In the Storm

all about me | READ May

It is that time of the month when I share what I have been reading lately in May 2018. My goal this year, again, is 100 Books in 2018. The one caveat: not necessarily all new books as I am re-reading through the J.D. Robb In Death series, my all-time favorite book series. This month was pretty standard; read an In Death book, read either a non-fiction Christian or another new book, then read another In Death book. I read 9 books this month (and began book 10 but I won't finish until I move into June). It was a good month for reading. I enjoyed everything I read this month. Even though I might have rated a few lower, overall, I still enjoyed each book.

My favorite this month was definitely Jen Wilkin's In His Image; so much so it will more than likely go on my favorite books of 2018 list.

Purity in Death by J.D. Robb. Continuing my 100 Books in 2018 and re-reading the J.D. Robb In Death series with Purity in Death. I've only been reading two or three a month with new books added in the mix so I'll be surprised if I even make it through the series' 46 books this year unless I binge-read through the series. Purity in Death was just as good a read through the fourth time or so as the first time back in 2007-08. It has been so long since I read the series that most of the books are almost like new. Sure, I know the gist of the story but don't remember the details. This book takes great liberties with its futuristic setting to tell an interesting story involving vigilante-type killings involving a computer virus that kills. 36/100 books read in 2018.

The Furious Longing of God by Brennan Manning. A 131-page nugget of gold. 'God loves me as much as He loves Jesus.' '...the outstretched arms of Jesus excludes no one...'- Brennan Manning, The Furious Longing of God. 'Employing adjectives such as furious, passionate, vehement, and aching to describe the longing of God are my mumbling and fumbling to express the Inexpressible." 'The living acts of a Christian become the acts of Christ.' [Gulp!]  I noted, lined, and underlined until the very end...and then 'simply do the next thing in love.' There were some reviews that this is a book of filled with mysticism and - well - I'm not sure where they got that from! Maybe, because Manning uses big words that I had to go look up in the dictionary or he says things like, 'according to that mysterious substitution of Christ for the Christian, what we do to one another we do to Jesus,' which is biblical by the way [Matthew 25]. "If we as a Christian community took seriously that the sign of our love for Jesus is our love for one another, I am convinced it would change the world." Can you even tell I loved this book? 37/100 books read in 2018.

Imitation in Death by J.D. Robb. Moving right along. Really good read. The story line was super interesting, a killer imitating serial killers and a letter at the scene of each murder addressed to none other than Lieutenant Eve Dallas to make the chase interesting  - and some intimate and explosive character development makes this a memorable read. 38/100 books read in 2018.

Unexpected: Leave Fear Behind, Move Forward in Faith, Embrace the Adventure by Christine Caine. I struggled through the first chapter or so until I found the books groove. I got the impression the subject isn't something Caine deals with much anymore. Instead, she used past unexpected events along with others' life unexpected to weave the story of how to let go and let God have all your unexpected's. Caine covered some great topics, lots of 'lists' of things that I found frustrating after the umpteenth time, but overall the read was worth it. I had really high expectations after reading her book, Unashamed, because that is on my all-time favorite reads; an unexpected favorite. Caine doesn't say anything here I don't already know. But. I always need to hear it again - and again. And, I did dog-ear a bunch of pages. So - worth the read. 39/100 books read in 2018.

Divided in Death by J.D. Robb. What I'm in the mood for drives what I read. If I don't want to 'think' much and I need a laugh (which I know I will get somewhere within), another re-read of Robb's In Death series is a good bet. This is my re-read year of the series and Divided in Death was another intriguing murder investigation with a slight mysterious twist involving all my favorite characters. Some interesting futuristic technology thrown in the mix, navigating ethical dilemma's and marital division makes for a great read - especially because there's making up. 40/100 books read in 2018

All Shall Be Well by Deborah Crombie. Reminiscent of Louise Penny, although not quite as intricately woven yet still cleverly drawn; the character development lends itself most intensely to the players of the murder investigation. Except, Crombie is painting a intriguing picture of main characters Kincaid and James that I am enjoying immensely. The story was one dead end after another in solving a murder-suicide, until... Looking forward to the next in the series and so glad I found another series to dig into, easily. 41/100 books read in 2018.

Visions in Death by J.D. Robb. This seems to be my roll this month: read an In Death book, read something else, read an In Death book, read something else...suits me just fine. Visions in Death is definitely an interesting change of pace as Lieutenant Dallas navigates the role of psychic's in a murder investigation and the 'conclusions' she comes to. The second half of the book is way more exciting and intriguing than the first half. 42/100 books read in 2018

In His Image by Jen Wilkin. Here is another of Wilkin's thin little books that packs a huge punch. What I have found after reading two other books my Jen is that ever word she writes is purposeful, selective, and pointed. She doesn't mince words but speaks clearly and succinctly - yes, that is it! Succinctly. A compact, precise expression without wasting words. Zero fluff. Succinct. And, because In His Image is all about the character of God, Wilkin spells out a character attribute of God in each chapter, efficiently and clearly. She tackles hard-core concepts such as grace, mercy, and justice that have me walking away with, "I get it, now!" There are a few books on my shelves that I will keep for all time. I'm adding this one to that stack. 43/100 books read in 2018

Survivor in Death by J.D. Robb. One of my favorite's of the In Death series. Lieutenant Dallas tackles a home killing invasion that leaves one survivor with seemingly no reason for the atrocity. Dallas creatively pursues every and all leads in pursuit of the killers and we are faced with another side of her humanity that needed a bit of - adjusting - in the process. 44/100 books read in 2018.

Week in the Life 2018 | Monday

I participated in Ali Edwards' Week in the Life project beginning last Monday and ending yesterday. It has been many years since I completed this project. Began, yes. But, I haven't finished one since 2013 I think. So - it's been awhile.

Some days were better than others regarding taking photos...the project is photo + words driven. But overall I've pleased with what I captured.

My album is 6 x 8 and it will have its own album that I purchased from Ali Edwards specifically for this project. There should be enough room in the album for a couple Week in the Life projects, especially since my album is digitally created so there will not be any 'fat' embellishments, simply flat photos of my pages. That is the beauty of scrapbooking digitally. 

I began the project on Monday, May 7, which happened to be our 24th wedding anniversary, and our last day in Charleston, SC before heading home from our weekend anniversary trip.

Each day will include a 'front page' for the day. One big full-page photo using Ali Edwards' WITL2018 6 x 8 digital templates. I am keeping the pages clean and simple.

Each day of my album will include a Morning, Afternoon, and Evening story - plus whatever else I want to tell for that day.

Today, I included -ing words with the photos and then captured the 'feelings' behind those words on another page I created.

Definitely one of my favorite pages this day. It tells the day but also a bit of background story as well. Recently, I learned in Photoshop Elements that I could 'drag' pieces from a template onto another page and I used this technique with the -ing boxes mimicking the photos from the previous page. These two pages should be side by side in the album so it will flow nicely.

Just a good day and beginning to the week.

beautiful, beautiful | be the good, be a world-changer

Photo Source

Remember when I said it had been awhile since sharing things on the world wide web because I was hiding from the meanness and then I shared the beautiful? The beautiful washed away the mean, the unjust, the unfair, the unloving. Today, I'm sharing giving. Being the good. Being world changers right where you are at.

This week I'm putting together a shoebox of items for our local Love One ministry. Last year, I purposefully, deliberately, joyfully gave away: my heart, my time, my resources, my love - something each week of the year. It wasn't world changing in the sense of impacting the entire world - unless it was simply me whose life was changed. This is 52 gifts, 52 ways you can be a world changer, too. Jeff has to work Saturday. Instead, of getting a day with him I will be on my own for the most part. So, I'm putting that shoebox together for the Love One ministry.

Let me begin sharing the good, the world-changing happening around the world with one of the biggest world changers doing little things and big things in the name of Christ for the love of Christ. She recently shared 100 Ways Your Family Can Change the World.

Is our extra a Blessing or a Test?  This is radical, yes. But, necessary for world changers.

Be the good - at any age.

Can I be this kind of world changer? Can you? What would this kind of world changer look like here in the United States in my own city?

Have you ever been somewhere and became completely frustrated at an uncontrolled child; in a restaurant, at the grocery store, heaven forbid - in church, or at the airport? Did you mumble under your breath? Did you rant to yourself or the people you are with about the behavior of children and their parents who can't seem to discipline them? Or, did you do something like this, instead? Be the good, people!

As a Christian I often hear others ponder, even agonize over what the will of God is for their life. This article goes a long way in a short time to get us there, to understanding the will of God. "Perhaps the greatest obstacle to understanding more of God’s will for us is our own infatuation, even obsession, with us — with ourselves." - Marshall Segal

Can we be this kind of world-changer? Or this kind? I'm not sure men of Christ understand fully Christ's valuation of women. There is so often a but...in a discussion of women in the church, and in leadership roles. 

I cannot even say - enough. Read these words from Kristen Welch of Mercy House Global. Break my heart, Lord, for the things that break Yours!

Kids that read will be world-changers. Encourage your child to read books, physical books not e-readers. You can read the pros and cons but the tips for encouraging your child to read are the best. I loved 'talk about books, sharing ideas and recommendations.' It says between teachers and parents but why not parent and child.

Kindness to strangers.  

We asked Jarrod how it went on Friday. You know when you helped your co-worker move from one small apartment to another. And which co-worker is this? The guy becoming a girl and moving in with another girl who is his - her - girlfriend. You did good son. You showed the love of Jesus, right there. You didn't judge their life but was kind, instead. Be kind. It isn't our place to judge those who don't know Jesus. It is our place to love them into the kingdom. How will they see Jesus if we don't show them the Way? 

 

all about me | celebrate together

Except for about a half a year we have been hosting a small group in our home for fellowship, Bible study, and prayer for quite a few years now and while it has not been easy it has been rewarding in many ways. Over the years I have learned that my house doesn't have to be spotless, or designed just so; I am not judged by what we have, or don't have, or what our home looks like. Yes, we straighten up and sweep the floor and maybe even dust the living room. Maybe, maybe not. The bathroom is cleaned - mostly. The dishes are washed up - almost always. It is also an opportunity for me to make and share yummy desserts!

I love hunting down new dessert recipes and trying them out on small group. They've been my guinea pigs for a new dessert recipe more times than I can count. There have been zero complaints! Making desserts (or even making dishes for others) is a part of my love language. Is this hard too? Yep, it sure is, especially if I'm having an especially painful day. But, I love serving this group of people. Over the years I have accumulated quite the collection of delectable, sugary creations, pies, and cakes. And, have acquired a few favorites.

This cool Peanut Butter Butterfinger Pie was a crowd-pleaser and quite tasty, and a favorite of mine. There are one or two in the group who don't like Peanut Butter and I do think of them when I'm planning desserts but then everyone else loves peanut butter so I don't necessarily not make something for that one or two. It may seem like it is overly peanutty - buttery but it's not in the least. Just yummy!

My Aunt Shirley's Carrot Cake was deemed the best carrot cake they've ever eaten. Very, very moist and divine!

One of my favorites is this Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake. Served with coffee, of course. A small piece will do you and still send you into sugar shock. But, it is sooo good!

Paula Dean's Best Ever Bread Pudding is one of my favorites! Years ago, there was a restaurant in Savannah called Semolina's. It was a favorite Italian place. They had the best bread pudding I've ever tasted and I compare bread puddings to it and have never found anything close. Jeff and I would even go to Semolina's just for dessert and coffee so we could have their bread pudding. All that said, if I'm making homemade bread pudding Paula Dean's bread pudding is pretty darn good! 

Just last week I made Pioneer Woman's Apple Dumplings. They are simple and extremely delicious.

The Southern Caramel Cake is probably my favorite cake lately, except for my Aunt Shirley's Carrot Cake. I think I used this recipe.

An all-time favorite of our group and probably our sons fav is So papilla Cheesecake. I can't find the recipe in my stash of digital recipes. Not surprising. I rarely use the recipe anymore I've made it so many times; I'm even giving it away.

One year a long time ago, Elizabeth made an Apple Crumb Pie and now it is my favorite way to use a serious bunch of tart, juicy Granny Smith apples. We found the recipe in one of those pretty gift cards added to a subscription of something or another when I used to subscribe to magazines. I always serve it with Vanilla ice cream.

Digitally. It's a 2-page, 6 x 8, of course; because it is for my all about me album. Because these are my favorite desserts that I make for small group. I used everything Ali Edwards, which seems to be my go-to digital products these days, some from story kits some from brush kits. 

all about me | what's next

For this page I used an advertisement as my inspiration (See below). It looks nothing like the ad, although I had planned on it being similar. But, that is the funny thing about inspiration - it is simply what inspires you. The 'what's next' grabbed me first and I made that my title for my page. I used Ali Edwards' TYPE Story kit for the page and one large photo of my most frequently used mug from my mug collection (it's the indigo blue splatter that catches my eye every time). Clean, simple.

It's kind of a list. But, not necessarily one I'm checking off. It's a list of what's been on my mind; what I would like to see happen over the next couple of months. No set plans. Well - maybe one or two. But, more a generalization of making plans and hoping they will come together.

One of those set plans that I'm making happen is Ashley and I studying the book of Daniel. This is our 4th Beth Moore Bible study together since August of 2017. We've been in the Word of God, hard core studying His Word for almost a year together. It makes me giddy thinking about it.

I'd been meeting with a younger mom for some one on one mentoring time and we've had to break for unexpected busyness. I am hoping we'll be able to meet again soon, maybe, bi-monthly this time so it is not so overwhelming. It is good for her and me, too! I love our time together. Mentoring is one of those things that can be intimidating but once you just start you realize it is just building a relationship. You don't have to have all the answers, although the Holy Spirit has given me what I've needed to say each time which is so much an affirmation I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing.

Several more weeks to go in my one on one meteorology class I'm teaching. I am actually considering offering classes in the fall to homeschool students in need of a science class with a laboratory if I can work out the details of a location and pricing. It's been on my mind for a while and I love teaching high school meteorology. It was one of my highlights when homeschooling John and Jarrod.

The living room is being re-decorated. I'm having a blast while still struggling over a few things. On the agenda or complete: the rug has arrived and it is gorgeous! I love the very large size. The chair and ottoman to match the couch is on order. Probably another month before it arrives. I am re-doing my photo wall with updated photos. I think I'm going with colored photos and then organizing the photos by color - maybe. I am planning an art project - probably another Jackson Pollack wanna' be; a large canvas, splattered paint covering the canvas using the colors in the rug. I'm searching high and low for just the right curtains and color of curtains and I can't seem to find or decide what might look good. There are a few other decorative decisions to make...slow process.

Swimming is happening. Deep water running has been hit and miss. This is three-fold. I need to lose weight - desperately. I need to get in shape. And, most importantly, right now: I need to strengthen my body for my upcoming mission trip to Austria and Haus Aldeweiss in October, which is a working mission trip. A hard-working mission trip.

The big, big project is purge the scraproom slash office, remove the too-big desk with credenza bookshelf, organize what's left, and add a single bed for a guest. I will keep the colors, turquoise and lime with black because I still love those colors; keep the shelves on the wall but purging will open them up for décor, books, and pretty; keep the black trundle table for craft projects and the desktop computer. This desperately needs to happen! 

Jeff and I have a weekend away trip planned for our anniversary. A quick trip to Maryland to see new grandbaby when she arrives, and another surprise trip.

A couple giving projects are on my list this month: some Mother's Day gift bags for our small group ladies and a Love One Foster Care shoebox (or two). That last one was supposed to happen last week and didn't so I need to make this happen this week.

Read more books. Always.

Taking notes for a future dining room re-do.

Learning my big girl camera.

Becoming a kinder person.

Photo Source (Original source unavailable)

 

 

all about me | READ April

It is that time of the month - the beginning - when I share what I read the previous month. Thank you, beautiful weather! Inevitably when the weather is nice or unchanging I am able to devour books and April was one of those months. It was a great month for getting in lots of reading time but it was also a month of amazing books. I didn't read one book this month that I did not like and several, many, books that I completely adored, and at least one - if not two - that will be going on my top-rated books, my most favorites for the year or even of all time.

Like always I have created a scrapbook page to document what I've been reading lately. This year, all of my 'reading' pages are either a 1- or 2-page 6 x 8 and are going into my All About Me album. In 2017 I created 12 x 12 pages to document the 100 New Books I read. I love flipping through my scrapbook albums and seeing all the pages of what I've already read. This year I am well on my way toward another 100 Books in 2018 (rather than 100 new books because I am re-reading J.D. Robb's In Death series this year, sooo - not new, although almost every other read is new).

Joseph, Exalted through Trials by F. B. Meyer. This little nugget, written by renowned theologian, F.B. Meyer, sketches a biographical portrait of Joseph, the eleventh son of the Patriarch Jacob (Israel) and whose life is reminiscent of the story or Jesus Christ. If you are going through testing and trials and wondering why, or where is God read this along with the story of Joseph which is found in the book of Genesis and be blessed. I was studying the Patriarchs by Beth Moore with my daughter Ashley, and I read this as a commentary to enhance my studies. 24/100 books read in 2018.

If You Only Knew by Jamie Ivey. One of the best Christian non-fiction books I have ever read!!!! Vulnerable and authentic truth right here! Ivey speaks of how she found freedom in Christ. Literally, how! I am still blown away by this book. I can't even say how much I needed this book. For someone to tell the truth like this. To be vulnerable and authentic and real - I am blown away! I hope those who read this book will then go into your groups of womanhood and encourage authentic conversation and create an atmosphere for women to be real and truthful without being judged or shamed or condescended upon. 25/100 books read in 2018.

Seduction in Death by J.D. Robb. This is a really good murder investigation. Robb takes you into the minds of two young killers working in tandem. Interesting plot and more deeply vulnerable character development kept the book moving nicely. Really enjoying making my way, slowly, through this series again. 26/100 books read in 2018.

The Dry by Jane Harper. I have read some really good books this month and this is but another - amazing read. Not a fast-paced book but rather a book that moves unencumbered by meaningless words or words that contribute nothing to the story. It was, as if, every word was in its place so I flew through the book. I read this in a day! Hooked from the first page to the last, Harper reveals something new with each passing page. It is a brilliant murder mystery within another murder mystery that keeps the reader guessing until the very end. 27/100 books read in 2018.

The Reason I Jump, The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-year-old Boy with Autism by Naoki Higashida. Always on the look out for cutting-edge reading, anything to help me get into the mind of, and potentially see more clearly, my grandson Ian who has autism. While I think the author is deeper on the spectrum than my grandson, this is still a worthy read for any parent, advocate, or teacher who regularly lives with someone with autism because it may answer a ton of your why questions and, maybe, just maybe you'll be more patient and understanding, and gracious, to the child or adult with autism who, sometimes, have no way to express themselves in the way that we'll understand. 28/100 books read in 2018.

Reunion in Death by J.D. Robb. Another In Death re-read. I'd forgotten much of the book and loved how more of the series' protagonist, Eve Dallas, is continuing to be unfettered and she is breaking away from the hardened, staunch, and rigid and her vulnerability and feminine side is showing. This was a good read bidding good female versus bad female. Very interesting psychological thriller. 29/100 books read in 2018.

Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis. Although I have never heard of Rachel Hollis and have never read her blog, this has received rave reviews and came highly recommended. I was not disappointed. She said some words early in the book that I've been struggling how to say for myself, "I don't know the central tenet of your faith, but the central tenet of mine is 'love thy neighbor.' Not 'love thy neighbor if they look and act and think like you.' Not 'love thy neighbor so long as they wear the right clothes and say the right things.' Just love them. Yes, I also believe in holding each other accountable; but holding each other accountable takes place inside community and relationships. Holding each other accountable comes from a beautiful place in the heart of friendship that makes you sit down with your friend and ask with love if they've looked at their own actions in a particular light. Holding each other accountable comes from a place of love." If only reading those words of hers be words I've been trying to articulate myself were the only worthy words in the book I'd say, read it! But, there is so much more good stuff! 30/100 books read in 2018.

A River in Darkness: One Man's Escape from North Korea by Masaji Ishikawa. A difficult and heart-wrenching memoir of one man's early life through his escape from North Korea. The book is well-written and not in any way flowery, or over-exaggerated, but a truthful essay of his plight from living poor in Japan as a Japanese-Korean to the hope of a good life propagandized in North Korean to living proof of the countries lies. It was, in many ways, frustrating to read because I just wanted to climb into the book and beat to a pulp those who are systemically enslaving a people.  If you take anything away from reading this book it is, I imagine, an unintentional lesson in gratitude. The plight of North Koreans is unbelievable and unfortunately is the worst socialism has to offer. Can anyone in our country really want socialism? 31/100 books read in 2018.

The Fallen by David Baldacci. My favorite Baldacci character, memory man Amos Decker, returns in this can't-put-down-until-I-finish-it, murder mystery. The police officer turned consulting agent for the FBI who never forgets and his partner Alex are on vacation and get involved in a small town multiple murder mystery that twists and turns crazy fast and I enjoyed every minute trying to pin down the guilty party - or should I say parties. Baldacci grew his Decker character by leaps and bounds with this book and opened up the potential for inevitable growth in future books. 32/100 books read in 2018.

Need to Know by Karen Cleveland. Recommended by a Modern Mrs. Darcy follower who gave it 5 Stars. I would have to agree with her! Vivian works in a special office within the CIA. She's a wife and mother of four young children and when she stumbles on something at work her life gets turned upside down. On the edge of my seat spy thriller that will make your head spin. 33/100 books read in 2018.

A Share in Death, the First Kincaid and James mystery by Deborah Crombie. For such a short book - well it seemed short anyway - it was packed full of mystery. My first introduction to the main character, Kincaid, and I already love him and really like Gemma James his partner/sidekick, even though she had quite the smaller part. This was a good first book [for me] by Deborah Crombie, who I've never read before. However, A Share in Death was quite heavy on the characters which I struggled to keep up who they were, so much so, that I just moved on hoping I'd figure it out in the next scene. I finally grasped who all the characters were, but not until the end. Besides that though I really enjoyed the book and will definitely read the next in the series. 34/100 books read in 2018.

Everybody Always by Bob Goff. I read Love Does, Goff's first book when it came out and it quickly went onto my favorites list. I have a sneaky suspicion that Everybody Always will do the same. Can I say upfront? Bring tissues. I'm serious. Goff writes through personal, individual stories with such joy and life and intricately weaves in his message that our greatest responsibility here on earth is to love everybody - always. Applying what I learned, this book made me repent, pick the hardest person to love, stop the strong-arming because I didn't want to get hurt again or betrayed again, and simply have normal conversation - without filters. It was a huge step for me in loving everybody - always. 35/100 books read in 2018.