tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80226603624979589162024-02-07T04:10:57.536-08:00Weak Weary Momscattered thoughts, simple pleasures, heartfelt prayersSophy Nextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497203134629769077noreply@blogger.comBlogger241125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022660362497958916.post-85648499417694405732009-08-31T10:43:00.000-07:002009-08-31T10:44:07.393-07:00Don Miller's New Book<a title="View A Million Miles In A Thousand Years by Donald Miller on Scribd" href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/19148891/A-Million-Miles-In-A-Thousand-Years-by-Donald-Miller" style="margin: 12px auto 6px auto; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none; display: block; text-decoration: underline;">A Million Miles In A Thousand Years by Donald Miller</a> <object codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,0,0" id="doc_715764104116892" name="doc_715764104116892" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" align="middle" height="500" width="100%" > <param name="movie" value="http://d.scribd.com/ScribdViewer.swf?document_id=19148891&access_key=key-27ejvcf46eri632qgis1&page=1&version=1&viewMode="> <param name="quality" value="high"> <param name="play" value="true"> <param name="loop" value="true"> <param name="scale" value="showall"> <param name="wmode" value="opaque"> <param name="devicefont" value="false"> <param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff"> <param name="menu" value="true"> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"> <param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"> <param name="salign" value=""> <embed src="http://d.scribd.com/ScribdViewer.swf?document_id=19148891&access_key=key-27ejvcf46eri632qgis1&page=1&version=1&viewMode=" quality="high" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" play="true" loop="true" scale="showall" wmode="opaque" devicefont="false" bgcolor="#ffffff" name="doc_715764104116892_object" menu="true" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" salign="" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" align="middle" height="500" width="100%"></embed> </object>Sophy Nextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497203134629769077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022660362497958916.post-32920569729511451722009-08-26T14:43:00.001-07:002009-08-26T14:45:01.939-07:00Encouragement and HopeOne phrase stood out to me today in these two verses: <blockquote><br /><em>May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself<br />and God our Father,<br />who has loved us and given us<br /><strong>eternal encouragement and good hope by grace</strong>,<br />encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good work and word.<br /><br />2 Thessalonians 2:16-17<br /></em></blockquote><br />What an appropriate prayer for every person on my prayer list!Sophy Nextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497203134629769077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022660362497958916.post-59994022400033397662009-08-25T20:18:00.000-07:002009-08-26T08:28:41.822-07:00My Shield, My Refuge, My Secret PlaceI am praying through a prayer of St. Patrick, one phrase at a time, and today's phrase was “Christ as a shield, overshadow me.” This was just what I needed to pray today: I've been anxious and simply not peaceful for a few days.<br /><br />Then I opened <em>A Heart that Hopes in God </em>by Catherine Martin and the next segment was "The Secret Place in the Trial." This reading brought me to Psalm 31:8, which told me that my heavenly Father won't hand me over to the enemy but He has set my feet in a "spacious place." I meditated on that for awhile and I could see that when anxiousness is a cage, the Lord has a far more spacious refuge for me. I looked up a suggested cross-reference and found Job 36:16: "Indeed He lured you from the jaws of distress to a spacious and unconfined place." I pictured worry as a dragon with jaws open to devour me, and the Lord as my Shining Knight rescuing me.<br />Another verse in the reading was Psalm 46:1, which reminded me of my refuge and strength, my "helper who is always found in times of trouble" and I realized that He is always found, but only if I look.<br /><br />Catherine Martin quoted F.B. Meyer's description of the secret place as "the royal withdrawing room." Last week I watched a travel program where I saw the interior of a Georgian house in Dublin. The tour guide said that the term "Drawing Room" came from "Withdrawing Room," and it was the place where the family would withdraw after a meal. I thought of the spiritual nourishment the Lord gives me each day, and how He invites me to withdraw from the hustle and bustle of life to enjoy His presence.<br /><br />Next I read a few pages of Ruth Myers' <em>31 Days of Prayer</em>, where I found this beautiful prayer:<br /><br /><blockquote>Strengthen and renew me through Your Word, keeping me from sin--<br />so that time after time I may know the refreshment that comes from Your presence. </blockquote>Next my daily reading in Psalms brought me to Psalm 68. Verse 35 says<br />"God, You are awe-inspiring in Your sanctuaries.<br />The God of Israel gives power and strength to His people. May God be praised!"<br /><br />In the sanctuary--the refuge, the secret place--I meet the awesome Lord, and He provides power and strength.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><em>Lord, how I need Your shielding today--shielding from anxiousness and worry especially.<br />Forgive me Lord for sometimes looking at myself and my troubles instead of my refuge.<br />Lord, Your presence is my shield and my refuge today. As my kids get up from their naps and our household activities continue, keep me resting in Your secret place.<br /></em></span><br /><blockquote></blockquote>Sophy Nextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497203134629769077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022660362497958916.post-83076973492515451142009-07-10T12:21:00.000-07:002009-07-10T16:26:48.151-07:00Five on a Friday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9EyOxoqtrGnU-QKXo1PkO_fIMUgTtTeOYvg-rytH5_sw4iqWrR5U2gxABR21ptSYHsqmCQN97JHV8GJLZ_s47PQbJ0uLdHj84VE6tA5NIpdxNWzAZjIibEzLlLuM8YY-F_u_Fs_yuov8/s1600-h/bookworm's+award+for+bookfriends.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 129px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 138px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356914488947250610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9EyOxoqtrGnU-QKXo1PkO_fIMUgTtTeOYvg-rytH5_sw4iqWrR5U2gxABR21ptSYHsqmCQN97JHV8GJLZ_s47PQbJ0uLdHj84VE6tA5NIpdxNWzAZjIibEzLlLuM8YY-F_u_Fs_yuov8/s200/bookworm's+award+for+bookfriends.jpg" /></a><br /><div>First, one of my favorite book bloggers: Caty at <a href="http://miscellaneousmumblings.blogspot.com/">Miscellaneous Mumblings</a> gave me an award! Caty's favorite author (Georgette Heyer) is mine also, so I value her reviews. Caty gave me a Bookworm Award. I'm passing it on to <a href="http://cabinetofwonders.today.com/">Cabinet of Wonders</a> and <a href="http://debd.wordpress.com/">Deb on the Run</a>. </div><div></div><div>Second, I'm excited to see a familiar potter at etsy: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7343989&ga_search_query=klickitat&ga_search_type=seller_usernames">Klickitat Potters</a>. I visited their shop last summer when we were on vacation in White Salmon, Washington, and I bought one of their pitchers. There's a lovely pair of goblets on etsy, as well as a green mug I'd like to add to my collection.</div><div></div><div>Third, I finished reading an interesting book this week: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Facing-East-Pilgrims-Mysteries-Orthodoxy/dp/0060654988/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1247254216&sr=8-1">Facing East</a>, by Frederica Matthews-Green. The author is married to an Orthodox priest. I know very little about Orthodox Christianity, and this was an informative book with flashes of humor.</div><div></div><div>Fourth, my husband and I discovered a delightful miniseries on DVD. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mapp-Lucia-1-Geraldine-McEwen/dp/B00006RJ63/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1247254368&sr=1-1">Mapp & Lucia </a>features Prunella Scales and Geraldine McEwan as two 1930s-era women each wishing to be the most prominent in the society of a small English village. If you like Wodehouse Playhouse, you'll enjoy these quiet comedies as well. There are two seasons. The acting is amusing, a little overdone in the manner of a live theater production. </div><div></div><div>And fifth, my husband cooked us a lovely morrocan dinner last night using this cookbook: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Modern-Moroccan-Ancient-Traditions-Contemporary/dp/1903141141/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1247254648&sr=8-3">Modern Moroccan</a>. There's an apricot dessert--apricots stuffed with ground almonds and covered with puff pastry--that is fabulous for dessert as well as breakfast.</div>Sophy Nextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497203134629769077noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022660362497958916.post-16611510783577191542009-06-20T13:26:00.000-07:002009-06-21T07:51:09.405-07:00Healing EczemaMy kids have all had eczema since shortly after they were born. We have found several things that make the eczema bearable, and one that makes it go away.<br /><br />When my oldest was an infant, my nurse practitioner/pediatrician suggested that I limit my intake of milk and wheat as long as I was breastfeeding. This made a very big difference, and when Faith started eating solid foods we immediately noticed her eczema would get worse if she had milk or wheat. It has been the same for all my kids. (Yogurt and cheese do not bother them, but ice cream does.) I have also noticed it gets worse if they eat peanut butter. Though we can limit their intake of milk and wheat at home, it's difficult when visiting or attending any social functions, so after a snack at church or a visit to relatives, the kids will have a flare-up.<br /><br />I quickly learned to avoid any soaps/shampoos/lotions/sunscreens/handsanitizers that contain sodium laureth sulfate--but I think all public restroom soaps have this ingredient. Their eczema also flares up if they sit in the grass outside or if they visit people in different parts of town, so it seems to be connected to dust or pollen.<br /><br />To treat the outbreaks, I make a <strong>bath salt treatment</strong>. It is<br />5 drops calendula essential oil<br />2 drops tea tree oil (optional)<br />2 tablespoons jojoba oil (or almond)<br />1 pump natural soap (<a href="http://www.vitacost.com/Jason-Satin-Shower-Body-Wash-Lavender">Jason's lavender satin shower</a> is great)<br />1/2 cup epsom salts.<br /><br />Mix all the ingredients together, then add to the bath after all the water is run. Soak for at least 25 minutes.<br /><br />By the way, some doctors recommend that kids with eczema don't bathe often. I have found this advice to be completely wrong for my children--daily baths are best, and always long soaks in nice warm water. If you can find California Baby Lavender and Tea Tree Shampoo, it makes a great body wash. Vitacost no longer carries it, but I think Whole Foods does.<br /><br />When the kids have an outbreak that seems to be due to playing in the grass or other outdoor allergens, a helpful over the counter oral medicine is Zyrtec, but it seems that if they take it too many days in a row they get nosebleeds. I try to limit its use to a week at a time, and only if necessary.<br /><br />We have a cortizone cream with aloe in it that is helpful for really awful outbreaks, or if they just won't stop scratching long enough to heal up. The cortizone cream without aloe makes the children scream. I won't use cortizone constantly though. Melaleuca's Renew lotion is great for eczema, but my youngest daughter said it "stings" and she convinced the older children that it stings also (they'd used it every day since birth....and suddenly they wouldn't use it!).<br /><br />At Christmas last year, the kids were eating more cookies than I usually let them have, but their skin actually improved! They were soaking in the tub every day, and they were drinking an ounce of <a href="http://www.vitacost.com/Aloe-Life-Whole-Leaf-Aloe-Vera-Juice-Concentrate-Cherry-Berry">Aloe Life Juice</a> every day. I mixed it with apple juice at first, but then they decided they like it plain. I buy the cherry or papaya flavors.<br /><br />Through the winter, the kids had occasional outbreaks, one especially bad after a playdate at a park across town. But in March a friend shared with me a smoothie recipe with omega oils, and after a week, the kids were healed. It's amazing! Their skin is smoother than it's ever been!<br /><br />I bought the gummy bears with omega oils, but they were not effective. If the kids don't have the liquid oils, they start itching again. I add aloe to the smoothie most days (it's good for digestion) and I sneak in some celery--they can't taste it, but it adds another vegetable to their diet. The best news is that the kids LOVE to drink this and beg for it every day. I add protein powder, so this either accompanies their breakfast cheerios, or makes a great mid-morning snack.<br /><br /><strong>Omega Oil Smoothie for Kids</strong><br />(serves 3)<br />3 TBS <a href="http://www.vitacost.com/NSI-Organic-High-Lignan-Flax-Oil">Flax Oil</a><br />3 TBS <a href="http://www.vitacost.com/Twinlab-Emulsified-Norwegian-Cod-Liver-Oil-Orange">Orange Flavor Cod Liver Oil</a><br />6 TBS <a href="http://www.vitacost.com/Aloe-Life-Whole-Leaf-Aloe-Vera-Juice-Concentrate-Cherry-Berry">Aloe Vera Juice</a><br />4-8 ounces water (or 1 cup kefir or yogurt)<br />1 banana<br />3 TBS <a href="http://www.vitacost.com/NutriBiotic-Vegan-Rice-Protein-Drink">Rice Protein powder</a><br />8 frozen strawberries (or some frozen peach slices, mangos, or blueberries)<br />20 drops <a href="http://www.vitacost.com/NutriBiotic-GSE-Liquid-Concentrate-Grapefruit-Seed-Extract">Grapefruit Seed Extract</a> (this is not for eczema, this is an immune booster)<br />1 or 2 stalks celery (in chunks)<br /><br />Blend in a blender...till blended. The blender can't always cope with the frozen fruit and the celery all at once, but once the fruit and everything else is blended, I add the celery. Sometimes I add a shake of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey. If your kids are used to really sweet drinks like koolaid or soda pop, you may need to add honey or agave nectar.<br /><br />Serve in a glass with a straw.Sophy Nextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497203134629769077noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022660362497958916.post-79121862113407770952009-06-19T19:31:00.001-07:002009-06-19T19:31:53.844-07:00Friday Funny<a href="http://idler.co.uk/idleparent/let-the-family-go-barefoot/">Ban the sock.</a><br /><br />I agree.Sophy Nextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497203134629769077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022660362497958916.post-22125272908275793952009-06-19T14:43:00.001-07:002009-06-19T19:32:11.765-07:00Five on Friday, June 19<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGabV7_py3hs2ju78xWKigrlwwqX6PWXUUCS4TefLMAVxVRfPjBkoXG40FaNTLekpEA8XF6Oo0ifZylAuzfnHzPxTzZ5Uyoga2TRxTczsZnx2hDn99yQZlgXUtccqIw6MYeDIX5pCHo_k/s1600-h/unravelling.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349159522890579090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 197px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGabV7_py3hs2ju78xWKigrlwwqX6PWXUUCS4TefLMAVxVRfPjBkoXG40FaNTLekpEA8XF6Oo0ifZylAuzfnHzPxTzZ5Uyoga2TRxTczsZnx2hDn99yQZlgXUtccqIw6MYeDIX5pCHo_k/s200/unravelling.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Several years ago I read about half of Julia Cameron's book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Artists-Way-Julia-Cameron/dp/1585421472/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245447875&sr=8-1">The Artist's Way</a>. Much of what I read was helpful, but I must have gotten distracted, because I never finished the book. I'm trying again, with the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Artists-Way-Workbook-Julia-Cameron/dp/1585425338/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245447875&sr=8-2">workbook</a>.</div><div></div><br /><div>I'm also reading Leslie Parrott's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/You-Matter-More-Than-Think/dp/0310245982/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245447980&sr=1-1">You Matter More than You Think</a>. It's an interesting and personal look at how a woman's life experiences shape her to make a difference and be a mentor. <div></div></div><div>One of my favorite Etsy shops is <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5829593">Unravelling</a>. Photographer Susannah Conway's artwork, especially the beach scenes, is refreshing in a simple yet elegant way. (Photo above is from Unravelling)</div><div></div><div>This week we are listening to a bit of baroque music in the afternoons. The kids all have quiet time, and the music is so soothing for them. It's ideal for me too, whether I grab a quick nap, or spend the afternoon writing and reading. Today the CD is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Baroque-Bathtime-Relaxing-Serenade-Cares/dp/B0000041DS/ref=pd_bxgy_m_img_b">Baroque for Bath Time</a>, which is truly perfect bathtime music, but enjoyable at other times as well.</div><div></div><div>We did a lot of rearranging this week, both furniture and artwork. Now one of the first things I see every morning is my small print of "<a href="http://www.allposters.com/gallery.asp?startat=/getposter.asp&APNum=1250627&CID=1882D9763EE24D96BB18A5DD34091143&PPID=1&search=mygallery&f=g&FindID=0&P=1&PP=1&sortby=PD&cname=&SearchID=">Fisherman's Cottage on the Cliffs at Varengeville</a>", by Claude Monet. What a peaceful view every morning!</div><div></div><div></div>Sophy Nextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497203134629769077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022660362497958916.post-2423452837293670412009-06-12T10:32:00.001-07:002009-06-12T12:49:36.483-07:00Five on Friday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9_uArdiy3rvAf5wRuRuGKvWwb-CqdDa9W-WWvXvwG4gAyTLUYf6OJ7XI4yc94eBWCM5MuUtC-6OtTuLdo9NOvAS9zqau0cV2d96lZkZnyJp-4m1Nv0Ue6dAY_B4LqCL6XN5u3M6irlI/s1600-h/mini+creamer.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346501633239712834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9_uArdiy3rvAf5wRuRuGKvWwb-CqdDa9W-WWvXvwG4gAyTLUYf6OJ7XI4yc94eBWCM5MuUtC-6OtTuLdo9NOvAS9zqau0cV2d96lZkZnyJp-4m1Nv0Ue6dAY_B4LqCL6XN5u3M6irlI/s200/mini+creamer.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Today I'm joining Rhiannon over at <a href="http://starrybluesky.wordpress.com/">Starry Blue Sky</a> and posting my Five on Friday.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6458225">Moorefield Pottery</a> at Etsy makes charming mini creamers--perfect for using as vases or individual syrup pitchers.</div><div></div><br /><div>This week I'm wearing a new fragrance: <a href="http://www.marykay.com/spabody/bodycare/10011443/10011443/default.aspx">Mary Kay Lotus and Bamboo</a>. It's very light and summery, and in addition to the body spray there is a wonderful loofah scrub. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div>Another beauty find: OPI nail polish has a color in the "Brights" spectrum: <a href="http://www.opi.com/">On the Same Paige</a>. It's a bright coral orange, just what I like for summer.</div><div></div><br /><div>I just re-read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Saturdays-Melendy-Quartet-Elizabeth-Enright/dp/0312375980/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1244828629&sr=8-1">The Saturdays</a>, by Elizabeth Enright, and the sequels: The Four Story Mistake, Then There Were Five, and Spiderweb for Two. I loved this children's series when I was ten, and I still enjoy them. The children are fun and talented and real, and the author does not limit her vocabulary like the typical children's author of today. The stories are set in the eastern United States during World War II. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div>My husband and I are enjoying a Britcom from the 80s on DVD: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lovejoy-Complete-Season-Ian-McShane/dp/B000NJXG8Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1244829162&sr=8-1">Lovejoy</a>. We find it far more fun than most of the current shows on American tv. The humor is quiet and the characters are a little quirky. Amazon says,<br /><blockquote><p>Ian McShane (Deadwood) stars as the irresistible rogue with a keen eye for<br />antiques, intrigue and beauty. Just call him Lovejoy. This antiques dealer and<br />part-time detective scours the murky salesrooms, auction halls and stately homes<br />of Britain, always on the lookout for a find or a quick buck. As if the antiques<br />business isn't exciting enough, Lovejoy has a particular weakness for a good sob<br />story or a pretty face, either of which is enough to send him off in pursuit of<br />villains and help victims recover their property. Whether it's a priceless old<br />master or a pretty young lady, his love of beauty is sure to land him in trouble<br />wherever he goes.</p><p></p><p></p></blockquote></div>Sophy Nextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497203134629769077noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022660362497958916.post-30504161545595777332009-06-09T08:04:00.000-07:002009-06-08T14:15:49.901-07:00Three on Tuesday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsBcoHwdYenqjJerj43Ua2mg3ZzQZ96fZ4dS7SVPIwhwwyaefYkFodw19DJTQ_4Zkg5GhnyRAMAOmHWNpf1ALx78XZAb75Z9HRN-MxKA6UJTLMaC1ZGWbz_wseLkbvWGU73tbLKHqRqc/s1600-h/bracelet.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345068215534393874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsBcoHwdYenqjJerj43Ua2mg3ZzQZ96fZ4dS7SVPIwhwwyaefYkFodw19DJTQ_4Zkg5GhnyRAMAOmHWNpf1ALx78XZAb75Z9HRN-MxKA6UJTLMaC1ZGWbz_wseLkbvWGU73tbLKHqRqc/s200/bracelet.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Rhiannon at <a href="http://starrybluesky.wordpress.com/">Starry Blue Sky </a>posts "Five on Friday". I missed it last week, so here are "Three on Tuesday."</div><div></div><br /><div>I bought some classy earrings from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5604254&ga_search_query=jewelwing&ga_search_type=seller_usernames">Jewelwing Creations </a>at Etsy.com. This seller has lovely necklaces and bracelets too. </div><div></div><br /><div>I discovered a new book blog that looks rather promising: <a href="http://cabinetofwonders.today.com/">Cabinet of Wonders</a>.</div><div></div><br /><div>I'm in the middle of an interesting book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Open-Door-Entering-Sanctuary-Prayer/dp/1557255741/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1244495330&sr=8-3">The Open Door</a>, by Frederica Matthewes-Green. It's a fascinating glimpse of Orthodox faith and an introduction to icons, with inspirational thoughts on various seasonal Orthodox feasts.</div>Sophy Nextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497203134629769077noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022660362497958916.post-35839829555165525162009-06-08T21:11:00.000-07:002009-06-08T21:24:59.768-07:00Adorning the Gospel: June 8, 09<blockquote><p><em>When He saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain, and after He sat down,<br />His disciples came to Him. Then He began to teach them,<br />saying:<br />"Blessed are the poor in spirit,<br />because the kingdom of heaven is theirs.<br />Blessed are those who mourn,<br />because they will be comforted.<br />Blessed are the gentle,<br />because they will inherit the earth.<br />Blessed are those who hunger<br />and thirst for righteousness,<br />because they will be filled.<br />Blessed are the merciful,<br />because they will be shown mercy.<br />Blessed are the pure in heart,<br />because they will see God.<br /><br />Blessed are the peacemakers,<br />because they will be called sons of God.<br />Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness,<br />because the kingdom of heaven is theirs.<br />Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of Me. Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you."(Matt 5:11-12)<br /><br />The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.<br />Those who know Your name trust in You because You have not abandoned those who seek You, Lord. </em><em>(Psalm 9:9-10)</em><br /></p><p>Happiness in the kingdom of God is achieved by such different attitudes and rules -- different from the world's How to Succeed Rules.</p></blockquote>Sophy Nextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497203134629769077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022660362497958916.post-20704280791620078102009-06-07T08:34:00.000-07:002009-06-08T21:06:26.833-07:00Adorning the Gospel, June 7 09Today's Gospel Reading:<br /><blockquote><p><em>Matthew 28:16-30 (CEV) Jesus' eleven disciples went to a mountain in Galilee, where Jesus had told them to meet him. They saw him and worshiped him, but some of them doubted.<br />Jesus came to them and said: I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth!<br />Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I have told you. I will be with you always, even until the end of the world. </em></p><p></p><p><br />Though Jesus was ending His time of being physically visible in the world, He promised "I will be with you always." In Hebrews 13:5 this promise is rephrased, and tied to a command: "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”(NKJV) I'm supposed to be content, because Jesus is with me. He is enough. As the old hymn "How Firm a Foundation" says, "What more can He say than to you He has said, to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?" He will never leave me. What else does He need to say? Nothing. His presence is enough.<br /></p></blockquote><p></p><p><em><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">"...that they may adorn the teaching of God our Savior in everything." Titus 2:10<br /></span></em></p>Sophy Nextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497203134629769077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022660362497958916.post-33635323254889767172009-06-05T14:15:00.000-07:002009-06-05T14:18:00.446-07:00Friday FunnyTwo sites cracked me up today: <a href="http://www.unnecessaryquotes.com/">The "Blog" of Unnecessary Quotation Marks</a> and <a href="http://despair.com/lithographs.html">the sarcastic posters at despair.com.</a><br /><br />Enjoy.Sophy Nextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497203134629769077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022660362497958916.post-38475329323696010042009-05-12T08:03:00.000-07:002009-05-12T08:05:10.652-07:00Book Review: Gone-Away Lake<strong><em>Gone-Away Lake<br /></em></strong>Author: Elizabeth Enright<br />Date of publication (year): 1957<br />Publisher: Sandpiper<br />ISBN: 0152022724<br />Number of Pages: 272<br />Where it can be purchased: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gone-Away-Lake-Books/dp/0152022724/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1242095035&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Amazon</a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gone-Away-Lake-Books/dp/0152022724/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1242095035&sr=8-1" target="_blank"></a><br />Illustrated? yes, beautifully detailed illustrations by Beth and Joe Krush<br />Genre of the book: Fiction<br />Rate your book: Highly Recommended<br />Appropriate Age group for this book: Amazon says 3rd to 6th grade. I discovered this book when I was 9 or 10, and I read it every year or two until I was about 20. I read it last week and I still love it.<br />Book Summary: (from Amazon)<br /><blockquote>Grade 3-6-Elizabeth Enright's 1957 Newbery Honor book (Harcourt, pap. 1990) will<br />continue to entertain and enlighten today's children in this audiobook format<br />just as the print version has for generations. A brief opening train ride (one<br />of the only somewhat dated segments in the book) introduces listeners to Portia<br />and Foster, siblings on their way to spend a summer in the country with their<br />cousin Julian and his parents. But from that point on, the magic of discovering<br />a small summer community, derelict for decades as its lake slowly dried, is just<br />as enchanting today as it was nearly 50 years ago. Even Foster's play at robots<br />and space stations contributes a contemporary feel to the story's details. The<br />story is beautifully written with fairly sophisticated language... The unfolding<br />tale of the once-upon-a-time summer colony at the turn of the 20th century is<br />wonderful...This story of a summer of discovery and adventure would be an<br />outstanding choice for elementary school youngsters with a good reading and<br />vocabulary skills. (sections of review relating to audio version deleted)</blockquote>Opinion of the Book:<br />This was one of my favorite books when I was a kid. It still is. As a kid, I loved the idea of finding an almost abandoned Edwardian era village. As a parent, I appreciate the way the different generations of people interact with no angst or barrier or criticism. The people are real, the kids are intelligent and well-behaved (but not ridiculously so), and though the book is not full of hair-raising adventures, it is a cozy happy read that just makes me want to step into the story. I am happy to report that my seven year old is listening to this book on CD and loving it.<br /><em>Gone-Away Lake</em> is followed by <em>Return to Gone-Away</em>, which is just as much fun. Extremely conservative parents will be concerned by one scene in Return to Gone-Away when the girls read a fortune-telling magazine, but hang on, conservative parents, because the girls find out its advice is rather inaccurate.<br /><br />Elizabeth Enright wrote several other children's books, and after re-reading these two, I think I'll seek out the others at our library. Stay tuned for more reviews.<br /><br />The audio CDs are available on itunes.Sophy Nextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497203134629769077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022660362497958916.post-6569068576354011692009-04-03T10:06:00.001-07:002009-04-03T10:11:43.281-07:00Fat Burnin' Friday: a bit of success<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BtQHqHB-9T1WegG-vgKJJ2kHRLhaCURG0AA6c_22vdG1xkWvVJKCVOMjcaiSKBFpVrJdbA_dVZdVx4C8nkraz4M5DvWMsV3EyRYbEK1bcuIErIhFmoTxBPgX3a1tiB9vtYY5KC4H4Ro/s1600-h/MommySnacks_FatBurninFriday.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320512840653988898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 100px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BtQHqHB-9T1WegG-vgKJJ2kHRLhaCURG0AA6c_22vdG1xkWvVJKCVOMjcaiSKBFpVrJdbA_dVZdVx4C8nkraz4M5DvWMsV3EyRYbEK1bcuIErIhFmoTxBPgX3a1tiB9vtYY5KC4H4Ro/s200/MommySnacks_FatBurninFriday.jpg" border="0" /></a> I've been walking at least four miles every day this week. On Wednesday I walked twelve miles, and yesterday ten! I found a new travel series to watch while I'm walking indoors: Passport to Europe with Samantha Brown. Fascinating travel trivia: <strong>Finland</strong> hosts a wife-carrying contest every year. Cornish pasties were invented by <strong>Welsh </strong>tin miners, whose hands would be contaminated by toxic tin. They'd hold on to the thick crust while eating the pastie, then throw the crust away.<br /><br />I'm finally eating less. A move may be in our future and I am determined to arrive in a new area as a THIN person. Since Sunday I've been limiting my daily calories to 1200. So far I've lost three pounds. Twenty-five to go.<br /><br />Fat Burnin' Friday is hosted <a href="http://mommysnacks.blogspot.com/search/label/Fat%20Burnin%27%20Friday">here</a>.Sophy Nextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497203134629769077noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022660362497958916.post-55321584669766519972009-04-02T20:48:00.000-07:002009-04-02T20:57:59.254-07:00Finer Things Friday: Irish Cologne<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7xeLal8sEqgFFAJ64YNZrp6Lae12hFFm2BeI9AXPP-KggjjMNC5ma8WcRZrgcSnc8ukm0c2xJHVVa02y46EPPDMmRs-Z-yL0WN0V-U4hkJXm0Here-W58zdUo6v-FQ5jQRb6IhPo9n7w/s1600-h/finer_things_friday.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320307537023376914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7xeLal8sEqgFFAJ64YNZrp6Lae12hFFm2BeI9AXPP-KggjjMNC5ma8WcRZrgcSnc8ukm0c2xJHVVa02y46EPPDMmRs-Z-yL0WN0V-U4hkJXm0Here-W58zdUo6v-FQ5jQRb6IhPo9n7w/s200/finer_things_friday.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Almost two years ago my husband and I spent our tenth anniversary on the island of Innisheer, just off the coast of Ireland. We wandered through an old cemetery, rode bicycles all over the island, explored an ancient castle, and ate porter cake in a tearoom. One cozy little shop we visited had Inis cologne. I'd seen this advertised but had never smelled it, so I asked if I could. Its fragrance seemed to capture the essence of the island, from the rocky hillside to the ocean breeze to the Gaelic music. But it cost a little more than I wanted to spend at that moment...I was planning to buy a celtic knot bracelet later that day.</div><div> </div><div>I still meditate on the events of that perfect day when I need a peaceful moment. I long to return to Innisheer and the other sites we visited. So when QVC had their St. Patrick's Day special and they had a great price on Inis, I ordered some.</div><div> </div><div>It arrived last week. I think I shall refer to this as my signature fragrance. It truly is one of the finer things in life. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Finer Things Friday is hosted <a href="http://amysfinerthings.com/finer-things-friday-the-power-of-positive-thinking">here</a>.</div>Sophy Nextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497203134629769077noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022660362497958916.post-2220168730485731682009-03-31T14:49:00.000-07:002009-03-31T15:46:24.364-07:00"Jesus said yes"Today I went to a nursing home with some ladies from my Bible study group. Two of us took our children with us. We took doughnuts and business cards from church. I didn't really want to go, as I feel a little emotionally fragile sometimes after the loss of my Dad and my Grandma last year. I've never had any emotional baggage about visiting nursing homes, but suddenly this year it seemed difficult. However, the lady who arranged our little field trip lost her dad (who had been living in this nursing home) last week. So...I couldn't really wimp out when she was being so strong.<br /><br />We learned from the nurses which patients were allowed to eat doughnuts, and we went room to room, just saying hello. In one of the last rooms we met a blind man. He didn't seem to be familiar with the word "doughnut" but he told us he had been praying for a "man of God" to visit him. He felt that we, five ladies with six children, were an answer to his prayer. He told us that he prayed for each staff member of the nursing home ("from the general manager to the housekeepers") and then he said "last week they put my wife in a grave." One lady stayed and prayed with him while the rest of us moved on.<br /><br />On the way home, I talked with my kids about this man, because I didn't know if they had realized that he was blind, and I knew that my 7 year old had been a little worried about "the sad man". My 4 year old said, "That man prayed and Jesus said "yes!" to his prayer and He sent us! He was so sad and now he is happy." Of course at 4 she doesn't understand the sorrow of losing a spouse, but she does understand that Jesus answers prayer, and she felt that she was part of that answer. She felt that Jesus used her today.<br /><br />The kids knew that they were going to "give gifts" (doughnuts) to the residents today. We didn't know that we would receive the gift of being used by Jesus.Sophy Nextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497203134629769077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022660362497958916.post-26714511572677863452009-03-27T14:55:00.000-07:002009-03-27T15:09:01.769-07:00Finer Things Friday: My Style Notebook<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Snjxb1PQ7dmXfLKD7nhZDzBIjfWRLt2VEbC9bNCBgbyGJ5rk4YZrX0VhJv5BR2rrdINVIQDbai2lDge9HC54Xxn52Uk__bUp6ytjWqBjmk4XsYuvIt0o9EAAZLFIIUhRnbdopFk4qp8/s1600-h/finer_things_friday.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317992379551266322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Snjxb1PQ7dmXfLKD7nhZDzBIjfWRLt2VEbC9bNCBgbyGJ5rk4YZrX0VhJv5BR2rrdINVIQDbai2lDge9HC54Xxn52Uk__bUp6ytjWqBjmk4XsYuvIt0o9EAAZLFIIUhRnbdopFk4qp8/s200/finer_things_friday.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div></div><br /><div>I've subscribed to InStyle magazine for years because I have a great fear of turning into the stereotypical unstylish homeschool mom. I know there are some stylin' homeschool ladies out there, but the denim jumper and the sandals with socks are burned into my memory as the uniform of the homeschool moms I used to know. I am determined not to lose touch with the fashion world.<br /></div><div>Usually my InStyle magazines are stacked under my bed until I notice that there are ten or twelve of them, and I throw away all but the last two. This week, however, I noticed something else under my bed: my Style notebook. Several years ago when I was hoping to lose the baby weight quickly, I cut out all my favorite stylish pictures and put them in a notebook. I didn't lose weight quickly, but I did have a clearly planned wardrobe that year.<br /></div><div>Yesterday I browsed the last three months of InStyle, the Penney's catalog, and the Coldwater Creek catalog (CWC, incidently, seemed to be aimed at grandmothers this month. Nothing for my Style book there.) I cut out pictures and glued them on green paper, and hole punched it for my notebook. I ended up with about nine pages of my favorite fashions--not the Oscar gowns, not the little black dresses, but clothes I would actually wear if I found them at affordable prices. i sorted them into church & dinner out clothes, everyday clothes, and makeup ideas.</div><div></div><br /><div>This really makes me want to stick with my exercise routine (see Fat Burnin' Friday post) so that I can do a little shopping!<br /></div><div>After months of blogging sporadically, I discovered and joined two memes today! I see more blogging in my future....</div><br /><div>Finer Things Friday is hosted <a href="http://amysfinerthings.com/finer-things-friday-a-date-with-my-daughter">here</a>.</div>Sophy Nextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497203134629769077noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022660362497958916.post-76704687954825217492009-03-27T09:17:00.001-07:002009-03-27T09:31:02.195-07:00Fat Burnin' Friday - walking indoors<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjndlWvZ7FHp5oHQzaCNOKGZlCHFmNAjtGIpcg0OLpUFBt5vxZw9TeEpMC8r48kuUWEa5OcujP_rqNWoxocac-Y4zGFch1rX_BLVcRiMEReAXuC2F60pZtSz291H7snD2tfNXDflCQYceE/s1600-h/MommySnacks_FatBurninFriday.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317905549155939570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 100px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjndlWvZ7FHp5oHQzaCNOKGZlCHFmNAjtGIpcg0OLpUFBt5vxZw9TeEpMC8r48kuUWEa5OcujP_rqNWoxocac-Y4zGFch1rX_BLVcRiMEReAXuC2F60pZtSz291H7snD2tfNXDflCQYceE/s200/MommySnacks_FatBurninFriday.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div>Last spring I lost about seven pounds one month. My exercise routine was very simple: just put on my pedometer and my ipod, and run/walk/jog in the house. This allowed me to work out in a way that didn't hurt my back, and didn't require time out of the house. I walked between three and seven miles a day, probably five days a week.<br /><br />We went on a 5 week vacation last summer and I lost my exercise routine. Life and grief and boredom got in the way of restarting the routine. The familar landscape of my own walls or even the view out the window just didn't inspire me to walk.<br /><br />A month or so ago, I found a way to make this fun again. Our library has quite a few travel dvds, and I can request them online and pick them up when they arrive at the nearest library branch. Most of them are divided into 25 minute segments. I pace myself, trying to reach .4 miles with each 5 minutes, thus reaching 2 miles with each segment.<br /><br />My favorite travel hosts are Rick Steves, Rudy Maxa, and Globe Trekker. So far I've walked "through" Ireland, Scotland, England, Belgium, France and Italy. Last night my children were watching with me, fascinated by the huge wheels of cheese in Parma, Italy.<br /><br />My husband works all day and comes home with stories of his experiences away from the house. Now I have interesting foreign facts to share: Sicilians eat ice cream for breakfast, Belgians buy fresh chocolate daily like French people buy baguettes, and Scottish postmen let travellers ride along with them because there isn't a good bus system in the remote areas.<br /><br />Fat Burnin' Friday is hosted by <a href="http://mommysnacks.blogspot.com/search/label/Fat%20Burnin%27%20Friday">mommysnacks.net</a></div>Sophy Nextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497203134629769077noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022660362497958916.post-85925079578058247942009-03-24T09:43:00.000-07:002009-03-24T09:48:21.685-07:00Tuesday, March 23 Prayer Collage<em>Teach me to talk with You intimately.</em><br />--Prayer Journey with the Apostle Paul, by Michael Green p. 16<br /><br /><em>Help us...today, to give our dreams and hopes and hurts to You. </em><br /><em>Restore in us a clean heart, we beseech You, oh Lord</em>.<br />--Challenges of the Narrow Way, by Bridget Plass, p. 117<br /><br /><em>Vision-giving God, You who are all-glorious,</em><br /><em>thank You that You choose to visit us in our ordinary lives,</em><br /><em>sometimes granting us glimpses of heaven.</em><br /><em>Help me to be more and more open to Your visits by day or by night,</em><br /><em>and when I see, help me, like Ezekiel,</em><br /><em>to respond with love and obedience.</em><br />--Rainbow of Renewal, by Michael Mitton, p. 139Sophy Nextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497203134629769077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022660362497958916.post-10863249557788622252009-03-19T08:09:00.000-07:002009-03-19T08:10:32.752-07:00I miss bloggingI started blogging just over a year ago. I was in a high stress period of life, which led to a grieving period. My blog was my outlet, my place to yell about the stress or chatter about something completely unrelated to it. Now the stress and the grieving have levelled off, and I'm just....tired. And forgetful. I think about my blog, and I wonder if I actually have something meaningful to say. I think of some silly chatter to blog while I'm doing dishes, but I forget it by the time I turn on my laptop.<br /><br />I miss my little blogging outlet. Perhaps I can come back this afternoon.Sophy Nextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497203134629769077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022660362497958916.post-6641184819751071262009-03-17T15:51:00.000-07:002009-03-17T15:54:00.541-07:00St Patrick's Breastplate--a modern versionFrom an album by Stefan Van Voorst, available at cdbaby or itunes.com. The words are modernised without losing the beauty of the prayer. The tune is catchy and upbeat but still prayerful.<br /><br /><blockquote>Christ with me<br />Before me<br />Behind me<br /> Within me<br />Above me<br />Beneath me<br />Around me<br />Throughout me<br />On my right and left<br />In length, and height, and breadth<br />With You I will not fear<br />Whether far or whether near<br /><br />I arise today<br />Through a mighty strength<br />Following the One who showed the way<br />I’m alive today<br />Through Christ my strength<br />I’m following the One who showed the way<br />Uphold me and guide me<br />Look before me<br />Speak for me<br />Protect me and guard me<br />Watch o’er me<br />Come save me<br /><br />In the heart of the ones who think of me<br />In the mouth of the ones who speak of me<br />Every eye that sees<br />Every ear that hears<br />Christ be...<br /><br /></blockquote>Sophy Nextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497203134629769077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022660362497958916.post-56672453298449516332009-03-09T15:53:00.000-07:002009-03-09T16:00:09.904-07:00Red Envelopes & Tea BagsLast week I received an e-mail urging me to send an empty red envelope to the White House on a specified date as an anti-abortion message to the President. Today another e-mail recommended that we all mail tea-bags to Obama. I am wondering if I can save postage and put the teabag in the red envelope.<br /><br />Seriously, though, what do the people behind these e-mails think they will accomplish with these wordless messages? It's certainly an easy way to <em>feel</em> that one has accomplished something, but it requires so little effort, and sends a rather uncertain message.<br /><br />To be honest, I haven't sent <em>any</em> messages to Washington lately. But I am unconvinced that these teabags and envelopes will accomplish anything or even articulate their sender's desires for our country.Sophy Nextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497203134629769077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022660362497958916.post-56025815118920933602009-03-06T15:11:00.000-08:002009-03-06T15:16:34.226-08:00Gifts from God<em>What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?" (Luke 11:11-13)</em><br /><br />Did you ever notice that Jesus didn't say that fathers always give their children fish when they ask for fish?<br /><br />Sometimes when my children ask for Captain Crunch cereal mid-afternoon, I think about the cheerios they had at breakfast, the sandwich they had at lunch, and the popcorn they had for a snack--and I give them an apple instead of yet another starchy food.<br /><br />God gives good gifts--they just aren't always what we were expecting.Sophy Nextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497203134629769077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022660362497958916.post-8575945645564444882009-02-26T09:08:00.000-08:002009-06-08T13:58:09.387-07:00Bible Study Magazine GiveawayBible Study Magazine and Mars Hill are giving away 20 copies of Mark Driscoll’s new book, Vintage Church. Not only that, but they are also giving away five subscriptions to <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca">Bible</a> Study Magazine<a> and a copy of their <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca">Bible</a> Study Library</a> software! Enter to win on the Bible Study Magazine <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca">Mark</a> Driscoll<a> page, then take a look at all the cool tools they have to take your <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca">Bible</a> study</a> to the next level!Sophy Nextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497203134629769077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8022660362497958916.post-18861615172368178982009-02-20T14:54:00.000-08:002009-02-20T15:00:18.860-08:00Friday Collage of Readings: February 20Praise our God, you peoples;<br />let the sound of His praise be heard. (Psalm 66:8)<br /><br />Happy are the people whose strength is in You,<br />whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. (Psalm 84:5)<br /><br />The counsel of the Lord stands forever,<br />the plans of His heart from generation to generation. (Psalm 33:11)<br /><br />...If anyone wants to be My follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. (Mark 8:34)<br /><br /><em><span style="font-family:georgia;">Your plans are better than mine, Lord,</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:georgia;">and today I choose to trust You.</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:georgia;">You are my strength, my joy, my wisdom.</span></em><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span>Sophy Nextdoorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06497203134629769077noreply@blogger.com0