Wordless Wednesday - Thanksgiving at Mom's - What Temptation?

Christmas Wish List - What's on Yours?

Two must-haves for your Christmas wish list:

Jesus Calling, Enjoying Peace in His Presence, Sarah Young

This devotional is unique in that it's written from the perspective of Jesus speaking directly to you, based on the Scripture that day. There will be days—many days—you'll look up to the heavens after reading the devotion and smile, sensing your heavenly Father inspired those words...just for you. This little book has often reminded me that God has all the details of my life under control. What better gift to share with another?


One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are, Ann Voskamp

"In One Thousand Gifts, Ann invites you to embrace everyday blessings and embark on the transformative spiritual discipline of chronicling God's gifts. It's only in this expressing of gratitude for the life we already have, we discover the life we've always wanted...a life we can take, give thanks for, and break for others. We come to feel and know the impossible right down in our bones: we are wildly loved--by God." - Excerpt from the Book Description, Amazon


Both would be ideal for the men and women on your gift list. Don't let the cover of Ann's book fool you. It's not a girlie book (just check out the Amazon reviews if you don't believe me!)

Do you have another favorite on your Christmas wish list you'd like to share?

Seeing Through The Lies

Would you talk to your friends the way you talk to yourself?

When Tracy, our Weight Watchers leader, posed this question to our group, an arrow doused in truth punctured the bullseye encircling my heart.

The truth? If I spoke to my friends the way I “speak” to myself at times, I’d be friendless.

I can’t imagine telling someone I care about that they’re overweight, lacking in talent, or less of a person because a degree isn’t packed away in their attic—yet I have no qualms with speaking those things into my own life.

Tracy’s question awakened a reality within me that often dozes off when tested: Words—spoken or unspoken—do but one of two things: build up or tear down.

“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.” James 3:9,10

When we tear down ourselves, speak lies into our being, God’s greatest desires for us can be sabotaged, and what's worse, we insult the One who made us in His likeness.

Sisters, this should not be.

“Friends, let’s make a promise today not only to cultivate the inner beauty God desires to see in us, but also to search for the beauty in each other. After all, we’re family, and families stick together.” - Vonda Skelton, Seeing Through The Lies

A Thanksgiving Like No Other

Piper was just informed that turkey is not an option this year...

although you wouldn't know it by the way she sleeps!


Fresh gratitude rises
recalling Thanksgivings past,
memories of what once was
and those that have yet to pass.


Happy Thanksgiving!

Whoa! What a Magazine...

A special trip was made to Barnes & Noble to pick up this issue of Whoa, a woman's magazine chock-full of inspiration, truth, and wisdom. The Fall issue, however, includes something extra special...or should I say someone.

It was friend-at-first-sight when Beth Fortune introduced me to Latan Murphy at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Conference. She possesses a unique quality in putting people immediately at ease while welcoming them into her God-loving, ever-discerning, and well...hilarious world. So, it came as no surprise to learn that her article Because of Jesus was featured in the Voices section of Whoa this Fall.

Stop by your local Barnes this week and pick up a copy (Christian publication section). If you don't see it, ask for it! I can't imagine a better gift to give oneself, a wife, sister, or friend.

Latan Murphy

It's More Than a Christmas Card

I know, I know—we've not yet celebrated Thanksgiving and I'm already sharing Christmas ideas, but I prefer to think of CC Owen's recent post, The Christmas Card Party, as a year-round opportunity to build relationships.

Here’s how it works: Before the holiday rush begins, ladies gather to address their Christmas cards and share a potluck meal. (Think Amish work frolic. We get a task accomplished and enjoy fellowship with friends at the same time.) Each person brings her holiday cards, pens, address list... (Read full post here).

Is it jingling bells, online sales, or Bing belting it out in the background that seems to soften hearts at Christmastime? I can't say for sure, but statistics prove that people are more open to the Gospel of Jesus Christ now than at any other time of the year. What better reason to set aside one night to build relationships that may one day become a bridge to eternity?

Is there a particular way you build relationships/community during the Christmas season? I'd love to hear them! I plan to share a few of my own in the coming weeks.

My Friday Fave

Searching for scrumptious recipes with a healthy twist? Search no further! I happened upon this site and I'm oh-so-glad I did.

While I'm not looking for skinny, I am looking for healthy recipes that don't...well, taste healthy. The bonus? Skinnytaste.com also lists Weight Watchers points if you're interested.

One of my many favorites:

Pumpkin Cupcakes (no frosting) Skinnytaste.com Servings: 24 • Serving Size: 1 cupcake • Old Points: 2 pts • Points+: 2 pts Calories: 84.2 • Fat: 0.8 g • Protein: 0.6 g • Carb: 18.5 g • Fiber: 0.3 g • Sugar: 9.9 g Sodium: 140.9 mg

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Frosting Servings: 24 • Serving Size: 1 cupcake • Old Points: 3 pts • Points+: 3 pts Calories: 121.1 • Fat: 2.8 g • Protein: 1.4 g • Carb: 23.2 g • Fiber: 0.5 g • Sugar: 13.9 g Sodium: 142.3 mg Ingredients:

• 18.25 oz Betty Crocker Golden Vanilla Super Moist Cake Mix*
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 cup canned 100% pure pumpkin
• 1 cup water

For the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz Philadelphia 1/3 fat cream cheese (do not use fat free)
• 1/2 cup pureed pumpkin (canned is fine)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 5 tbsp packed brown sugar

Directions: Preheat oven to 350°. Line a cupcake tin with cupcake wrappers. Combine cake mix and pumpkin spice in a large bowl. Add pumpkin puree and water, mix about 2 minutes.

Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake about 20 - 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

For the frosting, combine the cream cheese, pumpkin, vanilla, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and brown sugar until smooth. You can use a spatula to ice the cupcakes or pipe them which may require making more frosting.

Makes 24. *Betty Crocker has reduced their cake mixes, so read the labels on your box. Duncan Hines still carries 18.25 oz boxes.

Community Matters

com·mu·ni·ty: a group of people having common interests.

God designed us for community. Introverts, such as myself, sometimes struggle to spill over into other people's lives, but my appreciation for community has been on the rise in recent weeks. What better time to show a little thankfulness?

Let's get started...

• Family - the first community, designed by God. As you can see from the picture above, baby Piper had many family members awaiting her arrival Monday night. Every “first” in the Word is significant. Family matters to God and should never be taken for granted.

• Church - friendships birthed within God's family are not perfect but the One in whom we share is, resulting in friendships that propel past church walls, denominations, or anything this world has to throw at them.

• Community Bible Study group - last week, I received an email from a woman who attended the 2011 Winter Session. She shared how she and a few of her closest friends (two of which also attended the bible study) took a trip to the beach in March. It was a sweet time of fellowship as they shared with one another how the Lord had used the study to touch their lives. The woman said it was a weekend she would never forget. You see, one of the friends in attendance for both the study and the sistership weekend passed away unexpectantly in the Fall. She is now experiencing firsthand all God taught us during our time together. Truth anchors true community. (I hope to lead another community study in Jan/Feb 2012 - stay tuned!)

• 4 Corners - my writer’s small group consisting of four women who care more about the "being" than the "doing".

• Upstate Fellowship of Writers (soon to be Word Weavers) - my large community of writers where victories, set backs, and honest critiques (ouch!) are all shared under the umbrella of trust.

• Light Brigade - my online writing community—encouragement stretching across the States into 26 different homes. For some, this is the only writing camaraderie they share. Talk to them about the importance of community.

What groups of people are you especially thankful for today?

"Be united with other Christians. A wall with loose bricks is not good. The bricks must be cemented together." - Corrie ten Boom

Wordless Wednesday - My New Granddaughter, Piper

(Thankfully, it's Wordless Wednesday because my new granddaughter takes my breath away.)

Love At First Sight

Our sweet granddaughter, Marion Piper, born last night at 9:59 p.m.

Specific prayer=Specific answers

What specific things are you praying for these days?

Last minute cries for help, a meticulous list of needs, or an unexplainable groaning from within—God hears the prayers of His people. Add specificity, and we're given an opportunity to witness our God’s awe-inspiring attention to detail in action.

One of those moments came for me this week while peering out our window, curled up in my prayer chair. I was sharing with the Lord how I’d not sensed His presence as much in recent weeks, even though I was confident He was there—whether I felt it or not. Nevertheless, like any daughter desiring to feel closer to her Father, I made a simple but heartfelt request: “Pappa, I just want to know You’re near.”

Before catching my next breath, a brief but blustery gust of wind swept through the trees just outside my window pane—without disturbing another tree in my yard.

To many, a ten-second gust of wind would simply appear as our season’s signature. To me, however, it was a specific answer to prayer—a Father reminding His daughter that through His Holy Spirit He is always but a breath away.

What specific answers will you be watching for this week?

Pray specifically. Trust fully. Watch expectantly. Praise quickly.

My Friday Fave

Care to join me for one final kaleidoscopic stroll through my yard?

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heaven
Ecclesiastes 3:1,2

Wordless Wednesday - My Writing Nook

A Fatigued Angel

Last night, while Beth and I waited for our food to arrive, a young man dressed in full Army attire approached our table. I thought he knew Beth, she thought he knew me. He smiled and shared that when he dines out he likes to pick up the tab of another person in the restaurant.

Beth and I were both stunned and overwhelmed by his generosity. We thanked him for his service to our country and offered to pick up his tab instead, but he insisted.

Our food arrived as he walked back to his car. Beth prayed for our meal, but especially for the angel in fatigues, asking God to bless him in the same way he blessed us.

Who can we bless today?

Fighting Fear - Winning the War at Home

Our paths crossed a few years ago when I visited our local Upstate Fellowship of Christian Writer's meeting for the first time. I felt out of place sitting among such talent but Edie Melson promptly put me at ease.

Countless writers have Edie to thank for their success as she continues to come alongside both aspiring and experienced writers to encourage and enlighten.

I'm excited to announce that her highly anticipated release, Fighting Fear...Winning the War at Home When Your Soldier Leaves for Battle, is now available. Congratulations, Edie!

Be sure to pick up your copy at Amazon (and hopefully leave a review). For more information, visit www.WinningTheWarAtHome.com.

Writing and Weight Watchers

With one week of Weight Watchers under my soon-to-be-thinner belt, three distinct similarities have surfaced between it and my love of writing:


Clear goals are a must. Obviously, my goal is to lose weight, but if that is my only goal in Weight Watchers, what happens once the pounds disappear? Desiring a healthier body will take me much further for all the right reasons. In writing, what happens when the rejection letters flood my inbox? Since my ultimate goal is to glorify Christ, then I can rest when His results look much different than those I desire (someone please remind me of this on a regular basis!)

Discipline is not a dirty word. I was delusional to think I could continue eating the way I’ve always eaten as I approach my final “40th” year. In the same way, how can I expect to receive all those rejection acceptance emails if I’m not disciplining myself to write on a consistent basis?

Community is key. For months, Edie tried to convince me that the Weight Watchers meetings held the key to success—and for months, I was too stubborn to believe her—and then I attended. Of course, she was right! Rub elbows with those who share your dreams and watch the sparks fly.

Image courtesy of ifood.tv

My Friday Faves

Hot off the press!

Nov/Dec/Jan 2012 Artful Blogging...Visually Inspiring Online Journals

Monochromatic shades of white sweep over the cover like a fresh blanket of snow preparing you for the colorful feast that lies within. Initially, I purchased this magazine for its photographs but it's the telling of blogger's stories that keep me coming back for more. This bookzine would be a delightful gift for the creative person on your Christmas list. I found this copy at Barnes and Noble but I believe Publix and Walmart may also carry it.


Holiday 2011 life:beautiful...Faith For Your Journey

This cover is, as the magazine proclaims, is simply beautiful. Of course, it's what we discover as we turn each page that makes this magazine truly shine. Romantic fall picnic ideas, meaningful gift ideas, a gingerbread nativity with 50 other recipes and projects—all with the purpose of glorifying Jesus Christ. Pick a copy up for yourself and someone you love. It's a gift that keeps giving. I've found this magazine at Publix and Barnes and Noble.

Enjoy!

Wordless Wednesday - A Secret Stroll for Two

Focus Helped Our Family Thrive

Our boys were 2 and 6 when I became a Christ-follower. With this new life in Christ, I became keenly aware of my need for growth, wisdom, and discernment in every area of my life, especially parenting.

I desperately wanted to be a godly mom, but my set of life skills were damaged, brittle, and broken. Studying the Word and enjoying community in our local church equipped me with truth and tuning into Dr. James Dobson from Focus on the Family on 89.3 helped me to practically apply the truth to my own family's needs.

God used the ministry of Focus on the Family in countless ways as we raised our boys, and it continues to help me today as I grow in my various roles as a woman of God, a wife, a mother of adult children, and a soon-to-be grandmother. It's for this reason I'm both delighted and humbled by their acceptance of one of my submissions for this month's publication via their online magazine, Thriving Family.

How fitting it is to have this article published In November—the very month we’re expecting our first grandchild (granddaughter Piper!) from the son referred to in the article.

I can share today's post with you because I know it has nothing to do with my parenting skills, but everything to do with our Father’s. He is faithful.

If you wish, you can read the article here. (Thank you!)