A Nugget for the New Year- Literally!

I will eventually get to my New Year's Resolution for this year. But we have to take a little journey first. You see it all started this morning when I was reading and about half way through a particularly stirring verse in Isaiah, I spotted a nugget. Not of wisdom. But a literal nugget made of chicken pieces and parts. (It did not come from Chick-fil-A which is probably why said nugget never got eaten.) Yes, there it sat. So, right then and there I decided to do a little test. I left it just to see how long it would take for another human in my home to notice it and recognize where this day old, unrefrigerated nugget of pieces and parts belonged. Poor little nugget sat hour after hour right in the middle of my den- right beside Brooke playing with her cyber pets on Webkins. It sat through Ashley's cartoon fest. It sat while Jackson walked past it umpteen times while making his grand plans for hanging with his buds tonight. It sat while Art got ready for work and walked past it to have me fix his tie.

Not a soul noticed the nugget except me! So, I devised part two of my plan. I asked the kids to come and sit on the couch so I could take their picture. I purposely posed them right with the nugget. Look at my evidence people- just look!


To your left you'll see Ashley just chatting away while little nugget is close enough to hear every detail!
Jackson is posed right beside it. He even made a comment, "Look mom there is a nugget on the table." I bit my tongue because I needed to complete my experiment. I needed to know, "Is there another human who will feel compelled to pick up the NUGGET for Pete's sake- whoever Pete is.

And then here is my little Brooke Caroline- but do you notice the little detail about her photo? The nugget has been moved! Moved I tell you!!! Someone flicked it just a few inches but never bothered to pick it up. Are you feeling my pain? It has been 8 hours since the nugget was first discovered by muwah!


So what is one to do with such pieces and parts that have been on display like this all day? Sometimes she gets all in huff and demands to know who did this and why is it that no one but her EVVVER picks up things like this---blah, blah, blah. But on the day that she asked God to give her His resolution for her this year- she sees His Nugget of wisdom and decides to end her experiment and simply pick it up herself.

She then puts on her rose colored glasses that will surely transport her to places more tropical- where they don't even serve little deep fried poultry parts-

AND-

without having a hissy fit, she purses her lips into a most sincere smile and simply throws the nugget away. But not without taking a photo of the event so that her bloggy friends who have surely found nuggets in and around and tucked under and stuck to- can relate and maybe even smile.

So that brings me to my New Year's resolution:

Sometimes it is necessary to have a full blown hissy fit. But this year I am going to really make an effort to put on my big girl panties and simply get over things like this.

I think my study of Isaiah will really help that. "Forget the former things (like daily hissy fits); do not dwell on the past (even when it smells like day old chicken.) See (Look for God in every situation and if you have cool glasses like these that my dentist let me pick from the prize box last week, they will surely help), I am doing a new thing! (God's abundance and my feelings of frustration and emptiness are a perfect match.) Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? (God is available moment by moment with perfectly designed wisdom and perspectives for my every toil and trial.) I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." (Boy does that perfectly describe my soul when it gets all busy and dried up- kind of like that nugget.) Isaiah 43: 18-19.

What do teenagers really think?

Right now, I am writing you from the airport about to put part of my heart on an airplane by herself. Hope, my almost 14 year old, is flying to Disney World to meet up with her best friend's family for a week of fun, sun, and plenty of silliness. My little girl is growing up.

In an effort to make myself feel better and to connect with her on a very deep level, I've decided to interview her for today's blog while we wait for her to board the plane.

Me: What makes you feel loved by me and Dad?
Hope: "When you get me things that I desperately need- like unlimited text messaging for my cell phone."

Me: What do parents do that really get on their teens nerves?
Hope: "They don't get you unlimited text messaging on their phone- that is really awful. They don't understand them sometimes. If they would just listen teens are actually right some of the time. (she actually said most of the time but since I have editorial control---and way more wisdom--- it is some of the time. I love being the mom!)

Me: What will you do differently when you are a mom?
Hope: "I will pay their bills because I will see that they need unlimited text messaging. I won't make them do chores and jobs to earn their own money--- ahem---I will just be the funnest mom ever."

We interrupt this interview because her cell phone just rang. She is already out of text messages for this month- one week into this billing cycle. She now has to talk to her friends instead of texting- a complete and utter shame.

She is in the process of solving the problems of the world by discussing who likes who and why that person should not text that boy so much.

She's back.

Me: Define true love:
Hope: "When your eyes connect together and you just know in your heart that he's the one. HaHa. Okay, Mom, back to the texting thing- you can get unlimited texting for your whole family for only $30 a month and I think you and Dad should pay for that."
(I feel a lecture coming on and I'm getting less and less sentimental about putting her on that plane.)

Me: What will you do when you're like 25 years old and a boy tries to kiss you?
Hope: "Mom! At 25? I would kiss him back DUH."
Me: You better just send him a little TEXT MESSAGE that says, "No kissy, no huggie 'till I get a weddin' ring!" That's some great wisdom straight from a country song that you would do well to memorize.

Me: Do you have anything else you would like to share?
Hope: Can I use your computer?

(Now, the mist in my eyes has totally evaporated and I'm really okay with her leaving.)

Okay--- here's a little update about what happened as I said goodbye to her at the gate:
Me: I love you sweetheart.
Hope: I love you too, Mom. (She wrapped one arm around me and gave me that look that says, Even when I try to act all cool, I'm still you're little girl.)

Oh dear- the mist is back.

And the Winner from my last post's contest is:

Veronica from Toddled Dredge blog. Congrats! E-mail me at Lysa1@Proverbs31.org and give me your address. I'll send the book off to you. And yes friend, I think Mary was tired by now too!

Just a little wisdom from the TerKeurst Family-

Brooke: "Mom, are you looking for gray hairs again?"

Me: "Nope. I just like getting my head this close to the mirror."

Brooke: "Abby's mom knows the trick."

Me: "What trick?"

Brooke: "She has a wand that she waves over her head and it pulls out all her gray hairs. But it doesn't hurt at all. And then instantly brown hairs just grow back right away. It's really good Mom. You should get one of those."

When you go to a very formal dinner on Christmas Eve and they are serving carved turkey, you really shouldn't take the neatly staked turkey slices. Really you should just rip off one of the turkey legs which hangs off your china plate and then take your seat at the formal table and ask your mama why does everyone have two forks.

There are three ways to keep the deer from eating the pansies that your husband spent hours planting so that his wife could walk by them every day and say, "awww, my Arthur did that for me!"
1. plant deodorant soap under the mulch- but our deer like soapy pansies and eat them still

2. go to your barber and ask for a bag of human hair and then sprinkle it on top of your pansies- you've never seen a vision of loveliness like hairy pansies!- but our deer don't mind the hair either

3. when drastic measures are called for you have to tee-tee on the pansies and well the deer seem to then stay away. I won't tell you who discovered this nor will I share who's chore this is everyday. But boy do my pansies look pretty!

And lastly, Art's sure fire way to get his teen-aged daughter off the phone with her friend: "Hope, I got the nose hair trimmer repaired today! Did you hear me? The nose hair trimmer is fixed!" He just announced that very loudly as I was typing this so I had to add it in.

Have mercy. I love my family.

Okay, I know the Give Away is over but I'm still in the gifting mood. So, post some tidbit of your family's wisdom (silly or sane) and I'll pick the best one and send you a prize! My book, "The Bathtub is Overflowing But I Feel Drained," could be yours--- just for the posting.

Exactly How Does This Happen?

Because sometimes a girl needs that last little piece of yummy butterscotch, chocolate chip banana bread she goes on a rampage to find it. She looks high and low in all the places one might find the one piece of said bread left. Alas just when all hope is gone she finally discovers where her little helpers thought it most appropriate to store the last piece of banana chocolate chip banana bread. In the fridge with the left over stuffing, and pork tenderloin covered in turkey gravy because my turkey did not thaw out in time on Christmas Day. Yes, that is where she should have checked first- of course. I mean who doesn't like a little turkey- pork- cornbread dressing flavoring on their butterscotch chocolate chip bread first thing in the morning. See the photo being introduced into evidence to the left and you will find said bread in the upper left hand corner. Do you see how those butterscotch and chocolate chips are just calling to me. I feel a bad country song coming to me.

And then of course there was this flood of cards in my mailbox yesterday. At first I was feeling the love toting this large amount of mail into my home. That is until I realized that the said cards were all ones that I'd sent with just one important thing missing. A stamp? No. A return address? Nope, wrong again. Oh, yes of course- an outgoing address! Now I can understand how one or two cards could sneak in the completed to be mailed pile. But six unaddressed cards? Have mercy.

And then when your dog goes missing who wouldn't think to look behind your daughter's bed in the fluffification tulle is supposed to cascade down looking very beautiful and princess like but that now just sits in a pile because someone pulled the hook out of the ceiling. Oh yes. But of course that is where the do got in and couldn't get out. She's now found and fine. But like I said y'all it's sounds like a bad country song.

This post is just simply because sometimes a girl has questions and well--- she's sure her bloggy friends will have answers.

Now I'm off to the dentist to get my teeth fixed again--- twang twang.

Almost smiling!

Merry After Christmas

The candy is slipping from the ginger bread house. The needles are falling from the tree. The turkey that was still frozen on Christmas morning has finally thawed and will be eaten tonight. (Did you know you can serve pork tenderloin with turkey gravy and no one will die? My kids think it's all chicken anyhow.)

The presents have been given and opened and lost and found and lost again. The fridge is full of leftovers. The overpriced items will go on sale today. Little piles of Moon-sand can be stepped on throughout my house. (Maybe if I close my eyes I'll think I am in the Caribbean. Whose bright idea was it to buy my child sand that you play with in the house---Santa!!!)

The Merry Christmas calls have been made and most of the cards have been sent. Happy Birthday to Jesus and the carols have been sung. The radio station is now playing something other than Christmas music. Pounds have been gained and bits of sanity lost. It has been a Merry Christmas y'all.

And as my little Brooke Caroline proudly announced, "It has been MARRRRRvelous!"

Yes, it has.

And now it is time to pack away Christmas. Maybe not right away, but at least by Valentine's Day right? But let's not pack away all of Christmas.

Let's let some Christmas things linger throughout this year. The feeling of generosity. The family togetherness. The extra courage to share Jesus. The desire to cook and bake. (Okay this one is just for my poor family---I think I feel a resolution coming on.) Joy in our heart. Peace in our soul. (At least the joy and peace we found after the shopping was done.) Remembering to tell those we love just how much they mean to us.

And most of all may we carry with us throughout the year one thing we learned about Jesus this Christmas season. That would be a great gift in honor of His birthday this year. What was your one thing with Jesus this Christmas? Mine was Jesus loves me and His love for me is enough.

John 8:12, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

Sweet blessings friends. And may you be Merry After Christmas too.

Merry Christmas Y'all!


One of my best Christmas presents this year has been getting to know you by reading your comments. And yes, I do read them all. Real life is so much more fun than TV--- so blogging has become my down time at night.


Recently one of you told me you were sad that this One Cool Christmas GiveAway was ending because you felt like you were getting to the end of a good book and you didn't want it to be over. Well, never fear--- the contest is ending but my blog is not. So, just look at this as the end of a chapter. There are many more adventures to come my sweet sisters--- oh yes and the one brother that posts- Scott (Cindy's husband and father of 4 little girls whose play shoes are made from plastic.) You cracked me up about shoes- I bought them for Brooke from my local Salvation Army shop. On Wednesday's they have a half price sale. You've never really gotten a bargain until you buy 1/2 price at the Salvation Army or Good Will. I like them both both the Army has a better selection of clippy clappies.


Doing this One Cool Christmas Give Away has been lots of fun for me. So, I'm thinking about hosting some more give aways next year. If you are interested in giving something away and getting some extra traffic through your blog, e-mail me at Lysa1@Proverbs31.org and I'll keep this on file. When I organize another giveaway, I'll contact you and get it all arranged.


Also, I'd love to spend a little time visiting your blogs during Christmas break. So, if you have a blog, post a comment below with your blog address and I'll come visit.



Now, I'm off to make Christmas cookies and figure out how to host both Santa and the tooth fairy in one night! Yes, Brooke lost a tooth this morning. What are the chances of that? I told her to put that thing in a baggie and tie it to the Christmas tree. And she did with hot pink ribbon of course.


Now for the Last ONE COOL GIVE AWAY WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT!

Again, it was so hard to pick! (I narrow it down and then do the eeny meeny minny moe thing!)I would give you all a prize if I could.


So, without further ado----


Kiki Vogel- you are the winner of Yvonne's book and Starbucks card


Becky Avella- you are the winner of Lelia's $100 BeautiControl Certificate


Alyce- you are the winner of Dena Dyer's Groovy Chick's package


Congrats ladies! Please e-mail me with your mailing information and I'll pass it along to the give away sponsors~ Lysa1@Proverbs31.org

Merry Christmas Everyone!
I pray yours is full of the realization how truly miraculous Jesus really is.

Can't wait to see your blogs!
Sweet blessings~

Blue Satin Clippy Clappy Shoes- part two

"Mom, I'm ready for church!" And the blue satin clippy clappies have made an encore performance--- Not to mention the Hannah Montana PJ's (our church is casual, but that might be pushing it) and then of course the Santa hat just tops it all off. I can see the stares and hear the whispers now. Maybe we should do home church today and just shoot to get to the Christmas Eve service tomorrow-

Because sometimes a picture is worth more than a thousand words---

"But Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart" (Luke 2:19). Me too, Mary--- me too.




Soak in your loved ones today. Let your memories get saturated in every moment. Make the choice to see past the messes and get over the aggravations. Be quick to express your love and extend the last little bit of patience you have. Let a stranger cut in front of you in traffic and let the struggling young mom go ahead of you in the long grocery store line today. Just for today, let's ponder and treasure.



It's Christmas y'all! May yours be as bright as the blue satin clippy clappies!



Well, can you believe we've reached the end of the ONE COOL CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY??? I'm posting my last give away today. It is sponsored by Yvonne Ortega, cancer survivor, Inspirational Speaker and Author of Hope for the Journey through Cancer, Revell May 1, 2007.

Yvonne is giving a copy of her book Hope for the Journey through Cancer AND a STARBUCKS GIFT CARD!!! To learn more about Yvonne and her ministry click here.

To register for this contest click on the word comments below and post a comment or two. This will automatically register you. Then check back tomorrow to see who wins!

AND as a bonus--- I'm leaving yesterday's contest open one more day. So, scroll down to yesterday's post and comment there too!

I'll announce THREE WINNERS TOMORROW!!! See you then!

MC Hammer, Jonah, and an update on my Wii little problem

You will be so happy to know that I actually made it through yesterday without a Christmas Heart attack! But I am concerned with the rapid rate at which I'm convinced I'm losing brain cells. I'll give you a glimpse into just a few of situations this week that illustrate my concern-

1. My friend, Marybeth, told me of the passing of Dan Fogelburg. To which I replied, "Oh that is so sad. Wasn't he part of that group Simon and Garfunkle?"

2. I took my two boys shopping yesterday with my sister, Sarah. We went into a store where the music was so loud I could feel the beat thumping in my chest which was not conducive to finishing my conversation with my other sister, Angee, who was in a crisis and needed some encouragement. (At that very moment she was the caboose in the Christmas Parade in her hometown and was having some issues trying to communicate with the head of the parade that they were on a street they should not have been on--- going the wrong way. Now, I'm 7 hours from her town so why she thought I could help is mystery to me. But none the less, I had to get out of that store so I could hear her!) So, I asked Sarah to please watch my boys while I stepped outside. To which she quizzically replied, "Lysa- they are 18 and 19 years old!"

3. I finally did get my roots colored on Thursday but before then I had been reduced to standing in the mirror coloring them with a black sharpie marker--- again!

4. And you know it really is bad when your family's new definition of doing laundry means that mom will hand you a Tide Stick! "Do the best you can with what you have- that is a valuable life lesson children."

5. But the macDaddy of all the situations was that I agreed to have Brooke's Hannah Montana sleepover birthday party in the middle of Christmas! Right now as I type this I have 13 children in my house! You know it was that mommy guilt thing that made me worry that since I had her so close to Christmas that she might have issues about her birthday being overlooked blah blah blah---(like I had any control over the little fact of when she arrived in this world! I'm not organized enough to plan what we are having for dinner tonight much less when my children would be conceived and birthed! I had two children in the first two years of our marriage before I finally figured out what was causing all this craziness! Okay, I'm just kidding about the not knowing part but serious about not planning a single one of my pregnancies!) So, we rocked out the house with Hannah and a house full of screaming, bouncing, sugar-hyped little girls. Now the real insane part was that I love her music as much as my girls and was really getting into it. So, when I went to serve the birthday cake I quipped, "This is so much fun- LIKE TOTALLY!" To which Brooke whispered in my ear, "Mom- don't try to act cool in front of my friends."

Act Cool? ACT cool. I felt like telling her this was no act. Cool just comes out from my 80's upbringing without much effort at all. She just better be glad I did not go get my leg warmers and jelly bracelets, put my bangs in their full and upright position, and MC Hammer my way through the kitchen!

Now what in the world does all this have to do with Jonah?

Well, you see I recently realized something cool about Jonah from the Bible. (Okay this time I checked the coolness factor of what I'm about to share with Holly and she TOTALLY agreed that this is cool- that I am cool- and that my cool barometer is fully in tact! What do 9 year olds know about cool for Heaven's sake!) Anyhow, I always felt bad that Jonah got swallowed by that big fish. But in reality if he had not gotten swallowed by that fish, he would have drowned. What seemed to threaten his life, actually saved it!

That's what I'm thinking about with my lack of a Wii for Christmas as explained in yesterday's post. I have felt bad that there will be no Wii under the tree. But now, I'm thinking God is going to use this to protect me on Christmas morning. You see, if I had gone to GREAT and VERY EXPENSIVE lengths to get that Wii for my children and then I heard them fighting over it, complaining about it, losing the games and breaking the controllers- it just would not have measured up to my family bonding visions (again as explained yesterday.) Then I would get mad and call my caboose riding sister and complain about how ungrateful children can be sometimes. Then to make myself feel better I would have eaten too much chocolate got all hyped up on caffeine and sugar, grabbed up that Wii and it great tribute to MC Hammer proclaimed, "CAN'T TOUCH THIS--- dah nah nah nah- nah nah- nah nah!"

And that my friends is what Jonah, MC Hammer, and a Wii have taught me this Christmas. Very profound. And like I said, I think I'm losing brain cells rapidly!

NOW FOR THE ONE COOL CHRISTMAS GIVE AWAY!

Yesterday's winner---
Oh, my sweet bloggy friends I can't tell you how hard it is to pick a winner each day. So, I can tell you that I pray each one of you who takes the time to ENCOURAGE me so much with your comments gets some kind of cool blessing from God even if you don't win the giveaway. So, with all that said--- we simply can't have a sister who took time to pour out her heart going without a gift and feeling like a dork this Christmas. So, the winner of the Sharon Hoffman Gift Set is-
Godsgurl4evr---- CONGRATS--- Go ahead and show us a little Hammer dance!

Okay if you are too young to know the Hammer dance, please keep that little factoid to yourself or more gray will come and then the black sharpie routine and well it's Christmas and we are keeping it Merry people! Smiles.

NOW for TODAY's GIVEAWAY!
We have two prizes that I am so excited about!!!!

First, Lelia Chealey is sponsoring a $100 gift certificate for BeautiControl products! You can find out more about Lelia's BeautiControl goodies by clicking here: http://www.beautipage.com/leliachealey/ . To visit Leli'a blog click here--- I know she would love to have you visit, leave a comment and make her smile!
Lelia has also written some delightful poems that are sure to bless and de-stress as well. So, she will e-mail the winner a poem as well. And Lelia thank you for your sweet, sweet comments each day! You make me smile girl.

And the Second Give Away item is sponsored by Dena Dyer--- one groovy chick!
Dena Dyer says, "I'm giving a copy of The Groovy Chicks' Road Trip to Love, my latest book, on your blog. I can package it with two other items: a purple and green wooden sign that says "Groovy!" and a craft kit that would be fun to do with kids." How TOTALLY COOL is that! To learn more about Dena, her many Groovy Chick's books and her ministry click here: http://www.denadyer.com/ .

Oh my stars~ I have to go! I just heard Brooke share with her friends that the ONLY thing she wants to Christmas this year is a real live PIG!!!!

So, click on the word comments below, leave a little note and you'll be registered for the giveaway! Merry Christmas!

Houston, Wii Have a Problem!

So, yesterday I accomplished something huge. I mailed my out of town gifts. Now before you get too impressed, let me tell you that after all the buying, regifting, wrapping, fluffifying (for the definition of this word see yesterday's post), boxing and taping three large parcels--- I had an announcement to make. "Children, everyone needs to hush! It is 20 minutes until the post office closes and I think Christmas is giving me a heart attack!"

Seriously, with every second that ticked off the clock I could feel the Merry draining from Christmas! I had to make it to the post office or all that buying and regifting would be for nothing!

But never fear! I made it to the post office just in the nick of time before they closed and bolted the doors. (Stay away you late post office shoppers who feel as though they might go postal!) Whew! So up to the counter I marched kicking and dragging said packages. Then the overly worked and underpaid woman dressed in a blue uniform (that could make anyone in a bad mood) gave me the look as she said with just the right amount of disgust- "Where are the labels? Lady, you can't mail packages that don't have addresses."

Hmmfff. You have got to be kidding!

Come to me brain, come to me and help me remember those addresses. I squeezed the sides of my head hoping to retrieve this information that was surely in there somewhere! I got everything but Art's parents zip code. Even though the postal lady was mentally holding up her hand shaped in an "L" while also mentally calling me a LOSER, she was very gracious and looked up the zip code and I was back in the Merry Christmas business.

That is until today---my second Christmas heart attack.

You can't buy Nintendo Wii's at the last minute.

No ma'am Sam I am.
Even if you eat green eggs and ham!
You can not, will not, have not a Wii.
Not for you and not for me!

So, when in Christmas Crisis mode, I call my mother who knows how to shop. (Remember the search for the Christmas tree I told you about during my open house on Tuesday?) Yes, my mom is a pro! And VICTORY if she goes and stands in line at Best Buy tomorrow morning at O dark hundred hour, she could probably get one--- and then she could Fed Ex it to me-- and then Wii would be would be happy!

But Art said no to spending the extra it would take to Fed Ex the game.

He said this is why I have been having Christmas heart attacks--- because I am getting all caught up in the commercialism of Christmas. A video game will not make my Christmas Merry. A video will not make my kid's Christmas Merry.

Oh wait, oh wait, don't say no. I was having visions of sugar plums dancing in my head while we all lay around on Christmas day and bond with each other while learning the fine art of Wii! We'd be laughing and playing and having the best ol' time. Oh please, oh please.

But, he's right. Rushing here and there and staking claim to a place in line and spending too much on shipping and sitting on pins and needles just hoping it will come in time--- is all very commercial. All for what? A video game?

So, I'm making a choice to honor my husband and Jesus as well. I'm making the choice to let it go. I'm making the choice to not get swept up in the stress of this sugar plum vision.

But it is hard, isn't it~

Now for the One Cool Christmas GiveAway:

Winner from yesterday's give away by Tricia Goyer-

Laurie who posted she has not bought any of her presents yet- I'm not sure it will get to you before Christmas but hey we're letting the stress of that go, right? E-mail me at Lysa1@Proverbs31.org and give me your contact information.

And Today's Give Away sponsored by Sharon Hoffman---
This will certainly help those of you who have also had moments where the Merry was slipping away from your Christmas---

Sharon says, "I'm giving an "It's All About Me" gift basket full of a book of mine, bubble bath, lotion, and a candle.....so the gal who wins can have an hour or half hour or even a five minute relaxing time alone where it's all about her!
To learn more about Sharon, click here.

But First--- click on comments below, leave a little message, and it will automatically enter you to win!

Ps--- Thank you to everyone who has been posting such sweet notes to me lately. I do read each of them and I'm convinced that people keep coming back to my blog to read what you gals write in your comments. Y'all are so smart, cute, witty, and just plain fun to do life with!

You are the bomb!

Okay here's today's devotional thought- just when I think I am feeling like I'm really getting together, God allows me to be humbled. Plain and simple, pride crowds Jesus right out of our heart. Isn't it interesting that in almost every Christmas Story play ever performed, the inn-keeper has one of the most pivotal lines, "There is no room."

This isn't just a line for a Christmas play.

So, I often ask Jesus to reveal to me when my heart is getting off kilter.

Recently, He did this in the most hysterical way. Now, remember, it is not often that I really feel like I have it all together. But one day Renee, LeAnn and I were on a conference call with a large radio station planning a conference we'll be working on together. The big wig from the radio station was telling me that they wanted me to help promote our conference by coming out for their station's birthday bash to speak. They have a small little bash with about 8,000 of their closest friends. Wow!

She went on to say that I'd be speaking in between two headliner music groups like Mercy Me and Barlow Girls. But, she warned, that I would be speaking while standing in front of the curtain while behind the curtain they would be changing the set for the next music group. She went on to say,"It will get noisy- and possibly distracting."

Me: "Oh, I'll be fine. I'm good at tuning out distractions."

Her: "You're the bomb."

Me: "Oh, I'm not the bomb, I'm just used to speaking while other things are going on. I'll be fine."

Renee: "Lysa, she did not just say you're the bomb--- she said you're a mom!"

Seriously y'all. Nothing like eating a good ol' fashioned piece of humble pie!

Now for the reason that I'm telling you this story.

I am not the bomb--- that has been made perfectly clear--- but I am a mom that wanted to find a cute way to wrap the zillions of things that have to be wrapped this time of the year. Last year I waited too long to go buy wrapping paper so Art took it upon himself to love me by going to the CVS store to buy paper.

Remember my post recently about his issue with not caring about things matching? Well, my packages last year were simply sad- as in really sad. But I loved that he thought of me so I used the (shhh--- don't tell) ugly and not matching paper.

This year I got smart and bought plenty of paper that matched, matched, matched! And I even bought some tulle and ribbons on clearance at Hobby Lobby to make it all look just so.

And, I have a photo of my creation. You all know that I am CRAFT CHALLENGED so this was HUGE for me. But I clearly know that neither me nor my creation is "the bomb."



It is so easy and so cheap to do~ You just get an inexpensive bag (I think I paid fifty cents for this one). Then you get a spool of white tulle and a spool of the same color tulle that matches the bag. Tulle is like that stuff that a bride's veil is made from---I got spools of it (on sale right now) at Hobby Lobby.

You tie two bows, one on top of the other onto the bag handles. Then you cut the loop parts of the bow to give it that full, fluffified look. (I'm sorry I know that is not a word but I'm having a moment here where I can hardly believe I am giving craft instructions and fluffified just seemed like such a perfect description for what I'm telling you. I would be scared that Martha Stewart would be calling to get the rights to my creation and my fluff word but I did not hand knit my ribbons or dye my own tissue paper so maybe not!)



Then you get other ribbons that coordinate and tie small sections of them in the center of the fluffified tulle. Finally you can top it all off by attaching a gift card, candy cane, ornament, bell, Christmas Card, or whatever. FUN! FUN!



Okay, I'll attach a closer up look at the fluffication of the bow. And I honestly spent less than $1 for this whole gig. (Or gag if you don't like fluffified things.) Either way I still clearly know that I am not the bomb!

NOW FOR TODAY'S ONE COOL CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY!

Yesterday's WINNERS---
Suzie Eller's give away~
Tam who adopted a precious sounding teen aged girl who stands taller than her.

Martha Bolton's give away~
Sherry who hid and burned plastic containers in her oven (now, who is the real bomb?---literally)

Congrats girls! E-mail me at Lysa1@Proverbs31.org and give me your mailing address. Yipppeee!

Now for TODAY'S GIVE AWAY---

Tricia Goyer
"Escape into History" pack-
Four WWII fiction novels by Tricia Goyer
Chocolate
$20 Starbucks card

http://www.triciagoyer.com/
http://www.triciagoyer.blogspot.com/

Now, Tricia has written a delightful devotional that I'll be posting another day before Christmas but until then, leave a comment below by clicking on the word "comments" and you'll be entered into today's drawing! And be sure to pop over to Tricia's blog and say hello.

Merry Christmas!

My not so pretty side of Christmas

Thank you for posting so many sweet and encouraging comments on my Christmas Open House yesterday. But in all fairness, I feel as though I have to post the not so pretty side of things as well just to keep it all real.


First, this is the scene that greeted my eyeballs when I awoke this morning- the dreaded stuff pile. Now, for you really organized gals--- you won't understand this. But for the rest of us, we all know that when you have a party, you tidy and fluff the areas that people will see. But, of course this means that you will have to hide and stuff things in other areas that people don't see. So, there's a little issue in my bedroom--- or at least a corner of it. Piles. I wish I could tell you it's all Christmas stuff. But it is not.

Next we have my front walk way that I took a little tumble on today. Yes, I was heading out the door to go running (I use that word loosely mind you!) with Holly and never even saw the ice. One minute I'm up and feeling all athletic and the next minute I am down and twisted like pretzel. Wasn't it just 80 degrees here a few days ago? When I finally made it to my car to drive over to Holly's house, my dashboard said the outside temp registered 17 degrees. We still went running because my body was too cold to feel any pain.

Then of course here is one of my beloved dogs. Do you see that she is in my daughter's unmade bed? Yes, and do you know what my daughter informed me of? Here's her quote, "Mom, Chelsea just peed a puddle the size of Dad's head in my bed!" For a minute I thought I was living in a Dr. Seuss nightmare. "I will not kick my dog to the curb or eat green eggs and ham. I will not, would not, could not Sam I am!" Seriously though--- I have a whole downstairs full of hardwood floors which make for quick and easy accident clean up. But no! She just had to pick the bed---sheets, comforter, pillows, mattress and all! Maybe she was getting me back for making her wear this ridiculous sweater--- (from Target and on sale of course!)

And I knew my day was in trouble when I was running late and still 4 miles from my girl's school. Then my dashboard message center started beeping. Was it in the tune of some lovely Christmas song?

No! "Let's hear those sleigh bells ringaling- jing- jing- jingaling too. Come on it's lovely weather to push my car together with you. At school the kids are calling and and teachers hollering--- where are you? Come on it's lovely weather for a push ride together to school."

Does that say "0" miles to empty? Yes ma'am it does. But do I have a secret for you! I not only picked those kids up on fumes but still made it to the gas station down the road another mile or so. So, I'm thinking that zero miles until empty is just so marketing ploy to get us to buy gas a little earlier than absolutely necessary. My husband always smiles and only slightly rolls his eyes with my great life and business theories such as this one!

And finally my contribution to the Proverbs 31 Ministries Christmas Party at our office today. Everyone was supposed to bring covered dish items. Which is code for "let's see who can cook and who is- well- a little kitchen challenged." Well, my contribution had an issue and part of it went missing before arriving to the party. So, I put this homemade (thanks to my friend Sam's Club) pie down with all the other gourmet looking treats and yummies. I just proudly announced that the pie was mine and questions were not welcome.

So, there you have it friends. My not so pretty side of Christmas. I hope that whatever you are struggling to still get done during these last days of Christmas preparation, does not weigh you down. My prayer is that your burden now feels lighter! And your Christmas a little brighter! I mean seriously gals--- do any of us REALLY have it ALL together?

I promise I'll tackle some more spiritually enlightening devotional thoughts soon. But, I'm hoping that just knowing we are not alone in our shortcomings will work wonders for us all today!

Now the moment you've all been waiting for today's One Cool Christmas Give Away!

The Winners from Yesterday---

Micca Campbell's Give Away-

Wendy who posted about crying and then deciding, "to put the outside lights back up in the attic, and everyone will have to be OK with that." You go girl!

Rachel Olsen's Give Away-

Shoua from the Mrs. Proverbs31 blog.

CONGRATS! Please e-mail Lysa1@Proverbs31.org with all your contact information and we'll get your prizes out to you!

NOW FOR TODAY'S GIVE AWAY!!!

One Winner will get this great gift pack from Suzie Eller---
Real Issues, Real Teens: What Every Parent Needs to Know book (for mom) and

Making It Real: Whose Faith Is It Anyway? (for their teen), along with some fun munchies. Please visit her blog for teens by clicking here.

The Other Winner will be getting a great gift package from author/ singer/ speaker, Martha Bolton---
This package will include a four book autographed gift set and $10 Starbucks gift card. The books included are:

DIDN'T MY SKIN USED TO FIT?
COOKING WITH HOT FLASHES
GROWING YOUR OWN TURTLENECK
RACE YOU TO THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH

Don't these sound great??? So, click on the comments button below and post your comment. You'll then be registered to WIN! Be sure to check back tomorrow to see who won~

Sweet Christmas Blessings Friend!

My Christmas Open House

Merry Almost Christmas Everyone! Well, today I'm having a little open house and inviting YOU! Can't you just smell the hot wassail on the stove, my almost homemade slice and bake cookies, and my evergreen Yankee candle burning? Well, what are we waiting for? Come on in!

Here's my daughter Hope and I ready to greet you at our front door. I got that tree on the left of my stairs on clearance today at Target for $30 lights and all! I love good deals!

Now, here are some of my favorite ornaments. Each of my kids have and ornaments with their names painted on them. (Don't even think about asking me if I hand painted these myself! The fact that I'm serving you slice and bake cookies should be a major indication of the lack of my homemaking skills.) Anyhow, when the kids were little they each got an ornament that year that represented something they were into. I also picked up these large stars at a craft show and had each of their names painted on one.

Here's the kid's tree where these ornaments live for the month of December. This is the only live tree we have. And I'm so proud to announce that my kids and I went to the Tree Lot closest to our house, walked in, looked at three trees and bought the first one we looked at. The whole event took less than 5 minutes. There is a story here. You see my sweet mom has this thing for the perfect tree. We are talking it's an all day affair with many visits to what seemed like hundreds of lots. A few fights, tears, and much angst later- ALAS the perfect tree. I would like to say I was not scarred by the whole perfect tree production but I think my 5 minute- any tree will do- attitude might indicate otherwise!

My next picture is my attempt at a centerpiece. It was so easy I honestly scared myself! I just got a bowl I had, went out into the woods behind my house, found a tree with some greenery on it, put some cuttings in the bowl, got a splinter, put some gold sparkly sticks in it, added some gold ornaments that I got on clearance at Target (love that store!) lit a few little candles, and Wallah! I then did a happy dance when my kids gave me the thumbs up. I just might share some of my slice and bakes with them.

My next photo is my Christmas present from Holly this year! We found these JOY letters made out of greenery at a little store in Connecticut during a recent speaking engagement. I loved them but thought they were too expensive- in other words, they were not on clearance at Target. But then she surprised me with them last week! Oh, oh, oh I was so happy! Aren't they cute?

And FINALLY--- here are some stockings hung by the chimney with care! These are Mommy and Daddy's stockings. It just cracks me up how large and funky they are. Don't worry the kiddos have stockings hung by another chimney with care. But theirs are much smaller and have a slightly tacky element to them. Someone took masking tape and wrote in sharpie marker each kid's name on it. Oh dear. I'll reveal those on another day. I'll also post the piles of stuff that reside in my bedroom at this present moment. It seems my room is now the catch all for all the things that took away from my pretties throughout the house. Maybe I'll form the pile into a triangle, hang a few ornaments and a star on top, and start a new "stuff tree" trend!

Now for the One Cool Christmas Give Away!

The winners of yesterday's contest are:

Glynnis Whitwer's giveaway- 5Warrens

Tracie Miles' giveaway- Elise from Extravagant Grace

Now, for today's featured Give Away Guests: Micca Campbell and Rachel Olsen.

First here's a little poem by Micca, a description of her give away, and a little about her---

It’s Christmas Time—Again!

Hurry now
No time to spare
Ignore the stress
That’s in the air

Make your list
And check it twice
Plan Christmas dinner
And buy extra ice

Bake the cookies
Make chocolate fudge
Wave to your neighbor
And forgive your grudge

Hang the stockings
Put up the tree
Keep those needles
From pricking your knee

Wrap the presents
And add the bows
Don’t forget Rudolph
And his shiny red nose

Make Johnny’s costume
For the Christmas play
Don’t let him know
You wish it were May

Don’t fight, don’t squabble
Just ask, “what’s the matter?’
When your hubby complains
About falling off the ladder

Thank God it comes
But once a year
Much more and I wouldn’t
Survive, I fear

If my poem describes how you feel this holiday season, then you need some “me” time. What better way to pamper yourself then to fill the air with sweet scents, slide into a bubbly bath, and read a good devotional? Hi, I’m Micca Campbell and I’m giving away a certificate to Body Works and a signed copy of “God’s Purpose for Every Woman” so you can do just that—relax and drink in the Spirit of the season! I’d also like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

Micca Campbell is a national speaker and author who travels the US touching and changing the lives of thousands. She has written numerous articles for many publications and is a contributing author to For the Write Reason and God’s Purpose for Every Woman. Micca is the Director of Outreach with Proverbs 31 Ministries and writes regularly for their on-line devotions, Encouragement for Today featured on Crosswalk.com You can visit Micca’s blog at http://www.miccacampbell.com/

Now, here's Rachel Olsen---

Hey Girls … Lysa’s friend Rachel Olsen here from Proverbs 31. I’m gettin’ giddy with the Christmas spirit so I’m jumping in on the Cool Christmas Giveaway. I just love new beginnings, and January is right around the corner. For me it’s a time of renewed motivation and commitments. So I thought I’d offer something to help you begin your new year with God – an autographed copy of our new P31 devotional book God’s Purpose for Every Woman.
Of course January is also a time of cold, dark mornings so I’m throwing in a $10 gift-card to Starbucks to help you wake up, warm up, and get your day going with God. I hope the lucky winner will stop by my blog “My Life in Chapter and Verse” after you get into it and let me know how God is speaking to you through the words of the wonderful team of devotional writers at P31.

Merry Christmas, sweet sisters! ~ Rachel

So, to enter today's contest, post a comment by clicking in the word "comments" below. It was great to have you stop by today! I hope you are blessed, less stressed, and doing better than me on getting your cards done! I have not even taken my photo yet! Oh dear---

Merry Christmas!

Oh and special thanks to Boo Mama Blog for hosting the Internet Christmas Open House today!

Never Alone

Do you ever feel lonely?

Recently, I was at an event full of people. Everyone else seemed gabby and like they were effortlessly making easy connections with others. I just felt out of sorts. Someone had said something to me earlier that day that hurt my feelings and knocked me off kilter. It was one of those, “I would really like to be at home alone, in a bubble bath, eating something chocolate -kind of nights. But I had to go to this outing, so here I was- lonely.

I politely smiled my way through the evening and finally got to go home. As I crawled into bed that night, I asked Jesus, “why am I letting some thoughtless comment made my someone affect me like this?”

There was no deep explanation. There was no Bible verse that instantly popped into my head. There was no sudden rush of peace through my heart. Only a very gentle reminder in the depths of my soul that Jesus loves me- insecurities and all.

Jesus loves me. That simple little song that I learned all those years ago. Very simple yet so powerfully profound, that one statement grounds me in the truth of who God says I am. Friends can’t make you feel accepted all the time. Accomplishments will never truly make you feel secure. Having lots of people around you does not mean you won’t ever feel lonely. And chocolate, while it is deliciously distracting, is just a little too temporary.

So, I turn to the One who is Everlasting, Prince of Peace, Emmanuel- God with us. I draw close to Him so He can help me separate solid truth from shifting emotion. And I remember, I’m never alone.

“Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer.

From the ends of the earth I call to you,
I call as my heart grows faint;

For you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the foe.

I long to dwell in your tent forever
and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.”

Proverbs 61: 1-4



One Cool Christmas Give Away---

This weekend's winners of Sandra Aldrich's give away are:

Terri Sue
Kim W
Denise from Indiana with twin boys

Congrats! Please e-mail me with your contact info at Lysa1@Proverbs31.org. Thanks to everyone who posted this weekend! So many great tip and recipes---yum!

Now for Today's Two Give Aways sponsored by Glynnis Whitwer and Tracie Miles---

First Prize-

Glynnis Whitwer is giving away a copy of her book, "Work @ Home," along with a set of decorative files to help get you organized and looking good!

Glynnis Whitwer is on staff with Proverbs 31 Ministries as the senior editor of the “P31 Woman.” She is also the author of “work@home: A Practical Guide for Women who Want to Work at Home.” Both Glynnis and her husband work from home and one of their businesses is http://www.roselanecottage.com/, specializing in decorative home office and organizational accessories.

This month, Glynnis would like to give away a set of decorative files of your choice to help you jump-start your New Year’s organization resolutions.

Additionally, throughout the month of January, Glynnis will be doing a home office organization series on her blog at http://www.glynniswhitwer.com/. If getting your paper, files and desk under control is on your to-do list, be sure to visit Glynnis’ blog for daily tips and techniques.

The Next Prize-

Tracie Miles is giving her book and CD message both with the title, "Reinventing Your Rainbow."

Tracie has been married to her husband Michael for 17 ½ years and has three children. She lives in Charlotte, NC. She is a Women’s Ministry Director, an author and a speaker with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Tracie has a heart for God and a passion for helping women discover the abundant joy that God can bring into their lives through being obedient to God’s will and having a true heart for servant leadership.

The book title is “Reinventing Your Rainbow: A Spiritual Journey of Leaving the Dark Shadows of Satan’s Bondage to Discover the Magnificent Colorful Rainbow That God Holds For Your Life”. It Is a book to encourage women to allow God to use their life experiences, good and bad, to bring glory to Him and minister to others. It will motivate women to remove their masks and be proud of their true identities and what God has done in their life through their experiences. The Audio CD is entitled “Reinventing Your Rainbow” as well.
To visit Tracie's website click here.

So, post a comment by clicking on the word "comments" below and you'll be registered to win one of today's Give Aways.

Merry Christmas!!!

Messies Anonymous- A Silly Saturday and Sunday Post

Do any of us really have it all together? I mean really. We may do okay in one area while failing miserably in another right? Yesterday, I offered my friend Karen's organization book as the prize. There were many comments about the need to be more organized. Well, sisters, let me assure you there is a good reason that Karen was called to write that great book and not me!

Today's post is just a silly Saturday post for us to share our own organization ideas. If you need help with how to organize a particular area of your home then send out an SOS to my posting friends who will surely comment with an answer. Or, if you are one of those really super duper organized gals, post your best tip and answers to the rest of us who have questions.

If you have a blog put your blog address in your comment, write something on your blog about organizing (the good or the bad) and we'll all come check you out.

Here are a few of my organizing issues:
* I seem to be emotionally allergic to grocery lists. Therefore, I stand in the grocery store pondering--- "do we have this item at home or not?" Well, sometimes I get it right. But many times I get it wrong and have a plethora of the same item. Currently, I have 5 containers of cream cheese in my fridge. I won't get that one wrong again this week! Anyone have a recipe that calls for LOTS of cream cheese?

* A Mail issue- (carefully notice the spelling there, I said mail not male--- although with two boys and one man cub in my home I've had male issues too!)
Anyhow, does mail just multiply during the Christmas season or what? I have set up system after system to keep mail from piling up on my one kitchen counter but I still have a pile!

Please post a helpful hint for your sister here before I have to go to Messies Anonymous and start by saying, "My name is Lysa and I am a list failure and mail piler!"

Now for the ONE COOL CHRISTMAS GIVE AWAY!
Yesterday's winner of Karen's prize is:
Madi's Mommy

But then I so adored Cheryl H's comment that she has to have a copy of Karen's book as well. So, Cheryl, I 'll get that book and send it to you sister!

Madi's Mommy and Cheryl H, please e-mail me at Lysa1@Proverbs31.org with your contact info and we'll get those sent to you.

Now for Today's Give Away Prize!
Just what every GAL needs, organized or not! A gift $25 certificate to Walmart!!! And a really cool book as well! This weekend's give away is sponsored by a dear author and speaker friend of mine named Sandra Aldrich. To visit Sandra's website, click here.

I'll pick a couple of winners today as Sandra has several books to pick from. For a complete description of any one of these titles, pop over to Sandra's site. Here are the books she's written and ones you can pick from:

From One Single Mother to Another for a single-mother

Will I Ever Be Whole Again? for a widow or someone dealing with the death of a loved one

Honey, Hang in There! for a tired young mother

Bless Your Socks Off for someone needing encouragement

One Hundred One Upward Glances for someone needing to be reminded to look for God in the ordinary

Husbands Read Newspapers, Not Minds for someone who is surprised at what she has had to learn about marriage

So, one of these books will be sent to you along with a $25 Walmart Card!

Fun! Fun! Fun! I can't wait to hear your great organizing ideas, or cream cheese recipes, or mail pile fix- it plans, or your own organizing woos which will surely make me feel better!

And to my sweet friend Debbie Hanson who is the great organizing guru- thank you for your countless hours of trying to help your organizationally challenged friend. I know you have great ideas to help the rest of us out--- so post away!

To leave a comment, click on the word comments below. I am going to let this contest run through Sunday evening. Check back here Monday morning for the winners!
Merry Christmas!

I don't want to be a big girl

The other night when I went to tuck Brooke into bed, I could tell something was weighing heavily on her heart. He little lips started to quiver when I held her close. Then the tears started to flow as she exclaimed, "I don't want to be a big girl!"

"What are you talking about Brooke?" I asked with much curiosity.

"Well, everyone keeps talking about how my 9th birthday is coming up in just a few days and how I'll be such a big girl then. Jackson and Hope and Ashley keep telling me now that I'll be a big girl I have to act big and I can't act little anymore. And then before you know it, I'll have to LEAVE (huge sobs here) you and Daddy and move away and go to college and just, just, live somewhere else (pronounced ehhhhelllllzzzzz) and well it's just all stressing me out."

I bit my lips together to keep from smiling. "Sweetheart, you don't have to leave or go to college today--- or even tomorrow, or even next year, or for several years after that. And you certainly don't have to be a big girl today. As a matter of fact, we can declare that for our home, you don't reach big girl status until you're like ten or even eleven! Okay?"

Then as quickly as all that emotion swept into her little bedroom, it was gone. She grabbed her most faithful friends, Tyggie, Shakey, and Jackson Jr. (her teddy bear named in honor of her big brother), prayed a little prayer, and kissed me goodnight. Life was good. The problems of the world now solved!

What an honor to share such an incredible moment with one precious girl. And isn't that the way it is with motherhood? We do, and give, and clean, and serve, and love, and wash, and kiss, and wash some more. Yes, it can be tiring and monotonous. But tangled in and around all the doing is a gift of being. Being there to witness a person grow, discover, learn, and become is such an incredible thing.

So many times I've let mile markers slip by without realizing it. I don't remember day that marked the last diaper that I would ever change as a mommy. I mean I changed what seemed like thousands of diapers and then one day, that was it. I don't remember the last time I carried my oldest daughter. I mean I toted her on my hip for what seemed like years. And then one day I toted her for the last time, and that was it. And I don't remember the last time I tucked my middle daughter into bed as a little girl. But there was surely a moment when she woke up and had become a big girl, and that was it.

So, maybe it is because I have a touch of the good ol' PMS and am a bit more emotional than usual. (I'm getting all sentimental over diapers for heaven's sake!) Or maybe it's because God has given me a gift with my last little one. But I've determined that Brooke's passing from little to big will not go unnoticed. I will savor and memorize every moment of it.

Oh and by the way, as I'm finishing this post my teenagers are stirring and suddenly my home is filled with the thumping and pumping beats of big kid songs. Can you believe I can still sing Barney songs and actually miss them every now and then--- "I love you, you love me" has turned into "Dolla' dollar bill y'all" or something like that. I can't even understand half the words. Oh sigh.

Maybe this Christmas there are some memories you need to savor as well. Write a comment below and you'll be entered into today's drawing. And it is really ONE COOL CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY today!!!

First, yesterday's winner----Content and Joyfilled in Burnsville! E-mail me at Lysa1@Proverbs31.org and give me your e-mail and mailing address and we'll get your gifts out to you right away! Congrats!

Now for today's giveaway--- Sponsored by Karen Ehman!

Here's a note from Karen-

I am a homeschooling mom of three who lives in Michigan and, perhaps like you, deals with sibling rivalry, endless to do lists. I love to provide women with practical, doable ideas to help them to connect with their God and love on their family and friends.

For my give away I am offering a chance to win a signed copy of my newest book to be released January 1st along with a Starbucks gift card so you can find a few minutes to steal away to a quiet spot and read your new book! And my children will be quick to point out that the book being personalized and signed, means it will be worth a quarter more at your garage sale someday!

Here’s a description of the book you’ll win:
♥ The Complete Guide to Getting and Staying Organized- The key to good organization is not a one-size-fits-all method. It is a unique plan that considers personality type, lifestyle, income level, and family schedule. Author and speaker, Karen Ehman believes that with her simple step by step process moms can recognize their own personal style of managing their households successfully and develop a unique plan that gives them the freedom to:

manage their time wisely
declutter and organize their homes
plan menus, shop more efficiently, and become more comfortable and creative in the kitchen
get children involved in pursuing an ordered life and home
avoid the trap of overcommitment
use practical tools to assist in organization

Getting and staying organized means more time for the important things in family life, concentrating on cultivating a close, personal relationship with the Creator, drawing His word into every aspect of living, and ultimately tying their children’s heartstrings to God.
I’m glad to get to know you. Stop by my website http://www.karenehman.com/ and check my speaking schedule to see if I’ll be coming to your area. I’d love to meet you in person!

Here’s Karen’s official bio: Karen Ehman has been described as profoundly practical, engagingly funny and downright real. She is a member of the Proverbs 31 Ministries national speaking team and is a columnist for the Hearts at Home monthly magazine, an organization for which she also teaches workshops and is on the drama team. She has her own weekly radio spot on the WCIC family of radio stations in central Illinois entitled “The Keep It Simple Woman”.

Karen is the author of four books and has been a guest on national television and radio programs including The 700 Club, At Home Live, Engaging Women, The Harvest Show, Moody Midday Connection and Dr. James Dobson’s Focus on the Family.

She has been married for over 20 years to her best friend Todd and is the mother of three sometimes quarrelsome, but mostly charming children: Mackenzie 16, Mitchell 12 and Spencer 9. Before motherhood, Karen was a teacher and cheer leading coach who actually had hobbies. Now she spends her days homeschooling, carpooling, or parked in the volleyball bleachers or little league stands. Though hopelessly craft-challenged with pitiful, partially finished scrapbooks, she enjoys baking and cooking and has won several blue ribbon rosettes at various county fairs for her cookies, cakes, pies and breads.

Another Cool Contest

Hi Gals!

Here's another cool contest you should consider entering. It's from my friend and fellow author, Nancy McGuirk. She is a beautiful person who has a passion to help women learn how to truly rest.

Don't leave your comment below to enter this one. Pop over to her site and regsiter. Realize that the drawing will take place tomorrow so don't delay!

Here's a great idea to help you experience rest this holiday season...

Nancy McGuirk, author of the new devotional, Rest Assured, is giving away a Rest Assured Weekend Getaway at The Cove. Her book helps women rest by taking God at His Word. Plus, Nancy is offering the chance to win a weekend experience of rest in 2008 at the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in Asheville, NC. The prize package includes a relaxing weekend for two with exceptional food, lodging, and a 3-day seminar with your choice of noted Christian speaker, such as Chip Ingram, Gary Chapman, or Tony Evans.

Nancy's book, Rest Assured, and the Weekend Getaway make great gift ideas for busy friends and family. Anyone can register at http://www.NancyMcGuirk.com/ No purchase is necessary, and the winner will be announced on December 15th. Don't wait, register today!

The One Thing

Well, we landed safe and sound back in Charlotte. But there was one last little gift from God waiting for us as we landed. When all the passengers were gathering their belongings and getting ready to get off the plane, the overhead sound system came on suddenly and began to play a banjo pickin' version of "Praise the Lord, I saw the light!" Genia and I started cracking up laughing while all the other passengers just kept looking around trying to figure out why this song was playing. The song was a perfect ending to an amazing adventure.

Keep checking my blog and I'll post updates as we get them. Oh and yes I will be posting some of the Hollywood photos in coming weeks as well. You'll just die when you see me holding up that pair of $1200 shoes--- U-G-L-Y- you ain't got no alibi! (sorry 80's songs die hard.)

Now, I'm back in the land of laundry, homework, and a to-do list for Christmas that seems never-ending. Like many of you, I've come to the realization that Christmas is coming in fast motion. I could get all in a tizzy and start steam rolling ahead determined to still get everything perfectly checked off my list. And then tensions would run high, finances would get tight, emotions would flow and I would spend the next month beating myself up over all the places I fall so short.

Or, I could simply ask myself one simple question each day, "What can I accomplish today that will stay within the boundaries of my emotional white space?" In other words what can I realistically do without losing my Christmas joy?

Several years ago, I decided keeping my sanity was of the utmost importance that Christmas and gave myself permission to let a few things slide. Here's my journal entry that I wrote as I headed off to bed the night of December 25th of that year---

I sit in the quiet watching the lights dance and flicker around what is left of our Christmas festivities. The presents are all opened and half of them strewn about, evidence of happy children that were too tired to carry their treasures to their room. They can do that tomorrow.

Usually a mess of this magnitude would have sent me into a cleaning frenzy complete with finger pointing and tense words, but not tonight. Tonight I'm going to bed and not let the messy house bother me a bit. I will sleep and dream and feel completely at peace. For this was my first Christmas where my family hadn’t missed the One thing.

Oh we missed other things this year. We missed buying the batteries for toys though their packages were clearly marked, “Batteries Not Included.” We missed a few family members and friends on our not-so-organized Christmas Card list. We missed an ingredient from our homemade bread attempt that flopped, literally. We missed Aunt Jane’s gift and had to dig through our closets looking for a suitable re-gift item. We missed the deadline to send our out of town presents that I then cleverly marked as Happy New Year gifts…though we missed that deadline as well. We missed doing the proper RSVP on some of the parties we’d been invited to. Yes, there were certainly things that were lacking about the TerKeurst’s holidays this year.

But we did not missed the One thing.

For the first time in years, I made a promise in my heart to keep Christ as the focus of our Christmas celebration, and we actually made good on that promise. We did not do it with a lot of fan fare and hoop-lah but we celebrated Jesus in a most glorious way. Not that an outsider would have really noticed a huge change. We still decorated the tree, draped the stairway with greenery, baked our favorite cookies, and gave gifts and cards.

But had an outsider happened upon our Christmas morning breakfast today, they would have seen something different. The kids weren’t fidgeting in their chairs waiting to tear open the gifts surely calling their name from below the tree. They were eagerly awaiting their turn to give a gift to Jesus from their heart.

With a simple candle attached to each breakfast plate, we took turns lighting our candle as we explained what gift we were giving from our heart to honor Jesus this year. Our oldest son gave a renewed commitment to tithe. Our youngest daughter gave up her tendency to pout, “No more whinnies,” she proudly exclaimed.

Each of us gave a gift that you could not tie a bow around or even touch in any way. But these gifts were real and precious and sincere. For just a brief moment, the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season faded as we invited our Jesus to sit and talk for a while. As my husband lit the candle that was attached to Jesus’ plate at the table, we each told him thank you and Happy Birthday.

Finally, a Christmas where we did not miss the One thing.

“One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple,” Psalm 27:4.

May it be so for you as well. And we all join in singing---twang, twang, twang--- Praise the Lord, I saw the Light!

Now, it's Give Away Prizes Time!!!

The TWO winners from Renee's wonderful gift pack are:

* PAM STEWART
* Squirrelly Mom

CONGRATS! Please post your e-mail address in today's comments section below and we'll be in touch!!!

Now for today's Give Away--- We have a gift for mom and one for the kiddos!

First, For Mom:Marybeth Whalen's e-book called "A Recipe For Christmas Joy " which contains recipes, ideas, encouragement and thoughts on keeping Jesus at the center of your Christmas celebration. This book was designed to help you find that Christmas JOY your heart is longing for! To visit Marybeth's blog, click here.

Marybeth is a wife mom of 6 kids and the friend I sometimes lovingly refer to as "Gourmet" on my blog. (see my post called "How Long Does Molasses Stay Good For? for a quick laugh and insight into how cool it would be to have an e-book written by such a friend!

Secondly, a gift for the kiddos sponsored by Van Walton! A stocking full of great goodies--- here's Van:

Van’s Visions for a Happy Christmas Lucky, stressed-out mom of crazed over-active, give me more candy, Christmas lights, and visits to toys-r-us out-of-control little ones will receive a Christmas Stocking full of happy Christmas activities and ideas for moms to share with her children. Van’s giveaway will include her popular children’s DVD, From the Pound to the Palace.
Christmas is the most magical and inspirational time of the year for me. As I reflect on the many wonderful memories my sons and I made while they were growing up, my passion to share our special experiences has been fanned into flame. Being the keeper of my home and my child’s heart I learned to protect my little ones from the distractions of the holiday season. I purposefully set out to create an attractive home environment during the month of December. Working prayerfully to design interactive activities, I created memory making games and projects. Today, I find great joy in sharing our special times together, encouraging mothers of young children to give the gift of their presence and play rather than stressing out over presents, parties, and the perfect Christmas.

To visit Van's Blog click here.

So click on the word comments below, type in your comment, and you'll be entered. Then be sure to check back tomorrow to see if you've won~

Merry Christmas!

And Hollywood Gets it Right

Well, today was our last in Hollywood. What a hilariously fun and wild day it was. Dressed in my finest Target shoes, we went shopping on swanky Rodeo drive. Let’s just say their definition of the words, “on sale,” and my definition of those words are not the same. I picked up the ugliest pair of shoes I could find on the sale rack just to see how much they had been marked down. They were originally $1200 but on sale for a mere $950. I had to take a picture which I’ll try and post when I get home--- I never even knew that shoes existed that were that expensive. Then of course there was the handbag that would look so nice with these shoes for just an additional $3000.

I asked Jen, one of the producers showing us around, if people ever actually purchased these outrageously priced items. Sadly, she said, “everyday.” She called these high dollar items baby blankets for the super rich and famous or those that pose like they are super rich and famous. False security costs a lot on Rodeo (pronounced Row-day-oh.)Drive.

As we headed out of one of the stores, we saw the paparazzi clamoring for the attention of Mr. Jack Black. He looked the exact same in person as he does on the movie screen--- quirky but cute smile and silly but confident strut. I decided to play it cool in front of Jen and not act like it was a big deal. But inside I was like, “I am on Rodeo Drive watching movie stars strut by--- what in the world?”

Soon, it was time to head over to the set where we sat down with the executive producer for a final meeting. Genia and I expressed the desires of all the families for the story to be told the way that it happened. It is a God story plain and simple. It is a story of God moving in ordinary people’s hearts to make gut wrenching, life changing, comfort zone shattering decisions to say yes to a very scary invitation. And these decisions to obey God have rocked our world- in the best kind of way.

The producer listened so patiently to all of our concerns. Then he paused as a very thoughtful and sincere look crossed his face, “Did you ever see the movie Schindler’s List? In this movie there is one line that has stuck with me forever. One that still stirs the deepest part of my being. ‘ Whoever saves one life, saves the world entire.' That’s what your story reminds me of.”

In that moment a rush of amazement washed over me. Sometimes Hollywood gets it right--- and today they certainly did.

As I head to bed tonight I am reminded of the importance of living everyday with the expectation of experiencing God. I had no idea 4 ½ years ago as I loaded my three little girls into my mini-van and drove to a little church in the middle of nowhere to hear some kids from Liberia sing, that God was about to issue me an invitation to join Him in changing the world.

Me. Little ordinary, doing laundry, trying to scrape something together for dinner, feeling like I’d had a triumphant day if I did not yell at the kids, talking to my friends about the tragedies of my last failed dieting attempt, unaware of the cries of Liberian orphans- me. And then the God of the Universe paused and said, “Will you say yes? Oh sweetheart, please trust me and say yes. You have no idea what a ride I’m about to take you on.”

And I’m convinced He’s asking you that same question. Imagine the possibilities of living in expectation of truly experiencing God in the perfectly unique way He's designed for you today. Just imagine.


One Cool Christmas Give Away Updates:

If you have never posted a comment on a blog, you can do it easily by clicking on the red word, "comments" below. You then can either post under anonymous and include your name inside your post, or you can easily create a named account through following the google instructions within the comments box.

The winner of the $25 Bath and Body Works Certificate from Chris Hogan’s Sunday Give Away is--- Tasha Via! Congrats! Post your e-mail address below and we’ll get your certificate sent out right away.

Now for today’s giveaway---
There was such a HUGE response to Renee Swope’s Give Away (described in detail on yesterday's post) that we are letting it run one more day. And now she’s planning on picking TWO winners to each receive her gift pack! So click on comments below, leave a comment about today’s post and you’ll be entered to win. If you posted yesterday, please post again and double your chances to win. And if you haven’t clicked over to Renee’s site to watch the video she has posted, grab a tissue and head over there after you post your comment below.

Merry Christmas!

More About Hollywood

Today was amazing.

We got to sit on the set of a major motion picture and learn so much about making movies, how many people it takes to make even the smallest scenes work, and the yummy food that is served all day long. I watched Eddie Murphy and his pint sized, 6 year old co-star do a precious scene for their upcoming movie. Then we sat in the editing studio where the directors and producers decided which angles and which shots would make the cut.

The producers we are here with are simply some of the nicest people you'd ever want to meet. They love their families and want to make movies that they could bring their own kids to watch. I'm very glad we have had the opportunity to meet them, hear their heart, see their work and ponder the possibilities for our movie.

After sitting on the movie set, they toured us all around the huge Paramount complex and truly made us feel like queens for the day.

But if you've ever looked at the glitz and glam of Hollywood and thought you were missing out, you're not. Oh my friend, the scenes that play out in our own homes each day are so amazing, if only we'll stop and savor them. There are so many more things I could tell you about from my experiences today but I feel compelled to just share one thing tonight.

Life in its richest form is not found in some far off place. It is found where those you love the most are. So, go throw your arms around someone you love that you do life with everyday and tell them how much they mean to you. And tell them how thankful you are that they play a starring role in your life.

I'll post more tomorrow--- I'll also post the winner of the $25 gift certificate to Bath and Body Works tomorrow.

Now, for the One Cool Christmas Give Away today! Click on the word "comments" below this post, leave a comment, and you'll be registered to win a great gift pack sponsored by Renee Swope!

Here' s Renee to tell you more:

Dear Friend,

I pray that your heart will be encouraged and your perspective renewed as you enjoy the gift pack I've created just for you! It will include:
* Point of Grace's newest CD "How You Live" along with an autographed photo they gave me on our cruise to give to you!
* A signed copy of God's Purpose for Every Woman devotional book
* My 2-session Women's Conference DVD entitled, "Living and Leaving a Legacy."

A Little about Me: I love to laugh, I am crazy in love with Jesus, I love my family, and I love having fun with my girlfriends. Oh, and I really love coffee - especially with options! I have been married to my best friend, JJ, for 14 years. We have two sons: Joshua (12) and Andrew (10), and two dogs: Chelsea (Dascshund) and Daisy (Beagle).

I am also a speaker, author and co-host of Proverbs 31 Ministries radio show with Lysa. We serve together on the ministry's leadership team with some of the most amazing women on earth. I am so privileged to be friends and teammates with them!

From My Heart to Yours: I've decided that Christmas does not mark the end of this year, it's the beginning of the next! Beginning this month, I want to laugh more, worry less, dance in my kitchen and eat on the porch! I want to enjoy being with the ones I love while they're still with me. And when I am with them, I really want to be there. This Christmas, our family will put up lots of colored lights even though I am a "white lights" kind of girl because that makes their hearts smile! I've decided to email less so I have more time for real-life connections with friends and family. I want to listen and love with words I speak, and even more so with those that I don't. My prayer is the same for you. My hope is that you and I will look back on 2008, when Christmas returns, and we'll celebrate - not what where we went, not even what we did, but how we lived!

Merry Christmas!
Renee Swope
To visit Renee's Blog click here

Off to Hollywood

Okay, I've kept this under wraps for months but I'm finally getting up the courage to blog about it. There is something strange- scary- potentially wonderful- possibly disastrous- amazingly unbelievable happening. Some producers in Hollywood have been investigating doing a movie of the story of me and my friends adopting our kids from Liberia, Africa. (If you want to see Oprah's coverage of our story, click on the Oprah show tab above.) One of the producers came for an initial visit back in August. Now, they are flying us out to see their world and sit on the set of the movie they are filming right now. (Anybody an Eddie Murphy fan? I think he'll be on the set tomorrow. Do you know any CLEAN interesting facts about him?)

So, tomorrow I'll be up at 5 am, driving to pick up my fellow Liberian mom and dear friend Genia, and flying us to Hollywood. It will be a far cry from my normal Monday routine of laundry, dishes, and running my kiddos to school.

I have to be honest, I'm not sure how I feel about all this. On the one hand, I am thrilled that Hollywood is interested in a story that is all about God speaking, people listening, and miraculous things happening. But on the other hand- hmmm- it is such a strange thing to be thinking about and praying about.

So, I'm just taking things step by step, day by day. I really like the producers we've been talking to and feel so honored to go see them in their world. Now, I'm off to pack- maybe I should take Brooke's blue satin clippy clappy shoes I told you about in my last post!

Thanks for your prayers!

And if you would like to enter today's contest click on "comments" below and post your thoughts. If you post a comment to today's blog, you'll have the opportunity to win a $25 Gift Card to Bath and Body Works given by Chris Hogan--- a friend, fellow blogger, and graduate of the Proverbs 31 She Speaks conference. If you'd like to read her blog, click here. Thank you Chris for donating such a generous and fun giveaway!!!

Now--- for the winner of the 2 copies of my book, "The Bathtub is Overflowing, But I feel drained"----

Pajama Mama! CONGRATS!!! Post your e-mail address below and we'll be in touch.

Blue Satin Clippy Clappy Shoes

Friday night I had the distinct privilege to attend the Christmas production at my daughters’ school. Things were a little rushed trying to get everything together and everyone out the door on time. There was hair that needed to be curled. Nerves that needed to be calmed. Last minute props that needed to be found. And Doritos that needed to be eaten--- for dinner! Oh dear.

But we did it! We were only 3 minutes late which I considered a major victory. But my victorious feeling was short lived.

One of the opening numbers was a group song where kids from my youngest daughter’s class stood in a line to present. Everyone had on the proper uniform. Crisp white shirts and dark pants. However, the most noticeable part of everyone’s attire were their shoes. The stage was at just the right height for the performer’s shoes to be at the audience’s eye level.

This is what I saw as I scanned the row of precious performers:
Black dress shoes, black dress shoes, black dress shoes, black dress shoes, black dress shoes, black dress shoes---Blue Satin Clippy Clappy Shoes, three sizes too big!

My eyes stopped scanning the row of shoes and slowly lifted to identify the girl front and center wearing the fancy clippie clappies. My husband noticed the shoes at the same moment and leaned over to whisper, “What does Brooke have on her feet?”

It appears she had decided that her outfit needed a little pizazz--- a little glamour--- a little blue satin that went clippie clappy all the way off that very wooden stage. In that moment I had a choice to get all caught up in the “oh my stars, good moms know what kind of shoes their daughter has on before she clunks across stage.” Or, I could see it as a funny memory we’ll enjoy talking about forever.

As a mom I’m learning the power of laughter, grace, and letting only God’s truths define me and my kids. So, if you see me in the grocery store this week wearing some blue satin clippie clappy shoes of my own, just high five me.

Now for the ONE COOL CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY!

Post a comment by clicking on the word comments below and you’ll be registered to win today’s giveaway- Two copies of my book, “The Bathtub is Overflowing But I Feel Drained.” You can keep one and give one away to a friend for Christmas!

Now for yesterday’s post--- I am SHOCKED by the number of comments. Yes, I did read them as I was flying back from speaking in Florida today. You have no idea how much you all blessed me. Thank you. Now, for the winner of the wonderful Pam Farrel gift pack:

Heather from Mommymonk! Congrats! Post your e-mail address below and we’ll get your gift mailed out right away. Then when your gift arrives, you’ll do the happy dance at your mailbox, all of your neighbors will laugh, and everyone will have a Merrier Christmas! Is this giveaway contest fun or what!

Okay, everyone--- click on the comments word below and post away. Blessings!

False Teeth, Dumb Dogs, and Lovin' Someone for 15 Years

Today's post is about being thankful for the gift of memories. Life can sometimes be very hard. Staying married can sometimes be very hard. So I thank God for memories that become the ties that bind, become entangled, and hopefully make it inconceivable to give up.

Here's to my husband and some of those memories.

Why do I love thee, let me count the ways---

1. I love you because even when my temporary back teeth fall out in the middle of our romantic anniversary dinner, you didn't freak out. You just let them sit there on the table beside us. "Hello teeth. Welcome to our little humble gathering to celebrate being married for 15 years." They had to sit on the table because we all know if I stuck them in my purse, we'd be making missing teeth posters. And who has time for all that!
(Seriously y'all. I had to have two back teeth drilled to the nub yesterday in preparation for some overlays to be put in. I guess I have a night time teeth-grinding problem that made these two teeth crack. But it takes 3 weeks for the real ones to be delivered. So, they made some temporaries for me. In the middle of our dinner, suddenly, my eyes bulged as my fingers retrieved TWO TEETH! Oh my stars. Who knew eating noodles could be so dangerous???)

2. I love you because even though we're getting OLD and talking about false teeth over our romantic anniversary dinner, you still think I'm cute--- teeth nubs and all.

3. I love you because even though I still haven't figured out what Victoria's little secret is- you've learned how to think flannel is HOT!

4. I love you because I know what kind of mood you're in by the color of shirt you wear to work.
White- Serious and Uptight
Colored- It's okay to tell you how much my dental bill was

5. I love you because you think I have a friend named Ann Taylor who I generously give money to and you don't mind me being so very caring about her.

6. I love you because you don't mind when I sing the wrong words to songs all the time. Like the time Holly and I met that woman named Verona. I was so excited because I'd never met a Verona before. I told her how cool that I thought her name was- especially because they made that song with her name in it, "My Verona." So, I sang the song to her and then kept singing it until it finally dawned on me the song was actually, "My Sherona." Then you didn't mind that I laughed so hard I wet my pants.

7. I love you because you don't really mind that the puppy we brought home from the pound never grew into the manly dog you had hoped. I mean literally it never grew- like it's still puppy size. And when you come home at night and it pees on your shoe because not only is it small, it's also a submissive pee-er, I just love the fact that you just deal with it and whisper your true sentiments so quiet that the kids never hear you lovingly say, "Dumb Dog!"

8. I love you because you taught me how to be patient in life. Like with the microwave we had the first four years of our marriage. I think it was made the first year they invented microwaves. Remember that beauty of a machine. Yes, and remember when it was handed down from your parents to us with only one tiny little problem- the timer didn't work. Yes, and then I forgot to tell the baby sitter about the timer issue and she cooked a biscuit in it for like 20 minutes. Yes, and the thing stunk so bad we had to put it in the garage. But then you figured out that if we would just put our food in it, run back into the house while counting the seconds the food needed to be heated for, that we could still use this perfectly good microwave! And we kept up these heating up our food gymnastics for years. It helped me lose weight and become patient.

So, here's to you my knight in the shining black truck--- and to false teeth, flannel PJ's, colored shirts, friends named Ann and Verona, dumb dogs, broken microwaves, and fifteen years of throwing pots one minute and loving each other like crazy the next. I love you.

Post whatever you want today and I'll register you for today's give away. Today's giveaway is so great I can hardly stand it! It is sponsored by my friend and author Pam Ferrel. To find out more about Pam click here.

Red Hot Marriage Basket: Fan the Flame on your love life with this romantic basket of goodies including two books from international speaker and bestselling authors, Bill and Pam Farrel. Included will be Red Hot Monogamy, and Men are like Waffles, Women are like Spaghetti, plus other “pamper yourself” and prepare for a night of romance goodies.

Pam Farrel is an international speaker, relationship specialist, and author of over 25 books
including best selling Men are like Waffles, Women are like Spaghetti, 10 Best Decisions a Woman Can Make, Woman of Influence, 10 Best Decisions a Parent Can Make, Fantastic After 40, Devotions for Women on the Go!, Red Hot Monogamy, and Got Teens?
She's also the Co Director of Farrel Communications and Masterful Living: 800-810-4449

Now for some GiveAway Announcements:
Alexa H is the winner of the Nancy Sebastianne Meyer giveaway from Wednesday. Congrats Alexa! Please post your e-mail address in the comment box below so we can contact you.

I don't love my husband anymore!

I know the title of this post is a little shocking but hear me out. I'm not the one who said it. A few years ago, a friend of mine declared this statement boldly as she left her family determined to find something, someone better.

It broke my heart and taught me a very valuable lesson. If you want the rest of the story, watch this video and then scroll below the video for a few more thoughts and today's exciting "One Cool Christmas GiveAway!:



I think about that statement often, "The Grass isn't greener on the other side. The grass is greener where you water and fertilize it." I am challenged once again, even as I write these words to think, "How have I been watering and fertilizing my marriage recently?" Worth pondering I think! Especially since today is my 15th wedding anniversary.

We are going out to dinner tonight. Somewhere cheap and fast, as we've got a whole clan of kids that will be needing help with life shattering emergencies--- such as my middle schoolers fretting about what color did Hannah Montana wear on her show today? And my second grader eager to share who played with who on the playground. And my highschoolers---well, they are boys so they won't be wanting to talk about much except- can you spot me a little gas money?

Anyhow, we will have a few minutes over some cheap food to celebrate our very rich lives. All because two people fell in love and make choices most days to stay that way.

Now for today's giveaway:
I'm leaving yesterday's giveaway up one more day to give a few more people a chance to win.

But, if you post a comment today about a creative way to show love to your husband, boy are you in for a treat! Today's One Cool Christmas GiveAway is from Nancy Sebastianne Meyer:

* a copy of her book Beyond Expectations: Finding Joy In Your Marriage
* a Heart Hope CD with 12 songs that rekindle hope and joy despite circumstances
* and Wilbur Chocolate from Lititz PA!

Nancy is an Inspirational Speaker, Musician and Author of:
Beyond Expectations: Finding Joy In Your Marriage
Hope for the Heart of a Wife Studybook
Hope for the Heart of a Mother Studybook
Talk Easy, Listen Hard: Real Communication for Two Really Different People
Spiritually Single Moms: Raising Godly Kids When Dad Doesn’t Believe
Be sure to visit Nancy's site by clicking here.

And don't forget to post your comments so you can get registered for today's giveaway!

Who needs to meet the reality of Jesus through your life?

Last week I had the most amazing time speaking at a Christmas outreach in Avon, CT. (Special greetings to those of you visiting my blog that were at that event.) There were many things about this event that were wonderful. The decor was amazing. The food, absolutely delicious! And the music was beautiful.

But it was the spirit of God that absolutely took my breath away.

You see, the women at this church all invited their unsaved friends and family members. They had been praying specifically about who to invite. I'm sure some of them were nervous about stepping out of their comfort zones and inviting their unsaved friends to a church event. But God honored their efforts in a big way!

90 women accepted Christ.

90 women who now know the hope of Jesus.
90 women who don't have to worry about their eternity.
90 women who know Who to turn to when life stinks.
90 women who know Who to celebrate when life soars.
90 women who will live and leave a new legacy.

I think about wives going home and loving their husbands differently. Mommies kneeling by their kid's beds and for the first time praying with them. Older ladies who don't have to fear dying now. I think about this and I am moved. Profoundly and utterly moved in the core of my being.

So, who is in your sphere of influence that might need to meet the reality of Jesus through your life? Just take a step of reaching out in some way. Trust the Lord and leave the results in His hands. Post here how you could reach out to this person that the Lord has brought to your mind. Maybe your post will encourage everyone to reach out to someone...

Now for the One Cool Christmas GiveAway...
The Winner from Yesterday's Contest is:
Cheri

Now here's what everyone who posts today will have the chance to WIN!
Thank you to Latanya for today's giveaway-
Natural Candle and Soy-Sational Soap Bar Giveaway

Now here's Latanya to tell you more:

Hi! Greetings in our Lord Jesus Christ! Here is a little goodie to set the mood for your Christmas celebrations and a little extra something to make your skin feel great!

I am giving a way a 16 oz Mia Bella Jar Candle in the Home for Christmas scent, plus a Japanese Pear Bella Soap bar. I will also include a sample of our new natural lotion to help relieve your dry winter skin. Mia Bella candles are practically soot free and smell wonderful! Visit my website (link below) to sign up for a free candle and soap bar weekly contest by Scent-Sations.

Just so you know a little about me…I am a work from home mom and home schooling mom of three very busy children (Morressa, Luke, and Mattie) in North Carolina. I met my wonderful husband, Billy, in Seminary at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC. My heart is to help others to discover their God-given purpose that they were created to be and do! Be inspired reading “My Story” on my website about how worked God in my life and the life of my husband through our daughter, Abigail, who now lives with Jesus!

Remember this Christmas Season to take time to enjoy your family. Most importantly take the time to Thank God for the gift of His Son, Jesus; without Him life would be meaningless. Live your Life to the FULL!

Live the Blessing,
Latanya Wagner

How long does Molasses stay good for?

Read below for Today's Contest and for a list of Winners from the One Cool Christmas Give Away!

It has taken me longer than usual to get my blog post up today. You see, a creature of some sorts crawled up in my bed and bit one of my typing fingers. It is horribly red and swollen and sore! I would take a photo and post it to see if any of you might take a stab at what kind of creature bite this could possibly be but my camera is broken. Even if I could take a photo, it might not be a smart thing to post because it is the finger where the birdies are shootin'- if you catch my drift.

All day, I've been saying, "my finger is sore." Then of course whoever I was talking to would say, "Which finger?" I kept holding it up and well...

Anyhow, I was talking to my friend today. We'll call her Gourmet. She's always making stuff. Two weeks ago it was homemade Baklava. Last week it was chocolate covered cherries. I didn't even know that people actually ever made these.

Chocolate covered cherries are something they make at a factory and sell at stores. Like a car. I mean you wouldn't expect to call a friend up and say, "Hi, what are you makin' today?" And then hear them reply, "A car. I'm makin' a car today." That's how strange it was to hear Gourmet say she was chocolate covered cherries.

So, today she was makin' something else fancy that required Molasses. But while I was talking to her she got all stressed and said she couldn't make her fancy, fancy whatever because she was afraid her Molasses was too old.

"How old is it?"I asked.

"Ohhh, it is about a year old." Gourmet replied.

"Only a year? I mean I think I have a tube of that stuff from like when I got married 15 years ago and it's still good!" I spoke with all the confidence of a girl who buys her chocolate covered cherries from the factory!

"The fact that you think that Molasses comes in a tube is your first problem."

Gourmet. Gourmet. Gourmet. She's just so homemade for heaven's sake!

But you want to know what she fed her family for dinner tonight? Chef Boyardee Pizza! Now, I will confess this is one of my most favorite foods in the whole world! But I had gourmet so beat tonight with my dinner.

We had BBQ chicken, scalloped potatoes, beans, rolls and Molasses straight from the tube!

Okay it's contest time!!!

Post a comment below about something you like to make during Christmas or better yet if you know that answer to my molasses question, please do tell and you'll have the chance to win an autographed copy of, "What a Husband Needs from His Wife" by Melanie Chitwood.

If you’ve tried to change your husband, you know that doesn’t work. If you’ve tried to make your marriage look like other people’s, you’ve probably been disappointed. Author Melanie Chitwood reveals why the best thing you can do for your relationship with your husband is to focus on your walk with God and let Him transform you and your marriage.

Here's what one reader said, “My husband and I are going through a storm right now and I did not know what to do. I was angry, hurt, humiliated and wanted to do to him what he had done to me. From the moment I began reading your book I knew God had placed your book in my life for a purpose. I immediately asked the Lord for forgiveness and surrendered my marriage to the Lord.”

Now for a few more winners!
* eeeeMommy won the amazing Susie Larson Gift Basket
* Wrinkled Shirt Ministries is the winner of two copies of my book, "What Happens When Women Say Yes to God." CONGRATS!

Isn't this fun? Don't forget to post a comment for today's contest!

The Year I Packed Up My Unopened Christmas Gifts

It's about that time to start dreaming about our own Christmas wish list. So, I thought I'd share with you a two valuable lessons I learned about gifts.

First, if you are going to make a gift wish list- clarify, clarify, clarify and then clarify one more time!

Valentine's Day was fast approaching one year. I didn't want candy (gives me zits) or flowers(makes me sad when they die too quickly). I wanted luggage. We were about to go on a trip and I really wanted to enter the 20th century with cool pull-behind luggage.

So, I told my sweet husband, Art, about my brilliant idea for the perfect Valentine's gift. I even said that red would be a great color for a set of luggage so it would stand out on the baggage claim belt. And I further clarified by saying I'd like the set to have three pieces: a large suitcase, a smaller one, and a garment bag. All with wheels and a pullie handle.

Well, my Valentine's gift arrived just in time to pack for departure on our trip early the next morning. I was excited. He was excited. I closed my eyes for the grand presentation of said gift on Valentine's Day night.

I noticed three things when I opened my eyes:
1. 3 pieces of luggage
2. in all the sizes I requested
3. in three DIFFERENT SHADES OF RED!

Seriously, there was a redish orange big suitcase. A true red smaller suitcase. And a maroon garment bag. Clearly, his definition of the word SET was a bit different then mine.

Well, you'll be proud of me. I smiled and hugged and wiped a tear (though not for the reason he thought!) And I toted that mismatch set with a smile on my face and a chuckle in my heart for years! I only recently replaced it when the zipper on the redish orange one busted. Thankfully the airline had duct tape to prevent my unmentionables from making a debut on the runway.

Secondly, are you sure you want to make a wish list?

I'll admit I recently visited my friend Ann Taylor who lives in a loft. I bought a few things with my 50% off coupons and made out a little list. (I love writing checks to this dear friend. I only write Ann Taylor. I leave out the words loft and clothing store. I keep waiting for my husband to ask me who this friend is and why I keep writing checks to her- tee hee hee!)

I also visited Kay Jewelers. I didn't dare go where they big jewels sit- shining, calling, bragging. No, I mosied over to the diamond chip area. They have this technique of using what basically amounts to left over diamond chips (the ones from when the big bragging diamonds are shaped) and they cluster them together to give the illusion of fancy and expensive. Since I will be celebrating my 15th anniversary this year and haven't asked for a piece of real jewelry since my wedding day, I thought maybe we could combine Anniversary and Christmas and get a few of those shiny chips inside a ring or necklace or tiara maybe. But, then I think about how many tanks of gas the cost of this silly bling thing could buy and I sigh.

So, I have a little list. But it might just stay in the bottom of my purse and get all tattered with the other pieces of paper that die a slow death in the bottom of my purse abyss.

For the best Christmas I ever had was the Christmas we brought our boys home for the first time four years ago. (To read more about this, click on the Oprah button above.)

Art and I never opened our gifts that year. We never even talked about it. One look at these precious children who had come from such nothingness opening their first presents ever and suddenly the world tilted slightly.

When I packed away Christmas that year, I packed the unopened gifts and stored them away until the next Christmas. And it was my best Christmas ever.

What is one thing you could give up during this Christmas season to bless another person? Post a comment and it will automatically enter you in a drawing to win two copies of my book, "What Happens When Women Say Yes to God." One for you to keep and one for you to give away. I'll even personalize them for you if you'd like.

Read below the button for a list of winners so far! And remember to click on the word comments below, type a quick comment, and then you'll be entered. Please remember to put some way for me to contact you. Or keep checking back to see if you've won!



Now, for the GIVE AWAY results so far:
The Point of Grace CD and signed photo went to Valerie!
The $10 Starbucks card went to Carol
The P31 tote and two marriage books went to Bonita!

The AWESOME gift package donated by Susie Larson will be announced tomorrow on her site and then on Monday on my site.
Merry Christmas ALL!

Now, don't forget to post below and enter to win tomorrow's gift! And next week you'll definately want to come back for the Walmart certificates, more books signed by the authors, a joy journal with matching Christmas E-book, more STARBUCKS certificates and other COOL stuff!