If there were two things that I could hand the readers of my blog each day as they leave this place, they would be these:

1. A day without fear.
2. A reason to be intentionally thankful.

“Don't fear failure so much that you refuse to try new things. The saddest summary of a life contains three descriptions: could have, might have, and should have.” Unknown

"Fear is the tax that conscience pays to guilt." George Sewell

I have lived and continue to live too many days paying that "tax". Yet, as I press on to know my Abba Father more deeply, digesting His Word like the spiritual food He left for me -- I am released to make those payments less frequently, eventually stopping them altogether in favor of the grace and truth that surround my strengthening faith. Freedom!! The more I live my life "Without Fear", the more I am freed up to be the one He created me to be in the first place. So,
I will leave you with the truth that is emblazoned on my heart and mind this day:

Freedom in Christ

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1

May we both walk in freedom today. That's why Christ came . . .

Labels: fearless friday

Now, I have been doing these thanks tanks for well over a year. On any given month I can vacillate from the ebullient posts to the near maudlin, "woe is me" kind of stuff that keeps readers at bay. Sinking in the pit of despair usually warrants people moving on in haste.

So, you're now thinking, "is she preppin' us for a sad tale of woe wrapped up as a list of thanks?"

Interestingly enough, when I sat down at the computer to gather my thoughts -- that's exactly what crossed my mind. I have a weepy heart and have shed more tears in the past days than I have in the past year, but that's not why God has prompted me each and every week for the past #61 to take time to be intentionally grateful. He is far more worthy of my praise than I could ever begin to recount, but I will try to shed a little light on how He's blessed me this week. Without further ado and rambling, I am thankful for:

1. Understanding: My DP is extremely so. He has felt unable to effectively minister to me this week, but I am here to tell him that his words and his prayers on my behalf are having their desired result in my heart. Hopefully my behavior will live that out . . . today.

2. Toys: No, I am no longer a child. Yet, I do enjoy a new toy once in a while. I got one of these earlier this week. It is my new favorite toy. Let me tell you, walking has just taken on a whole new dimension for this somewhat grown up little girl!

3. Budding Friendships: My Libbyline came home tonight after spending time with some other girls her age. She was almost giddy with her joy at developing friendships, and I am thrilled. They begin a book club next week. Please pray for the success of these new friendships.

4. New Music: Having the new toy from #2 has definitely encouraged the addition of new songs. Here's what I've been listening to while I walk: This, this, this and a little bit (okay, maybe a lot) of this.

5. Small Group: Our church is committed to this style of ministry, and I wholeheartedly support it. We are becoming better friends each week with these couples that share their hearts over a couple hours of fellowship in a home setting.

6. Time Alone: I have mentioned walking a couple times already in this post, and I am praising its benefits once again in that it is time to myself. I don't even get that in the bathroom, people! This is cherished time.

7. Comments: I no longer blog for the sake of comments, but it sure is encouraging to my little heart to know several of you are still out there reading what I write on a regular basis.

8. Used Books: We went and stocked up this week while in Chattanooga. I love to see excitement light up the eyes of my children as they load up their baskets with new-to-us treasures.

9. Rest: Having DP home for the summer has allowed me a luxury I rarely get when he's working -- napping. I have gotten a siesta quite frequently since his summer vacation began. A rested mama is a happier mama : )

10. A Full Heart: I am utterly grateful for my Jesus who makes this whole post possible. Without Him, I am nothing and this thanks tank is non-existent.

So, now it's up to you. How are you thankful today? What fills your tank? Share it here in the comments or take the banner to your site and make your own list. I'll come visit if you leave me a note in the comments here.

Have a thank-full day!!

Labels: gratitude, thanks tank

Haven't blogged in days and days.
Haven't had much to say.
Here's a meme come my way.
Gave me something new to say.
Hooray!

My dear friend, Chilihead, tagged me for this meme, so here goes:

Rules:

1. Link to name of person that tagged you.
2. Include state and country you live in.
3. List top 5 favorite local restaurants.
4. Tag 5 other people and let them know they’ve been tagged.

Where I live: Georgia, USA

Top Five Local Restaurants

I live about an hour south and an hour north of large metropoli (you know that's the real plural rather than metropoliseses). Chattanooga to my north and Atlanta to my south. Though the choices in those places are far greater than here at the old homestead, I have found a few places to enjoy right here a stone's throw or so from my neighborhood. (My reach is a little wider since DP was a shot putter!)

1. Las Palmas: This is one of the best Mexican restaurants here in my town. The chips are warm and plentiful. Everyone gets an individual bowl for salsa, so double dip away without any worries of shared germies. The enchiladas are fabulous, and I love the pico de gallo and guacamole, too. An all-around favorite. I just wish their salsa was a little chunkier. The salsa has a little after-kick, and I do like some sneaky spices.
2. Bella Roma: My family all love the pizza at this local tribute to old-style Italy. The "frescoes" on the walls are eye-catching and the atmosphere is noisy, but lively. My personal favorite is not the pizza tho'. I thoroughly enjoy the Tuscan salad, which is full of romaine, grilled chicken, artichoke hearts, black olives, feta cheese, and roma tomatoes. Top it off with the balsamic viniagrette, a hearty helping of the bottomless basket of bread, and I am supremely satisfied.
3. Los Portales: Yes, another Mexican place. This one is owned by the family of one of my DP's students, which means we get a discount if she is working when we dine there. Always a perk! Different than #1 in atmosphere, I like this one simply because I could practically drink the salsa from the cup. My favorite menu item is a #2 lunch special with chicken enchiladas and a quesadilla, but I usually hope DP gets something else so I can have his pico de gallo and salad that the #2 is lacking. I've only once had the dessert here, and the sopapillas were excellent with lots of whipped cream and some chocolate drizzled all over. Yummy!
4. The Dwarf House: One of only eleven of this style restaurant in the Chick-Fil-A organization, my children still love to enter via the "dwarf" door, which is red and about 2 1/2 feet high. In addition to the typical counter-fare, you can also choose to sit down with menus at the old fashioned counter or at tables and booths scattered about the building. We love the atmosphere and the relaxed pace offered by the Dwarf House. My favorite item when I'm really hungry is the Chicken pot pie and side salad. Yet, the side salad alone is what I usually order. It is ample for lunch and costs only $1.99! What a deal!
   
5. Sonic: I've already mentioned this stop as one I frequent for drinks, but I also like to stop here for the occasional chili cheese dog or chili slaw dog. Once in awhile I will attempt to eat healthy when visiting Sonic and get a wrap or something like that, but to be perfectly honest -- if I am headed there, health is not really on my mind. I'm usually more in the mood for yummy, fat-filled, carb-filled, fill-me-up cheap food, which is why I mostly just stick with the drinks.

So, there's my list. Now I am hungry. So, I am going to have a snack right before hitting the sack. Ain't it cool being the mama?!?!

I tag Barb, because I once went to Grand Junction and remember eating somewhere they served bread in a flower pot. Maybe it's still around?

I also tag momrn2 and Kim at Lifesong, because I miss the restaurants close to where she lives.
Join in if you would like to share the good eats where you live!

It's been a great week, with gratitude spilling out all over the place. Here is the overflow from my heart. I am thankful this week for:

1. Healing: Sweetcheeks is well on the road to recovery. She's feeling so much better that she would love to have the cast off . . . like now, but we have three more weeks of casted living ahead. Thanks go out in abundance for all of you who have prayed for my precious girly.

2. Summer Movies: Our town theater runs a special for kids during the summer with discounted rates for fairly recent releases of age-appropriate flicks. We're headed out today after VBS to join some friends for popcorn and a movie.

3. Quiet: How I love the sound of . . . nothing. Yes, that's it . . . silence. My home is so quiet right now that I can hear the clock in the next room ticking. That is usually an impossible feat.

4. Sonic: I rarely go there with all my kids anymore, but once in awhile -- like after dropping everyone off at VBS, I treat myself to my favorite one of these. Cherry limeade is the best!

5. Swinging: We took the kids to the park, and I climbed aboard my own swing for a change. I forgot how much I love that soaring feeling of being up in the air on a swing. Child-like pleasures, even as an old, crusty mama.

6. Rain: Still not nearly what we need, but it has been a relief to see those big drops fall from the sky occasionally.

7. Creativity: DP and I spent one day this week brainstorming ideas for a children's book we want to write. It was so refreshing to see how well we work together and to see a dream of mine finally coming to life on paper.

8. Inspiration: I pray for Heather daily, yet I feel like I receive so much more than I ever give by visiting her site. She always manages to encourage me. Go encourage her today. I know she'd love to hear from you!

9. Biofreeze: This stuff makes my life more bearable and "bears" mentioning just for that ; )

10. Security in Jesus: I can't go about any day or any week without this truth as the foundation. To Him be the glory! God is Here!

Now, it is your turn! You sure don't have to tell me about it, but I would love it if you did. Take time to intentionally focus on the big and little ways God has blessed you this week. It doesn't have to be ten things.

You may only think of one, but God will be glorified in you mentioning that one. Share it with me if you like, or take the header and do your own thanks tank at your site. Just let me know in the comments so I can come visit you and be blessed by how God is blessing you! How is that for a tongue-twister. Now Go! Be thankful.

*** Early thanks -- VBS this week! How I love the week of VBS. Our church is hosting this week, and I am so grateful for all the people that make this time possible for so many children in our community -- my three absolutely included.

***Discovering -- We are finding out that JD Green is very definitely an introvert at heart. He is always agreeable with getting together with other friends, but he came to DP and me after VBS on Monday and said, "You know, guys, I just need some time alone. Can I go have siesta now?" This coming from a 7-year-old. I sure wish I had discovered some of those deep things about myself years ago! A book to help give you and your children insight into their personality would be: The Treasure Tree, by John Trent. Our kids have loved this book and enjoy seeing bits and pieces of themselves illustrated through the whimsical characters in this colorful children's book.

***Enjoying -- We did a split up movie date today after grabbing some on-the-go food after VBS. The guys chose the new animated Surf's Up. DP gave it a hearty thumbs up, proclaiming it a future "owner" and also declaring it better than one of our all-time faves, Finding Nemo. He and JD had a blast, and it far exceeded any pre-movie expectations they had for it. Definitely, a Peachy Keen!

So, the girls were on their own. We went to see Nancy Drew, and I was not disappointed. I checked it out at Plugged In online, and if you've never used that service from Focus on the Family -- I would heartily encourage it before you and your family head on over to the local theatre the next time. It has helped us immensely over the years.

Anyhoo, I wasn't really sure how much I'd like the movie, other than Emma Roberts being in it and her extraordinary resemblance to her Auntie Julia. I have always been a fan of Julia, to some extent, so I thought it cool to watch her niece's debut in a large market film.

I was never a Nancy Drew fan, being a Trixie Belden kind of girl, myself. I also haven't been able to sell my girls on reading Nancy either. I think, after seeing this movie, that might have changed. I'm pretty sure our future visits to the library will include some Nancy mysteries in the stacks we bring home.

This movie was cute, well-written, and quite clean. For the low-down review, you can head on over to the Plugged In site, but from my perspective -- it dealt with the idea of an independently spirited young girl who knows who she is and what she's about better than just about any movie pointed at this age group has in a very long time.

Nancy is looked at differently by her peers, but by just being true to herself she gains the respect and admiration of everyone around her. Both of my girls left the movie wanting to dress like her and investigate mysteries like her. I'm okay with that. As a mom who supports modesty for young girls, I was pleased with the overall impression Nancy left my girls -- it's okay to stand out in the crowd and be yourself, even if it isn't the most popular choice.

***So, that's what's going on at the Peachy house today. Tune in for more later and an upcoming episode of filling up the tank with Thanks tomorrow.

I am currently reading one of the many books that teeter unsteadily on the edge of my nightstand. Books litter the top of my stand, the shelf underneath my stand, the floor underneath the shelf, the 10-12 feet around my stand, the top of my dresser, and spill forth from a basket next to my dresser.

I guess "litter" isn't really the right term, since I abso "tootin'" lutely love books of all shapes, sizes, colors, lengths, and topics.

I have been thoroughly steeped in a series this summer that still has two more books out in front of me, plus the first in the next series about this same family before I am caught up and must await the author's next installment. I've almost consciously been slowing down my voracious habit of reading said books in mere hours so that I might not have to wait too long before the next one is released. I never like to be in that panting at the bookstore mode in which I feel I must tackle the poor, unsuspecting bookseller for the the first copy out of the packing case. Considering the next one comes out August 21, I need to rein myself way in so I don't chomp at the bit too anxiously.

One of the ways I've chosen to scale back on the reading of the aforementioned series of books is to read another author I adore. This title was actually on my Spring Reading Thing, so I am finally fulfilling some of that long ago commitment.

First off, if you've not read anything by Dee Henderson, get thee to Amazon, CBD, or your nearest local bookseller and procure the entire O'Malley Series, because once you start it you won't want to put it down. Nothing is more frustrating to a reader like me than having part of a series available and not being able to finish it when I want to.

Currently reading this particular book, The Witness, by Dee Henderson got me to thinking. In order to not be a spoiler -- I won't mention any names, but two of the main characters inherit an enormously large amount of money.

One of the angles the author begins to address is how your life would be handled differently as a result. She deftly discusses the security issues, the privacy issues, and the mental and physical strain of finding oneself unexpectedly responsible for so much wealth.

So, I got to thinking that age-old question 'What would I do if money were no object?"

Here is my list, silly, practical, and otherwise of what I'd do if money were no object:

1. Pay off all our debt and begin the process of adoption for the child God put on my heart over two years ago.
2. Buy a bigger home that would house that child and any other God would bring our way.
3. Make sure my children were comfortably set to earn any higher education available to them, leaving them a small inheritance in trust to be accessed after they'd reached a responsible age.
4. Donate a great sum of it to my dearest friend, relieving her of any future financial burdens.
5. Travel. Travel. Travel. So much world to see, and I would want to see it all!
6. Stock my library. So many books, so little time. I would have the library Belle was given in the Beauty and the Beast. That's my favorite scene in the whole animated movie.
7. Fast Car. No, not really. I'd probably get one of these. (not just the calendar) I'd have it custom-painted with daisies on the hood and roof.
8. Enable my parents and DP's parents to live comfortably and financially free of any burden for the rest of their earthly days.
9. Take care of our World Vision child, Lilly, through the rest of her young life and into adulthood.
10. I've always said there is something I would indulge in if money were unlimited:

Undergarments for my whole family -- I'd never wear a pair twice. I mean, wouldn't that just be a total indulgence? Take them off and throw them away -- every day. Who likes to wash those anyway?

So, those are some of mine . . . what would you do if you could throw caution to the wind? What dreams would you fulfill? How would you live differently given a large sum to do so? This is kind of like a meme, so take it to your site if you like and let me know. I'll come read yours!

Happy Father's Day to my precious DP, the best dad I get to see in action on a daily basis. Praise be to God for the man he is and the daddy he continues to become with God's guidance.

Happy Father's day, too, to all those other men out there who are following in the footsteps of their Savior, the greatest role model for being a Dad--our Abba Father.

Welcome to my weekly Thanks Tank. I started this over a year ago to intentionally set aside at least one day each week to give God the glory for all He has done for me.

So, without any hesitation, I give you my thanks for this week. I am thankful for:

1. God's mercy: Sweetcheeks could have had a far worse injury, but she was spared surgery and will heal in a short time without complications.

2. Prayer Warriors: How wonderful to know my precious girl was being lifted up and interceded for all over the world. She is doing remarkably well and has a sunny attitude that could only be attributed to answered prayer. I am humbled.

3. Purple Casts: This was a little thing, but our compassionate God cares about the intimate, minuscule details of our lives. Sweetcheeks is now assured that her Heavenly Father cares about her having a purple cast. I am so glad He does!

4. Reading: I need to brag a little bit now. Libbyline has already read over 30 hours this summer! She has amassed a lengthy repertoire of over 25 books and has no intention of stopping. I'll keep you updated on her progress. She's got a deal with her daddy for a reward if she reads 100 hours by the end of the summer. At this point, I don't think it will be much of a problem.

5. Rain: We have had little rain lately in our neck of the woods. The promise of rain is upon us, and I would be oh so thankful for a drenching rain that would eliminate this:

6. Chores: Based upon something I read here the other day, I had a brainstorm before church Sunday night. I designed a new chore chart, using a magnetic one we'd bought years ago just like the one in JMom's photo. I hung it in our kitchen and gave out assignments Monday morning. I was met with near cheering and happy hearts. What a blessing . . . and the best part is the Mama's load is lightened.

7. Games: I have a "game" closet in our front hall. Unfortunately, because of a lack of shelving in said closet, I have not done a great job of organizing the games. In a quest to do better and unpack some boxes that still were hidden, I found a game I had been planning to order from my favorite homeschooling catalog. Lo and behold, we already own it! We purchased it from the actual store in Jacksonville right before moving last summer and immediately packed it.

So, now we have a new game that will help with those days "I'm bored" becomes the chant of choice.

8. Early Planning: I adore my in-laws for a multitude of reasons. One of those came to fruition this week as my father-in-law called to discuss his ideas for Thanksgiving. We are headed off to Nashville to spend the holiday with him and my sweet MIL, taking in shows and lots of shopping here.

9. Choir: It's become so much more already than just singing in front of church. This time of practice each week is restorative, worshipful, and a balm to my sometimes parched and lonely soul.

10. Crafting: This week this hobby of making cards has been such a blessing. I am reminded that amidst all the "mama" things I do each day resides a creative spirit that can be unleashed in original designs and pretty things. I so needed that this week.

11. Purple nail polish: Sweetcheeks had only one special request after having her cast fitted yesterday. She wanted purple nail polish to match. So, we stopped here and a lovely woman behind the beauty counter immediately found us what we needed, also sharing how her brother broke her arm when she was about the same age as Sweetcheeks.

I'm afraid we're in for lots of broken bone stories in the next four weeks . . . It is amazing how a little bottle of purple lacquer costing $1. could yield such sparkle from my daughter's heart.

God has done even more this week than I could recount here. I am so blessed.

Take a moment and be intentional about your gratitude. Our Lord is always ready to hear from us, and I can't imagine He ever tires of hearing us praise Him for what He has done.

"But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
let them sing joyful praises forever.
Spread your protection over them,
that all who love your name may be filled with joy."
Psalm 5:11

What do you get when you take these:

(+) this {a mama in need of peace while fixing dinner}?










(=) You get this:

Any questions?


I'll give you the condensed version. I thought I was getting a great deal at a thrift store for Sweetcheeks. I thought she'd love learning to roller blade . . . someday . . . like today, maybe. We got home and chaos broke loose as often happens in a home with three children.

Sweetcheeks, living up to her nickname, sweetly asked if she could go try out her new roller blades while I made dinner. I, being the brilliantly-minded 40 yr. old mother that I am, told her she could for a few minutes.

Well, only a few minutes later Libbyline returned frantically announcing that Sweetcheeks was hurt badly and needed help.

Hours later, and armed with potential bills 10 or 20 times more than I paid for the roller blades, Sweetcheeks came home with a broken wrist, "hideous brace," and a newfound belief that Jesus looks out for even the things we don't like that come into our days. I have seen God's hand in so many ways throughout this whole situation, and I am once more assured of His care for me and my family.

God had the urgent care clinic be almost empty last night. He provided us with a sweet nurse and a precious older man from our church as the X-Ray technician. He looked visibly saddened to see Sweetcheeks in so much pain and know she'd broken her wrist even before we were sure.
He gave us a tender orthopedic doctor today and the most wonderful lady named Miss Mary to fit Sweetcheeks with her cast. God visibly walked with us through this entire experience, and I am here to give Him the glory -- dispelling any notion of coincidence. God was with us, and He orchestrated all that happened. I praise Him, for when I am weak; He is strong.

So, now we will be looking for creative ways to keep an 8- year-old girl in a cast busy throughout the rest of the summer. Any and all suggestions and recommendations will be seriously considered and reviewed.

Please be praying for Sweetcheeks if you think of it. She is still quite enamored by the cool, purple cast right now. I know that a couple days from now she may be singing a different tune. Pray for her to have a happy heart and for me to have an extra measure of patience, compassion, and understanding.

Thanks y'all!

Labels: kids, summer fun

Chilihead is hosting "Inquiring Minds Want to Know" Carnival. If you want to participate, go sign up on her Mr. Linky here!

Tell Your Blogging Story

How did you start blogging?
I started reading blogs right around the time we started thinking about homeschooling. I wanted to get other's opinions and expertise on the world of homeschooling, so I scavenged for any tidbits of info. I could find. I found a blog that encouraged me and bookmarked it. One day my DP was reading along with me and said, "You should start a blog. You have just as much to say as she does."

So, in August 2005, I started "Homeschooling in the Peach State", which then turned into "Peachy Keen Homeschooling," which morphed into "Just Peachy" when I quit blogging about homeschooling much at all. Then, back in March I decided to return from Typepad to free blogging and changed my focus again, marking the debut of "Without Fear".

Did you intend to be a blog with a following?

No, I never thought I'd have anyone read besides my husband and my best friend. That is all I had for about the first four months, then the "meetin'" started! I am thrilled with the friends I have made and the friendships renewed through this forum. I am blessed to have anyone who stops by read what I write. Yet, I hope it will remain a place for me to pour out my thoughts, my questions, and my musings.

What do you hope to achieve or accomplish with your blog? Have you been successful? If not, do you have a plan to achieve those goals?

I think if I had to narrow it down to one primary goal, I want those who come and read here to continually be reminded of God's blessings -- great or small. We all lead busy lives, and I pray my blog will call its readers to slow down for a moment and intentionally thank the One who gave it all. Those who comment on Thursday Thanks Tanks sure seem to understand and respond to that goal, so I would say God is successfully blessing my efforts.

A secondary, yet no less important goal is to keep my life verse and its message on the forefront of my reader's minds. God calls us to a life without fear, and I plan to encourage others as I walk my own fearless path.


Has the focus of your blog changed since you started blogging? How?

Somewhat. My blog no longer centers on my homeschooling journey, but it is sprinkled throughout all I do. I found I am not always the "funny story" mom, but I am always a thankful one. So my posts reflect the areas of my strength and my own personal focus here at home.

What do you know now that you wish you'd known when you started?

I wish I'd been more aware of how much of an addiction this habit could become. Although I don't know that it would have made a difference. Blogging has taught me a ton about myself, my habits, my time management, my relationship development skills, and more than I can record here. I am glad to know what I do now. It has given me the wisdom to proceed more astutely from this place.

Do you make money with your blog?

No. Sure wish I did. It would maybe compensate for the time I spend here. I'd love to be invited to make money from BlogAds, too. I would also be up for reviewing products so I can try cool, new things, too.

Does your immediate or extended family know about your blog? If so, do they read it? If not, why?

My immediate family all know about it and read it regularly. My kids love being spotlighted for something they have done, funny or otherwise.

My folks and my brother do not choose to have access to the internet, so they have never read my blog at all. My mom appreciates all the prayer warriors I have met and will share prayer requests that I can tell my blogger friends : )


What two pieces of advice would you give to a new blogger?

Be yourself! Find your own niche and write about the things you love. Don't try to duplicate what you determine is "popular" and go with that. Authenticity is what keeps readers coming back for more. (I guess that was four pieces . . .)

I am a better blogger now than I was in the beginning, simply because I have re-discovered my love for writing and reading. I no longer am concerned with the number of comments or whether people are telling anyone to come visit me. I participate when I can, and I enjoy it immensely when I do.

So, I do blog . . . I am . . . and I am happy. That's all I have to say about that.

Labels: blogging, creativity, friends, mind dribbles

Sandy has mentioned an acrostic she and her husband, Paul, use with their children. I loved it and found this article by Zig Ziglar that says what I wanted to say better than I could:

"Fear has been correctly identified with the acrostic False Evidence Appearing Real. The truth is that if we think something is to be feared, that perception becomes the cruelest form of reality.

A second-grade boy was overheard saying, "It's easy to be brave when you're not scared." By the same token, it's easy to talk about how to overcome fear when you have little to be afraid of. Fear is certainly real for most people and all of us face a fear of something--poverty, divorce, rejection, death, failure, speaking in public, being laughed at, etc.

How do we overcome fear? First we must learn to examine our fears. Example: Giving a speech, which is the number one fear in our country, according to Reader's Digest. . . . If that's your fear, ask yourself a few questions. "Why am I afraid to make a speech? Is it because I'm afraid of being rejected? Then why do I think I'll be rejected? Do I believe what I'm about to say? Is my speech worth giving? Am I proud of the comments I'm about to make?" As you ask yourself these questions, the fear will begin to subside. It subsides because you have explored your subconscious mind with your questions and flushed out some of your fears.

My research indicates that only three people have died while making a speech. Since 12 billion people have lived and only three of them died making a speech, I'd say it's a fairly safe thing to do. If you're a little nervous, consider this: You could lead a mule into a crowded room and he would be so calm that he would almost go to sleep standing up. A thoroughbred in the same situation would be as nervous as a cat. If you're a little nervous, just be grateful you're a thoroughbred--not a mule. So face those inner feelings, stand up and speak up with confidence. When you do, I'll SEE YOU AT THE TOP!"

What are you afraid of? Remember what FEAR is: False Evidence Appearing Real!

Thanks Sandy, for bringing this to my attention. Have a great weekend, y'all!!

Labels: fearless friday, Zig Ziglar

DP is 40 today! He has never made an appearance on my blog. Yet, I don't think he'll mind, since he's told me numerous times this is one of his favorite photos of him with our three sweeties.

Instead of a traditional Thanks Tank, I am going to give you some of the many reasons why I love my precious DP (Darling Prince):

1. He has always been my prince -- From the moment we first went out together, he has always treated me like a princess.

2. He has a fabulous voice -- This man can make my heart stop with the sound of his velvety, husky voice. Well, I'd better stop now before I reveal too much. Suffice it to say that he hears at least once per week how he should be in radio full time.

3. He takes care of me -- That hasn't stopped in the 13 years we've been together. He took care of me before we were even engaged, and he's been taking care of me and pampering me ever since. My man hates lotion, yet he will slather it on his hands and rub my feet. That's love!!

4. He loves our children and lets them know -- After growing up in a household in which I went without hearing my dad say "I love you" for 13 years, it makes my heart sing to hear my DP tell my children how much he loves them multiple times daily. Somehow it repairs those little holes left in my own heart to hear him so clearly and sincerely express his love for them.

5. He shares his parents with me -- His mama tells him she loves me best, and he takes it all in stride. He was adopted by his sweet parents at three months of age, and because they loved him so well he has no reason to be jealous or envious of the way his folks have expanded their love to include me and our children.

I am so glad these precious people gave my DP their home, their love, and their name. I proudly wear it and share it with my children. My son will carry it on to the next generation and just as proudly give it to his children. These wonderful people are leaving a legacy that will extend far beyond their short years on this earth. They model the kind of parent and grandparent I want to be. I will forever be grateful to them for their outpouring of love and the way they taught my darling husband to love.

6. He never tires of learning -- I need not think we will be old and gray, sitting in our rocking chairs and staring off into space. My DP will continue to keep me busy right to the grave with his ideas, sometimes great, sometimes kinda harebrained. He always is studying something new and increasing his learning. Maybe that's where I got the idea for our homeschool theme scripture:

"Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still;
teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."

Proverbs 9:9-10

7. He is always ready for an adventure -- So many things I would have missed in this life if I hadn't been willing to go along for the ride. It started with jumping in the car when I was dating him so we could drive 25 miles to catch a beautiful sunset. He's been sharing gorgeous sunsets and all kinds of other lovely things with me for more than a decade now. I can't wait to see the next wonderful "site" he has to show me.

8. He challenges me to be better than I've been -- He will not allow me to be satisfied with the status quo. He won't let me get too far steeped in my own self-pity, guilt, or fear. He takes life by the horns most of the time and encourages me to do the same. I have more confidence than I ever would have by myself. I am far better than I'd ever have been without him, and you know me because of him (just a little preview of Monday's post).

9. He plays with me -- We are never sillier than when we are playing. We play board games. We play and love the same music. We act and use pretend voices and accents to make our children laugh -- so much so that they request that our alter egos/make believe personas make appearances occasionally. We have fun and act crazy together, and I love seeing him smile.

10. He's not ashamed or squeamish about being a Man's Man -- I am not married to a "metro" man. He doesn't use product or buff his nails. He doesn't need male make up or body butter. He is 100% pure, God created man. I am thrilled to be his wife and let him stand where God placed him -- at the head of my home! He doesn't go around singing hymns all the time, and he probably could bend a frying pan if he tried. I love this man, and I will shout to the mountaintops that I am glad he doesn't compromise who he is to be a little bit more like me.

11. He is my BEST FRIEND -- For those of you who have been around awhile, you have "met" my best "girlfriend." She has known me longer, that is for sure. She is celebrating a birthday today, too, and that was one of the coolest things when I fell in love with DP -- God knew my two favorite people would share the same birthday. She just happened to be a toddling one-year-old when DP appeared on the scene.

Yet, though ML has been around more than twice as long as DP, he knows the me no one else sees. He knows the me that cries at commercials (back when we had TV). He knows what makes me scared. He knows my little idiosyncrasies, my silly rituals, my favorites, and my insecurities.

I know no matter what time it is or what it is I want, he will always respond with, "Want me to go get you some?" As a matter of fact, he was out while I wrote this last night getting some more Salt and Vinegar Pringles so my kids don't find out I ate almost the whole can before they got any : ) How's that for love?

Anyway, I say all this to give tribute to the wonderful man God chose for me. He is my closest friend. I love him far more now at 40 than I ever could have thought I did at 26. God has deepened, matured, and grown my love for him in a myriad of ways I can't even begin to describe here. Every day he shows himself to me, with all his faults and shortcomings, and that gives me the freedom to try and do the same for him. I am glad we're only on the first leg of this journey together. I can't wait to see what's up there around the next bend in the road!

Happy Birthday, Honey!! I love you so much.

All my love . . .

Labels: celebrations, DP

Sixteen more pounds of delicious strawberries! We went again this morning and scored in 30 minutes. I've already had a strawberry, banana, guava smoothie at lunch and a grilled chicken and strawberry salad with baby spinach for dinner. Yum.

Now, I need to go grocery shopping, because tho' they are tasty -- a family cannot live on strawberries alone. This from my dear DP who dislikes this fruit that fills my every other thought at this time of year. Our cupboards are far from bare, but I'm lacking in just about every grocery department.

Talk at 'cha again soon. I'll be the one with the deep red fingertips and red juice running down my chin.

Labels: fruit, summer fun

That's the title of this painting, too. Lazy Days.

I personally love days in which we have no strict schedule, yet we hover around a loose framework that keeps this mama from going insane.

Today has been one of those days.

We scrapped our original intent to restock our stash of strawberries after calling and finding out the patch isn't open again until tomorrow. Waiting on Mother Nature is probably a good thing in this instance.

So, then we lazed around for awhile, doing the things around the house that keep the dust bunnies from attacking and headed on over to the library.

A couple hours later we emerged victorious, loaded down with yummy reads for just about everyone. Can you tell I'm a self-professed bibliophile? Yes, I am one of those people who deeply inhale and borderline swoon at the entrance of a library, Barnes and Noble, Borders, McKay's, or any other establishment that houses multiple shelves of books.

I have always loved books. I remember summers as a child, reading page after page -- fulfilling and exceeding the commitments I made to the summer reading program in my own small town library. We kept track of pages then, and I usually hung in the neighborhood of 2000-3000 pages per summer -- even in fourth or fifth grade.

Libbyline has inherited my love of the written word. She took out a stack of books today, came home and headed for "siesta" -- a prescribed rest/quiet time I instituted in our home three or four years ago when my youngest outgrew napping. She emerged 2 1/2 hours later, victoriously proclaiming her completion of THREE books!! She devoured three 107 page books during siesta!

I love to do the very same thing when I have the chance. I rarely have opportunity anymore to read without interruption or without caring for my family around me. Yet, I have done so, and with great relish in the past six weeks or so. Here are a few of the books I've "devoured" recently: (I'm sure you'll quickly see a pattern here)

Divine by Karen Kingsbury
Redemption by Karen Kingsbury
Remember by Karen Kingsbury
Return by Karen Kingsbury
Rejoice by Karen Kingsbury
Reunion by Karen Kingsbury
Fame by Karen Kingsbury
Forgiven by Karen Kingsbury
The Angel Inside by Chris Widener
This Isn't the Life I Signed Up For . . . But I'm Finding Hope and Healing by Donna Partow
Emotional Phases of a Woman's Life by Jean Lush (re-reading pertinent parts)
Get Out of That Pit by Beth Moore (finishing up this week)
Last, but not least . . . God's Word (hiding it in my heart and that of my family).

Like I said when I returned to blogging, most of the books I've read this spring were NOT on my list of scheduled reads for Katrina's Spring Reading Thing. I know I'm even forgetting some others that I read along the way, in addition to the multiple issues of Southern Living, Creating Keepsakes, Better Homes and Gardens, and other assorted periodicals that I've perused this spring.

In addition to all that, I also took a little time to read Paula Deen's biography -- parts of it out loud to my family on one of our jaunts to Knoxville/Maryville so DP could attend graduate classes. I edited a great deal along the way due to the racy nature of Miss Paula's recounting of her life, but the woman is doggone funny!! She tickles my funny bone in a way few do anymore. Her silly sense of humor and relish for food and life itself make me chuckle just thinking about it right now. The recipes she includes in the book are worth the read in and of itself.

So, that's a bit of what keeps me occupied when I'm not chained to my washer or preparing yet another gourmet meal (my kids had frozen corn dogs tonight, I had a handful of dry roasted peanuts, and DP had to scrounge through the fridge for whatever he could find at 9:30 pm).

I would have reviewed all the Kingsbury books for you, but the fact that I read and will continue to read everything she's written is testimony enough; you can read official reviews at her site.

Guess where I'm headed? Off to read another book! I got my own stack out at the library today, too.

Labels: reading, summer fun

Psalm 37

1 "Don’t worry about the wicked
or envy those who do wrong.
2 For like grass, they soon fade away.
Like spring flowers, they soon wither.

3 Trust in the Lord and do good.
Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
4 Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you your heart’s desires.

5 Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust him, and he will help you.
6 He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn,
and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.

7 Be still in the presence of the Lord,
and wait patiently for him to act.
Don’t worry about evil people who prosper
or fret about their wicked schemes.

8 Stop being angry!
Turn from your rage!
Do not lose your temper—
it only leads to harm.
9 For the wicked will be destroyed,
but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land.

10 Soon the wicked will disappear.
Though you look for them, they will be gone.
11 The lowly will possess the land
and will live in peace and prosperity.

12 The wicked plot against the godly;
they snarl at them in defiance.
13 But the Lord just laughs,
for he sees their day of judgment coming.

14 The wicked draw their swords
and string their bows
to kill the poor and the oppressed,
to slaughter those who do right.
15 But their swords will stab their own hearts,
and their bows will be broken.

16 It is better to be godly and have little
than to be evil and rich.
17 For the strength of the wicked will be shattered,
but the Lord takes care of the godly.

18 Day by day the Lord takes care of the innocent,
and they will receive an inheritance that lasts forever.
19 They will not be disgraced in hard times;
even in famine they will have more than enough.

20 But the wicked will die.
The Lord’s enemies are like flowers in a field—
they will disappear like smoke.

21 The wicked borrow and never repay,
but the godly are generous givers.
22 Those the Lord blesses will possess the land,
but those he curses will die.

23 The Lord directs the steps of the godly.
He delights in every detail of their lives.
24 Though they stumble, they will never fall,
for the Lord holds them by the hand.

25 Once I was young, and now I am old.
Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned
or their children begging for bread.
26 The godly always give generous loans to others,
and their children are a blessing.

27 Turn from evil and do good,
and you will live in the land forever.
28 For the Lord loves justice,
and he will never abandon the godly.

He will keep them safe forever,
but the children of the wicked will die.
29 The godly will possess the land
and will live there forever.

30 The godly offer good counsel;
they teach right from wrong.
31 They have made God’s law their own,
so they will never slip from his path.

32 The wicked wait in ambush for the godly,
looking for an excuse to kill them.
33 But the Lord will not let the wicked succeed
or let the godly be condemned when they are put on trial.

34 Put your hope in the Lord.
Travel steadily along his path.
He will honor you by giving you the land.
You will see the wicked destroyed.

35 I have seen wicked and ruthless people
flourishing like a tree in its native soil.
36 But when I looked again, they were gone!
Though I searched for them, I could not find them!

37 Look at those who are honest and good,
for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace.
38 But the rebellious will be destroyed;
they have no future.

39 The Lord rescues the godly;
he is their fortress in times of trouble.
40 The Lord helps them,
rescuing them from the wicked.
He saves them,
and they find shelter in him."

Labels: God's Word

“Fear less, hope more; Eat less, chew more; Whine less, breathe more; Talk less, say more. Love more, and all good things will be yours.”

Swedish Proverb

I am not Swedish -- at least I'm pretty sure I am not. Yet the Swedes must have been pretty wise folks, because in searching for something wise to say; they are quoted frequently. No names or personal attributions, but they must have had a place to collect such nuggets of smartness. Can you imagine old Alf or Bjorn saying, "Ja, Man, you need to write that down. Someone in many, many years may be checking the internet and want to quote us."?

Anyway . . .

This quote made me chuckle, especially the eating less and chewing more. Yet, so much of what this little snippet says is true. If applied to my daily life, it would change me undoubtedly. So, I leave you with the truth of Scripture, which assuredly will change our lives:

"Do not fear little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."
Luke 12:32

So go on and "love more . . . and all good things will be yours." He will give us the kingdom. We have no reason to fear. He promises, and He. Keeps. His. Promises.

Have a great weekend!