

We had a wonderful time of rest and relaxation. Just what we needed before our big renovation started and we wouldn’t have the time to enjoy the peace and beauty that Saskatchewan has to offer. If you happen to be passing through Northern Saskatchewan drop me a line and I would love to show you around so that you can see for yourself what this beautiful Province has to offer.

No turning back!

2011-07-21T06:20:00.001-06:00

And so it began. At 8am we received the call that the machines were on their way! By 8:30 they were pulling up in front of our house.

I have to admit, at this moment I am wondering what we got ourselves into!

The first strike! I guess I forgot to close my bedroom window.

The creaking sound as it was coming down was just eerie!

It didn’t take much effort for it to come falling down!

I like this one, you can see the ceiling fan in what was the master bedroom.

And it was down and just a big pile that would soon find it’s way to the landfill.

My husband sent me to the store and on a coffee run (we didn’t have power or water to make coffee for ourselves) and when I came home the rest of it was down.

All before 10am!

You can see right into our second storey. Apparently my husband was standing up there when this section was taken off. I have yet to see the pictures he took from that angle.

Looking from the inside was is left of our house into the backyard.

Then the septic tank went in. What a full day, all of this was able to be taken down, and cleaned up before 5pm! What an incredible group of hard working men. Ken who operated that big piece of equipment was amazing. It was an art form to behold. He levelled the ground and prepped it for the walls so easily; he was able to sort through the rubble and pick out some of the pine beams from our master bedroom that we want to use for our fireplace mantel in the living room. He has a gift!

And now we are ready for the next steps. We have been waiting for years for this to happen and there is definitely no turning back now!

And so it begins……..

2011-07-09T19:38:00.001-06:00

We have been working hard for the last nine months getting ready for this renovation. From getting plans drawn up and meetings with the bank to get all the financing in order to do our big renovation. We finally found someone to do our plans, the first guy that came saw what we want to do and then never returned our call. So we found someone who was up for a challenge and it has worked out great! Our bank was a different story. The person we dealt with at the bank moved away so we had to wait until they filled the position and then he wasn’t able to help us with what we needed so we were handed over to someone who we thought was working with us but in the end we found out that she was doing nothing and had completely lied to us. Very disappointing. It was getting so late in the renovation season (which is short in Saskatchewan due to our looooong winters) so we called the renovation totally off the day before we were to move out of our house. My husband and I felt complete peace about it. Instead of moving out we moved back in and rearranged a few rooms and were quite happy settled in for one more year.

Then within a week we had moved to a different bank who was moving mountains to help us and with the help of a family member the renovation was back on. But the rain came down and continued to come down so that no one wanted to come and do work because it was so wet. So we waited. Within two weeks it began to fall (literally) into place. Well, actually it began with a tree falling – on our house:

One morning we woke to find that a tree had split down the middle and one half of the tree was resting on my oldest daughters room. Made me wonder what else was going to happen before this renovation finally started.

We finished packing and moving out, with the help of friends that I am thankful for! We have a lot of stairs! But the packing didn’t come without causalities. My youngest had a toy fall off a shelf and land right by her eye -- OUCH!

Then Saskpower finally arrived (after many phone calls) to move our power lines:

Friends came to help with the demo:

My daughters even helped a little:

This is how I found her (sitting on a basketball), then she noticed that I was taking pictures so she ran over the the flower bed to keep weeding to make it look like she was working too. What a kid!

Then the demo company came with the might machines to get rid of the pieces of the house that we didn’t want, so my husband started to cut off the rooms. This is a picture of the saw blade coming through the wall of my bedroom!

It’s getting exciting! Check back for my next post of the demo! I even have video!

This is embarrassing…..

2011-07-05T11:56:00.001-06:00

We have now been living in our current home for eight years. We bought it because of the location (right on the North Saskatchewan River) and the school. I have to admit that showing the pictures of what we have lived in for so many years is a bit embarrassing but in order to see a before and after you need to start at the beginning.

At the time of purchase we did not think the reno would be this big, but we found that there was no other way. So here are a few of the before pictures so you can see why we are doing this crazy reno:

This is one of the major reasons, instead of moving the septic tank, the former owners decided to build around it! So the addition was built off the second story, this is a bedroom that has an exposed floor to –40 in the winter. My husband did add in-floor heat and insulation so we didn’t freeze (the insulation is the sliver and black stuff).

Next is our bedroom (which is the second storey), we are not sure what this lower space was ever used for, but as the years went by we noticed that our room was slanting more and more (no kidding!). So my husband added teleposts to keep the structure secure (notice the sunlight between the two storeys). I have been nervous in my room for the last little while. I have an elliptical and I stopped using it just because it made me nervous.

I have to admit that the inside has a lot of nice qualities. One is the ceilings. This one is from the Master bedroom, after it was torn down we actually saved the big beams to make into mantels of the new fireplaces.

This is currently the living room, which will become the new Master bedroom. So I will still have my beautiful ceiling!

We have spent months getting ready for this reno. It was great going through closets and “stuff” and take many loads to the dump. Thankfully my husband has a dump truck that has been parked right out the front door for me to keep filling up. Our camper is parked on our front lawn already for us to move in for when we no longer have bedrooms to sleep in.

Here is a picture of what it will look like in a few months:

I have a lot more pictures to post because we have already demolished most of the house. So stay tuned and watch the drama unfold!

Why young people stop going to Church.

2011-05-31T13:41:00.001-06:00

I love listening to podcasts, one of my favourites is from The Village Church. Matt Chandler has been on quite a journey over the last year and because of this I respect his teaching. Below you can read part of the podcast that I heard this morning from The Great Cause Part Two ~ The Reason (April 9, 2009)

The reason I wanted to include this portion is because in my years of working with teens and young adults I have had many discussions with parents about the subject Matt Chandler speaks about below. He has answered it better than I can, so please take the time to read it or if you want to hear it in entirety you can check out their website at: http://fm.thevillagechurch.net/sermons

This series has been kicking me in the butt, I am so thankful that I have taken the time to listen and search the scriptures.

Here’s Matt:

When we’re alienated from our primary relationship, the one that we were created for, we’ll take our secondary relationships and try to roll them up to primary, and that makes things go really bad. Like women make horrible gods. Men make horrible gods. Children make even worse gods. And when you make your children your god, you get what I like to lovingly call the suburbs.

I’m going to say this, and it’s really hard. I’ve debated whether or not to say this, but I’m just going to say it. One of the things that we’ve picked up on in the last year is we’ve had several parents come to us and go, “Oh, I just don’t know what happened to my kid. We raised him right, and now he’s off in college, he doesn’t want anything to do with God, he’s not going to church, he’s hitting the party scene.”

And then here’s the thing that’s just baffling to me. You trained him that way. You showed him by your life and by your decisions that church and the pursuit of holy things are secondary to his ability to play whatever sport you drove him all over God’s green earth to play, whatever talent you tried to cultivate in him.

I’ll give you another example. When you elevate your family and make your family primary, then you are forced to judge your family by other families. So you have to be further along or at least equal to them. If your family is ultimate, then you’ve got to protect that. That way, you’re in a competition with Billy down the street. God knows he can hit a curve ball and your kid can’t walk and chew gum. So you’ve got to sign him up for a thousand different camps and drive him all over. And all of a sudden, raising kids becomes some sort of competitive sport, not for their good but for your good.

Now listen, I don’t have a problem with soccer. Soccer’s a great game. I’m just saying you’re a fool if you think the words out of your mouth are more powerful than the precedent you’re setting with your life. My three year old already spots my hypocrisy. So do you really believe that because you tell them with your mouth how important God and the community of faith is but with your life you can live contrary to that, they’re going to do what you say and not what you do? They’re going to pick up your idolatry. This is what happens. This is what sin does. And then it rolls out. Like if my nation is ultimate. If the USA is ultimate, does that not force me to look down upon other nations, nationalities and cultures? It absolutely does. If we’re the best, if we’re ultimate, then that means that everyone else is secondary. And that’s not too far away from racism. If you put anything else as ultimate, things start to break down. War happens because of sin, genocide happens because of sin, the problem in the Middle East is sin, the problem in the West, what happened to the economy was sin, what happened in a failed marriage is sin. Why everything is breaking down is sin. Greed blew up the economy. It was unabashed, unashamed, wicked greed. And some of you keep waiting for the day of enlightenment. It’s not coming.

Do you know how many Africans die diarrhea? Hundreds of thousands. I can go to the 7-11 and pay $1.50 for the medicine that would save them. So why can’t we get it to them? Because there’s no money involved. Because if we can’t figure out how to make money off of it, we don’t do it. So with all of our progression in education, in technology, in research, in medicine, in funding, sin still pervades and wrecks it all. And the sin predominant in all of us is just absolute indifference. “That’s not my problem. I can go to the store.”

So this is the bad news – you’re broken, I’m broken, everyone’s broken, and this infects every relationship, every interaction and every domain of society. And then here’s the bad news on top of the bad news. We can’t do anything to fix it. Even if you try to be a better person, you’re just perpetuating the actual problem. “So what are you saying, Chandler? That we’re all doomed to hell?” That’s exactly what I’m saying. . .unless God somehow intervenes. But it’s complicated, because He can’t just forgive us because
then He wouldn’t be just. So look here back in Ephesians 2. We’ll pick it up in verse 3 “...among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.

But ...” After that “but” is for next week.

Fresh Brewed Mondays ~ Enrich your Relationships

2011-05-30T08:30:00.001-06:00

“While the desire for love has seldom been so directly expressed, love in its daily appearance has seldom looked so broken. While in our intensely competitive society the hunger and thirst for friendship, intimacy, union, and communion are immense, it never has been so difficult to satisfy this hunger and quench this thirst.”

~ Henri Nouwen – Life of the Beloved: Spiritual Living in a Secular World. New York: Crossroad, 1992.

Thankful Thursday ~ I’m thankful for colour

2011-05-26T16:56:00.001-06:00

Yesterday I went to the Saskatoon Zoo with my girls. The teacher are on strike and I wanted to keep the learning environment going, so off we went on a trip to the zoo. A great time of the year to go to the zoo because there were a lot of new baby animals to look at. Plus, as spring has sprung the colours were beautiful. I could have stared at the peacock all day.

Thank you God for colour.

Brownies ~ Clean-up day

2011-05-25T06:15:00.000-06:00

My two little Brownies. Aren’t they cute! I have to say that I am really enjoying them being involved in the Brownie program. They are learning a lot and getting involved in the community. This was a pick up the trash day, they were up bright and early excited to be a part of the day.

They were welcomed with a message from our Mayor.

The fire department sent a few of their men to pick up anything “sharp”.

Nevaeh is ready to go, the event was sponsored by Tim Horton’s and the girls all received a t-shirt and re-useable lunch bag.

Acacia is already hard at work!

The sea of white shirts was definitely encouraging on this chilly morning to clean up garbage! Way to go Brownies and Girls Guide in Prince Albert!! THANK YOU!

Dear Blogging Friends,

2011-05-17T11:53:00.001-06:00

I want to share with you a few things that I am learning. I have been re-evaluating a lot of things in life and how I do them. If things aren’t going right then you have to make change. I think I have been waiting for change to find me and that hasn’t worked out so I am taking control and making change.

My blog is one of those things that will experience change. I love writing my blog, it is a release for me and one of the things I want to share with my blogging friends is about Windows Live Writer, it is like Word for blogs. It is great you can add pictures and links easier, spell check is easier, you can see what you are writing easier. I love it, did you get the hint that it is easier! It works with blogger and wordpress, it is awesome! You have to set it up to link to your blog (which is easy) and then all you have to do is click publish and your blog post is posted! I can’t imagine blogging without it. You can download it yourself HERE.

You may have noticed this picture in my sidebar. I took off all the “following” stuff off my blog. Having a followers list is too much pressure, I want to write and if someone is interested in reading it that is great and I hope it helps. You can follow this link and read about who created the button and maybe you might want to add it to your blog as well.

A new thing that I have learned is about RSS feeds. My version of outlook is so out-dated it doesn’t work to connect with my phone and it was driving me nuts. I have a windows cell phone so I decided to download windows live mail to my computer, and that has a special spot for RSS feeds. It is great! So I have added RSS feeds links of my favourite blogs and now new posts load to my email. I only have to go to one place to read everything! I no longer have to visit 500 blogs to read or check for recent posts. It’s great, it saves me so much time and I can also read them on my phone when I am sitting at Doctor’s appointments or waiting to pick up the girls from Brownie’s, I love it. So if you haven’t added that option to your blog, please do, so I don’t miss your posts. (Don’t know what I am talking about? For blogger, go to your dashboard, click on design, add a new gadget, add the subscription links to your page.)

I have a lot more to share but I will start here and add more over the next few days. I am on a path of finding a simpler way to do the things I like to do. I think that there is balance somewhere and I am determined to find it.

In case you are wondering….

2011-05-10T13:11:00.001-06:00

I have been making some changes to my blog and what I worked on yesterday didn’t work every well. Working with html can be a little tricky sometimes. So for now I am going with white. When I get a minute or two I will try to fix it.

We are having a big yard sale on Saturday to get of a lot of our “stuff”. With our renos coming soon we need to down-size. I have been a purseaholic for years and I am going to be selling about 20 purses! (I may shed a few tears.) Plus many other things that my girls have out-grown and trends have changed. We are all in a different phase of life then when we moved in here 8 years ago. Should be an interesting day and thankfully it is supposed to be warm! I will let you know how it goes. It would be wonderful if I could sell enough stuff to get an ipad! Now that would make my day!

Check out these Blogs!

2011-05-09T11:55:00.001-06:00

There are so many blogs out there! I keep finding so many that I like. But I thought I would share a couple with you. I just found this one today!

I love their Positive Thoughts Poster!

Another blog that inspires me is:

I am always excited when I see that Kelle has a new post. Her photography is incredible and her family is beautiful. After reading her blog for so long, the conversation has only been one-sided. I would love to sit and have tea with her someday and just chat.

I hope these blogs brighten your day too.

Life Adventures

2011-05-06T05:55:00.000-06:00

I have been thinking a lot about life and the choices that take you down your life's path. I have learned a lot from my choices and some of the wrong paths that I have chosen to take. Often I think about the choices of my teens and how hard I had to work, to work through and learn from the consequences of those choices. And since that trying time I have tried to stay on a better path for my life because I have been joined on my path by my husband and two daughters. My choices have a huge impact on my family.

I have been watching people around me making very selfish and devastating choices in their lives, and I am feeling so helpless. Our choices in our adult life have such a wide-sweeping impact on so many lives. How do people make the choices that they do and feel okay about it? Do they convince themselves that their actions and ultimate choice is really the best for everyone or just themselves?

Not sure why I am writing this post, I have just had such a burden for so long. Writing usually helps me work through things. But unfortunately, I am left with more questions than answers. If I feel this bad about the tearing apart of families, I can't imagine the pain it causes our Father in Heaven.

So any thoughts on this? Am I the only one with this burden? I know you don't know the situations I am referring to, but unfortunately, I am certain that you have situations among your circle as well.

Is there anything we can do? The only thing I have come up with is to be an example as a wife, mother and friend, and through this I hope I can make a small difference.

I’ve got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy……Where?

2011-04-14T07:57:00.000-06:00

I have been pondering on the word “Joy” lately. I know that it is not something that I can sum up in one blog post. But it is something that I can study and work toward.

A few years ago, my husband was away on a trip and I was at home with our newborn and I was not in a good mood. Could have had something to do with sleep deprivation, but when my husband called to check in on us I was not a joyful person to talk to. At least that is what my husband told me. In fact, I was in such a bad mood he wasn’t going to chat with me anymore. Of course I tried to change my attitude because I did miss him and I wanted to hear his voice but he had had enough of my poor attitude. He said he was going to go and call me back later that evening, only on one condition. The condition being that when I hang up from our call I had to go to my Bible and turn to Philippians. I had to read the entire book of Philippians and each time I came across the word joy or rejoice I had to underline it. Well, I found it 12 times throughout the book and my attitude definitely changed while reading through Philippians. Paul was in jail when he wrote this letter to his friends in Philippi, and he was able to have joy and rejoice in his circumstance.

When my husband called back my attitude was definitely changed and I couldn’t stop sharing about all that I had learned from my journey through Philippians that evening. At first, I thought my husband was being a jerk for telling me to go read my Bible, but he knew that it was exactly what I needed.

Well, I think I am in a place where I need it again. I just started to break in my new ESV Study Bible and I am going to read through the book of Philippians and do some underlining. I wonder how many I can find in this version!

Challenge: Do you need to join me on this journey through Philippians? Grab your Bible and a highlighter and find joy and rejoice as you underline what can be yours through our Saviour Jesus Christ. When your done come back and leave a comment telling me how many you found!

Acacia Joy

2011-04-08T07:52:00.000-06:00

My oldest turns 9 today! I know every one says this but time really does fly by. especially when they start school and you see them nights and weekends. Sometimes I just want to push pause and just enjoy the moment without life rushing by.

When we found out we were pregnant with Acacia we were so excited and yet scared at the same time. I had already experienced two miscarriages and did not want to experience that again.

Thankfully I started puking 24 hours a day, which my Doctor said was a sign of a healthy pregnancy. Apparently it was really healthy because I ended up on disability from work, bed rest and a couple of hospital visits for dehydration. But on April 8th, 2002 we were blessed with our beautiful Acacia Joy!

Here are a few more photos of my growing-up-to-fast-little-girl!

Acacia 9 years old! Happy Birthday Acacia!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thankful Thursday ~ Wake-up calls

2011-03-31T08:43:00.001-06:00

I am thankful for friends who are willing to give you a wake-up call when you need one.

About a month ago during the middle of the night thieves came and broke into my husbands truck and stole most of his tools. My husband is a contractor and this is our livelihood. I did not take this situation well. Not only was this an invasion on our home and family but also a great loss to our company at one of the worst times of the year for contractors. After dealing with the police and insurance companies we learned that we didn’t have enough insurance on “tools” to replace all that was lost. Which was in the thousands.

My stress level was pretty high; during the day I would stress about money and at night I would lay awake listening to see if the thieves came back to rob us again. After a couple of weeks of no sleep I was a walking zombie. Not a good place to be; I was of little use to anyone.

I would pray to find peace in this situation, and all I would hear is “give thanks in all circumstances.” So then I would list all the things I was thankful for but still no sleep.

One morning in Sunday School a friend asked how I was, and my only reply could be, “Tired”. She then shared a verse with me that was given to her when she was going through a challenging time.

Psalm 4:8 “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

That night I thought of that verse as I was going to bed and I had the first real sleep in weeks. I am so thankful that my friends look out for me and they are obedient to give me what I need when I need it. It seems to be a theme these days and I am thankful.

Soul Surfer

2011-03-25T07:11:00.000-06:00

I can’t wait to take my daughter to this movie. It comes out April 8th, her birthday!

To find out more about this movie visit this link –> http://www.soulsurferwave.com/

What’s Your Problem!

2011-03-24T07:05:00.000-06:00

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Timothy 3:16 (NLT)

I love my Bible. I love to just sit and hug it sometimes. Does that sound a little strange to you? Try it. Go and grab your Bible, dust it off if you have to and give it a tight squeeze. I love to sit in a quiet place, close my eyes, hug my Bible, take a few deep breaths inhale…..….exhale……… and just be still. Can you feel it? That overwhelming sense that you are not alone. That the One who created you, the One who loves you and needs you is eagerly waiting to spend time with you.

I have to be honest with you, I stopped reading my Bible years ago. Reading it was doing nothing for me. One day while I was visiting with a friend I told her my problem with my Bible. She told me what I was doing wrong, the problem was not my Bible, it was me. You’re not supposed to read your Bible you are supposed to study your Bible. Oh, I get it. If I am serious about my faith and understanding what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ I need to study God’s word.

As I began to study amazing things began to happen. I saw passages in the Bible in ways that I never understood before. Things I had learned over and over again in Sunday school and youth now took on new meaning and I began to understand how these things that happened so long ago are applicable to my life right now.

Are you up for a little Bible trivia? What is the longest chapter in the Bible? Psalms 119. What is the shortest chapter in the Bible? Psalms 117. Do you know what the middle verse of the entire Bible is? Psalms 118:8 which reads, “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people.” (NLT)

Wow, did that verse ever speak to me. It is better to take refuge in the Lord—it is better to escape, find cover, shelter or sanctuary in the Lord. Then to put your trust, confidence, hope or faith in people.

How often I found myself dealing with something and the first thing I would do, is to run to one of my friends. But what does that verse tell us? The best place to go would be where we can find shelter, at the feet of our Lord. It’s a hard thing to do. People are tangible, they are right there in front of you, you can ask them questions and you can clearly hear their response. You know what? That can happen in your relationship with Christ as well!

As you begin to study His word (Joshua 1:8) and hide it in your heart (Psalm 119:11), you are developing your relationship with Him (2 John 1:9). As that relationship blossoms you will be able to understand scripture more clearly (Matthew 13:12) and be able to hear His “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12).

How does that sound? Does it sound a little overwhelming? I know sometimes when I look at my Bible it just seems so big. I am not sure what I want to read or what God wants me to read. I get so overwhelmed that I just put it down and do something else. If you look at the last paragraph I listed five scriptures. That is a great place to start!

Take time to apply it to your life: Here is your challenge. Begin to study those five verses. How do you study? Let’s use Joshua 1:8 as our example. I begin by learning about the book. In my Bible it gives you a synopsis of each book. So I would learn who wrote it, when it was written and what the main theme of the book is. So now I know all about the book of Joshua. With that information in my head I would then read the whole chapter. So in this example I would read Joshua chapter one. I want to find out what is happening, why was this verse written and who is the author writing it to.

Why is this important or necessary? Let’s take for example that you found a note on the floor at school. You glace at the letter and half way through you see your name and it says, “Cj just makes me sick I am going to have to tell her I what I think.” Your first reaction? “Oh ya, I will tell you what I think!” You feel your body getting hot and you need somewhere to sit down. Your head is spinning with all kinds of thoughts, “Who would say that about me?” You look to see who wrote it- “What! I thought she was my friend!” Who did she write it to? Your friend in drama class? What is going on here? You begin to read the whole letter from the beginning; soon the understanding begins to unfold. Your friend began the letter by writing about this and that; then she began talking about your performance in the recent school play. The two girls were complimenting you on the great job that you did and that they should encourage you in your acting and singing abilities. Once you took the time to read the full letter, you understood that you made your friend sick with envy.

Do you see how your understanding can get confused if you don’t take the time to get the full story. The same goes with scripture. In order to understand what you believe in you have look at the big picture. Reading a verse here and there gives you very limited knowledge of scripture and who God is.

I want to leave you one more verse to study and meditate on:

2 Timothy 3:16 “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” (NLT)

I’m back!!!

2011-03-14T13:10:00.001-06:00

Yes, my blog has been hijacked for the last little while as I helped my friend raise some funds to build a home for boys in Bolivia.

Now, I get my blog back and I have a list of posts that I can’t wait to share with you. I think I was having post withdrawal or something.

Today I want to post something so special that happened at our fundraiser on Friday night. I had a few friends donate beautiful works of art and these painting were adorning my home until the night of the auction.

My daughters (ages 7 & 8) wanted to be able to contribute as well by painting their own picture. So one day when the girls came home from school I had newspaper covering the kitchen table, 2 canvas’ laid out and paint ready to go. They got right to work and made their masterpieces. They were very proud of their artwork and were excited to have them auctioned off to raise money for Ken.

I added them to the Live Auction Program and their artwork was displayed for everyone in attendance. On the program I had to write a value so of course I said “priceless”.

Halfway through the auction it was their “work of art” turn. I had been walking around and displaying the previous auction items as the auctioneer did her thing, I wasn’t sure how the audience would react to the girls paintings. When I saw that their turn was up, I made an announcement that we were lucky enough to have the next artists in the audience that evening and that they would display their artwork. The crowds reaction was very gracious and I am so thankful. I had the girls come to the front to hold their paintings for all to see.

It was so exciting when the bidding started at $20! Then the bids continued to go back and forth among several people until Daddy ended up winning the bid at $80! The girls were so proud.

Something that we didn’t notice until that evening was that when you placed the pictures beside each other they had both made a sun in the corner and when you put them together it made a set!

It was an awesome moment; the girls had been seeing all the work that I was putting into the event and it was inspiring and encouraging for me to that they wanted to be a part of it as well.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!

2011-03-12T12:17:00.003-06:00

What a great night we had last night. I am completely exhausted but that is okay. A special thank you to Bakeology, The New Ground Cafe for the amazing food, I was hearing the compliments all night! Matt Remenda and band you have an amazing talent, thank you for sharing it with us!

Donations can still be received to build this house! Please visit Ken Switzer’s blog and follow the donation link!

A special Thank You to all those who donated to the cause, whether a donation of an auction item or attending the auction. You all are making this boys home in Bolivia a reality!

Come for the food!

2011-03-03T10:48:00.001-06:00

We are fortunate enough to have two caterers for the fundraiser!

Jennifer Willems with the New Ground Cafe in Birch Hills and Sara Zacharias with PA’s newest business Bakeology will provide a decadent, three piece dessert plate featuring fine Saskatchewan fruit and, of course, chocolate!

Included on your dessert plate will be Cream Puffs with Raspberry Mousse and Cherry Cream Tartlets. Is your mouth watering yet?

Coffee will be provide by Tim Horton’s!

I am so thankful to my community for stepping up and helping with this fundraiser!

Don’t forget that tickets are now available for $15 and monetary donations are gladly accepted! CLICK HERE to find out how.

Beautiful Works of Art!

2011-03-02T12:26:00.001-06:00

My blog has kinda been taken over with the fundraiser for Bolivia. But that is okay, after March 11th you can start reading all my interesting thoughts and rants. I have a good one coming about my purse!

But today I have to share some of the art work that has been donated. It is just incredible, what a gift artists have to take a blank canvas and turn it into something so beautiful. So jealous!!!

Here is an original acrylic and gouache on 18" by 24" from my Ontario friend Emily Wierenga

Moments in Reflection a fellow Etsy seller from Cudworth, SK has donated this beautiful framed print.

We have a few more artist that are contributing their work as well. Can’t wait to see what else is donated for the auction! I will keep adding so you can see what to bid on!

The Journey

2011-03-01T12:22:00.001-06:00

Please join us in supporting Ken and helping the boys living on the street in Bolivia.

Please go to the links on the right and join us at our Fundraiser on March 11th or please donate. You will receive a charitable giving tax receipt.

This is why….

2011-02-14T13:10:00.001-06:00

Why am I doing a fundraiser for a home for boys in Bolivia? I know I am usually all about helping teen girls but I am stretching myself with this one. These young guys need a hand, they will someday be a husband and a father. A father to a little girl who needs a daddy that will be a positive example for them.

I have a passion stirring in me that I need to help this home for young men coming off the streets in Bolivia become a reality. This has never become more of a reality than when I read this recent post by Corina on Ken’s blog:

Tonight at about 8 o’clock I was upstairs watching baby Einstein with Keiden... it was almost time for bed... Marco had a terribly long day – he left the house this morning just after 6... and still wasn’t home...

I vaguely heard loud voices outside... I didn’t really pay attention... Marco’s parents are here visiting from Peru – his dad is hard of hearing – so I thought Marco had gotten home and they were talking... When I paid closer attention – I realized the voices were angry... Looking out the window I saw a strange man... and was on my way downstairs with Keiden to see what was going on – when I met 3 delinquents with guns pointed at Marco and my in-laws – pushing and shoving them upstairs... Marco told me, “We’re being robbed... just do what they say...”

They had us on the ground (I laid down on the bed with Keiden) and they wanted to know where our money and jewels were... “Blondie – give me your cell phone!” I told them it was in the other room (they didn’t take it – its held together with duct tape... they just left it!!!) One guy had the gun waving around at us... threatening to kill us if we moved... or looked at him... Poor Keiden was so scared... and would look at the man yelling, shoving Marco and his dad around (they both have lumps on their heads from being hit with the gun) and he just screamed and screamed... I tried to comfort him and hold him tight... he’d quieted for a bit then he’d get all worried and scream again.. He just couldn’t understand what was happening...

Marco’s dad has high blood pressure – the reason he couldn’t come to our wedding... so while he was on the ground, he needed some water but they wouldn’t let us get him some... While I was there trying to comfort Keiden, I just prayed that no one would get hurt... who cares in that situation about stuff... its lives that count!

They eventually left... threatening us if we came after them... while they were loading our things into their car, Marco told us to hide... and he started throwing the balcony patio furniture at them – hoping that someone might notice and stop them (sorry about the furniture Uncle Norman... they actually held up quite well)... anyhow... that made them get away quick... who knows if they would have come back in for another load otherwise...

What all did they take? Well... they held Marco up when he was parking his truck... kicked him on the ground... and searched him... they took his wedding ring, wallet, some $, documents, keys, bank card... and $900 of El Jordan’s money that he had just gotten out of the bank... Marco’s mom had gone to the gate to help close it... and she got held by her hair and gun point by another guy...

When they had us all lying down... they took the TV, DVD, my vacuum (!!!), our computer... They tried to take Keiden’s music – but his shelf is screwed into the wall (thanks Dad!) and they couldn’t get the cords untangled...

The worst is that we had $2000 US (not counting the $900 he had just gotten out of the bank) and 2000 bs. for the boy’s project – tomorrow Marco was supposed to finish paying the dump truck company for the 50 loads of fill, pay the tractor that levelled it all out... and buy iron that they need for the walls – because our builder says that there is a rumour that iron is going to go up in price and possibly get scarce... All that money was taken...

to finish reading this post and read an update CLICK HERE

That fills me with some righteous anger! The story doesn’t end there, it actually get worse but ends positively. This building project was already on its way to becoming a reality when they were robbed at gun point!!! Do you see a need here? We can do something. We can help.

We need to make back the money that was stolen and help reach the goal of $200,000. Can you join us? Please take a look at the upcoming fundraiser or make a donation. Every dollar counts!

The Journey ~ Bolivian Fundraiser

2011-02-08T14:33:00.001-06:00

Yes, dreams can become a reality. This is true for Ken Switzer a Saskatchewan boy that left the comforts of Canada behind to move to Bolivia to make a difference in the lives of boys living on the street. La Jornada is a place that offers support for guys coming off the street in Bolivia.

For the past three years Ken has been able to provide a home for several boys from the street; unfortunately he has had to turn away boys due to lack of space or funds. The current home that Ken is operating from is no longer available to them. Ken is now in the process of securing land in which to build a home that will be able to house 15 boys and give Ken his own apartment. The total budget for this project is $200,000. Which according to Canadian standards is an amazing deal!

My friend Melody and I are taking on the task of raising $200,000 for the La Jornada home. Melody and her family travelled to Bolivia and spent several weeks there helping wherever needed. My husband went to school with Ken and I have met Ken several times through our work with the C&MA.

We are hosting a fundraising event, Friday, March 11th from 7-10pm at the Alfred Jenkins Field House. We will have a live auction, silent auction, raffles, live music courtesy of Matt Remenda and catering from New Ground Cafe and Bakeology.

It is so exciting to see this all coming together. Tickets for this event will be available soon and I will continue to update my site with information about the auction items and where you can get your tickets!

** Tickets are now available! To purchase online Click Here, or call Carolyn at 922-7788.

What have I been up to?

2011-01-31T07:25:00.000-06:00

I just realized that I haven’t written a blog post in a few weeks. Sorry about that.

I have a list of posts that I want to write but today I will just write a bit about what I am up to.

I am doing two great studies right now. One being the online book study that I have been leading once a month.

The second is Celebration of Discipline that I am doing in my Sunday School class. I am definitely going to be a changed woman by the summer!

Recently I taped an interview with the local Christian Radio station Victory FM. My interview will air Tuesday, February 1 at noon C.S.T. and Saturday February 5th at noon C.S.T. It was a great interview. I am always amazed with what comes out of my mouth. You can listen live at the Victory FM website.

I have also been tweaking the “I am Unique! Workshop” It is an amazing day long conference based on my book (What Makes You Unique? ) for teen girls. Follow the link to see how you can bring me to your church to feed into the lives of teen girls.

So many exciting things going on right now. Of course I am still crocheting and working on a few other things but that about sums it up.

Thankful Thursday~ Prayer

2011-01-13T13:14:00.001-06:00

Today I am thankful for prayer. When I have burdens on my heart I have a place that I can go to release them. My heart and mind have been full of compassion for people that are hurting today, for circumstances that are out of our control and unexplainable.

I have not felt this kind of heaviness in a long time. But that is okay, because today I can be thankful that I can go to my knees and find the peace that I am longing for.

Joanne is someone I know through online conferences who is a 39 year old wife and mother of two daughters who is fighting for her life. This is a message from her husband Toben:

“Please do not waiver in your prayer for Joanne. She is still fighting for her life. Fall on your knees, fall on your face before God and lift her up to his throne.”

It is an honour to be able to go to His throne and put before our prayers and petitions to a God that hears and answers our prayers.

Special Reading for today: Hebrews 4

Bonnie @ Where Did All this come From?

Thankful Thursday~ the still small voice

2011-01-06T14:28:00.001-06:00

I have been bound and determined to ignore that “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:22) for months now. I thought if I ignored it then I wouldn’t have go through any character building exercises or be challenged in any way. I could just go about life and be happy and free. To put it bluntly, that idea sucked!

I know I needed a break from all the “ministry” stuff I was involved in and I needed to spend some time growing as “me”. But you can’t really grow and ignore His voice. The two work against each other. I finally gave in and started listening. Actually I had no choice, it was almost like He was yelling at me to pay attention. And I am so thankful that I did.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

Jeremiah 29:11

He plans aren’t to hurt me but to bring me to the place where I am being all that He has created me to be. I am seeing that really clearly right now and I am so very thankful!

New Year ~ a time of change

2011-01-05T11:24:00.001-06:00

Happy New Year! I know I am a little late but it’s better late than never right? This year is bringing stress and excitement. Therefore I have named this year the “Year of Change and Challenges!” Let me just start by saying I can’t wait for this year to be over.

Why? This year is going to be a year of a lot of changes for our family. The biggest will be a massive renovation of our home. This has been in the making for a few years but it is now becoming a reality and it scares me. As soon as the snow is gone we will be moving into our trailer. So I have until the snow melts to pack up our home. This is an overwhelming task. We moved into this home when I have 7 months pregnant and thankfully we had a lot of helpers but I didn’t get to pack or unpack anything really. So I am going through things that surprize me and we are going to have one huge yard sale as soon as we can. So that is our major challenge this year, we are hoping to have structure up so that we have someplace warm to live when the snow returns, and in Saskatchewan you never know when that will be. This year we were heavily dumped on before Halloween!

Also, I have been working through the Fresh Brewed Life and it is really pushing me into some areas that scare me but I know it needs to be done. I am thankful to be moving into the trailer because we will no longer have the TV as a distraction and I will have a lot more time to crochet, study and write. (that is when I am not helping with the reno)

There will also be a lot of changes and additions to my website as well. You may notice the new mailing list that I have added on the right. I am building a mailing list of those that are interested in what I am doing, particularly with my book and ministry to teens girls. That is an area that is going to be developing a lot in the coming months. Please feel free to add your email and learn about this growing and developing area of my life that I am so excited about!!!

I am looking forward to growing and developing the character of Christ in 2011! Would you like to join me for the journey?

Fresh Brewed Life~ Listen to your Longings

2010-12-27T13:48:00.001-06:00

Chapter Three is really sending me for a loop. Wow, I knew doing this study would make a difference in my life. But I forgot about how difficult it is to go through the changes. I am about ready to give up and go back to living my life as a recluse.

Our online study group ended up not meeting this month, December is always a crazy month. But I am looking forward to meeting in January. This was a difficult chapter and I know that I need the support of others to get through this. I knew that if I opened up and listened to what God was trying to tell me that I would be in for a challenge. Maybe that is why I haven’t been listening the past few months. But now that the lines are open again I am not sure that I can handle it all. I have mixed feelings of nervousness and excitement.

So what are your longings telling you? What is in store for your life in 2011?

Thankful Thursday ~ with Age comes Wisdom

2010-12-09T10:09:00.001-06:00

Yesterday was my birthday. I am now 38 years old. In my 38 years I hope that I have gained wisdom along the way. In your 20’s you feel like you know it all, and then life hits you in the face and you realize that you know very little. You get married and have children and you are reminded again how little you know. But with each life experience you can choose to grow in wisdom a little more.

I know that I am still learning more and more each day. I look forward to growing in wisdom with each year that passes and each life experience that brings me to a closer understanding of who I am in Christ and the love that I have to share with those around me.

Think, think, think

2010-12-07T09:06:00.001-06:00

While I have been sitting and crocheting it gives you a lot of time to think. For me, that is good and bad. It is good to sit in stillness and give your mind time to wonder and think about what is around you.

What is bad, is what I have been doing. I have been using this special time of stillness to think about negative things that are around me and then I dwell on them all day and they consume my thoughts. I think about the choices that other people are making and I see how destructive it is and how negatively it is impacting others and I get so worked up about it. Then I have to take a deep breath and remind myself that it is choices that someone else is making and I really have no control over the situation. They are going to have to deal with the consequences of their own choices.

Then I get so mad at myself for wasting so much time worry about other peoples choices. Does anyone else do this or is it just me? Maybe I do it because I have had to walk the path of learning from poor choices that I have made in the past and I it is hard to watch others having to walk down that same path. Or maybe I am just a control freak and I want to control their situations.

Whatever the reason, I am making a conscious effort to stop dwelling on the negative around me. There are positive things happening around me that I am ignoring and that is going to change! The positive is what I am going to focus on now. We have been given the blessing/curse of free will. Most often we choose which path we are going to walk down and if we want to stay on that path. My path at the moment isn’t the best one to walk down, focusing on the negative is never a good place to be. What example am I setting for my daughters? Definitely not one that I would like to see them follow. Today I choose to look for the positive around me and rejoice in what I see. That is the legacy that I would like to leave and inspire in my daughters.

Still Crocheting!

2010-12-06T13:33:00.001-06:00

I have been spending my evenings trying to fill the orders for my crocheting orders. I wanted to share with you a couple of my favourites!

This is probably my favourite so far, I want to keep it for myself!

I just love the buttons on this one. Ordered them special from China!

I am having so much fun crocheting. Who would have thought that I would ever say that! Just wish I could read and crochet at the same time! But I have been recording Christmas movies to watch while I crochet. My oldest had started crocheting with me as well. So much fun!

I thought that when I started to do to much of it that I wouldn’t like it anymore because that is how things tend to go for me but it is so exciting for me to change a ball of yarn into something beautiful that I can’t wait to see what it looks like when it is finished. I have a few more orders to fill and then presents to finish. I hope I can get it all done on time! I have to start preparing for Christmas in the spring I think!

How times change

2010-11-30T08:46:00.001-06:00

I was sitting having my morning coffee and thinking about my past Thankful Thursday posts. I want and need to be able to feel that way again.

Right now I feel completely overwhelmed, like I am running about 50 steps behind all the time. I know that change is needed because I do not want to feel like this anymore. I need to figure out what changed.

This is going to be a week of change and adjustments. I will not spend the Christmas season feeling worn out, this is a wonderful time of the year to enjoy with my family.

This post is a reminder and a public declaration that I need to make some tough choices and I know that if I do the joy that is eluding me right now will return.

How are things going in your world? Do you have some tough choices to make?

Do you miss me?

2010-11-16T13:41:00.001-06:00

Sorry that I have been lacking in my posts recently. I have been a crocheting maniac trying to get ready for the craft sale this weekend.

Since I do not have a post for today I just thought that I would share a few of my creations that I am hoping to sell this weekend.

Thankful Thursday ~ Happy Times

2010-11-04T08:58:00.001-06:00

I can’t believe that it has taken 37 years to get to this point in my life. (Yes, I am 37, actually turning 38 in a month, shocking isn’t it! J)

I am thankful because I have finally arrived at a place in my life where I am thinking about myself. Sounds kind of selfish doesn’t it. But it totally isn’t. I am just now discovering that I am free to be me. I have spent far too many years listening to others tell me who I need to be or what I need to be. I have been designing my life around others perceptions of who I should be. This included what I was choosing to do in my life, to what I was wearing. How wrong is that?

I first started to notice it because of my daughters. They are growing up and developing their own style and personality. I can no longer buy clothes for them, they need to choose. And there is nothing wrong with that. I may express my opinion i.e. not picking short shirts that would show the belly button. I am helping them make better choices and I explain why I am suggesting something different. But they are free to develop their own style.

Through that experience I was also learning about myself. I would see the clothing my oldest would pick and inside I wished that I could be brave enough to pick and wear something like that. Then I thought: Why can’t I?

We are now going through a major house renovation but in a way I think it is becoming a major life renovation. We are getting rid of the old and starting new again. What a refreshing time for the whole family. Usually I would be freaking out about change, but this change is so refreshing and invigorating that it is welcome and gladly excepted!

I am finally thankful to be me!!!!!!!!

Melissa @ A Penny Saved

Why is the grass greener?

2010-11-03T09:38:00.001-06:00

I have a heavy heart. The amount of divorces that I am hearing about in our community saddens me greatly. My oldest came home from school the other day and asked why you have to get divorced after you have been married for a while. It is so sad that, that is what is being modelled for her. We sat down and I tried to explain that divorce is an option and it is an option that my husband and I said doesn’t exist before we got married.

Ever since this conversation I have been thinking about her question, and why so many are choosing divorce? Why do so many think that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence?Then my analytical brain got to work. Why does the grass look greener on the other side? Why doesn’t the grass on my side look green? Think about it for a minute. Just because my grass doesn’t look green does that mean that I have to leave to find greener? Maybe I should try to make my side greener. What can I do to have greener grass? I chose this grass, I made promises to take care of this grass in good times and bad, in sickness and in health, till death to we part. My grass is not dead, what can I do to make it greener. Sometimes the grass doesn’t react the way that we want it to but out of all the grass in the world, this is the grass that I chose.

No matter what shade of green our grass is, it is our responsibility to take care of it and give it what it needs. Don’t give up on your grass! Set an example for the younger generation that you don’t need to get a divorce!

Marriage is an exciting journey, that at times takes a lot of work. But all the hard work is worth the green, green grass that benefits your children and the generations to come.

Thankful Thursday~ happy to be

2010-10-28T13:06:00.001-06:00

I am thankful for what I have and the opportunities I have. Today I am thankful that I am able to stay home and be a Mom. I never thought that I would be in this position and be thankful for it.

But I am, and I know that I will be thankful when my girls are teenagers and I have had this time to build into their lives. I still struggle with thoughts that I should be working because I would like to do more for my family. But in the end I would just end up buying more “stuff”. My daughters don’t need stuff they need their Mom. My husband may think he needs more “stuff” J, but he needs his wife.

Right now, at this point in my life, I am right where I need to be. I am thankful for my place and even more thankful that I recognize that this is the right place.

Melissa @ A Penny Saved

Fresh Brewed Monday

2010-10-25T11:16:00.001-06:00

I am loving this Journaling chapter. I was so excited to get started. I have been working through my book Sunday mornings while my daughters are at Sunday School. I find a quiet place, bring along my coffee and journal and get done to business.

We have missed church the last couple of weeks because of our trip to the coast, so I was happy to get back to our church family. I have a bag that I take each week to church that carries my Bible, journal, pens, highlighters and a few things for the girls to do during church and then it carries home all the goodies the girls receive or make at church. I had used the bag for other things while on our trip so I quickly emptied it and through in the necessities while I was running out the door Sunday morning. As I was running out the door I was trying to make sure that I had everything and I didn’t think that there was a pen in my bag but I didn’t have time to check I just hoped that I had one in my purse.

I dropped the girls off at their class and as I walked by the front table I noticed an envelope with my name on it. My secret sister had left a surprise waiting for me! I find my quiet place and get everything ready to start reading and studying the journaling chapter. As I find the right page and start reading my mind- which is generally is going in several directions at once- remembers that special gift that I had put in my purse. I can’t wait till I get home to open so I open the envelope to see the perfect gift at the perfect time. A beautiful pen with the names of Christ engraved all over it. Beautiful! then I began to smile and laugh when I got to the section where Nicole is talking about things that you need to have to journal, and one is a pen that writes nicely and inspires you to write.

I now have my perfect pen for journaling. Thank you Secret Sister!

Results from our Trip to BC

2010-10-22T12:40:00.001-06:00

Thought I would do a big post about our trip to British Columbia to let everyone know how it went. The drive there takes two eight hours days in our van. But the girls travel really well and Dustin and I listened to an audiobook most of the way so it made the time past a little more quickly. Plus, the scenery made it easy too.

We arrived in Langley, BC on Nevaeh’s Birthday so we took her to Red Robin and they gave her a special birthday dessert and they had it stand on her seat and they got the attention of the entire restaurant and they sang Happy Birthday to her. I think she enjoyed the spotlight!

The reason for our trip was for health reasons. I have been having mobility problems for a couple of years and this past February I travelled out to BC for a week and saw an Upper Cervical Chiropractor. (You can click on the link to learn more about who they are and what they do.) To me they are miracle workers. My mobility and health has increase dramatically this past year. Since I received such amazing results after a weeks stay in February, the whole family decided to go in April. Dustin had been having problems with his back and we noticed Acacia’s right foot turned out so we thought it would be worth a visit for all of us.

We had no idea what we were about to discover. Things were coming a long nicely for me, my spine was adjusting well and my body was finding it’s alignment, slowly but surely. Dustin had his tests and x-rays and he needed a couple of adjustments. Then the Doctor checked Acacia. She was in the x-ray room for a long time. I went to check to see what was going on and the Doctor had re-done her x-rays thinking he had done something wrong. But his calculations were always the same. Her spine was badly twisted and curved. The Doctor said that he hadn’t seen a case this bad in a long time. (Not something you really want to hear from a Doctor) What this means is that Acacia has Scoliosis and that we caught it before it did any permanent damage to her. Acacia handled her adjustments well and we began to notice differences in her behaviour and attitude right away. Nevaeh was also checked and she was perfectly aligned.

Now, back to our October trip. We were really looking forward to seeing the Doctor again because both Dustin and I knew that our alignment was out again and we were interested to see how Acacia had been reacting over the past few months. Nevaeh went first and a recent growth spurt showed a couple of concerns on her x-ray. The vertebrae in her neck 2, 3 and 4 were too close together. After an adjustment and a new x-ray it was amazing to see space between the vertebrae right away!

Next Acacia, we were thrilled with her improvement. The Doctor told us that the twisting was gone but the curve was still there, but she is definitely making improvements. He said that the twist resembled a dishrag that had been twisted and now that is gone and we just have to work on the curve. What great news! She had her treatments and she needed a lot of down time throughout the week.

Dustin and I also had our adjustments. Mine was painful this time. The adjustments don’t hurt -- it is the affect of the adjustments. The way that it works is that the Doctor moves the vertebrae in your neck into alignment and then like a domino affect the rest of your spine falls back into place. It is amazing! Rest was definitely on my agenda for most of the week. We were able to visit with a few family members and they put up with my grouchiness.

Overall, it was a very beneficial visit. We are thankful to Dustin’s Aunt and Uncle who give us a place to stay. It is the kind of place that you can walk into and even though you are completely exhausted from travelling for two days you feel at peace and immediately at home.

We are waiting to see how we adjust over the next month and then we will be planning another trip to the coast. Girls go through a developing phase from age 9-13 so if we can get Acacia growing in the right direction scoliosis will not plague her the rest of her life. I am so thankful that we caught it when we did.

Thank you Lord for your guidance and the wisdom and knowledge of this amazing Doctor.

Please Vote!

2010-10-19T12:49:00.003-06:00

I am nominated for a Canadian Blog Award, please help me to get to Number #1. Vote for “I am Unique!” you can vote once a day per IP address. So you can vote once a day per computer or cell phone. Thanks for your support!

Click HERE to Vote!!!

Today feels like a Monday.

2010-10-18T19:37:00.001-06:00

Well, today definitely felt like a Monday. After being gone for over a week it is hard to get back into the swing of things.

Today was a difficult day on many levels. I was smacked in the head with some realities that are sometimes hard to take. I know that I am at a place in my life where I know I need to choose to slow down but I still feel this stirring in me for more.

I wish it would go away and so that I can be happy with what is in front of me. I am seeking the peace that passes all understanding, the joy in all circumstances. I know that tomorrow I will wake up with a new perspective but today feels like a Monday.

Book Review- City on our knees- TobyMac

2010-10-14T16:31:00.001-06:00

When we step across the line we can sail across the sea

Amazing, beautiful things happen when people have the courage to live, work, and pray in the spirit of unity and peace. Often, though, to make these amazing things happen, we have to step out of our comfort zone and into a world we find uncomfortable or intimidating. Sometimes that world is physical; other times it can be emotional, relational, or spiritual.

City on Our Knees shows this, encouraging you to take the first step. It offers stories of people who have stepped across lines. Lines of discrimination, persecution, doubt, prejudice, pride, bitterness, self-isolation, and despair. I pray and hope that you will be inspired to see how just one person, or one small group, can be a mechanism for change.

God can use us right here. Right now. All we need is faith that He has our best in mind. And believe me—He does.

—TobyMac

This book is a good reminder of what God is currently doing in the world around us, the power of prayer and the good in people. This book reminded me a lot of the book Jesus Freaks that came out several years ago with DCTalk.

One of my favourite parts of the book is The Prayer of St. Patrick. Powerful, powerful words. Just loved it!

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a nice, easy, encouraging read. It was a nice book to flip through and read when I was waiting at various appointments etc. I, myself enjoy deeper, challenging books but this was a quick, easy read with encouraging stories that would be good to share within a message or to a youth group. Check it out.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Book Review- Have A New You by Friday!- Leman

2010-10-13T12:29:00.001-06:00

How many times have we tried to change our own habits, only to find that changing ourselves is even harder than trying to change someone else? Now, what the bestselling Have a New Kid by Friday has done for families and Have a New Husband by Friday has done for couples, Have a New You by Friday will do for individuals. With his signature wit and commonsense psychology, Dr. Kevin Leman will walk readers through their own personal five-day action plan. Readers will come to -accept the truth about themselves -boost their confidence by identifying the lies they're telling themselves--and putting them to rest for good -change their lives by concentrating on becoming who they really want to be Based on content from The Real You, Have a New You by Friday is the way to a happier, more fulfilling life.

Having a new you by Friday is a viable option. I am a Kevin Leman fan, I have read several of his book and enjoy his honesty and humour. I have to admit that his new book, “Have a New You by Friday” is my favourite.

My husband and I just travelled 16 hours in our van for medical appointments for our daughter. I get car sick so I bought the audio book from iTunes and it is also available through Oasis Audio and we listened to it as we drove. I can’t believe how quickly the hours passed as we listened to the book being read to us and our continual pausing as we discussed various sections of the book.

Not only did I learn about myself, but also how I relate and can understand my husband, daughters and the people around me.

In one of our discussions somewhere in the Rocky Mountains, we talked about how our churches and communities would be different if everyone took the time to read the book.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

A long way from home

2010-10-12T16:33:00.001-06:00

Our family is now in British Columbia seeing a specialist for our daughter. Things have been going great! I am so thankful that we caught this now rather than later. This is hopefully keeping her on a path to better health.

Our drive out here was great (16 hours), my husband and I listened to an audiobook all the way here and it was great. I will be doing a review of it shortly, definitely a book that I recommend!

Our poor house-sitters have had a lot of excitement since we left. My house is never that exciting for me. Our dog had a tangle with a skunk, hopefully she is okay. I can’t imagine losing our dog, my girls would not handle that very well.

We are off to another appointment, I will write more later when I have a few moments. I would like to ask my readers for a favour- I have been nominated for a Canadian Blog Award in the Religion and Philosophy category. It is Round One, if you could take a moment and vote for “I am Unique.” I would really appreciate it!

http://polldaddy.com/poll/3901065/

Thankful Thursday

2010-10-07T08:50:00.001-06:00

I am thankful for my Grandmother. If it was not for her prayers I would not be the woman of God that I am today. Even though she has been gone for several years I can still remember and value the time spent with her. From sitting in church and sharing a hymnal, to watching episodes of Touched by an Angel.

She was an incredible example of faith and prayer. Her last words simply stated to the nurse in her room, “I am on my way to meet my Lord.” She closed her eyes and she saw Jesus.

Bonnie @ Where did all this come from? Melissa @ A Penny Saved

Kim @ Home is where your Story begins

Motherhood

2010-10-03T15:28:00.001-06:00

“It’s not enough to love our children; we must love motherhood! It is only when we embrace motherhood that we enter into the joy of it and begin to experience the fullness and anointing of motherhood that God intends us to walk in.”

~Nancy Campbell

Thankful Thursday- Daughters

2010-09-30T06:22:00.000-06:00

Sorry not to brag but I love my girls and they are so darn cute! You just have to agree!

My oldest looks so much like me. She is growing up to be a beautiful young lady. And check out my youngest hair, her hair matches the leaves! She has the most gorgeous natural highlights and curls.

I am so thankful that I can be their Mom. It is a beautiful journey to see them grow and develop into who they have been created to be. With their own unique gifts and talents. Thank you God for the gift of these two beautiful daughters that you have given to us.

Bonnie @ Where did all this come from? Melissa @ A Penny Saved

Kim @ Home is where your Story begins

Abortion Survivor- Gianna Jessen

2010-09-29T10:58:00.001-06:00

I have never seen these videos or heard this story until today. Gianna has such a powerful message, I wanted to share it. I hope you take the time to watch these videos.

Fresh Brewed Mondays

2010-09-27T22:09:00.001-06:00

Chapter One is kicking my butt already. Anyone else having that issue? I sat down at my kitchen table to start working through the chapter. I grabbed my Bible and journal. I opened Fresh Brewed Life to chapter one and read the title, “Surrender to God”.

My mind is always going in three directions at once, so I only got as far as the title and then I glanced at my Bible and remembered that I am between Bibles. This past summer when I was speaking at camp my Bible fell all apart, by the end of the week I was trying to hold sections of it in my Bible. So I just got a new one and I have been working through all my highlighted parts of my old Bible and putting them in my new Bible.

So I pulled out my old Bible and start highlighting in my new Bible. The verse that I began at is Job 22:21-23

“Surrender to God, and you will have peace; then things will go well with you. Listen to his instructions and store them in your heart. If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored – So clean up your life.”

I just sat back and laughed at what became my introduction to this study. Okay God, I am getting it. I give up….I can’t do it on my own……I give everything to you…… I surrender.

A Little over the top

2010-09-25T15:04:00.001-06:00

I like to crochet, but I saw this I thought that it was a little over the top. What do you think?

Yes, that is a smart car that has been crocheted. I can’t begin to imagine the time that was invested to make this. But they get an A+ for creativity!

Thankful Thursday

2010-09-23T05:02:00.001-06:00

To be honest I wanted to write this post a few days ago. But thankfulness was the furthest thing from my mind. Everything seemed to be going wrong all at once yesterday. But today is another day. My post has nothing to do with the events of yesterday but it has everything to do with being thankful.

Scripture tells us to be thankful in all circumstances, and that we are to overflow with thanksgiving. Thankfulness can sometimes be very difficult or even impossible. When I had my miscarriages the last thing I wanted to be is thankful, I wanted a baby. But in time you can see how certain situations help to create the person that you are.

Recently I have learned to be thankful for something else in my life. If you have been following my blog over the years you would know that I went through a time of health problems. My symptoms resembled MS but my MRI’s continued to come back negative. For two years I saw a variety of Doctor’s and went through a variety of tests with no real results. The diagnosis came out as fibromyalgia, my symptoms fit and since there is really no test for it, that is what we settled on.

I was not settled though. I knew of a Doctor in British Columbia that I wanted to see. I left our daughters with my husband for a week and went to see the specialist. I will write more about this visit another time. But this week changed my life and my health dramatically.

Because I had such amazing results we decided to travel as a family to see the Doctor. This Doctor specializes in back problems. His goal is to make sure that you are properly aligned. During our family visit we all had our alignment checked. We were shocked and alarmed when our oldest daughter was checked. Her spine was rotated by 10 degrees; the Doctor told us that he hadn’t seen a patient that severe in a while, and that by the time she is a teenager she will be diagnosed with Scoliosis.

We have noticed over the years that her one foot turned out but we never thought that things were this severe. Without regular treatments she will be in a back brace for most of her teen years.

So where is the thankfulness in all of this? I am thankful that I had health problems that motivated me to travel to B.C. and meet with this Doctor and in turn bring my family out and now we have a chance to help Acacia before the damage is permanent. If I had to go through all the pain and testing and struggles and weight gain so that I could help my daughter, then it is all worth it and I am thankful for all of it because it got us to where we are now. We are heading out to BC again in a few weeks. We are looking forward to see how our alignment is holding up and taking steps forward to helping Acacia have a healthy and happy life.

If you would like to join in for Thankful Thursdays please copy the picture above and leave a comment with a link for what you are thankful for!

Thankful Thursday Friends:

Mellissa @A Penny Saved Kim @ Home is where your story begins

Fresh Brewed Life- online book study

2010-09-22T12:02:00.001-06:00

I have found that I need structure. A lot of structure. So, for those of you that are getting your wake-up call with the online book study; this is a post for you! In the first webinar we talked about posting on our blogs about what we are learning as we journey together through this online book study. So I thought that maybe we could work on it together. So I am going to set aside my Monday post just to write about what I am learning.

If you would like to join in just copy the picture and add it to your post and let me know if you are going to participate (by leaving a comment below with your link) because I will add a link to your blogs on my Fresh Brewed Life Monday posts.

Hope that you will join me on the journey!

New look for fall!

2010-09-21T21:32:00.001-06:00

I love fall, my favourite season. So I thought I would be adventurous and give my blog a new look for fall. Surprisingly it wasn’t very difficult. If I can do it, you can do it. This is a great site for free templates: http://lenatoewsdesigns.blogspot.com/search/label/Fall%20layouts

Try it out and let me know so I can check our your cool fall look!

I am still working on the links to make sure everything works. It may take a day or two.

A Search for God

2010-09-15T09:57:00.001-06:00

Yesterday I wrote a review about a book that is trying to inspire mankind to be more open and honest with one another.

Then I came upon this: Drew’s Search for God

Drew’s website gives this description: After seven seasons as host of Canada's most listened to spiritual talk show, Drew Marshall announced to his listeners that he is no longer convinced there's a God. As far as we know, this would be the first time a host on a Christian station has openly admitted to a crisis of faith - at least publicly - and kept their job! So we invite you to join Drew on his search for an encounter with God.

You can visit the link above to read more about his search.

I know Drew. I have been interviewed by him and I also co-hosted his radio show the last time I was visiting Ontario.

When you visit his website at www.drewmarshall.ca you see a series of links across the top of the page of all the past events that he has done each fall. Now his search for God “droogle” as he calls it has now been added to that list.

Yesterday on twitter I tweeted a link to the page about his search and I posed the question, “Is this a publicity stunt or truth?”

To be honest I can not believe how much time I have spent analyzing this. But what I have come to conclude is this: Who cares? Who cares if this is a publicity stunt or if Drew is honestly questioning the existence of God. Who hasn’t? Didn’t I just finish a book about being honest. If we are being honest, (which for some reason seems to be the new trend on my blog.) Why should Drew not publically admit the current state of his faith? How many people struggle with the same thought and/or feeling. Maybe through Drew’s public search via his radio show, he can help others that are sitting on the fence.

Doesn’t it say in Revelation not to be lukewarm? Because why? He (God) will spit you out of His mouth. This is just me being honest here: But I think that it would be good if a few lukewarm Christians decided which way to live their lives. One foot in Christ and the other foot in the world is not a way to live.

So Drew, I could tell you a bunch of “stuff” but instead watch the last video from when you went blind and listen to your words. May you find what you are looking for in your search and may your honesty start a trend of us Christians being honest with one another and ourselves about the state of our hearts and faith.

Permission to Speak Freely- Anne Jackson – book review

2010-09-14T05:40:00.001-06:00

“What is one thing you feel you can’t say in church?”

That is the question that Jackson posed on her blog that struck a nerve. When I first received this book to review, I began by reading the four pages of endorsements from people who hold a lot more clout than me. I wasn’t sure what use my review will be but I continued on and read the introduction.

In the introduction she lists a few of the responses that she received on her blog. One of them really struck a cord with me, I actually thought on it for several days. It was: “Why do we have such lavish worship centers when there are starving children in our own backyards?” Does that give you a wake up call like it did for me?

After reading that, I was intrigued to read more. What I discovered was a nice surprise. This book is not what I expected it to be at all. I have never experienced a book like this before. And that is a very good thing!

I would love to have the opportunity to sit down and have coffee with Anne. I would tell her how much I appreciate her honesty and how thankful I am that she has gone first. I have taught many of the same things she writes about in her book, in my mentoring webinars. So it was very exciting for me to hear that someone with a much larger platform shouting the same message. Go Anne, Go!!!

I am hoping to see this book reach far and wide in the Christian community. I already have a list of people that I want to pass this book onto. I am looking forward to having coffee and hearing their thoughts on this book.

Book has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller.

The B.I.B.L.E! YES that’s the book for me!

2010-09-13T09:02:00.001-06:00

This past summer I was invited to speak at a camp for ages 8-10. This was way out of my comfort zone. I would rather speak to a room of teens or women. But I was up for the challenge. As I prayed in preparation for the week, I felt that God was asking me to introduce these campers to their Bibles.

At this age they are just learning Book/Chapter/Verse. This was a very exciting message for me because I love my Bible. Sometimes I just sit and hug it and find comfort in it. What an honour and privilege to be able to introduce these young people to their Bibles.

At camp I began asking the campers about what they think of their Bibles. Their answers were quite interesting and something that I felt people needed to hear. Two of their answers still bother me, here they are:

Bibles are only for adults.
Why should I learn about my Bible? I never need it, someone always reads it to me.

And we wonder why young people are becoming lazy with their faith. We are doing it for them. They feel they do not need to be active becomes someone will just do it for them. Look at what we do in our churches; it’s true. Who needs to lug around their Bibles to church anymore because everything will be up on the screen for you. To be honest that bothers me a lot. For some people the only time they opened their Bibles was on a Sunday morning and now we have taken that time away from them.

We need to spend time the in Word, our daily bread. This isn’t something just for adults, and it isn’t just for Sunday morning. We need to know what the scriptures say, it is the foundation of our faith. How can you stand for something if you don’t know it?

I like lugging my Bible around. I have one wherever I go. I don’t want to come off as being self-righteous but if I ever find myself in a situation that is more than I can handle I want to make sure I have by Bible on hand. On Sunday mornings I want to have my Bible to look up the passage, that way I can read it in my version, and I become familiar to where the passage is in my Bible in case I want to look it up again.

My daughters are ages 6 & 8. They were at camp this summer when I spoke. It was awesome to see all the campers looking up verses in their Bibles. I started with Psalms 118:8. Are you familiar with that verse? It is the middle verse of the Bible and it gives a very important message. Look it up. I thought that would be a good place to start for the campers. The largest book of the Bible, easy to find, and an important verse to hear. Each day we would look up more verses as they became more familiar with their Bibles. We would learn about who wrote the book and why. It was awesome! After chapel one night a camper came up to me to tell me that she realized that she knows the Bible better than she thought she did! How great is that!

Now I want to issue a challenge. Actually maybe a couple of challenges. Don’t become lazy in your faith. Choose to lug your Bible to church, the more time you spend in it, the more comfortable you will be and the more your faith and knowledge can grow. Second, don’t be the cause of someone else’s lazy faith. As a parent, pastor, Sunday school teacher whenever you may have the chance--expect to see Bibles in use!

I have challenged my daughters to start bringing their Bibles to church every Sunday to be used in Sunday School and church. I heard the complaining yesterday that they didn’t want to because they would be the only ones. How sad is that. They are old enough to be able to experience God’s word. Why would I take that experience away from them?

Are you up for the challenge? Just imagine what our communities and schools would be like if more people spent time in the Word and chose to lug their Bibles around!

Crazy Glue is really sticky

2010-09-11T08:54:00.001-06:00

This is a post I wrote for the Godly Girls Series over at Mel’s World. But I woke up thinking about it so I thought I would share it here.

"Be still and know that I am God."

Has that verse ever lain heavily on your heart? For me it is like that verse has crazy glue on it and it is stuck to my forehead and it is never coming off. At first I tried to peel it off, but that was too painful, then I tried nail polish remover and that made my eyes water. Then I just hoped that if I ignored it, it would eventually wear off. Nothing worked, it is still there in bold letters across my forehead staring at me every time I look in the mirror.

One day I paused and stared at my image in the mirror. I had been so used to seeing these words on my forehead that I forgot what they said. "Be still", that was a hard one for me. I have so much on the go, so much I want to do for God. Stillness equals laziness and no one is going to accuse me of that. I have my family and house to take care of, a ministry, my husband's business, I teach Sunday School, volunteer at my daughters school, oh my, the list could go on and on. Why am I doing all of this? Be still. Be still. Well, no time to think about that. "Know that I am God". Of course I know God, I accepted Him in my heart, got baptized, I even have a few T-shirts that will tell you about it. I remember something from the "Experiencing God" stuff that I am teaching at the church. There is a difference between just knowing and experiencing God. Am I really experiencing a living God actively in my life right now? Am I cultivating a growing and lasting relationship with Him? Maybe these words on my forehead are there for a reason?

Maybe God is trying to tell me something? I am going to promise myself that I will read these words each time I look in the mirror. (Then hopefully they will come off.)
As time goes by I pause to read the words -- first frequently and then not so much -- I feel like I have read them enough that I don't have to take the time to stop and look at them anymore.

Then one day a headache knocks me out, I'm bedridden---incapable of doing anything. Sound is too loud, light is too bright. I snuggle myself down under my covers, hiding myself from the world around me. My husband comes to check on me, as he lovingly wisps the hair off my face to look in my eyes he asks me what is on my forehead. What I thought only I could see it. He says he sees something so faint.
I have enough to deal with! Now other people are going to see it. What does it say again? Be...still. Well, at this point I have no choice my head is killing me. Be still and know that I am God. Hey, that is in the Bible somewhere, maybe that will help me figure this out. I ask my husband to bring me my Bible. It takes him a few minutes to find it, frankly I can't remember where I put it the last time I read it. When was the last time I read it?

There it is Psalm 46:10. It feels good to open my Bible, to search through it. I think I will read through the chapter to learn more about this verse. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. --I need to hear that. I feel so at peace as I spend time in the word. I close my Bible, hug it to my chest and thank God for who He is and is words to me. Now I understand, Be still and know that I am God.

This is a parody about what I have gone through over the last few years. This verse has laid heavily on me and I continually pushed it away and ignored it. I bought a mug and wall art with the verse on it. But I never took the time to understand it and why it laid heavily on me until my health deteriorated so far that I lost my job and I could barely function in my home.

Finally I had no choice but to be still and trust that He is God. That is a hard thing for us as women to acknowledge and respond to. But it has been very rewarding. I made myself so busy doing things for God that I forgot to include Him in His plan. Now I am choosing to do things differently and by giving Him the lead things that I would have never dreamed, hoped or dared to ask for are beginning to happen.

May you learn from my experience to slow down and let God be the God of your life.

Canadian Blog Awards 2010

2010-09-10T10:16:00.001-06:00

Just saw this today so I thought I would share it. Word of mouth or word of blog is always the best advertising. Nominations are open until October 9th for this year’s Canadian Blog Award.

Please visit their website: http://cdnba.wordpress.com/ to nominate your favourite Canadian Blogger!

So, what now……

2010-09-09T11:52:00.001-06:00

After my last post I had a bit of down time. I haven’t turned on my computer in a few days. Just needed a break to sort through things.

So where am I at. Good question. As the leaves are changing, I feel as though I am going through change as well. Certain life situations are forcing some of that change. But I fill that I am being pushed into a more relaxed pace of life. Which is something that I should not complain about but I like to be busy and doing things with and for others.

In order to dedicate my time and energy into our family situation I have postponed the Online Teen Girls Bible Study. A weekly commitment is just something that I can not do right now. Plus registration were down and I had a few cancellations. So we will try for January and see if it is a go then.

I am still doing the online book study. To be honest it is mainly selfish reasons that I am doing it. I have a hard time sticking it out with book studies; and I learn a lot more by teaching a study rather than taking a study. Plus I have paid for the webinar room for the year so I might as well use it. Right? This is a study that I have wanted to do for a while and it will be great doing it with a group of new and old friends!

I have also had God talking to me about our finances. So I am dedicated to getting things in order and hopefully sticking to it. I am sure there will be a few posts about that in the near future.

I am excited about taking time to relax and spend time with my family. We are heading back to B.C. for treatments for Acacia. Hopefully things will continue to improve for her. I will write a post about her situation soon. I am also spending a lot of time crocheting. I can not believe how much I enjoy it. Yesterday I went to a friend’s house to teach her a pattern, it is a great activity to do while visiting! My husband and friends keep telling me to start and Etsy store. But I don’t know if I want to start anything else. If it starts becoming a job maybe I won’t like it anymore? Right now I have dedicated to making hats for all the birthday parties my daughters get invited to. I have started naming the hats after the birthday boys and girls. Here’s my latest:

The Ella Toque

The Tanner Toque

So that is what life is looking like right now. I am looking forward to the book study and see what God wants to teach me and how I am going to grow as a person between now and next summer. Life is a journey!

Here’s the truth

2010-09-02T12:11:00.001-06:00

This post has been sitting heavy on me for awhile and I can’t carry it around any longer.

I have told a few people about this experience and when I have shared a lot of people have thanked me because it can be a helpful learning experience for others, especially for those who want to write a book.

So here we go……….

Many years ago I felt God speaking to my heart that I needed to write a book. This whisper was confirmed a couple of times from prophecies from different encounters in my life.

I knew writing a book was something that I needed to do. I just didn’t sit down one day and write a book. I began on a journey of researching the topics that were continually brought to me from teen girls. After studying scripture I would begin to write what I was learning. I would also share experiences from my life through the chapters I was writing. This was at times a difficult journey because I would have to relive and deal with these experiences before I could use them to help others.

This process went on for 8 years. All the while I had the whisper repeating itself in my ear. I would read back in my journal about the prophecies I had received. And asking God when this would come true.

I began the search for a publisher, and received my share of rejection letters. Apparently my book was too direct. Publishers preferred a softer message of the truth. My research showed that teen girls were tired of the fluffy stuff and wanted some meat to their message. I decided that I would not compromise.

A friend passed on a book from a couple who host a Christian TV program out of Winnipeg. It was a really good book. It was well written, but also the format and layout was good. As became a habit I checked to see who the publisher was. It was someone who had not have the fortune to reject my manuscript yet so I sent an email. I was tired of sending the whole manuscript package, I just thought I would throw the pitch at them and see what came back.

It was an American publisher and that was something that I was looking for. As a Canadian, if you publish through a Canadian Publisher it is difficult to get interest in the U.S. But if you find an American publisher you have no problem getting interest in the U.S. or Canada. So I was quite happy when I received an email back asking for more information.

This next part is something that still frustrates me to this day. I did tons of research as to the different options in the publishing world and what to expect. But I still made what I feel was a really bad choice. This publisher spent a lot of time talking to me and answering questions. When I received the contract I had some reservations but I was so excited to see my book in print and to have the prophecy finally fulfilled and have my book in the hands of teen girls to help them make better choices than I did.

You see in the contract I received it was asking me to purchase a certain amount of copies of my book. I wanted to but not in the huge quantities that he was asking. I was able to negotiate a different amount but of course my cost per book would go up.

As it turns out, I went with a Subsidy publisher. Which of course was not my plan. Because my cost to purchase copies of my book was so high (almost $17 a book!), I was in reality purchasing to have my book published, which is quite costly. This is not how I wanted to have my book published.

With my marketing background I was able to get a lot of publicity from magazines, newspapers and appearances on two national TV shows. I also submitted my book for the 2008 Canadian Christian Writing Award and won first place in the young adult category beating out an author who had submitted her third book for teen girls published by Tyndale.

With all this publicity you would think my book would be selling well, but my “publisher” was having problems and my book was not even listed on Amazon making it almost impossible for anyone to purchase copies.

With all this being said and since we are being truthful my book was published in July 2007 and to-date I have received a total of $519 from my publisher in the form of royalties, after our family invested thousands to have the book published.

**I have to make a special note here to thank my husband for helping me through this whole process and helping me learn through my mistakes and lack of judgement.

Now three years later I look back on the experience and I can say that I think my book looks good, they definitely did a good job making it look marketable. I have had positive feedback from reviewers and those that have stumbled across my book. Of course as an author I would have loved to see a greater success, but hey we all can’t be in Oprah’s Book Club.

To continue with the theme of truth, I still have boxes of books in my home. And due to a current situation in our family (which is a long and stupid story, this post is too long already!) I need to sell these books. We need the room and the money.

So I am offering autographed copies of my book for $10, or a copy of my book and a journal for $15- plus shipping. To learn more about my book: CLICK HERE! It is great for small group study or individual study and a great Christmas present!

Just look in the side bar for a link to PayPal to purchase your copy!

I hope that my journey into the world of publishing is a learning experience for you. If you have any questions please leave me a comment or email me privately, I would be happy to answer and help in anyway I can. Apparently my life is full of lessons to help others learn the right way to do things from all the wrong turns that I have made! J

An easy discovery

2010-08-31T13:21:00.001-06:00

I didn’t have to think very long to write down one of my “likes” as crocheting. I so enjoy it, sometimes I am working on a project for so long that my wrists start to hurt. Maybe that’s obsessive. :) All I know is that I love to crochet blankets for newly weds and pray over their marriage. I have made lap blankets for friends that are sick or going through a struggle and I pray for them with each crochet. Now I have begun making birthday gifts for all the parties my girls are invited to. Here’s the most recent one.

How cute is that! It was a big hit. The little girl loves cats and the ears and face are down with a brown sparkly yarn. I have a feeling I need to start making more hats, I can see many birthday invites after the reaction from all the girls in her class that attended the party.

I never take the time to make anything just for me, so I finally figured out a pattern to make a hat I have wanted for a while. Here’s the final product:

It’s a slouchy hat. I wore it when we went camping it was really cold and windy one day and I was so glad to have it. I like it so much I am making another one for myself with a purple/grey/black mosaic yarn. Can’t wait to see how it turns out.

I really enjoy making these slouchy hats because they are a small project I can carry in my purse and work on whenever I am waiting. This afternoon my girls have hair cuts so I have an hour to work on it! Can’t wait!

Let’s be honest.

2010-08-30T15:09:00.001-06:00

It is time for a reality check. I do not need to be this busy. God did not command—”Thou shalt be busy!” I have been finding my head spinning so fast I sometimes don’t know which direction to go. So I am putting a plan into place. I am going to make the time to sit down and make two lists. The first list will be things that I enjoy doing.

The second list will be all the things that I have signed up for or agreed to do. Then I will sit down and have a chat with God and start to remove things from the second list that do not match up with the first list. This is going to be difficult, and I am probably going tick a few people off. But I learned years ago that this is my life and I have to make the choices for my life’s direction.

Also, whenever I spend time writing and praying about things God’s plan and purpose always becomes clearer. So say a prayer for me as I go through this time, that I will have wisdom, discernment and the strength to do whatever He wants me to.

Ten Teen Commandments

2010-08-29T12:44:00.001-06:00

This is for the girls who got up early to attended my session at the God’s Girls conference through the A Woman Inspired Conference yesterday. Here are the answers for the handout! If you didn’t attend the conference feel free to check out the commandments and study the scripture and discover the truth for yourself!

Don’t let your parents down; brought you up. Exodus 20:12, Ephesians 6:2-3, Colossians 3:20
Choose your companions with care; you become what they are. 1 Corinthians 15:33, Psalm 118:8
Be master of your habits or they will master you. 2 Peter 2:17-22
Treasure your time; don’t spend it, invest it. Colossians 1:10
Stand for something or you’ll fall for anything. 2 Thessalonians 2:15-17
Select only a date who would will make a good mate. 2 Corinthians 6:14, Hebrews 13:4
See what you can do for others; not what others can do for you. Romans 12:3, Matthew 10:30, Mark 10:31, Matthew 20:16
Guard your thoughts; what you think, you are. Romans 12:2
Don’t fill up on this world’s crumbs; feed your soul on the Living Bread. Colossians 3:2, 1 John 2:15-17
Give your all to Christ; He gave His all for you. Colossians 3:17

New Online Teen Magazine!

2010-08-20T13:04:00.001-06:00

2:21 Magazine has one mission: to encourage teenage girls to live lives that glorify Christ. We focus on bringing relevant, fun, Godly content to teens. We put out a quarterly full color and length magazine that we pray encourages girls to look to Christ for their fulfillment.

You can expect to see articles on fashion, social networking, friendship, Bible study, self esteem, humility, our call to serve the least of these as well as devotionals, music/ book reviews and much more.

It is our aim to do this thing called life for the glory of Christ.

Our foundation verse is 1 Peter 2:21, a call to no matter the circumstance, follow the footsteps of Christ.

I am one of the contributing writers for this magazine, click here to read my first article on page 8!

M.I.A.

2010-08-18T14:37:00.001-06:00

I am finally home after two weeks away. I have a lot to catch up on. I realized after I left that I forgot to pick a winner of the unique contest before I left. So I will be picking the winner and posting it later today.

It has been quite the couple of weeks. First a week at camp as the speaker. God was working in me before and during this week. I definitely grew as a person and learned about listening to God. When He asks me to do something, then I just have to do it. This was also useful as I spent a week at Jan Lake with my husbands family. There were a couple of time when I wished I would have bit my tongue but now I can see how I am glad that I didn’t and it was the perfect timing.

Since I have been back I have been going crazy trying to get ready for everything that is happening in fall. Wow, where did summer go. I am going to miss my girls when they go back to school. It has been a good summer. I already know that I am going to go through a phase of loneliness when they go back, but they are so excited. I hope this is a good year for them.

While I was gone my first magazine article came out in 2:21, want to check it out? Visit http://221mag.com/ click on the magazine and turn to page 8. So exciting!!!!

This is just a short post. I have much to write about and to catch up on. So keep checking back because I am very happy to be back and to get things started for fall. One more thing before I go don’t forget to order your book for the fall online book study.

OK, Seriously

2010-07-30T21:24:00.001-06:00

Enough is enough already. For some reason when I go and speak my life seems to start to fall apart. Next week I am going as the camp speaker to Camp Kinasao. But this past week both mine and my husbands vehicles have needed hundreds of dollars in repairs and now we found out that everything from out of our boat has been stolen when we are leaving for a fishing trip when I get back from camp. So instead of getting ready today I have been dealing with the police, the insurance company and calling pawn shops looking for our stuff. This is not making my husband very happy about my going away to speak. I am not that happy about going away to speak now either.

This has happened way too many times. Before I spoke at a girls conference our vehicle broke down and then my youngest ended up sick in the hospital. When I went to speak at another conference my back was hurting to bad I could hardly move.

So, am I to take this as a sign that I am not supposed to be doing this, or that God is going to speak through me so mightily that I need to be attacked. What is the deal!

Answers and prayers greatly appreciated!

Things you never hear in church..............

2010-07-27T07:00:00.000-06:00

I found this on the internet, it made me laugh so hard I had to share it! Enjoy!

1. Hey! It's my turn to sit in the front pew.
2. I was so enthralled, I never noticed your sermon went 25 minutes over time.
3. Personally I find witnessing much more enjoyable than golf.
4. I've decided to give our church the $500 a month I used to send to TV evangelists.
5. I volunteer to be the permanent teacher for the Junior High Sunday School class.
6. Forget the denominational minimum salary, let's pay our pastor so he can live like we do.
7. I love it when we sing hymns I've never heard before!
8. Since we're all here, let's start the service early.
9. Pastor, we'd like to send you to this Bible seminar in the Bahamas.
10. Nothing inspires me and strengthens my commitment like our annual stewardship campaign!
11. I couldn't find space to park outside. Praise God!

Basic Instructions!

2010-07-26T05:35:00.000-06:00

I am off to speak at camp in one week! Scared and excited all at once. I am spending the week introducing the Word of God to the campers. And my prayer is that they will find it intriguing and exciting and want to know it better. This is going to be the theme song for the week. What do you think?

Everything We Need- Steve Bell & Fresh I.E.

2010-07-17T11:41:00.001-06:00

Canadian Authors Who Are Christian: Will they know?

2010-07-13T13:35:00.001-06:00

I'm a guest blogger today. Click below to check it out!

Canadian Authors Who Are Christian: Will they know? - CARLETON

It’s Monday!

2010-07-12T11:03:00.001-06:00

It is defiantly Monday! Finally, after 9am my 6 & 8 year old daughters crawl out of bed and come downstairs for breakfast. My oldest gets out the Fruit Loops and serves her own breakfast. My youngest has recently discovered Nutella. So I prepared her bread and Nutella and then went back to the computer to finish a few things while they ate.

A few minutes later my youngest asks me if she can please have her nutella because she is starving. I look at her spot at the table expecting to see the breakfast I made but all I see is her crossword puzzle book. I glace at the counter and I see her breakfast prepared and waiting.

As I give her the plate I tell her that I am sorry and that I think I left my brain in bed this morning. My oldest then pipes up and says, “I can go upstairs and get it for you!” We all had a really good laugh.

I have a mountain of things I need to get done this week but I am thankful that my family puts up with my lack of brain capacity sometimes and that I am starting this week with a good laugh!!

Back from Holidays

2010-07-05T13:52:00.001-06:00

We just came home from a great trip to the lake. We purchased a trailer this year, we found a great website that sells repossessed items. It was a great find, now we have something to travel in as a family to visit family in other provinces and when we start demoing our house we have a place to sleep!

We travelled a couple hours east to Tobin Lake. What a great time as a family. The girls discovered they love the game UNO. We read a lot, hung out in the boat and went fishing!

I have to brag for a moment about the huge fish that I caught! This is my husband with my fish. It is a 14lb Walleye, that was 32.5” long. That is a big Walleye. Most of the Walleye that we have caught have been under 4lbs. So this was pretty exciting. The girls couldn’t believe it. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I pulled it up and this is what I saw. A very memorable day for me!

We also spotted this bald eagle watching us as we fished. So majestic as it sat in the top of the pine tree. Beautiful.

A storm brewing on the other side of the lake got my attention. It was awesome to see the strength of weather. As I sat and watched it move closer to us I thought- no amount of money or power could change the fact that we would get wet. How could anyone think that they in any way, shape or form could possibly be bigger or greater than God.

It was a great time to get away as a family for a time of rest. One morning I spent time with each of my girls doing devotions. Their knowledge and understanding of scripture is incredible. I am a very proud Mom.

We still have a couple more camping/fishing trips this year. I can’t wait for those experiences. I am so thankful that we have found something to do as a family that we all enjoy!

Video- Life is Like a Cup of Coffee

2010-06-25T06:51:00.000-06:00

Do you need a “Life Coach” or a “Mentor”?

2010-06-24T12:18:00.001-06:00

I have bee doing a lot of reading lately. One of the topics I have been reading about is “Life Coaching”. While reading the introduction of my current pick I came across a quote from reporter Jim Nauton:

“The ever more challenging character of modern life has created a market for men and women that can provide, for a fee, a service that older generations once performed for younger generations. Since World War II, increased mobility and the decline of family and community ties have reduced intergenerational contact, with the result that a lot of the support structures in people’s live have broken down.”

Basically, what I am reading is that people are no longer taking an interest in other people in the act of encouraging others strengths and building them up (mentoring). In order to receive that we need to go to others for a fee (life coaching) to help us through this journey of life.

I have begun “life coaching” for teen girls. Basically I wanted to give teen girls support that they may not otherwise receive. I am really feeling conflicted about the whole thing. Shouldn’t these girls have “people” in their lives that they can reach out to? I feel badly about taking money for something that we should be able to receive for free.

The words in Titus 2 are there for a reason.

“Your job is to speak out on the things that make for solid doctrine. Guide older men into lives of temperance, dignity, and wisdom, into healthy faith, love, and endurance. Guide older women into lives of reverence so they end up as neither gossips nor drunks, but models of goodness. By looking at them, the younger women will know how to love their husbands and children, be virtuous and pure, keep a good house, be good wives. We don't want anyone looking down on God's Message because of their behaviour. Also, guide the young men to live disciplined lives.” verses 1-5 The Message

“God's readiness to give and forgive is now public. Salvation's available for everyone! We're being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God-honouring life. This new life is starting right now, and is whetting our appetites for the glorious day when our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, appears. He offered himself as a sacrifice to free us from a dark, rebellious life into this good, pure life, making us a people he can be proud of, energetic in goodness.” 11-14 The Message

What a difference we, as individuals, could make if we started actively living the Word. It’s like a light in the darkness. Imagine a huge dark space and then you see a glimmer of light in one corner, and then another somewhere in the middle, then you notice a shimmer of light out of the corner of your eye. Then instead of individual areas of light you are noticing a slight glow over the entire area. The glow brightens and dulls but you can see the light.

That is what happens when we choose to be the light-- the hands, the feet and the love of Jesus Christ to the people around us.

Will you join me in being the light that the world so desperately needs?

Video- Nick Vujicic

2010-06-22T08:46:00.001-06:00

Would you join me?

2010-06-15T11:23:00.001-06:00

This past year has been a time of learning for me. Learning about who God created me to be and where I fit in, in the world. I’ve had some hard decisions to make and I continue to grow and develop in character through each experience.

Over the years I have realized how important and integral prayer is. As I have been involved in various ministries I have seen the affect of prayer on people and circumstances. When I planned the girls conference in my area I could see and feel the difference prayer made.

This summer and fall I am going to need a lot of prayer. As I am beginning to see where God is choosing to use me I know that having prayer support is going to be necessary. This summer I have to opportunity to be the Resource Pastor at Camp Kinasao, I am very excited to face this challenge and see how God is going to use me there. Also this summer I will be putting the final touches on the “I am Unique!” online Bible Study that is starting in September.

In the fall not only will I and my family need your prayers while I am leading the online Bible Study but also all the teen girls that are taking the study with me. There is the opportunity for up to 200 teen girls to take this study. That is a lot of girls that I can have a positive influence on.

I will also continue to lead free online webinars for women who want to learn how to live Titus 2. In August I am speaking at the God’s Girls online conference with A Woman Inspired. I am also writing a monthly article for 2:21 magazine for teen girls. And finally, I am having more teen girls that are coming to me for life coaching, I need wisdom and encouragement for these young ladies.

If you are able to spend the next six months dedicated to praying for me, my family, the teen girls and the ministry that God has placed before me I would be happy to mail you one of these special prayer magnets. Please email me your address at carolyn@cjcarleton.com and I will send it out in the mail today. Thanks!

E or Snail

2010-06-14T13:10:00.001-06:00

I have been thinking about the mail lately. My daughters get so excited when they receive mail. Since they do not have email addresses it is their only way of receiving mail.

I am finding myself getting excited when I receive mail as well because I hardly ever receive mail unless it is something I have sent myself, such as an Amazon order. Most of my bills are now sent via email, etc. Which is good to conserve trees but I miss the old fashioned letter in the mail. I don’t get as excited when I receive an email.

Don’t get me wrong I get some exciting email! I love hearing from people who have been encouraged and inspired when they read my book. But sometimes I just long to read a handwritten letter. Does anyone else feel that way?

Is snail mail a waste of time and paper? Tell me what you think:

Did you know?

2010-06-07T12:31:00.001-06:00

Teen girls body image plays a huge role in suicidal thinking
Teen suicide and depression is on the increase.
Cosmetic surgery is on the rise for girls 18 years and younger.
Eating disorders are increasing due to lack of family meal time.
80% of teenage pregnancies occur between the hours of 3-5pm in their own home!
80% of teens who sign a purity pledge do not keep it.
As teens age and have sexual experience with multiple partners there is a greater chance that they will not use protection.
Teen girls are now choosing pregnancy- due to lack of attention from their fathers.
Today’s teens are becoming workaholics- Canadian teens ranked 1st compared with 9 countries in terms of average hours spent on labor during the school week. Canadian teens felt under pressure to accomplish more than they could handle. They are cutting back on sleep in order to get things done.

There is something that you can do about this. Please click here for more information.

Book Review- What happened to my life? by Danna Demetre

2010-06-04T13:47:00.002-06:00

What happened to my life? Who hasn’t asked that question of themselves at some point of their lives? I know that I have let my life get away from me over the last little while and I am in the process of regaining it and I have been using this book as a tool to do just that.
The book begins with six chapters to help you get your focus back in order. Then in moves on to a 40 day study. I have to admit that I have not worked through the study, but I definitely want to. I have mentioned in a previous post that I want to do a book study through my blog about balance. This is a book that I was considering so it was great to be given the chance to review it and see if it will work as a blog study.
It has been a great tool to open my eyes to new ideas and ways of thinking. It has an endorsement from Kay Arthur whom I respect for many of things that she stands for. I like the fact that Demetre continues to turn what you are learning back to scripture. Which is very important to me. I am often put off by authors that just want to get their ideas across in their books and then through in some scripture for good measure. That is not how this book is written. The author has experienced a lot of “life” and has lived to share about it in this book.
I am looking forward to doing the 40 day study and moving my life to a place of new passion, purpose and joy.
**Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available now at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Righteous Rant

2010-06-03T10:20:00.001-06:00

I am just overflowing with emotions right now. Mentoring has been something that is so heavy on my heart that it pains me to see opportunities lost and the pain and silent suffering of those who needed that interaction in their life.

Recently a young man committed suicide in our community in a very public display. This is becoming too common and is not something that is talked about. And that just makes me mad! I am sorry for this family and their loss and that this is the choice that he made, as well as the other families in the community who have lost a loved on this way. But we need to get our heads out of the sand and see that this is becoming a problem and we need to help our youth. Why are they even considering this as an option?

As I look at this trend in my community I wonder who are the people that are involved in their lives, who comes across their path that could have made a difference? When given that nudge in our spirit to say a word of encouragement do we choose to make the effort or do we continue on with our busy schedules?

As I am being consciously aware of my responsibility as outlined in Titus 2, I am noticing more opportunities crossing my path daily! It makes me wonder how many opportunities I may have missed. As I looked at the picture of this young boy the thought kept running through my head, "What are we as the “church” doing?” I do not mean that big building on the corner I mean those of us who represent Jesus Christ doing in our daily lives? Scripture tells us to become more Christ-like. I heard an interesting description from Matt Chandler from The Village Church the other day as I was listening to a podcast. He was talking about when Jesus was instructing his disciples to go and make disciples. The word “go” in the context is passive. It means as you go about your day-to-day make disciples.

I see it the same with mentoring, as you go about your day be an example of Jesus Christ. The church doesn’t need another program, we as followers of Jesus need to actively live our lives for the greater good.

I hate advertising things for myself but this is a message that needs to get out there and be heard. So I am going to be teaching my Mentoring webinar again. I set up an event on Facebook so we can share the word with our friends and the more people that start living the “passive go” mentoring the better our families, communities, schools, neighborhoods will become. Please click HERE to visit the facebook event for more info and to sign up.

Book Review- No More Christian Nice Girl- Coughlin & Degler

2010-06-01T22:01:00.003-06:00

I have to say that I was intrigued when I was given the option to review this book. I already had a lot on my plate but I love reading so I was hoping this would be my escape from my life. I can’t believe how quickly I read this book. Not because I had to get it done in time for the review but because I was intrigued to see where the authors Paul Coughlin and Jennifer D. Degler were going to go with each chapter.

I have never classified myself as a “Christian Nice Girl” I am one that pushes boundaries and chooses not to do things the normal way. I didn’t think there would be a lot for me in this book but I could use what I learned to help others that I would classify in that category.

I was pleasantly surprised when I found that I was asking myself a few questions. A chapter that surprised me was the one that asked about what you heard from your parents growing up and how that affected you. It was interesting because I turned it around and asked myself if I am saying those things to my daughters. YIKES, that was a hard one to swallow.

Overall, I have to say that I am impressed with this book, the authors used a few corny analogies in various chapters but I was able look past that and look at the overall message of the book. I would definitely recommend this book. Women that I would purchase this book for is a “new” Christian woman who thinks being a “nice girl” is the way she needs to behave in order to fit in with the Christian culture.

I would love to hear your feedback on this book, so after you read it come back here and leave me a message. Enjoy!

**Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Unbalanced

2010-05-31T11:07:00.001-06:00

That is how my life feels these days. Unbalanced. I feel like I have fallen over the side of a cliff and I am grasping onto the side of the mountain trying to find my way back to the top.

On a positive note I do feel like I am moving closer the the top. The last few weeks have been insane. But now with dance recitals and Sunday School done for this year I now have open spaces on my calendar! Which I do not planning on filling with anything.

I definitely bit of more that I could chew. But I am finding my way through it and hopefully becoming wiser because of it.

Starting at some point this summer I am going to do a book study through my blog on the topic of balance. Why? Purely selfish reasons: first- because it is something that I need to do for myself and my family. Secondly, because if I do it through my blog than I feel an accountability and I will actually complete what I start. I am hoping that my selfishness will also help others that want to join me on the journey of character building exercise of balance.

I have a couple of books in mind and I have contacted the authors to see if we can get a deal! I love deals! So keep checking back for further announcements and the book reveal!!!

Please visit

2010-05-26T20:49:00.001-06:00

I was preparing a blog about an event today, when I noticed that my neighbour who attended the same event wrote about it on her blog. So since she posted hers first I believe you should all go on over and visit her blog and see what her/my/our thoughts were about what happened in our day.

Home is where your story begins.