Redeeming Love

Redeeming Love, by Francine Rivers

If you are a reader, you will absolutely LOVE this book! If you are NOT a reader, you will absolutely LOVE this book! I read it about 13 years ago and recently decided to purchase another copy, so that I could read it again. I can't seem to find my original copy (it must be in the abyss)! Anyhow, I had a coupon (I never go to a book store without one) and I got my second copy. Right after I purchased it, my mom decided to become a reader. I was so thrilled that I just had to let her borrow my favorite book of all time! She devoured it! Meanwhile, my sister and aunt decided they really wanted to read it. So....I lent it out to both of them. I just got it back and another friend wants to borrow it. One of these days, I will keep it long enough to read it again (and until then, I will try not to be selfish). Around the same time that I bought RL, I convinced two other friends to buy it, too! One of them wasn't a reader....but she listened to me anyway. She LOVED Redeeming Love! She (Tanya) has since started plowing through many other books (and even thanked me for "making" her buy it!) and she has lent me copies of a series that I am loving (I can't put them down)!! My lovely friend (Leah) is reading her own copy of Redeeming Love....and she is (you guessed it) loving it! She can't put it down (yes, it's that good) and her hubby even joked about it, because she was reading it on their way to church! The book is soooo good that I'll buy your copy from you, if you purchase it and don't like it (If you're a dude, this offer is not for you)! Have I piqued your curiosity?! Run (don't walk) to Borders (with a coupon) and snatch up your copy! Or, you can borrow mine....if you must! My cousin gave me the bright idea of passing it around and having everyone who reads the book sign their name in it! Oh, sorry.....are you wondering what it's about?! Here you go....

California's gold country, 1850. A time when men sold their souls for a bag of gold and women sold their bodies for a place to sleep.

Angel expects nothing from men but betrayal. Sold into prostitution as a child, she survives by keeping her hatred alive. And what she hates most are the men who use her, leaving her empty and dead inside.

Then she meets Michael Hosea. A man who seeks his Father's heart in everything, Michael obeys God's call to marry Angel and to love her unconditionally. Slowly, day by day, he defies Angel's every bitter expectation, until despite her resistance, her frozen heart begins to thaw.

But with her unexpected softening come overwhelming feelings of unworthiness and fear. And so Angel runs. Back to the darkness, away from her husband's pursuing love, terrified of the truth she no longer can deny: Her final healing must come from the One who loves her even more than Michael does...the One who will never let her go.

A powerful retelling of the book of Hosea, Redeeming Love is a life-changing story of God's unconditional, redemptive, all-consuming love.

WARNING: You will get nothing else accomplished during the reading of this book.

(One more thing: I am not big on historical fiction....but I am big on this story! Even if historical fiction is not your "thing" either....please trust me.....!)

'Tis The Season....

.....to trim the tree(s).

......to decorate the house.

.....to enjoy some quality time as a family.

We have a small tree in our family room- that the boys decorated.

...An "artsy fartsy" ornament pic!

....love these little hands!

Both boys had so much decorating!

Hudson took this one of me...Not bad for a 3 yr. old (considering my whole head is in it)!

Our big "Star!"

Josh, the decorator (ha ha)!

...taking a break to "dog pile" on mom!

Yep, that's right....that's my man vacuuming!

...Our living room....as "Christmasy" as it's going to get!

I have really enjoyed working on my Bible study....under the tree, with the fire going...

Merry Christmas!!

A Happy Thanksgiving.....

Thanksgiving was an awesome day! I started the day at 5:30 a.m. (a bit too early) and got ready to drive down to Dana Point for their annual Turkey Trot. My sister, my friend (Jana), and I ran the 5K. Jana is becoming a pro at this running thing and even competed in her first 1/2 marathon about six weeks ago! Kelly has run in many 5K's before and this was my third. It was a beautiful morning and there were thousands of people running (in either the 10K or the 5K). Kelly and I weren't trying to "win" anything, but Jana was trying to beat her own record (which she successfully did)! Kel and I jogged a good portion of the 5K, but did walk some of it, too! It was a really great time together, enjoying our friendships and the gorgeous day that the Lord had blessed us with. After the run, we headed home and got ready to go to my parents house for our Thanksgiving celebration! There was a large group of us....and we had AMAZING food and tons of fun together! I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard that I began to cry...but I did it last night! The Lord blessed me with a family full of amazing cooks! We feasted, joked around, played games, celebrated my dad's birthday by singing to him, and planned for our upcoming trip together. On our way home from my parents, I got to read a "love note" from my hubby. He wrote me a very special letter and saved it for me all day! I am so very blessed. I pray that you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving as well!!

Can you believe that I forgot to take a picture of all of the amazing food?!

Here's my hubby....who washed ALL of the dishes for us! It took him over an hour!

My cousin, Kari, and her incredibly cute daughter...Madison!

Me and my pretty sissy, Kelly!

My cousin, Kym, and my (92 yr. old!) Grandma Margaret!!

My CUTE parents (and the gracious hosts!)!!

Bryson and Sammy (my cousin's son)...These two are "twinners" with their glasses and missing front teeth!

Hudson was content watching TV on Mimi and Papa's bed!

Peytie found Mimi's weights and was carrying them around, saying, "So strong!"

A big group of us played Apples To Apples!

Hudson gettin' his jammies on!!

My handsome hubby and I....

Psalm 100:

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth,

Worship the Lord with gladness;

come before Him with loyal songs.

Know that the Lord is God.

It is He who made us, and we are His;

we are the people, the sheep of His pasture.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise;

give thanks to Him and praise His name.

For the Lord is good and His love endures forever;

His faithfulness continues through all generations.

*Disclaimer: Two of my pictures are not centered! I have tried to fix them, but nothing I try is working! Forgive me for my layout!*

I'm Thankful For....

...my FAMILY!

*Here are (in no particular order) some random shots taken over the past few months!*

Hudson, Bryson, Grandma Margaret, and Peyton

Josh, Dad, and Justin (my bro-in-law)

...two of my boys!

...my handsome dad, my beautiful sis, me, and my beautiful mom!

...my smiling 7 yr. old!

...Peytie Pie (my niece)...

....sweet-natured Bryson!

....my "ham"...Hudson!

...my littlest pumpkin!

**One night, a few months back, Bryson was praying and he started thanking the Lord for blessing him....and he interrupted his prayer to ask me where in the Bible it says, "My cup runs over." I told him it's in Psalm 23...and then he said, "Oh yeah..."....and he continued on with his prayer. Well, today....I feel incredibly blessed. My cup runneth over!!

Psalm 23....

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

He leads me beside quiet waters,

He restores my soul.

He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

--Please don't hate me if you're a part of my family and there is not a picture of you on here! I love you immensely!--

Follow You

As Thanksgiving quickly approaches, I have been reflecting upon ALL that my Lord and Savior has blessed me with. I have been in a thankful, spoiled-feeling state lately. My God has been so good to me. I am blessed beyond measure. I can never thank Him enough. Luke 12:48 says, "For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more." One of my favorite songs is called Follow You (by Leeland). I am including the lyrics below. The line that says...."All my needs You have supplied"...really sticks out to me and I am brought to tears when I listen to the song. Can you say that you are blessed? That you have been given much? Give God the glory this Thanksgiving and always! Thank Him....praise Him...and follow Him.....wherever He leads you. We've been given much....Now, what will we do with it??

FOLLOW YOU:

You lived among the least of these
The weary and the weak
And it would be a tragedy for me to turn away.

All my needs you have supplied.
When I was dead you gave me life.
How could I not give it away so freely?

And I'll follow you into the homes that are broken.
Follow you into the world.
Meet the needs for the poor and the needy God.
Follow you into the World.

Use my hands, use my feet
To make your kingdom come
Through the corners of the earth
Until your work is done
'Cause Faith without works is dead
And on the cross your blood was she'd
So how could I not give it away so freely?

And I'll follow you into the homes that are broken.
Follow you into the world.
Meet the needs for the poor and the needy God.
Follow you into the World.


I give all myself.
I give all myself
I give all myself... to you.

And I give all myself.
Yes, I give all myself.
And I give all myself... to you.

And I'll follow you into the homes that are broken
Follow you into the world.
Meet the needs for the poor and the needy God.
Follow you into the World.

Naughty or Nice??

When you do your CHRISTmas shopping this year, why not give your (hard earned) money to stores who support CHRISTmas?? It sounds cliche to say that "Jesus is the reason for the season"....but if He is your reason for celebrating, then why give a store, that doesn't recognize CHRISTmas, your money?! For a complete list of stores that are "for CHRISTmas" and stores that are "against CHRISTmas"....go here!

www.afa.net

I am including a few of the stores on both lists below....

Some "nice" stores are:

Amazon.com

Bath and Body Works

Bed Bath & Beyond

Costco

Macy's

Target (praise You, Jesus)

Toys R Us

Wal-Mart/Sam's Club

A few "naughty" stores are:

Barnes and Noble

Gap/Old Navy (crying now)

Nordstrom (still crying)

Victoria's Secret

**The purpose of this post is only to make you aware. I am not making any promises (other than the boycott I signed- of Gap/Old Navy) or asking you to either. I will not judge you if you shop at a naughty store! I do plan to spend my (small ball of) dough at Target, though. Oh my...what would I have done if Target hadn't supported.....??.....never mind....it's too scary to even let my mind go there......

The Noticer (It's Worth Noticing!!)

My good friend (Christy) and I kept hearing about this book. We decided to see what all the hype was about, and I must say....The Noticer did not disappoint us!! This little, 156-page book is packed full of thought provoking insight. It's an easy read and you will want to buy a copy for everyone you know! You will start to really think about how you look at things in life, and you will begin to question your perspective. I highly recommend this book!! If you have an hour or two to spare, you can easily finish it in one sitting. Happy reading.....

The Noticer: Sometimes, all a person needs is a little perspective

(By Andy Andrews)

On the back of the book:

Poverty. A failing marriage. Old age. Lost dreams. A failing business. An unsure future. To the residents of Orange Beach, Alabama, these desperations are dead ends. Hopeless, barren places with no chance of change.

But to an old drifter named Jones with a gift for seeing what others miss, there is no such thing as a dead end. It only takes a little "perspective," he says, to recognize the miracles in our moments, the seeds of greatness tucked into our struggles.

As Jones mysteriously makes his way through this coastal town and into the searching hearts of its residents, he offers simple wisdom and sound hope.

"My contention is that you are right where you are supposed to be. This may look like barren sand to you, but nothing could be further from the truth. I say to you that as you lay your head down tonight, you are sleeping on fertile ground. Think, learn, pray, plan, dream. For soon...you will become."

Ready or Not....Here We Come!!

My mom's side of the family has been talking (for years) about renting a cabin over the holidays! Well, this year....our dream is becoming a reality! One of Bryson's friends at school is Jack B. and Jack B's grandma and her hubby own a BEAUTIFUL camp, in Lake Arrowhead. The camp boasts a lodge, a cabin, two tree houses, and a tee pee! The camp is set upon 40 acres and my family gets to stay there over New Year's! There are 29 of us, and 11 of the 29 are kids! What amazing memories we will make! We are all so excited and this past weekend, my mom, my aunts, my cousins, and I got to make a day trip up to Lake Arrowhead....to check out the camp and the grounds. After we did some planning, we went to lunch and walked/shopped around Lake Arrowhead Village. I always LOVE time with the amazing women in my family!! It was a gorgeous day, albeit chilly....and we had a blast together!

My cousins: Kym and Kari, and me!

My mom, Aunt Gerene, and Aunt Georgia

A beautiful view of the lake!

**For more info on Pine Mountain Camp, check out their website:

www.pinemountaincamp.com**

Savvy Seconds

A friend and I met for lunch last week and we happened to find a new store....called Savvy Seconds: Designer Consignment Boutique. We decided to see what it was "all about!" We went inside and found that the store was very cute and organized! The owners sell women's clothing, jewelry (including Scripture bracelets), handbags, shoes, and accessories! I tried on a few tops and when I came out of the dressing room, my friend (Erica) pointed out that there was a Scripture plaque on the wall. One of the owners came up and started talking to us, and even invited us to a Bible study! It was so neat to see that there are businesses out there that are owned by fellow believers! I highly recommend checking the store out, and maybe even making an appointment to take your "old" items in to sell! You need to make an appt., and the store doesn't sell Target, JC Penney, or Walmart brands! I am planning to go through my closet, so I can make a few bucks!! Savvy Seconds is on Hidden Valley Parkway and Hamner. The owners are SUPER friendly and love the Lord. Please stop in and give them your business!! I don't think you'll be disappointed! For more info, check out www.savvysecondsboutique.com.

Savvy Seconds

140 Hidden Valley Parkway #C

Norco, CA 92860

(951) 817-3060

**Closed on Sunday and Monday**

Alex Increased My Faith

We had a man come to remove some bushes and weeds from our front yard, and he also cut down my rose bushes (tear, tear), so that they can grow back...even more beautifully! My front yard is bare, but my heart is full and overflowing because of God's goodness and faithfulness today (and always). I noticed that the man who came (Alex) wore a hat with a cross and a Bible verse on it. I told him that I wanted to cut some roses, before he chopped the bushes down. He told me he would do it for me and we began to talk. He made a comment about how God provides, to which I agreed. This sparked an hour long discussion....where Alex told me many stories of God's love and faithfulness.

Here's one that stood out-- Alex was wrongly accused of a crime and was facing a 16 year prison sentence. He told the Lord that he wanted whatever the Lord's will was. Alex told God that he could share Jesus in the jail, if that was where He wanted to use him....but he also told the Lord that His Name would be first over everything in Alex' life, if the Lord worked a miracle. Alex fasted and prayed for three days, leading up to the sentencing. He gave his meals away to inmates and his mother came to pray with him. On the day that the sentencing was to take place....the judge came out and didn't say a word. The judge looked around and was blinking....fast. Then, he got up and left. After several minutes, the judge came back out and still said nothing. He got up and left again and called the lawyers back. When they all came out, the charges were dropped and Alex was sent home that very day. They brought his clothes to him and he didn't even have to return to the jail! WOW!! I had tears in my eyes by the time Alex was finished sharing this with me.

Alex told me story after story of how God provides and how He's been so faithful. Alex has plans to become a pastor, and he also desires to go to Mexico...to help young boys get off the streets. He wants to adopt a child, as well. He has four children of his own and the kids' mother is not walking with the Lord. She gives him trouble, but still....he befriends her and tells her that when she turns to God-- he will be her best friend! Alex said nothing in a prideful way, but he was only giving glory to our Lord.

Here's one more story that he shared with me. Alex was on his way to a job one morning (tree removal) and he was very hungry...but he decided not to stop for breakfast. He knew that if he did, he would be late to the job and keep the people waiting. When he arrived to the job, he got a sense that the woman (of the house) loved the Lord. Alex started to work and she came out a bit later, with a huge breakfast for him. She brought him OJ and homemade flour tortillas....along with other foods. Alex began to cry. The Lord knew that he hungry and the Lord provided food for him! Apparently, the woman had gone in and she began to pray. She made him the meal and while she was doing so, her sister came and scoffed at her...telling her that Alex wasn't her husband, and asked what exactly she was doing. It's so awesome that the woman listened to the Lord (and not her sister). In doing so...she completely blessed Alex.

I am in awe of this man and his love for the Lord. It's evident that he's set apart and sold out for Christ! He shared with me that God continues to provide him with job after job....and he is willing to go wherever (and whenever) the Lord leads him. Alex owns a restaurant and a tree service, and he would love to open a tire shop, too. The names of his businesses are Emmanuel Tree Service and Emmanuel Restaurant. Can you guess what his tire shop will be called?? Yep...Emmanuel Tire Shop. Remember how Alex told the Lord that he would always put His name above all else? Well, that's just what he's doing! Since Emmanuel means God With Us, it's clear that Alex has picked the perfect name(s)! Alex knows that God is with him at all times, and he told me that the Lord never leaves His children. Amen to that!

What a powerful witness Alex is....and what a Christ-like heart he possesses. Just this morning, Alex saw a man who looked hungry, outside the donut shop. Alex told the man that he didn't have money to give him-- but he could buy him coffee and a donut. Alex increased my faith today, and I want to be like him when I grow up.....!! Never did Alex give himself honor and praise, but he just kept telling me how good God is, and how he's willing to be used. I was so blessed and I was reminded that God will use anyone who is willing. The Lord doesn't need us to do things for His kingdom, but He desires that we have willing hearts. He wants to use us. And....when we want the Lord to use us....use us He will!! More than ever before.....I was challenged today. I had to stop and think....What am I doing to further His kingdom? Am I willing to go whenever....wherever? Am I being used? Am I listening to the Lord's calling on my life? The Lord has SO blessed me. What am I doing with those blessings?

'Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"'

-Isaiah 6:8-

'Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.'

-Col. 3:23-

'So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.'

-1 Cor. 10:31-

**Please call me if you need trees removed, or if you want some great Mexican food!! I can get Alex' info to you! Also, please keep him in your prayers!**

**On a side note: Today, I received news that a friend (who recently had a double mastectomy) doesn't need chemo. They removed all of the cancer!! PRAISE GOD!**

Stop And Smell The Roses

Isn't this so gorgeous?? It smells divine, too!

I did not inherit the 'green thumb' gene from my mother.

I wish I had. Everything I try to keep alive (aside from children and pets)...dies on me. Well, I suppose it's my fault...since I don't feed my plants and flowers. Anyhow, I LOVE roses....and we have them in our front yard. They are overgrown and I do not know how to care for them. Once a year, we (and by "we" I mean Josh) hack them down/back and they shoot back up again. I know there is a proper way to prune them, but I have never done it properly. The roses are only alive because of our sprinkler system and the Lord! We have a variety of roses and about seven amazing shades and colors. Our roses are bright orange, hot pink, light pink, pale yellow, deep red, white, and bright red. Every couple of days, I go outside and cut fresh roses. I bring them inside and it's amazing how a simple vase with fresh flowers brings such joy to me. I am reminded that though I don't know how to care for my roses properly....the Lord still gives me the gift of them. It's a miracle, really. They grow year round and I never lack them. Call me cheesy, but I look at them...(and today, Hudson and I stopped to smell them)....and I thank God for them. I thank Him for caring about the small things. I thank Him for His gifts.

There's nothing like a bouquet from your True Love! Thank You, Lord....for loving me enough to bring me flowers...and for reminding me of Your beauty.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights...."

-James 1:17-

Costume Party & Family Fest 2009

Halloween is definitely my least favorite "holiday"....(Sorry to offend you if it happens to be your favorite!) This year, the whole family was invited to a party...and we got to dress up. I know some people love dressing up, but I am not one of those people. I kept procrastinating with my costume (and Josh's)...and at the last minute, we borrowed some costumes from my sister and her hubby. Of course, the boys were thrilled to wear their costumes...as they love dressing up (all year round)! As much as I dreaded wearing a costume, the party was VERY fun and Josh and I actually wound up winning the costume contest! Go figure.....

Spot the dog...and his candy....

My (bad boy) rocker....

(I have to say...I am digging those tats. Anyone with me??)

A rocker and his guitar!

G.I. Joe character (a.k.a. Bryson) and his Star Wars friend, Jack!

The whole family....(quite eclectic!)

Each year, we attend CCCH's Family Fest event. Our church goes all out to provide a safe and fun night for all! The boys have a blast...eating, playing games, bouncin' in the inflatables, going on a few rides, eating some more, and watching the fireworks! My family comes each year, too...and it's always a great night!!

Spot was not happy about his black nose!

This one's always ready to strike a 'mean guy' pose....

If Spot ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!

A little happier, maybe??

My friend, Rebekah (a Victorian queen), Bryson, and I....

The adorably happy, little bumble bee (Peyton)!

Doggies like to jump and bounce!

My beautiful sis and mom...and me...

Chugga Chugga choo choo.....

...finding lost coins!.....

We were sure glad that our little pup got happier as the night wore on....

Mommy and her cute boys

(who were too busy watching fireworks to look at the camera)...

It was a super fun weekend, all in all. The party was a blast- on Friday night. The kids and I attended a free kids' event at Lifeway Christian bookstore on Sat.. The boys made crafts, watched movies, ate snacks, and we even won a $10 gift card. I totally forgot to take pics! We enjoyed a yummy lunch at Alicia's Cookery (post coming soon)...and went home to rest a bit, before heading to church. On Sunday, we took our "crummy candy" to Wahoo's Fish Taco, after church...and traded it in for free kids' meals!! YUM! Man....were we tuckered out from our busy weekend of fun! Hope you had a safe and fun weekend as well.