Each day is my new beginning

We are quickly approaching the new year and I grimace. I don’t like the questions regarding New Year’s resolutions.
I am not one to make New Year’s resolutions. I tend to believe each day is another day to resolve to make myself better…not just that one day of the year that marks the new year’s beginning.
Because we don’t know what tomorrow will bring, I believe in making today a better day.
I resolve each morning to show more compassion toward others, be more patient with my family and do what is right when confronted with decisions placed before me.
I don’t make grandiose resolutions to lose weight or anything of that nature because I believe in changing myself from the inside out.
I don’t believe in making what I think of as empty promises, either. If I promise something, I believe in doing my best to keep that promise no matter how I feel about it when the time comes to do so.
I am not saying I am some saint. Lord knows I can only try to be a better person. I can pray for help. But, in the end, I know I can’t be a better person each and every day because I am human. I make mistakes. I get cranky. I become impatient. I have bad days.
But, I can try. I can hope.
That is what New Year’s Day means to me. It means we can hope. We can hope to have a better year than the last. We can hope that those around us are touched with our love, kindness and good will. We can hope that God will help us to become who He wants us to be.
Ultimately, we don’t know what circumstances will come our way with each new year. We only hope that those circumstances will be happy ones and we will be made stronger for experiencing the not-so-happy circumstances.
The same can be said of each new day. So, I suggest we resolve to make the best of each day given to us…not just each year.

His Christmas wish…to hear ‘Yes!’

Monday morning, James Esqueda made a grand proposal to his girlfriend, Alma Miranda.
Wanting to do something unique, Esqueda painted several large signs with a marriage proposal, and placed them directly across the street from the apartments on South Hill Road that Miranda manages.
“I love her. She is a great influence on me and I wanted to do something special,” Esqueda explained.
The signs are clearly visible from both the apartments and the road. Several people called Miranda to alert her that she needed to look outside.
Esqueda said she called him to informally accept his proposal, but the formal answer was provided at a family Christmas Eve gathering at a dinner on Monday night.
He said he is a single father of three boys and she is a single mother of four children and he felt the union of the two families would “…make my world complete.”
The idea of painting the signs wasn’t the first time Esqueda decided to make such a gesture. He said he also decorated a very large cardboard sign for Miranda on her birthday.
“I just want everybody to know I love her with all my heart,” stated Esqueda, stating Miranda means everything to him.
As to when the couple will “tie the knot,” plans have yet to be made. But, Esqueda guarantees he will certainly be the happiest man around when he marries Miranda.

I've been carded

Christina Berry CARDED me!

THE RULES:

1. Each player starts with 5 gifts that they would want for Christmas.
2. People who are "CARDED" need to write their own Blog about their 5 things & post these rules.
3. At the end of your Blog, you need to choose 5 people to get "CARDED" and list their names.
4. Don't forget to leave them a COMMENT telling them they're "CARDED", and to read your Blog.

My Materialistic Gift/Wish List:

1. A visit from my mom, since she has not been here for nearly 5 years and I was just at her home in the Summer of '06. She only lives six hours away, but it is an expensive trip for my family and we always feel unwelcome thanks to her "boyfriend."

2. A new laptop...would be nice to have a computer we can "hide" from the kids. This one now has sticky keys because one of them snuck a beverage into the computer room.

3. More books...I can never have enough.

4. Time to work on my WIP...It is slow going and I never seem to have enough time to work on it.

5. A nice, relaxing evening with my husband...one where he doesn't talk about work and actually enjoys just being with ME. Seems we don't have enough time together and what time we do have is often riddled with our three lovely children constantly coming in and out of the room.

My Spiritual Gift/Wish List:

1. More patience...especially with my husband and youngest child.

2. I find some peaceful time.

3. Wisdom in dealing with my oldest child as he faces adolescence.

4. That I will hear God when He speaks to me.

5. That I will remember God's love for me when I am feeling unloved.

The people I have carded:

http://christinescottage.blogspot.com/
www.shoutlife.com/Julie_Eller
http://www.miraleesdesk.blogspot.com/
http://www.mywritingmentor.blogspot.com/

My friend died twice, yet she lives-

A story of Christmas Miracles

My friend, Carol Carillo, came in to visit me yesterday. She wanted to let me know why I had not heard from her in a number of months...and she brought me a Christmas card.
Her story was a story of several miracles. She told me she died this past Sept. 7.
I looked at her, astonished. Afterall, she isn't dead if she is sitting, talking with me and telling me this story.
Carol continued with her story, stating she woke up one morning while having a heart attack. It was what her doctors referred to as a "Black Widow" heart attack.
She was rushed to Yakima Regional Hospital and a stent was put in place. After a stay in the hospital, Carol was able to return to Sunnyside and the doctors told her that her arteries were clear, with no blockages.
But, she began experiencing further health issues and was visiting the heart center in November when the medical staff determined she needed to be rushed back to the hospital.
I was mesmerized by this point.
It turned out Carol needed heart surgery again. Thirty percent of her heart was no longer functioning.
It gets more shocking at this point because she informed me she went in for a second surgery and a defibrillator. Carol died again, while in surgery.
She said to me, "Jennie, it is a miracle I am alive!"
Another miracle occurred yesterday morning. Carol, burdened with all the concerns that come with unpaid medical bills, received a call from the hospital.
"Someone paid my bills," she said. In full!
The hospital would not divulge who paid all her medical expenses, but she considers whoever it was to be quite the saint.
In addition to all of these miraculous blessings, another (or maybe the same) anonymous donor has paid for two years of her continued studies in nursing.
"It's not like I am anyone special," she modestly exclaims. But, Carol is a woman with the soul of an angel...she is special to me and others because she is caring, kind and selfless.
And, one more miracle has resulted from her death...her daughter, whom I know she had been very worried about over the years, has become her best friend.
Carol also told me she has been very blessed by Sandy Bos and the staff at Prudential Real Estate. She told me that they have been providing every meal for her since her heart attack, including Thanksgiving dinner.
Now, just more than a week after her second death, Carol is getting about town as best she can...for the sole purpose of letting her friends know she wants them to have a Merry Christmas!
She told me her Christmas wish list is very short. She just wants anyone suffering from a severe illness to have hope.
Because, you see, Christmas miracles really do occur.

Ashberry Lane Giveaway-8 books!

We've added 65 subscribers in the last few months and that's largely because you spread the word. But we're not happy yet. We're not even close to satisfied. Which leads right into our BIG announcement ...

We write about relationships. We are a relationship. We want to dominate the relationship brand. And we want to have at least 500 subscribers by the first of the year. Should we expect you to keep working so hard at strong-arming your friends to sign up while you get nothing out of the deal? No way!

Compassionate as we are, we've worked up a HUGE new incentive. How better to promote our relational fiction than featuring other fiction that focuses on different types of relationship? Why don't we give our supporters a chance to win EIGHT autographed books? Without further ado, we present, with a booming voice,


ASHBERRY LANE'S BOOK GIVEAWAY
For the Friend Relationship: Roxanne Henke's After Anne
One of our absolute favorite books. As you watch Olivia and Anne struggle through a difficult challenge, you'll want to be a better friend.

For the Prodigal Relationship: Robin Lee Hatcher's Return to Me
How many of us have walked away from what our father wanted for us? Or away from our Father? This story will remind you that the you can go home again.

For the Marriage Relationship: Robin Jones Gunn's Wildflowers Wildflowers
Married Genevieve falls in love with the man she least expected could win her heart. It's not who you might think ....

For the Sibling Relationship: Laurainne Snelling's Ruby (Dakotah Treasures #1)
In the first of this frontier series, Ruby must deal with her new "inheritance" while protecting her sister from its influences.

For the Man's Perspective on Relationships: James Scott Bell's Breach of Promise
A heart-rending story of a man trying to keep his family together.

For the Supernatural Relationship: Tosca Lee's Demon: A Memoir
Don't let the title of this book scare you away. There is no glorification of the demonic, but an enlightened fresh look at what History means.

For the Relationships Gone Bad: Bette Nordberg's Serenity Bay
A truly terrifying story of woman who married Prince Charming and discovered he wasn't.

For the Single Among the Marriage-Minded: Camy Tang's Sushi for One? (The Sushi Series, Book 1)
You'll laugh. You'll relate. You'll be impressed with this debut novel from up-and-coming author Camy Tang.

EIGHT books. ONE winner. Here are the ways to win:

Any new subscriber or referral will gain another entry.
Publicize this to your homeys through newsletters: one entry.

Blog about the contest: one entry. (Email us and we'll send you what to post or copy off this newsletter.)

Include it in your Christmas cards: two entries.

Tuck it in the gift bag with the fruitcake you'll be leaving on random doorsteps: five entries.

JUST LOG ON TO: www.ashberrylane.net
www.sherrieashcraft.blogspot.com
www.authorchristinaberry.blogspot.com
www.shoutlife.com/sherrieashcraft
www.shoutlife.com/christinaberry

‘The Other Daughter’ circumstances surreal

by Jennie McGhan
In reading The Other Daughter by Miralee Ferrell, it makes you wonder how your own family would react if it unexpectedly grew by one.
This book explores the reaction of a family when a child appears at their doorstep, claiming the patriarch of the family is her father.
This child is a surprise to everyone in the family. She is withdrawn and scared, not feeling as though she is wanted. However, she and the family have been forced into the situation when her uncle left her at the Carson’s doorstep without even a word to the family.
The Carsons are typically kindhearted and have taken in foster children in the past. But, this child was dropped off at the door step out of the blue, because her mother has died. David happens to be her father and was unaware of that fact, though he had some recollection of a one-time incident with her mother prior to his being married to Susanne.
David is forced to reconcile his relationship with Susanne through a number of apologies. He has to confront the fact that his past has caught up with him and somehow balance his relationship with his daughter and the family whom he had been setting an example for over the years.
Susanne has a hard time dealing with Brianna, David’s daughter, and her resemblance to her husband. She struggles with anger and frustration at the situation, guarding herself from fostering a caring heart toward the girl.
Susanne does all the “right things.” However, Brianna is much like any other child and can see that the kindness shown is only for the sake of appearances. Brianna senses Susanne’s resentment of the situation.
It doesn’t help that Susanne has a friend that reinforces negative feelings about both David and Brianna when Susanne has a “girls night out.”
The Carson children readily accept their new sister and so does David’s grandfather, a man deeply committed to his Nez Perce heritage. Grandfather reaches Brianna in a way that leaves Susanne and David feeling a level of conviction and wonderment. But, they are left to ponder his secret.
It takes much soul searching, and the threat of losing Brianna to her drunken uncle to open the eyes of Susanne. She learns she has a right to feel injured regarding her husband’s indiscretion. She also learns she owes herself the peace granted in forgiving and loving those whom she has been gifted.
David learns he not only has a responsibility to Brianna and his family, but to his own heart. He seeks to bridge the gap in his relationships after this realization.
The Carsons’ two children exhibit the ability to love unconditionally from the beginning. They embrace their new sister and do their best to ensure she feels their love…it just takes the two parents a little longer.
The Other Daughter is both poignant and insightful. It opens up a subject matter that similarly mirrors situations found across our nation. The author, Miralee Ferrell, is from Washington state, and the story is loosely based on actual events in her life.
This book is both heartbreaking and inspiring. I would highly recommend this book as a good lesson in love, forgiveness and faith.

Plenty to be thankful for this season

by Jennie McGhan
With Thanksgiving being less than a week away, I have found myself reflecting on the holiday in which we give thanks.
Some, like me, are grateful to God for the many blessings we have in our lives.
Others are just thankful.
I have been listening to the radio in my travels and find myself more thankful each day because there have been some stories on the station I listen to that are heart wrenching.
One lady, who is 25-years-old, wrote to the radio station that I listen to, saying she is thankful to have her husband alive. Not unusual by itself, but there is more. Her husband, also 25-years-old, recently collapsed from a heart condition he was unaware that he had. She wrote the story from his hospital room. He had been an average father and husband going about the mundane task of fueling up at the gas pump when he collapsed. Fortunately, those nearby called an ambulance and the man did not die.
This couple feels blessed and their story made me feel blessed. I know that I would be beside myself if something terrible were to happen to my husband.
There are others in this world who have children suffering from illness or poverty. The heartache around the world and locally touches me to the core.
I have three very healthy, full-of-life children. Each of them, all they can, try to please me on a regular basis. They are hyper, joyful, busy and sometimes they exhaust me.

But, overall, they are good children, and they are a blessing regardless of how tired they might make me.
Whatever complaints I might have about any one member of my family, I have had to step back and realize…They are a gift from God, and I could be facing worse than a screaming fit right now, if He hadn’t blessed me so much.

Stickler for manners and etiquette

by Jennie McGhan
I am an advocate of displaying proper manners and etiquette in public.
Daily, I find myself telling my three children to display proper manners and to apologize when I feel they have been rude to someone.
Perhaps our society is becoming accustomed to behavior that was considered rude when I was a child. I am not sure. But, there have been times that I have told my children to apologize for rushing ahead and essentially cutting off another’s path. The response of those whom I felt were wronged, “You’re sorry for what?”
Or, maybe it is the mere fact that my children are still very young and it doesn’t faze people when these incidents take place.
Recently, I was inside an establishment to purchase my lunch. A group of teens entered the establishment, carrying food from another eatery. They did not order from the establishment in which they had decided to plant their young rears. No, they had the nerve to ask for napkins for the food they had already purchased.
This struck me as very appalling. I was very curious as to how the employee at the counter felt about the teens’ attitude. She said it had been the second time the same group had come in with food from another business. She told me they did not order anything from her the first time, either.
I tried to be as polite as possible, informing her that she had every right to ask the group of teens to leave.
I am still astounded that this group of teens felt they were not in the wrong.
However, I do not want to paint this group as the “norm.” I have been very fortunate to meet several youth in our community, who have exhibited manners and etiquette.
I have met youngsters willing to hold a door open for me and many have had the common courtesy of saying, “Please” and “Thank you.”
I just hope others are as appreciative of the teens and young children with these attributes as I am.

Lost in translation

by Jennie McGhan
When one stops to think about words and what they mean, there may be a surprise in store for them.
In our current culture, we often use common words or phrases from other languages. “Adios” is commonly used when we are saying goodbye.
What we don’t think about is the actual translation of this word. The true definition of “Adios” is “go with God.” “Dios” means God in Spanish, the “a” indicates to go.
The term has been used for ages. In Spain, many did not use the term lightly until the early 20th century. Prior to wishing someone “Adios,” the term “Salud” was more common. This word means cheers.
“Despedida” is defined in the Spanish-English dictionary as the word used for goodbye or farewell.
Another way one might part with another would be in using the phrase “Hasta luego.”
Just as in the English language, there are many different ways of greeting or departing from another person.
I am certain there are other languages in which I might find the literal translation to be quite fascinating, but I am finding I am rather fond of the word “Adios” because I truly feel that I should be wishing others to “Go with God.”
I am a person who believes Christ is my protector and loving others, wishing them the same protection is a fine way to depart.
Another language, German, is often used when someone sneezes. We often say, “Gesundheit.” This word means health in English. But, are we aware we are saying this? Someone who actually knows the German language may know this fact.
In English, we commonly say, “bless you,” if a person sneezes. Again, it is a phrase taken for granted in many circles. I wonder how many people actually wish the person doing the sneezing to be blessed by God.
Stopping to think about the words and phrases we often speak out of habit or otherwise may give us a better understanding of what actually leaves our mouths when we speak to others. I believe it is just as important to think about all the words we use…the words may be helpful or hurtful, depending on what we mean by them and how they are translated.

I don't do cold well

This week has been a rough one for me. It has been cold, and I don't like cold much.
I grew up in an alpine community, where one might expect I was quite acclimated. I was. But, it was a different type of cold weather that we experienced in my hometown.
With the high elevation, the cold seemed much drier than the weather we experience in the Lower Yakima Valley?and, I was much younger when I lived in Weed.
Now, as an adult, I find myself constantly donning sweaters and sweatshirts or wearing a coat.
However, I have yet to experience a cold day in the office when my fingers were not icy. When my fingers are as cold as they currently are, it takes me just a little longer to type.
Also, my nose has been icy this week.
Some may attribute this to my gender -- How many times do we hear from spouses that the female is always cold and the male is always hot?
This plays true in my home?I consider my husband to be warm enough that I turn to him to hold my hands in order to warm me up.
He is not appreciative of this, considering my hands shock his system.
However, I know something else about myself. My physician once told me my circulation is slower than some members of the community at large. This, is due to low blood pressure. My blood pressure is not dangerously low. It is still within the "normal" range. But, it is on the low side of "normal."
Therefore, my blood doesn't reach my extremities quite as quickly as would be necessary to keep me from being cold most of the time.
So, out comes the blanket each night, including the summer months, to keep me warm. After all, the thermostat has to be set at a temperature that is comfortable for the majority, whereas I am in the minority.
I am sure God hasn't made me unique in this way...however, for those who know me?you can send me some of those hand warmers and I will be forever indebted to you.

Mike Hagen's Strength Team visits town

Okay, this week has been busy chasing down an awesome group of guys, who have a great passion for sharing the Lord with others. Beginning Wednesday, Mike Hagen's Strength Team (www.strengthteam.com) was in town. My church, Neighborhood Assemblies of God Church (www.neighborhoodchurc.org)planned the event for the last year. In all 15 school assemblies were part of the team's agenda. They, of course, could only mention the Lord at two assemblies. But, they were able to draw the attention of all these children, packing our church each evening. Tonight was the final demonstration and I have to say it was awesome. The team members visiting our area included the founder of the team and former Seattle Seahawk Mike Hagen, former Florida State football player Clarence Lee, former linebacker for the Washington Huskies Herb Hartso, Ronnie Moss and former wrestler Greg Mead.

These guys deliver a message of strength in both body and heart. They may perform fetes of physical strength, but there fetes of "heart strength" and character far surmount any physical accomplishments. They have hearts for Christ. They may seem crazy to some, but I like to say they are crazy for Christ. They reach out and grab the attention of hundreds, if not thousands.

As of last night, almost 500 people who attended the church's nightly demonstrations had accepted Christ. That is a fete that is most amazing.

So, anyone ever getting an opportunity to meet with or attend one of the Strength Team demonstrations, I truly encourage it.

The Other Daughter blog tour with Miralee Ferrell

Author Bio:
I'm over 50, married for 35 years this July, and have two wonderful children, Marnee and Steven. I'm active at our small church, serving on staff with my miisterial license and working with women in a counseling/ministering capacity. My husband and I are looking forward to full retirement soon and taking off for a few months at a time on our 51' sailboat, where my writing will take on an entirely new creativity. We have a horse, a dog and three cats that my daughter and her husband will inherit while we're gone. Thankfully, they live on the adjoining property and are animals lovers.

Tell us a bit about your first sale: who is the publisher? Which book? Genre, etc.
My premiere novel is The Other Daughter—the story of David and Susanne Carson, a couple with an already fragile marriage that’s rocked to its foundation when a young teenaged girl appears at the door….

Here’s a brief summary:

The girl standing at the door took a deep breath, pulling her suitcase a little closer to her trembling legs. "My mama's dead. He's my daddy."

Susanne Carson knew that she could trust the love of her life—her husband, David—until she discovered a strange, unkempt young girl on their doorstep, claiming to be David's daughter.

Not that their marriage had ever been perfect—David's decision to embrace the Christian faith had strained their relationship. Susanne may not have agreed with his beliefs, but at least she trusted him. Had David been hiding this not-so-little secret from his past? He wanted Susanne to believe in his God, but believing hadn't done much to keep David out of another woman's arms.

As David confronts the truth of his past, Susanne must face her own moment of truth as her marriage is taken to the breaking point and the life of one young girl is left in her hands.
It’s women’s contemporary fiction that’s set in the North West, and is being published by Kregel Publications, a well known Christian publishing house.

What themes exist in The Other Daughter that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?
The most important theme to me is the one of releasing control of your life to your Heavenly Father, and seeing that He cares more about your future than you ever can. Until a person bows their will to His and falls into His arms, there will be no true, lasting peace....and it's tough to find real forgiveness, or give it to others.

The character of Grandfather, a part Native American relative of David's, didn't exist in the first rough draft, but came quite some time after. He was brought into the picture to help both David and Susanne examine their motives and reactions to one another and to Brianna on a deeper level. He's a picture of unconditional love that we all wish for in our lives and the type of person we could all use, when we're heading the wrong direction.



Once David Carson’s secret shows up on his front door, does he discover more freedom in his life and faith?
At first he believes it's bringing yet more bondage, and possibly destruction. As is so often in our lives, we're unable to see the big picture as God sees it...we see the tapestry from the back side, with all it's broken treads, knots and mistakes, while God sees the beautiful colors and patterns showing up on the front. It will take David a while to understand that this tapestry of his life is in God's hands, not his, and that God desires that we all walk in freedom, not bondage.


What was your reaction to the news that your first baby had been purchased?
Stunned and a bit worried at first. I know that sounds strange and I should’ve been bouncing around the house, but my first thought was, Oh no! They read the old version and I’ve made all these changes! What if they don’t like what I’ve done and want to keep the old one? I knew the new version was much stronger, as did the editor I’d been working with on the first 1/3 of the book, so I prayed and my agent asked Dennis, my soon to be publisher, if they’d take a look at the changes. They did, they liked what they saw, and the offer extended to the new book. THEN reality set in and the explosion of joy and incredulity hit me. It took several weeks before I really took in that it was sold.

How long did it take from first word to sale? What were some of the steps along the journey?
It took me five weeks to write the first draft, then the next six months of revising, editing and polishing before it was presentable. This was such new territory for me. I’d written several non-fiction short stories that were published in magazines just prior to starting off in fiction, but I had no clue what I was doing when I began to write this novel. I’d never read a book on writing, had no teaching on structure, plot, POV, characterization, dialogue, or anything else. It wasn’t until three months before Kregel made their offer that I discovered ACFW and joined. My sister, who has done some professional editing, and a friend who is an editor and author, both helped tremendously, mentoring and supporting me through the first two drafts, or I wouldn’t have made it this far.
The Lord brought Tamela (my agent) into my life in a series of miraculous events that only He could have orchestrated, and seven months later I received the offer from Kregel. When the book is released, it will be two years since writing the first draft, and nine months since signing my contract. Kregel graciously put The Other Daughter on the fast track to publication, beating the usual 12-16 months for publication by quite a bit.

Any exciting things happening before or during the time period while the book is releasing?
Yes! I’m so excited! I received a Four Star review from Romantic Times Review Magazine. I assumed that Five Stars would be the top rating, but I was so blessed when I found out Four and a half was the best you could get, making Four Stars quite good indeed. I’ve also gotten some very good reviews, including a glowing one from Novel Journey, one of the top Christian review blogs. The Other Daughter is also climbing it’s way up the best sellers list on CBD…at the two week mark prior to release (when this was written) it had hit #15 in women’s contemporary fiction and #103 in overall fiction (out of 9,584 books), very respectable for a book not yet released. I’d love to see it reach the top 75 in overall fiction, but am leaving that in the Lord’s hands.


Congratulations on the success of you first novel, “The Other Daughter!” We are so excited for you! Tell us about your path to publishing. Do you have any advice for unpublished authors?

I know a lot of writer's say the Lord told them to start writing, and I'm among them, but my circumstances were a little out of the ordinary. Two-and-a-half years ago I attended a church service and sat under a visiting minister who I trust and respect. I went forward for a prayer need, can't even remember what, now. He began to pray for me and stopped and looked me in the eye. "The Lord just told me you're supposed to be writing. I have no idea what...short stories, poetry, fiction...but it needs to be published." That was the jist of his message and I took it home and spent two weeks praying it through.

I spent a few months working on a variety of things, before being directed toward Christian fiction. Once I made that decision and got some direction, the rough draft flew out of my head and onto my computer....5 weeks from the first word to the last, of an almost 100,000 word document. It was one year later that I submitted to several houses for consideration, and part of that time was spent hunting an agent and sending it out to a couple of houses on my own, prior to signing with Hartline Agency.

Don’t be too shy to ask for help and don’t be too proud to take constructive criticism of your work, when it’s offered. You don’t have to change everything that’s suggested, but if more than one person points out something wrong, take it seriously and be willing to learn. And most of all, don’t give up. If you believe that God has given you the gift or desire to write, then be obedient, even if it’s never published. When I started out, I thought the best I’d attain would be publication in magazines….having a book published didn’t seem possible. I knew the Lord gave me this story and it needed to be written, and the rest would be up to Him. My responsibility was to write it, then keep moving forward in whatever direction He pointed out.

What else are you working on?
I’m working on Past Shadows (might also be called “Sheltered”), the sequel to The Other Daughter, and hope to have it ready to turn in to my editor in early November. I’ve also started something new for me, an 1880’s novel set in Washington state…I’m hesitating to say it’s a romance, but it looks like it might be heading that direction. I’m playing around with another idea for a stand-alone women’s contemporary with an unusual twist. I’m hoping to start it as soon as Past Shadows is finished. There could also be a #3 in this series, and if so, we’ll return to Brianna, the 13 yr old girl who arrives at the Carson’s door…at the age of 23.

Miralee Ferrell's Blog Tour

I will be featuring Miralee Ferrell on this blog to promote her book, The Other Daughter tomorrow morning. So, keep checking. I am excited to read her book and I hope you will be too. Here are other blogs that will soon be joining the tour:

29th Susan Lohrer ---Inspirational Editor
www.inspirationaleditor.blogspot.com
30th Carla Stewart---Carla’s Writing Café
www.carlastewart.blogspot.com
31st Christina Berry--- Posting with Purpose
www.authorchristinaberry.blogspot.com
November
1st Bonnie Leon---Bonnie's Blog
www.bonnieleon.blogspot.com
2nd Jan Parrish---Bold and Free
www.janparrish.blogspot.com
3rd Tina Helmuth---The Ink's Not Dry
http://tinahelmuth.blogspot.com/
4th Teresa Slack---ShoutLife Blog
http://www.shoutlife.com/teresaslack
http://www.teresaslack.blogspot.com
5th Pam Meyers---A Writer’s Journey
http://pammeyerswrites.blogspot.com/
6th Betsy St. Amant---Betsy Ann's Blog
www.betsy-ann.blogspot.com
7th Megan DiMaria---A Prisoner of Hope
www.megandimaria.blogspot.com
8th Christa Allan---CBAllan WordPress
www.cballan.wordpress.com
9th Susan Marlow---Suzy Scribbles---Homeschool Blogger
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/SuzyScribbles/
10th Jamie Driggers---Surviving the Chaos
www.survivingthechaos.blogspot.com

Un-Scripted Tour -Tricia Goyer

Here's the scoop:

The Facts of Life was teen girl drama at its finest. Yet today's teens know life if NOT like the movies. Real life means real drama ... something teens face on a daily basis. Yet, do teens have to let their lives be molded by every wave of emotion?

My Life, Unscripted empowers teen girls to write their own script and direct their own life by using God's Script as a guide.

My thoughts:
Reading this book, I was drawn to Tricia's practical ways in guiding teens to look at themselves as God would see them. There are a variety of simple exercises that could have a seriously positive impact on the lives of teens...As much of my teen years were "Unscripted" I found the values and advice, the introspection and reality of this book could have changed a lot of what happened in my life. I would have had a totally different idea on how to handle the taunting, the pressure, the lack of parental attention and all that I longed for. I was looking for a "map" from God, desperately searching and seeking within His word, but noone was able to help me make sense of it. This book can assist even adults in getting their lives back on the path God intended.

I see My Life UnScripted as a life line for teens and adults both. It is an invaluable tool in guidance and wisdom in finding one's self worth and path in Christ.

Kudos again to Tricia Goyer for what I feel is an ingenuis book only God could have inspired.

And, I believe it is truly wonderful that this woman revealed herself in such an honestly raw way.

Summary:


Drawing on Biblical prinicples, My Life, Unscripted guides girls through the tumultous teen years by teaching them to have a plan of attack before temptation or hardship come.

Tricia's Script:

Looking back at my drama-filled teen years I now wonder ... What was I thinking?

The truth? I wasn't. I lived from day to day on every wave of emotion. Some days excitement and passion partnered up, pattering wildly within my heart.

Other days, depression and anxiety were my silent friends. I lived each day as it came, with no plan for my future, for my relationships, or for my heart.

I lived my life completely unscripted ... and, well, it didn't go well for me. Teen pregnancy and a broken heart were only two consequences. Yet my prayer is that when teen girls are asked Who's Writing Your Life? their answer will be ME ... with the guidance of God, My Director.

Places you can find Tricia on the net:

Tricia’s Blog: It’s Real Life

Tricia’s Website: www.triciagoyer.com

She also has two new books that will be available soon:

A Shadow of Treason (Moody Publishing) 2007
Generation NeXt Marriage (Multnomah) January, 2008

And don’t forget to order your own copy of My Life, Unscripted or look for it at your local Barnes and Nobles or amazon.com, it’s part of their back-to-school endcap promotion!

A scene from my unSCRIPTed life

Many who are familiar with Tricia Goyer are aware she recently released her book My Life Unscripted. To kick off her blog tour, she has challenged those of us, who will be a part of the blog tour, to write a scene from our life to share on our blogs. So, though she will not be featured on my blog until Oct. 10. I have written the script from a scene in my teen years and am ready to share it.

May anyone who knows a teen take heart to the sensitive issues surrounding their life.

Fade In

Int. School Hallway – lined with lockers
Lunchtime – Establishing

The hallway is lined with TEENAGERS EATING LUNCH. Several are SITTING on the floor. Some are STANDING near lockers, TALKING about their morning classes, last night’s television programs, etc. A COUPLE is KISSING.

With her locker open, JENIJO DEE, 14, is HANGING UP the lightweight jacket she wore during her morning classes. PJ MARTIN, also 14, has his locker OPEN beside her. Upperclassman CARTER is nearby and RAY is WALKING toward the open lockers.

PJ – Your Dad deserved to die. He was a drunk. It’s no wonder he got drunk, since he had such a goody-goody for a daughter.

JENIJO – (growing angry) Watch what you say about my Dad! You never knew him, and you have no right!

Carter WALKS over to the twosome after having overheard the exchange.

CARTER – She’s right! Don’t talk about her Dad. He was a good man….(shakes his head) Like you would know! If you make her angry, you’re likely to experience a lot of pain as a result…Believe me!

PJ FACES Jenijo.

PJ – Your Dad was a loser. He took the right path…getting away from you!

Jenijo’s FACE GROWS RED WITH ANGER and her KNEE MAKES CONTACT with PJ’s GROIN. He BENDS OVER in pain.

CARTER – I told you, man….you deserve it.

Ray REACHES INTO Jenijo’s locker while all attention is focused on PJ. He GRABS a BLUE BOOK, known to be her diary and RUNS in the OPPOSITE DIRECTION. She TURNS, SPOTS the diary and CHASES Ray OUT THE DOORS at the end of the hallway, past the QUAD BUILDING next door, up a SMALL HILL toward the GYM, DOWN the stairs leading from the gym to the hallway and back into the building. Ray HANDS OFF the diary to a junior named TRE.
Tre OPENS the diary and begins to READ.

TRE - …I couldn’t find my underwear.

JENIJO – Give that back! You don’t know what you’re reading!

TRE – (shock registering on his face) What is this?

JENIJO – (crying) It’s my rape!

Tre CLOSES the diary, looking sad that he had chosen to read it. He HOLDS IT OUT to Jenijo.

RAY – Now we’ll call you “Diary!”

Jenijo WALKS back to her locker in tears.

Fade Out.

Teens can be incredibly cruel to one another, but I knew something no one else in this scene of my life did. In spite of all the mean-spirited behavior they dished out to me throughout my years of growing up with them, I knew I could take it all to God.

Yes, I was devastated at what had transpired. No, no one in that hallway knew the contents of the diary. It had been between God, a small group of friends from another town, my rapist and me. God KNEW and I KNEW.

He brought three compassionate upperclassmen to my aid after I had returned to my locker. They comforted me and helped me to hold my head up the remainder of the day.

Someone reported the incident with PJ, and he received a three-day suspension for “disrespecting the dead.”

God brought me through that day and many others, growing me into a person determined to always show compassion toward others. I became stronger in knowing He is there in my worst moments as well as in my best moments. And, I learned there are caring individuals in the world, even if I am unaware of who they might be, when the world around me may seem to have gone awry.

Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed. I am your God. I will strenthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.- Isaiah 41:10 Living Bible

For more about Tricia's book, go to her website www.triciagoyer.com
Her blog can be accessed via a link at the bottom of this blog.

God bless you all!

Disobedience causes scare

Every parent faces the issue of telling a child not to do something, and the child disobeys.
Recently, disobedience led to an emergency room visit and x-rays.
My youngest child blatantly disregarded both my husband and myself in our instruction to NOT climb onto our garbage can.
The child was barefoot, as he prefers to be. We happened to be outside, watching the approach toward the green can that stands approximately four-feet tall.
Our response was to tell the young man, "Do not climb up there!"
We repeated our command several times, and he proceeded to do exactly as we had instructed him not to.
All is fine up to this point, and I approach the child in order to remove him and discipline him from the garbage can. Before I reach him, he jumps from the can to the uneven ground beneath him.
He complains at this point. His foot hurts, but he says he is okay.
This kid is tough, and he has apparently done this many times before, he let me know.
I administered discipline I had originally intended for the disobedience, receiving his complaint in return, and he resumed his activities of playing with the other children.
Problem taken care of, my husband and I return to the confines of the house.
Later, our son goes into the house and tells us his foot "really hurts."
I place an ice pack on it and give him a children's Tylenol.
The following morning, my husband informs me the foot is swollen, and he will not be going to daycare.
I figure, "This too shall pass."
After running over the different scenarios as to what diagnosis a doctor might have for that swollen foot, I decide I need to at least have the foot examined.
I take him to the local hospital after work and have the foot x-rayed in case any of those tiny little bones in his foot might have a break.
Children have growth plates in their feet, and I have been told that injury to a growth plate is very serious. And, in such a case, surgery is some times necessary.
Fortunately, the results of the x-ray did not show any breaks. The physician informed me that I did, however, make the right decision because the damage could have been very bad.
Another measure of being blessed is that bones in children's feet are very flexible.
So, my son was able to leave with instruction to give him Tylenol if the foot bothered him. It was just soft tissue damage and the foot will be tender for a while. But, otherwise he is fine.
What I am not fine about is the fact that I would have to go to such extremes just to ensure my son's antics don't cause him serious injury.
It is frustrating to be a parent.
But, the child's response to the whole matter would be cute if I weren't so upset with the incident. He said, "Mom and Dad, you were right. You are the smartest parents in the world."

Young boy stricken with cancer

ZILLAH - Every parent's dream for their child is a healthy life...the worst nightmare is a deadly illness.
Amy (Harris) and Jason Root are living that nightmare. She is a nurse for Toppenish Community Hospital, and he is a nuclear medical technician at Sunnyside Community Hospital.
The family's nightmare began when her son, Chase Morris, now 7-years-old, was first diagnosed with Osteogenic Sarcoma at the age of three.
A tumor was found on the right arm of Chase. His parents took him to Children's Hospital and the hospital removed his right humorous to extract the cancerous tumor. He endured a year of chemotherapy following the procedure.
Osteogenic Sarcoma, often known as Osteosarcoma, is the most frequent type of bone tumor commonly afflicting young people ages 15 to 25. It forms on the growing ends of the bones.
Amy said Chase seemed to be healthy after the chemotherapy, however they returned for a follow-up visit to Children's only to discover he had developed a new tumor in his right lung six months later.
"They removed a section of the lung with the tumor," she stated.
Again, the belief was that Chase would recover.
Another follow-up visit occurred eight months after the surgery. Another tumor was discovered. The tumor was discovered in Chase's left lung, according to Amy.
She said her young son was subjected to another surgery as a result of the discovery. "He had three more months of chemo," she added.
After a couple of years without any new tumors having been discovered, the family was breathing a sigh of relief.
This past summer, that relief was again met with a grim reality. "In July, we went for another check-up and another tumor was found," said Amy.
She said the tumor, located on the rib, was decidedly treated with experimental medications. "Chase spent a month at Children's and another month at home with the medication," Amy explained.
Over the course of time, Amy noted the tumor was not getting smaller. "I could feel it with my hand," she said.
Yet another surgery, this time to remove the rib affected, was scheduled. "He has had so many surgeries," said Amy.
She took Chase to Children's three and a half weeks ago to talk about the scheduled surgery.
"The tumor had grown to twice its size and three more tumors were found in his left lung," Amy cried.
The three tumors in Chase's lung are located near his airway, spine and blood vessels.
"Children's told me they felt surgery was no longer an option...We were told to get in touch with hospice," Amy said.
The current diagnosis is called Metastatic Osteosarcoma.
The family has found a cancer center in Los Angeles, Calif. that is willing to treat Chase. "They have helped a lot of people in similar circumstances," Amy said.
She said Chase has had a positive outlook through all he has had to endure. "There are days where he is tired or doesn't feel well because of the chemotherapy and medicine, but the center in California has given us hope," said Amy.
The other challenge of Chase's current condition is the amount of pain he experiences from the tumor in his rib. "Some times Motrin doesn't help and I have to give him Oxycodone," Amy explained.
She said he was in school for a short period of time, however the chemotherapy made him too tired, and the curiosity of his condition was distracting.
"Chase is doing really good," Amy assured.
Sunnyside Community Hospital's Malissa Garcia, who is helping with efforts to hold a fundraising yard sale to assist Chase in receiving treatment in California, said his diagnosis is terminal and the treatment he will be seeking is experimental, meaning insurance may not cover it.
"We don't care about the money as long as we can keep Chase," Amy said.
The hospital employees, however, want to help the family with the yard sale since the cost of treatment will be in excess of $600,000 and it will cost another $800 for the apartment Amy will be living in while Chase receives treatment.
"We're not ready for Hospice," said Amy.
The family will leave tomorrow (Thursday) to Los Angeles for Chase's treatment. "I have hope," Amy said.
The hospital's yard sale is to be held Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the corner of South 11th Street and East Edison Avenue.
Garcia can be contacted for more information or donations at 837-1760 or 509-832-0641.

Working on Noah's Ark

My youngest attends a very wonderful preschool, and each year the preschool has a fabulous float in a parade held in Sunnyside during Sunshine Days. This year's float was Noah's Ark. Here are a few pics of the float before its completion. I will try to get photos I took of the completed project added soon.

The Me I didn't know I was

Christina Berry, a friend of mine, posted her profile on her blog and I was curious...Hmmmm!



ESFJ - The "Supporter" Myers-Briggs Personality Types (Free Test)

ESFJs are social butterflies that value relationships, supporting and nurturing others. Never one to shy away from social events, they are often the host. They are great encouragers of teamwork. ESFJs are responsible, dutiful, observe traditions and follow rules. ESFJs have a deep concern for others and often end up as caretakers. They are sensitive to criticism and have a need to be appreciated for the good they do for others. ESFJs are understanding, generous, have a quick wit and a knack for composition and beautification.

Preferences

Extraverted
Sensing
Feeling
Judging

Temperament
SJ (Protector)

ESFJ Population
Total: 10%
Male: 6%
Female: 14%

Primary Function
Extraverted Feeling

Secondary Function
Introverted Sensing

Tertiary Function
Extraverted Intuition

Least Function
Introverted Thinking


About the ESFJ Expert Quotes & Links

"Guardians of birthdays, holidays and celebrations, ESFJs are entertainers. They enjoy and joyfully observe traditions and are liberal in giving, especially where custom prescribes."
- ESFJ Profile (TypeLogic)

"ESFJs are people persons - they love people. They are warmly interested in others. They use their Sensing and Judging characteristics to gather specific, detailed information about others, and turn this information into supportive judgments. They want to like people, and have a special skill at bringing out the best in others. They are extremely good at reading others, and understanding their point of view. The ESFJ's strong desire to be liked and for everything to be pleasant makes them highly supportive of others."
- Portrait of an ESFJ (The Personality Page)

"...values relationships and families over intellectual pursuits, group oriented, follows the rules..."
- Jung Type Descriptions (ESFJ) (similarminds.com) "...take it upon themselves to arrange for the health and welfare of those in their care, but they are also the most sociable of all the SJs, and thus are the great nurturers of established institutions such as schools, businesses, churches, social clubs, and civic groups."
- The Portrait of the Provider Guardian (Keirsey)

"At work, ESFJs contribute their ability to cooperate with others and to complete tasks in a timely and accurate way. They respect rules and authority, and handle daily operations efficiently. They tend to be well informed and up-to-date on organizational actions that matter to people. They do what they can to make sure that personal relationships are running smoothly. Because they pay close attention to people's needs and wants, they are often involved in work activities that meet people's practical, day-to-day desires."
- ESFJ - The Helper (Lifexplore)





Famous ESFJs

Real ESFJ People

Danny Glover - actor
Desi Arnaz - actor, comedian, musician
Dixie Carter - actress
Don Knotts - comedian
Elvis Stojko - Canadian figure skater
Jack Benny - comedian, actor
John Connally - politician
Mary Tyler Moore - actress, comedian
Nancy Kerrigan - Olympic figure skater
Sally Field - actress
Sally Struthers - actress
Steve Spurrier - football player
Terry Bradshaw - football player
William McKinley - American President


Fictional ESFJs (Characters)

Donald Duck - Disney cartoon character
George Babbitt - Babbit (Sinclair Lewis)
Hoss Cartwright - Bonanza
Leonard "Bones" McCoy - Star Trek
Monica Gellar - Friends
Nurse Haleh Adams - ER
Rabbit - Winnie the Pooh





ESFJ Career Matches

ESFJs are often happy with the following jobs which tend to match well with the Supporter/Protector personality.

Accountant
Administrative Assistant
Administrator
Bookkeeper
Child Care
Church Worker
Counselor
Dental Assistant
Family Doctor
Homemaker
Human Resources
Marketer
Nurse
Office Manager
Organization Leader
Radiological Technologist
Receptionist
Researcher
Social Worker
Speech Pathologist
Teacher
Trainer

What kind of vacation is this?

by Jennie McGhan
Each year I have a tendency to try and schedule my vacation at the wrong time.
There have been years where I have tried to schedule early and someone else on staff has already picked the same dates as I have chosen.
Other years, I found myself busy and didn't want to overburden my fellow employees with a special section or some pending deadline so I held off as long as I could possibly see fit. My mistake. By doing so, I landed myself into an impossible situation.
Another co-worker had a baby that year and her delivery coincided with the dates I had chosen for vacation. Fortunately, the "powers that be" saw my misfortune and granted me an extension that year.
There have been other years such as this year that have given me much desire to have a "re-do." I ended up ill during my vacation. Ugh!
This has happened a couple of times to me, and it stinks. What kind of vacation could I possibly have if I am not feeling well? That is why we have "sick days."
Though I had nothing special planned, I would have liked to have felt well enough to get out of bed. Instead, I lingered as long as possible each day that I was nauseous, trying to consume fluids and act as though I am half-human.
I felt fine the first couple of days I was on vacation and spent some much-needed time with my husband. I delivered two of my offspring to their respective classrooms on the first day of school and was asked to give a presentation to fifth graders on the fourth day.
I didn't get that housework I needed done. I did accomplish some reading and tended to a couple of other neglected tasks.
But, by Friday, I couldn't fake my way through the "yucky feeling" I had in my tummy. I wanted some TLC and no one could provide it.
The kids were at school most of the day, one was at his daycare after he insisted he would miss his friends if he didn't go and my dear husband was trying to catch some sleep since my daytime is his nighttime.
So, do I really want to take vacations? Yes. Unfortunately, I dread the thought that misfortune may strike again?after all, I have five more days to consider before January.

Nice Matters...Really?

I've just been given the "Nice Matters Award" by my friend Christine H.

"This award is for those bloggers who are nice people as well as good friends, provide inspiration to others and are a positive influence on the blogging world. Once you’ve been awarded please pass it on to seven others whom you feel are deserving.”

I appreciate all the wonderful things Christine has said about me and I hope to honor that by continuing in my efforts to be uplifting. I don't always have much time to post on my blog. However, I intend to spend more time and devotion on my "me time," which includes my blog in the near future. God has not always said "yes" to my plans and that is why I say "I intend." I just hope that those who do visit my blogs are touched by my words in some way and God is glorified in everything that I do. May God Bless each person who has been so kind to me since my journey began. :)

I would like to pass this along to my friend Christina at Christina Berry: Posting with Purpose. http://authorchristinaberry.blogspot.com/.

She has been very kind and sincere with me, offering me a little laughter amidst some tiresome days. Thank you, Christina, "Nice Matters."

Welcome one another

I have attended many churches in my life. I don’t claim any particular doctrine, however I can say I have noticed differences in the various churches I have attended.
I strongly believe the Bible was inspired by God. I believe what is in the Bible is truth.
I don’t often tell anyone what they should believe. The Bible clearly instructs us to live our lives as an example. I don’t need to shove my beliefs in someone’s face to demonstrate my faith.
I have attended a couple of churches in the Lower Valley since I moved here nine-and-a-half years ago. It amazes me the difference in attitude more than doctrine.
The first church is a very popular church among community members. I am not entirely certain why since I not one time felt welcome at that church.
This struck me as odd. We are supposed to love one another and my experiences the many times I attended the church did not give me a feeling of love. I felt scorned or ignored each time I attended the church services.
I encountered people I knew in the community and attempted to say hello to them. Often times I received a wane hello in return and they moved on. Other times, the attitudes struck me as though certain individuals questioned my even being in their church.
It is not so much as what is said, but the body language and tone of said individuals was nothing I would consider friendly.
I am a straightforward, overt person. I approach others with a smile and eagerness that doesn’t always appeal to one’s sense of decorum, given certain circumstances. But, in church, I would believed the warm, friendly approach would be welcome.
The experiences at that particular church led me to wonder if people attend it because it is the popular place to be. So, I sought another church.
It was more by accident that I began attending the second church than merely deciding one Sunday to attend a specific service.
My first experience was when my oldest child was my only child. We went to an event hosted for children. The "family" of that church welcomed me, approached me to announce their pleasure at my attendance and invited me to stay longer for additional activities to follow the event.
They embraced me.
After that experience, I attended a few other events hosted by the second church, all the while attempting to give the first church time to grow on me.
The first church never did grow on me and I often wonder if anyone at that particular church even remembers I once entered their "sanctuary."
The second church has since become my "church family." I may still be a face many are gradually becoming familiar with, however the warmth and grace is there nonetheless.
The reason I write this is not to state that any church is good or bad, but merely to emphasize the fact that we all need to feel loved and welcome.
This community is a loving and welcoming community. There is a lot of warmth in the people of the Lower Valley.
In our daily lives, I believe there are people whom we encounter that feel as I had when I attended the first church.
I believe it is up to us to break that particular image when we are going about our daily routines and embrace the individuals we encounter as the second church embraced me.
We can all make a difference in how the community is perceived by just being warm and friendly.

Hope prevails in ‘A New Promise’

by Jennie McGhan
A new book written by a new author from Federal Way, A New Promise, delivers on its title.
Julie Eller’s first book focuses on a family in crisis. Set in the Wenatchee area, the Parnell family is suffering through the loss, but not the death, of the mother and wife of the family.
Rachel Parnell is suffering in the late stages of Huntington’s Disease. She is confined to a nursing home and is on life support because her husband has not yet come to terms with her wishes left with him four years ago. The Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order and her request to "…Let me go, Scott," have haunted him throughout the years.
Meanwhile, the couple’s children are suffering. Tyler is in a state of anger and rebellion against his father and life. He is afraid that his mother may have passed on the gene for Huntington’s Disease to his little sister, Tawnya, and himself.
Tawnya is growing up under her father’s nose and he hasn’t realized she is in desperate need of dental work and some of the care that accompanies puberty.
The family is falling apart and Rachel’s sister, Celeste, decides it is time to help her brother-in-law and the family to cope with their needs. She is a successful accountant in Seattle, who finds she loves her brother-in-law as more than a friend through her interaction with the family.
The fact that Rachel is still alive becomes an issue and a struggle for Scott and Celeste because neither of them wishes to dishonor the marriage, however Scott is faced with financial burdens and the time has come to finally honor Rachel’s wishes.
Scott struggles with the need to inform his mother-in-law and children regarding the DNR and his desire to hold on to Rachel, while facing his increasing feelings toward Celeste.
The family has a lot of obstacles to overcome, however there is A New Promise that will be granted.
This book is a journey of heartache and hope. It addresses the needs of those struggling with questions in the midst of a loved one’s illness and the very real helplessness those left behind can feel.
I strongly recommend the purchase of this book, published by Tate Publishing and available by pre-order through Barnes and Noble. A New Promise is set for release Sept. 11.

Life is a salad, I’ve concluded

by Jennie McGhan
Okay, so I was looking at a salad the other day, thinking of the items I needed to remove from it and what items that I would savor.
I love eating a Southwest Salad from one of the fast food restaurants near the freeway. The salad has corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, red onion, pepperjack cheese and grilled chicken in it.
Each of the items is neatly placed in its own section atop the variety of lettuces used by the restaurant.
I always remove the cherry tomatoes. I either don’t want them at all or will eat just a few of them before pouring the unique salad dressing and Frank’s hot sauce on the rest of the ingredients.
It isn’t that I don’t like cherry tomatoes. I actually do. I used to eat them by the handful. However, as I have grown older, I just don’t consume as many because my tastes and cravings have changed.
Well, it dawned on me that life, for me, is much like that salad.
I have a variety of tasks and experiences that I truly savor and some that I sometimes enjoy. There are other tasks and experiences, which I would much rather forget altogether.
I like to mix the ingredients of my life up after covering it with prayer on a daily basis (the dressing).
Some days I will pick and choose which item of the day I want to take in first and foremost. Other days, I can multi-task and take in more than one issue at a time.
Sometimes I feel as though I might just be the salad, all mixed up and tossed about.
And the hot sauce in my salad is that spicy part of life that either kicks me in the rear or perks things up.
But, everything about the salad that I consume and the salad I call life provides me with nutrition.
Afterall, God doesn’t ever give me more than I can handle, and He certainly wants me to stay fit, growing from my experiences, regardless of how mundane or overwhelming they may be.
Each item in the salad I consume is food that helps me to stay fit physically, or it would not be included in the meal.

Display of poor sportsmanship burns me

by Jennie McGhan
This week I had the experience of traveling to another swimming pool with my son for a swim meet and observed something that unnerved me.
The Grandview Neptunes is a small team. They are accustomed to swimming in a 40-yard pool but do very well in the 50-meter pools when faced with the competition.
This week, I witnessed something I have never seen at any of the more than 10 meets I have been to this year.
I looked into the pool during a relay event and saw two boys from the opposing team stop in the middle of their event to slap each other a high-five.
These two boys were far ahead of all the Neptunes.
It bothered me because I wondered what message these boys were sending to their opponents.
Hey! Look at us! We’re so good, we can stop in the middle of our event and still smoke you?
Whatever the message was, I did not, and still cannot, understand the purpose of this behavior.
The purpose of the local swim meets is to create a positive environment in which the children of our communities can participate in a fun, safe activity.
I did not view this as a positive. I can’t think this was positive in any way.
Yet, those watching and cheering for the opposing team, including the parents, could be heard clapping and cheering when these two boys performed this act of poor sportsmanship.
If indeed this was not intended as a display of braggadocio, perhaps the coaches and parents of the boys should think about how it might be interpreted. From where I was standing, the action of the two swimmers turned what should have been a positive experience into a night where our youngsters not only lost the meet, but had their noses rubbed in it.
If the tables were turned, I would never condone such conduct from my child.

Procrastination isn’t good when it comes to our health

by Jennie McGhan
Okay, so we women, and men for that matter, often times have a tendency to allow our medical needs slide until absolutely necessary.
We dread going to the doctor. We don’t want to hear bad news or find out we are eating the wrong things or hear the doctor say we need to change habits with which we have grown comfortable.
I am one who has procrastinated for five years on getting the annual physical. I have gone in for an ear infection or something that needed immediate attention. But, I had failed to schedule the dreaded physical exam.
Well, I finally "bit the bullet." I went in for the exam this week. It went better than I anticipated. I found out my blood pressure is lower than I remember it ever being and I now know my weight. My doctor scolded me slightly about the time lapse between physical exams, citing that I should schedule them on my birthday.
Unfortunately, I am getting old enough now that I need to have other health issues tested that I haven’t needed before. So, I had the wonderful experience of taking a trip to the lab at our local hospital for blood work. Needles … Need I say more?
My doctor also noted that with my increasing age, I am not far from needing another test suggested for women. We will explore that in just three years. And, I am not excited about it.
It is a fact of life that we need to keep up the maintenance of our health. Without the check-ups, something could go drastically wrong before we realize it, and our health may be in jeopardy.
I know this. Do I like this fact? Certainly not, however I don’t wish to have my health deteriorate. I don’t relish the idea of getting older. After all, I still feel like I am invincible.
I am still young. Many point out that I am a "baby" in comparison to themselves. But, I am not as young as I may look. I am not as young as my age suggests. There are certain changes that begin now. And, that is a fact.
Perhaps denial is good in some instances, however our health is not something to take lightly. A trip to the doctor can wake one up to reality.
I am just happy that I am still relatively healthy and can look forward to a few more years, God willing, on this earth.
Hopefully, I will be courageous enough to set aside all procrastination in the years to come.

Growing up with character

Okay, I don't often like to "brag" on my children because some times I feel that it is too much. My children are not always obedient and they aren't geniuses, but I love them dearly and believe they are perfect in God's eyes. So, I am hoping this comes across as bragging because of who I have "trained up" my eldest child to become in Christ.

I went shopping with my three darlings, whom too many people think are so adorable. I would like to ask them to spend a week with these little angels because they can be awfully ornery and stubborn.

On this particular trip, B insisted he bring his allowance because his little brother was going to have a birthday in just a few days. I thought that was wonderful of him to think of his little brother, not expecting him to truly follow through at the age of 10. I figured he would find something he would like and buy that under the guise of his brother's birthday present.

So, we shop and he asks me to let him know a good time to sneak off to purchase the present he KNOWS his brother will like. I tell him just before I am getting to the meat to go find the present and go to a register to make his purchase. I would meet him at the vehicle.

Low and behold! The child spent approximately half of his money on a Lightning McQueen toy that his brother really did end up loving.

To me, this showed so much character. He could have left all the gift purchases up to me. But, he did this and I am so proud of him.

The youngest child's birthday was this past Saturday, June 9. One of his "most favoritest toys" is the one his Bubba bought him.

I let my son know how proud I am of him. I am proud that he has a heart for the Lord and occasionally forgets to be selfish. At 10, I hardly believe he is capable of being so selfless and mature. But, he is growing up and with the Lord's help, he will become quite a wonderful young man.

In-Law Question

Okay, so there are bad stories about in-laws out there. I just don't get it! I don't understand in-laws that can't embrace one another and love one another. Heck! I can't understand families who can stop talking to one another completely.

I have some in-laws who believe rumors and have outright told my husband they wish he had never married me. After the fact, they have advised him to divorce me. He recently told me one of his sisters would like to beat me up.

I am no saint. But, I certainly am not EVIL. That is how I feel they think of me.

He is the "baby" of five with his closest sibling being six years older than him. And, all the siblings are female. So, mom is very protective and since he has already experience heartache from someone else leaving, she is even more protective.

But, I have tried to be my true self. They didn't like that I am so "open" about my feelings, opinions or whatever. So, I began guarding myself. Part of the reason I guarded myself to friendships is because our small town ... Well, the grapevine here is much like the old game. I would say something and it would be repeated and twisted until it was the exact opposite of what was really stated. NO friends in town!!! That became my cardinal rule. This family is in too deep with too many people whom I don't know to trust.

But, the hurt I feel over all of this runs pretty deep. I have lived here more than nine years. I have been married to my husband more than eight years. I don't feel like much more than an outsider in the town I live in. Fortunately, I work primarily in another town. But, some of my news stories are in this one and I have had one interview (unknown which one exactly) bite me.

Then, my in-laws think I say these nasty things and I have no way of defending myself.

Is it worth a defense? Or, should I just keep my guard up at all times?

Favorite poem

From a book called Poems That Touch The Heart

This, Too, Shall Pass Away

From an old Indian legend in which a king who suffered many hours of discouragement urged his courtiers to devise a motto, short enough to be engraved on a ring, which should be suitable alike in prosperiety and in adversity. After many suggestions, had been rejected his daughter offered an emerald bearing the inscription in Arabic, "This, too, will pass."
Said the poet:

Whate'er thou art, where'er thy footsteps stray,
Heed these wise words: This, too, shall pass away.
Oh, jewel sentence from the mine of truth!
What riches it contains for age or youth.
No stately epic, measured and sublime,
So comforts, or so counsels, for all time
As these few words. Go write them on your heart
And make them of your daily life a part.
Art thou in misery, brother? Then I pray
Be comforted! Thy grief shall pass away.
Art thou elated? Ah, be not too gay;
Temper thy joy; this, too, shall pass away.
Fame, glory, place and power,
They are but little baubles of the hour.
Thus, be not o'er proud,
Nor yet cast down; judge thou aright;
When skies are clear, expect the cloud;
In darkness, wait the coming light;
Whatever by thy fate today,
Remember, even this, shall pass away!

Adapted by Mr. Alexander from sources including Paul Hamilton Hayne, John Godfrey Saxe, Ella Wheeler Wilcox.

The reason this has stayed with me throughout many years is that I can wallow in my sorrows or I can pick myself up. I can turn to the Lord in times of trouble and pain. Not everything lasts forever, but His love. But, we can be overjoyous and become blindsided when trouble makes its way to our lives. So, there is caution to be had in both the pain and joy. It is all but a moment in our lives and nothing compared to eternity.

The Living Bible says
O my soul, don't be discouraged. Don't be upset. Expect God to act! For I know that I shall again have plenty of reason to praise him for all that he will do. His is my help! He is my God! - Psalm 42:11

So, God is the One we praise in times of joy. He will help us through our times of need. He may use others in our lives to help us. But, it is Him who helps us.

So many times I have tried to rely on my own strength, only to fall further than I already was. When I turned to the Savior, I found myself getting up. He may not have brought me to the "up" that I wanted or desired. He may have done it slower than I wanted Him to. But, He knew what I needed to learn along the way and He knew how long it would take to get to where He wanted me to be.

Today, I reflect on these thoughts and feel renewed in my spirit. I am in awe at His power and His wisdom. I hope others might feel the same. Because if He can use these words for any others to gain hope, He has used me to His glory. How awesome that would be.

Glamour of the Dairy

One wonderful part of working as a reporter is that I work in dairy country. We get to get out and sniff the money in the air, often called "dairy air" or "derriere." Smelling it almost weekly is one thing. I am not squeemish, nor do I mind getting dirty if it is absolutely necessary. But, today, I had the personal experience of being on a dairy, and I feel for the people who live or work there daily. I was interviewing a bovine vet. He was checking the reproductive health of cows that had given birth in the last 60 days, the progress of pregnant cows and the status of cows that have recently been inseminated. NOT a glamour job.

Sparing details, it was enlightening (for lack of a better word). But, that is like life! Some times we just have to get in the muck and manure to get to what is best for us. In this case, the muck and manure brought about a good interview (on which I get to expand tomorrow during further experience with the same vet checking his report card on post surgery cows). And, I have a greater appreciation for what dairy farmers deal with in order to provide the population with milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and the rest of the dairy family on which we so desperately depend. Those precious nutrients in our dairy products are the result of a lot of hard work and someone getting into the muck and manure for us.

So, we have to sometimes do the same, figuratively speaking, to gain the necessary nutrients for our spiritual lives. It isn't always pleasant. We may not even wish to "go there." But, what we deprive ourselves of is enrichment by avoiding it. An example of this may be visiting a homeless shelter nearby. It might not be a pleasant environment. But, our lives might be enriched by helping those who need that shelter like the vet needs to help the cows who live in the muck.

There are other environments or situations that may not be pleasant. But, facing them may help us to become better people and more of what God wants us to become. Perhaps we may not gain from the experience as much as someone else might through our witness.

Something to think about anyway ...

God Is Good

My editor is pleased with my most recent photos. One I posted last Thursday in my blog about Joy. Today's issue had two more photos he was very pleased with. So, I am progressing in my writing and my photography skills. LOL.

God keeps giving me the ability to learn quickly. Now, I need to sit and write some more to my story. But, the story of my life continues to be the gift God has been showing me gets better with time.

He does that ... surprises us with how much He has granted us in our abilities and helps us to see what we are afraid to see in ourselves. He pushes us to be better and for that I am eternally grateful.

He has been so good to me!!

May He be so good to you!!

Word of the Day: Joy

Joy – There are many ways one can express it. There are many ways one might feel it.

Today, joy seems to be the theme. I wrote an opinion column for tomorrow’s Daily Sun News about joy being an attitude. Don’t know if the editor will keep my title. But, I do believe one can become filled with joy on a dark day.

The Bible has many verses about Joy.
The young women will dance for joy, and the men-old and young-will join in the celebration.
I will turn their mourning into joy. I will comfort them and exchange their sorrow for rejoicing. – Jer. 31:13

God wishes for us to turn to Him so he might turn even the darkest moments into joy. It is our choice to be comforted by Him. It is our choice to change our circumstances.

L’Allegro by John Milton
Hence, loathed Melancholy
Of Cerberus and blackest Midnight born
In Stygian cave forlorn,
‘Mongst horrid shapes and shrieks and sights unholy!
Find out some uncouth cell,
Where brooding Darkness spreads his jealous wings
And the night-raven sings;
There under ebon shades and low-browed rocks,
As ragged as thy locks,
In dark Cimmerian desert ever dwell.

This sonnet has 152 lines about overcoming Satan and Hades with Allegro (Joy). Unfortunately, because the sonnet is about Orpheus’ love for Eurydice and the joy she brought him, Orpheus went as far as to go to Hades in search of her when she died. It is a sonnet, which I intend to study more deeply.

My daughter brought me some Lily of the Valley from my flower beds. She called them her “Joy Flowers.” She said they bring her much happiness. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could all find joy as easily?

The above picture illustrates a child's joy. I took the photo yesterday for today's issue of the Daily Sun News.