Writing From Home

Book Review and Give-Away: Turning the Paige by Laura Jensen Walker

 

Are you a Laura Jensen Walker fan yet? If not, you will be after reading Turning the Paige, her latest novel in the Getaway Girls series.

Okay, I admit it; I was already a fan before reading Turning the Paige. But I must say it is one of my favorite titles from this talented story-teller. (My other favorite is Reconstructing Natalie, the 2006 Women of Faith Novel of the Year.) Here's my take on Laura's latest novel:

Paige Kelley is a people-pleaser with a huge problem setting boundaries, especially with her medically fragile, emotionally manipulative and controlling mother. As a dutiful daughter Paige struggles to meet all her mother's needs at the expense of living her own life. When she realizes her extreme devotion is causing her to miss out on the things she wants most, marriage and a family, she decides to set boundaries and step out of her mother's shadow and into the light of her own life. Paige discovers an inner strength as she places the demands of her heart above the demands of her needy mother. And she will need that strength as she embarks on a new relationship with her estranged sister and opens her heart to the possibility of love.

If you have ever struggled to find a balance between fulfilling your duties and pursuing your dreams, you will enjoy Turning the Paige.

If you would like to win a copy of Laura Jensen Walker's Turning the Paige, leave me a comment describing your dream and one small step you are taking to make it a reality. I will choose a winner on Friday, March 27.

Gratefully,

Beth

 

First-time Contest Winner!

And the Winner Is...

Elizabeth M. Thompson

 

What a fun surprise! This morning I was making my blog rounds when I discovered I won a contest at Refresh Moments. I'll be receiving a copy of Donna Partow's book, Becoming the Woman God Wants Me to Be. Sounds like a perfect book for me.

 

I enjoy Refresh Moments because Mary encourages me, through her writing, to slow down, sip a cup of tea and ponder my role as a Christian wife and mother.

 

Be sure to check out her blog. And while you are there, consider joining her "Ruby Tuesday" events.

 

This is my first time to win a blog contest and I'm pretty excited about it. So excited, that I am inspired to host a contest at Writing From Home. Watch for details. There's a contest coming.

 

Gratefully,

 

Beth

 

Share a Little Spring: Daffodils in a Vase

I have a confession to make and I might as well tell you before these bulbs rat me out. I am a procrastinator. I know, I'm working on it. Well, at least I plan to work on it. Soon. Really, I will.

But meanwhile, I bought these gorgeous daffodil bulbs with every intention of planting them around my yard. I love daffodils and was excited to find them at such a great price at Costco many weeks ago.

The time for planting them came and went. They sat in my garage, taunting me for my negligence. Every time I pulled into the garage their presence reminded me of yet another un-done task.

Then a couple of days ago, I visited 4 Reluctant Entertainers and found Sandy's suggestion to make gifts of them. I loved her idea so much, I copied it. And voila!

 

So, if you have a bag of bulbs hanging out in your garage, and want to share a little Spring joy with a friend, neighbor or your child's teacher…here's a quick and easy way to do it.

Step 1: Gather (or purchase) several glass vases (or glass jars), smooth stones and some daffodil bulbs. I purchased these vases and the stones at the Dollar Tree store. (Don't have any bulbs? Leave me a comment and I'll send you some. I have about 50 left! Just hurry, they're sprouting.)

 

Step 2: Wash the vases or jars. Add a handful of stones.

 

Step 3: Nestle in the bulbs, pointed ends up.

 

Step 4: Attach a pretty ribbon. Add water to the vase, so the bulb roots are sitting in water, but most of the bulb sits above the water.

Step 5: Deliver to someone you want to bless with a little touch of Spring. (Be sure to keep at least one for yourself.) Place in a sunny spot and wait for Spring to magically appear.

Don't you love it when procrastination turns out so well?

Now go share a little Spring.

Gratefully,

Beth

Grief Devotional “No Shrinking Back” at Comfort Cafe

Have you ever grieved the loss of a loved one? Or do you know someone who is grieving today?

If so, head over to Comfort Café to read my devotional, "No Shrinking Back."

For more grief devotionals and other resources, visit www.FaithandGrief.com.

Gratefully,

Beth

Beyond the Call to “Pray for Your Enemies”

This morning I read a great article written by my friend Norris Burkes and I want to share it with you. Norris is a chaplain in the California National Guard, currently serving in Balad, Iraq. He is also a syndicated columnist and author of the book No Small Miracles.

Here's the article: Enemies Need Prayer, Care, Too.

Go ahead, click over and read it, then let me know your reaction to it.

Gratefully,

Beth

Free Quiznos Sub Coupon

Would you like a free Quiznos Sub? Here's your chance. Quiznos is hosting a Million Sub Giveaway, so head on over and register for a Free Quiznos Sub coupon before they reach 1,000,000. Act now, they are going fast.

Enjoy,

Beth

Under the Banner of God’s Love

We left 20 minutes late for our 40-minute commute to school this morning. It was raining hard and water pooled on the roadway. Welcome to Monday. I hate being late. I mean it, I really hate being late. Especially to school where I knew I would be met by the haughty eyes of those parents who are never late and have no grace for those of us who sometimes struggle with timeliness.

I could feel the tension clawing at my shoulders as we waited in traffic a mile from home. I silently begged God to keep my frustrations from spilling over into my children's hearts—even though I am not the one who dawdled, changed clothes three times and grumbled about the breakfast Mommy made.

As we inched forward, my stomach knotted around my oatmeal. Have I mentioned that I hate being late? It makes me feel inadequate faster than just about any of my other shortcomings. I prayed again, out loud this time, "Lord please help. You're our only hope for getting to school on time. Could you part the traffic ahead of us so we don't have to face the humiliation of going to the office for a tardy slip?"

I plugged in a worship CD—Selah's Press On—and sang along. Loudly. My darlings know this is a good sign. It means Mom has moved on from frustrated to trying to make the most of the situation.

I noticed the clock said 8:10; we were about five miles behind schedule. Not too bad, considering. As we approached the intersection that usually takes 10 minutes to traverse, I noticed there were very few vehicles, and as we approached, the light turned a lovely bright green. My hopes rose. "Hey, we might make it after all!" I said.

We made our final two turns and right over the school a marvelous sight materialized out of the gray drizzle, a giant rainbow proclaiming God's grace. I looked at the clock again—8:22—we were three minutes early. On time. On Monday. After a very late start. And under the banner of God's love.

I hope whatever you are doing today, you also experience God's grace and love.

Gratefully,

Beth

Facebook Addiction Disorder

Are you concerned about Facebook Addiction Disorder? Is someone you love afflicted by this dreaded plague? If you suspect FAD in yourself or someone else, check out the symptoms here.

And if you see me hanging around Facebook a little too much, you might want to intervene before my behavior becomes totally unmanageable. Thanks, and I'll do the same for you.

Gratefully,

Beth

My Man Meme

 

1. Who is your man? Mike, aka Michael, Miguel and a few cute names he would not want me to share.

2. When did you meet? Late summer of 1993.
3. How long have you been married? Since June 1996, so 12.5 years.

4. How old is your man? Seven years and 361 days older than me.
5. Who eats more? Meals-him, snacks-me.
6. Who said "I love you" first? He did.
7. Who is taller? Mike by 6.5 inches. I love his height!

8. Who sings better? Definitely me.
9. Who is smarter? He says I am. I say he is.
10. Whose temper is worse? I get angry easier, he stays angry longer.
11. Who does the laundry? Me, I banished him from the laundry room shortly after our wedding.
12. Who takes out the garbage? He does.
13. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Me, though I have been known to encroach on his side.
14. Who pays the bills? He does, but we hold weekly budget meetings.
15. Who is better with the computer? Me, except for Excel, then definitely Mike.
16. Who mows the lawn? He does. I have never admitted that I can mow the lawn.
17. Who cooks dinner? Usually me, but he is a great Sous Chef and dishwasher.
18. Who drives when you are together? Depends on whether we want to get somewhere on time or we are just out for an afternoon drive.
19. Who pays when you go out? He does.
20. Who is most stubborn? Absolutely me.
21. Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? Sadly, it's him. I'm wrong just as often. It usually takes me longer to figure out I am wrong.
22. Whose parents do you see the most? It's a draw. We usually see both our moms 1-2 times per month.
23. Who kissed who first? He kissed me first. I remember it like it was yesterday…
24. Who asked who out? He asked me. It took him two years, but he finally worked up the courage to ask me out.
25. Who proposed? He did. That only took him four months of dating.

26. Who is more sensitive? Me.
27. Who has more friends? Me, though not by many.

28. Who has more siblings? He does, he has five, four brothers and one sister.
29. Who wears the pants in the family? He does, but I pick them out.

30. How did you meet? We met at Warehouse Christian Ministries Singles group. He said I was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen *blush*.
31. What are your three favorite traits about him? I love his strength of character, his goofy jokes and his methodical, analytical approach to life. Oh and he is very cuddly. That's extremely important!

 

Now that you know a little more about my man (and me) feel free to copy this meme to your blog and play along. Be sure to let me know so I can read your responses.

 

Gratefully,

Beth

Valentine’s Day Ox

How cute is this?! This ox was born nineteen days ago near Tokyo, Japan. Just in time to celebrate Valentine's Day. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)

 

Enjoy,

Beth