Found this at Hope Stamps Eternal...it's just the kind of thing I think is funny.
Put The Big Red Button on your site
How far did you click?? I'm not telling. Let me just say...
...there is an end. Just sayin'...
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
Faith Lift Friday--Christmas in July
Faith Lift Fridays are home at Sheryl's Taking the Challenge. Always uplifting! 
I'm in a mood.
Not sure what mood it is, but it's kind of quirky and when I get like this there are some unexpected thoughts that pop into my head and heart.
So here's what's rattling around up there today:
In six months it will be Christmas. Oh, I'm not recommending that we go and start shopping and living out the retail holiday. But it might be a good day to stop and think where we will be six months from now.
Will our hearts be ready for HIM?
Are our hearts ready for HIM everyday?
"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.
Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!'" Mark 13:32-37
Welcome to this World
Lyrics and music by Chris Rice
Tears are falling, hearts are breaking
How we need to hear from God
You've been promised, we've been waiting
Welcome Holy Child
Welcome Holy Child
Hope that you don't mind our manger
How I wish we would have known
But long-awaited Holy Stranger
Make Yourself at home
Please make Yourself at home
Bring Your peace into our violence
Bid our hungry souls be filled
Word now breaking Heaven's silence
Welcome to our world
Welcome to our world
Fragile finger sent to heal us
Tender brow prepared for thorn
Tiny heart whose blood will save us
Unto us is born
Unto us is born
So wrap our injured flesh around You
Breathe our air and walk our sod
Rob our sin and make us holy
Perfect Son of God
Perfect Son of God
Welcome to our world
I'm in a mood.
Not sure what mood it is, but it's kind of quirky and when I get like this there are some unexpected thoughts that pop into my head and heart.
So here's what's rattling around up there today:
In six months it will be Christmas. Oh, I'm not recommending that we go and start shopping and living out the retail holiday. But it might be a good day to stop and think where we will be six months from now.
Will our hearts be ready for HIM?
Are our hearts ready for HIM everyday?
"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.
Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!'" Mark 13:32-37
Welcome to this World
Lyrics and music by Chris Rice
Tears are falling, hearts are breaking
How we need to hear from God
You've been promised, we've been waiting
Welcome Holy Child
Welcome Holy Child
Hope that you don't mind our manger
How I wish we would have known
But long-awaited Holy Stranger
Make Yourself at home
Please make Yourself at home
Bring Your peace into our violence
Bid our hungry souls be filled
Word now breaking Heaven's silence
Welcome to our world
Welcome to our world
Fragile finger sent to heal us
Tender brow prepared for thorn
Tiny heart whose blood will save us
Unto us is born
Unto us is born
So wrap our injured flesh around You
Breathe our air and walk our sod
Rob our sin and make us holy
Perfect Son of God
Perfect Son of God
Welcome to our world
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Books, Books, Books--a Meme After My Heart
Barbara H. had this meme on her blog almost a month ago. I really liked it—it’s about books! How could I not? So I am finally getting around to doing it.
1. Do you remember how you developed a love for reading? I don’t remember a time in my life without books. My father was an avid reader. There were always books around our home. My mother would not have counted reading as a hobby at that time, but she filled our home with books for me and read to me from the time when I was born until I went to school. She became an avid reader shortly before she got cancer. I inherited many of her books.
2. What are some books you read as a child? The Summerfolk, Katy and the Big Snow, Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel, Tiki Tiki Tembo were some of the books my mother read to me and I’ve collected them to share with my children.
As I began reading independently I read Marguerite Henry’s books—King of the Wind was a favorite. I read the Black Stallion series, My Friend Flicka, the Big Red books, Trixie Beldon and Robin Kane, Betsy and Tacy; all series, so I guess my love for series began early. Also I read very precociously, I read Gone with the Wind and The Godfather in fifth grade—I wouldn’t recommend that for anyone and those books aren’t in my boys “to read” pile.
3. What is your favorite genre? I am a historical fiction nut. I also am very excited with “good” science fiction/fantasy—Frank Herbert, Tolkien, Stephen R. Donaldson. I also like young adult lit for fast reads and have recently enjoyed some good Christian literature. I love King Arthur literature and read a lot of it in college. I took a class devoted to it and considered pursuing a master’s in King Arthur lit—I decided that might not be to practical, but it sounded romantic at the time.
4. Do you have a favorite novel? Helen Hooven Santemeyer’s …and Ladies of the Club. The Morland Dynasty by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles has become my favorite series.
5. Where do you usually read? Either in the big pink blogging recliner or in bed. Also I spend a lot of time in parents’ waiting rooms, so I will read there.
6. When do you usually read? After supper or after the boys are in bed. I often stay up too late reading.
7. Do you usually have more than one book you are reading at a time? Yes, sometimes I get too many going.
8. Do you read nonfiction in a different way or place than you read fiction? No, I just need to read more of it.
9. Do you buy most of the books you read, or borrow them, or check them out of the library? The library is a wonderful place and I always have a lot of books checked out. I keep the Half Price Bookstore in business I am sure, but there are always books for 50 cents or a dollar and it is hard to pass those up. It also saves on shipping and overdue books. I look there first for a book. I don't mind paying retail, but if I don't have to, why bother?
Occasionally we go on a family trip to Barnes and Noble—that usually is a bank breaker (even though we have a buyer membership there) because everyone gets a book—but it is a fun thing when we go. I rarely borrow a book from anyone else—I have more books than anyone else I know in real life. I only have one friend who offers to loan me books—she also sends some home she thinks my dad will like.
10. Do you keep most of the books you buy? If not, what do you do with them? Books are like friends. I can’t get rid of my friends!! Just kidding...sort of.
All of my favorites—Tolkien, Rosamunde Pilcher, Frank Herbert, Stephen Dondalson, I keep. Classics or books I think the boys might like I keep. I’ve got a stash I am saving for my niece who reads like I do, some she’ll get in the near future, some will have to wait. I’ve been culling the herd of children’s books and giving boxes to my friend for my goddaughter and godson. Then there are the homeschool books which have to stick around for a while. There are loads of those.
11. If you have children, what are some of the favorite books you have shared with them? Were they some of the same ones you read as a child? I mentioned some of the ones I loved, Robert McCloskey was another author who I really liked and so was Ezra Jack Keats.
Some that I “found” as the boys were growing up are the original Milne Pooh stories, The Wind in the Willows, Beatrix Potter, Eric Carle, Jan Brett, James Herriot, Thomas the Tank Engine. I love James Gurney’s Dinotopia books. The boys both loved Mercer Mayer’s Little Critter.
12. What are you reading now? I just finished Lauren Winner’s Mudhouse Sabbath, and have The Mirage, number 22 in Cynthia Harrod-Eagles Morland Dynasty series going. I also am reading Sister Teresa by Barbara Mujica, a novel about St. Teresa of Avila. Also I’m working on Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt by Anne Rice because I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. Recently I purchased The South Beach Diet (half price, of course), I gave my copy to my to my dad and decided maybe I should revisit that.
13. Do you keep a TBR (to be read) list? Just piles and stacks and shelves that remind me what a book junkie I am. Actually I do keep a list on the computer. I am embarrassed to admit how many "pages" long it is. I keep it for the day I run out of books to read. Snort.
14. What’s next? I always have books about or for our homeschooling, I rarely “count” those, although maybe I should. If I pre-read or read at the same time a book for the boys I do count those books if they are over a hundred pages. At the top of the pile is When All Hell Breaks Loose You May Be Doing Something Right: Surprising insights from the life of Job by Steven J. Lawson. I found that at one of my bloggy friend’s place. Queste—fourth in Angie Sage’s Septimus Heap series. I want to read more of the classics Dumas, Dickens, Austen, Faulkner…etc. I am in a mood to start rereading some favorites—which it’s good the next question is:
15. What books would you like to reread? The Lord of the Rings series, the Dune series—both the ones by Frank Herbert and those by his son. I reread Rosamunde Pilcher when I need a vacation and also my …and Ladies of the Club. I reread children’s books sometimes to refresh me. I miss my King Arthur books and have been thinking about rereading them. I will reread Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan books once in a while. I think at some point I will reread Beverly Lewis’ books, too. I am going to re-start Stephen R. Donaldson’s The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever soon.
16. Who are your favorite authors? I’m pretty eclectic. Frank Herbert—he fascinates me; I’m glad his son picked up his mantle and expanded the Dune series. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis (of course)—they are “the masters.” Max Lucado is so gentle. Beverly Lewis, Wanda Brunstetter have been great to read. I will be looking for more from Brandilyn Collins and Rick Acker, also from Jack Cavenaugh. And I have to admit J.K. Rowling certainly got under my skin. I know her books were controversial, but they were good reads alouds for my family. James Herriot, another author I reread, and am planning to introduce to my sons and my niece; they’ve read his children’s works and will appreciate his more grown-up stories. Jane Austen—I was late to the party, but fell in love with her.
If you decide to do this loooooooooooooooong meme, let me know. I'd love to know more about your reading and find more books. Because there are never enough books.
1. Do you remember how you developed a love for reading? I don’t remember a time in my life without books. My father was an avid reader. There were always books around our home. My mother would not have counted reading as a hobby at that time, but she filled our home with books for me and read to me from the time when I was born until I went to school. She became an avid reader shortly before she got cancer. I inherited many of her books.
2. What are some books you read as a child? The Summerfolk, Katy and the Big Snow, Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel, Tiki Tiki Tembo were some of the books my mother read to me and I’ve collected them to share with my children.
As I began reading independently I read Marguerite Henry’s books—King of the Wind was a favorite. I read the Black Stallion series, My Friend Flicka, the Big Red books, Trixie Beldon and Robin Kane, Betsy and Tacy; all series, so I guess my love for series began early. Also I read very precociously, I read Gone with the Wind and The Godfather in fifth grade—I wouldn’t recommend that for anyone and those books aren’t in my boys “to read” pile.
3. What is your favorite genre? I am a historical fiction nut. I also am very excited with “good” science fiction/fantasy—Frank Herbert, Tolkien, Stephen R. Donaldson. I also like young adult lit for fast reads and have recently enjoyed some good Christian literature. I love King Arthur literature and read a lot of it in college. I took a class devoted to it and considered pursuing a master’s in King Arthur lit—I decided that might not be to practical, but it sounded romantic at the time.
4. Do you have a favorite novel? Helen Hooven Santemeyer’s …and Ladies of the Club. The Morland Dynasty by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles has become my favorite series.
5. Where do you usually read? Either in the big pink blogging recliner or in bed. Also I spend a lot of time in parents’ waiting rooms, so I will read there.
6. When do you usually read? After supper or after the boys are in bed. I often stay up too late reading.
7. Do you usually have more than one book you are reading at a time? Yes, sometimes I get too many going.
8. Do you read nonfiction in a different way or place than you read fiction? No, I just need to read more of it.
9. Do you buy most of the books you read, or borrow them, or check them out of the library? The library is a wonderful place and I always have a lot of books checked out. I keep the Half Price Bookstore in business I am sure, but there are always books for 50 cents or a dollar and it is hard to pass those up. It also saves on shipping and overdue books. I look there first for a book. I don't mind paying retail, but if I don't have to, why bother?
Occasionally we go on a family trip to Barnes and Noble—that usually is a bank breaker (even though we have a buyer membership there) because everyone gets a book—but it is a fun thing when we go. I rarely borrow a book from anyone else—I have more books than anyone else I know in real life. I only have one friend who offers to loan me books—she also sends some home she thinks my dad will like.
10. Do you keep most of the books you buy? If not, what do you do with them? Books are like friends. I can’t get rid of my friends!! Just kidding...sort of.
All of my favorites—Tolkien, Rosamunde Pilcher, Frank Herbert, Stephen Dondalson, I keep. Classics or books I think the boys might like I keep. I’ve got a stash I am saving for my niece who reads like I do, some she’ll get in the near future, some will have to wait. I’ve been culling the herd of children’s books and giving boxes to my friend for my goddaughter and godson. Then there are the homeschool books which have to stick around for a while. There are loads of those.
11. If you have children, what are some of the favorite books you have shared with them? Were they some of the same ones you read as a child? I mentioned some of the ones I loved, Robert McCloskey was another author who I really liked and so was Ezra Jack Keats.
Some that I “found” as the boys were growing up are the original Milne Pooh stories, The Wind in the Willows, Beatrix Potter, Eric Carle, Jan Brett, James Herriot, Thomas the Tank Engine. I love James Gurney’s Dinotopia books. The boys both loved Mercer Mayer’s Little Critter.
12. What are you reading now? I just finished Lauren Winner’s Mudhouse Sabbath, and have The Mirage, number 22 in Cynthia Harrod-Eagles Morland Dynasty series going. I also am reading Sister Teresa by Barbara Mujica, a novel about St. Teresa of Avila. Also I’m working on Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt by Anne Rice because I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. Recently I purchased The South Beach Diet (half price, of course), I gave my copy to my to my dad and decided maybe I should revisit that.
13. Do you keep a TBR (to be read) list? Just piles and stacks and shelves that remind me what a book junkie I am. Actually I do keep a list on the computer. I am embarrassed to admit how many "pages" long it is. I keep it for the day I run out of books to read. Snort.
14. What’s next? I always have books about or for our homeschooling, I rarely “count” those, although maybe I should. If I pre-read or read at the same time a book for the boys I do count those books if they are over a hundred pages. At the top of the pile is When All Hell Breaks Loose You May Be Doing Something Right: Surprising insights from the life of Job by Steven J. Lawson. I found that at one of my bloggy friend’s place. Queste—fourth in Angie Sage’s Septimus Heap series. I want to read more of the classics Dumas, Dickens, Austen, Faulkner…etc. I am in a mood to start rereading some favorites—which it’s good the next question is:
15. What books would you like to reread? The Lord of the Rings series, the Dune series—both the ones by Frank Herbert and those by his son. I reread Rosamunde Pilcher when I need a vacation and also my …and Ladies of the Club. I reread children’s books sometimes to refresh me. I miss my King Arthur books and have been thinking about rereading them. I will reread Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan books once in a while. I think at some point I will reread Beverly Lewis’ books, too. I am going to re-start Stephen R. Donaldson’s The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever soon.
16. Who are your favorite authors? I’m pretty eclectic. Frank Herbert—he fascinates me; I’m glad his son picked up his mantle and expanded the Dune series. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis (of course)—they are “the masters.” Max Lucado is so gentle. Beverly Lewis, Wanda Brunstetter have been great to read. I will be looking for more from Brandilyn Collins and Rick Acker, also from Jack Cavenaugh. And I have to admit J.K. Rowling certainly got under my skin. I know her books were controversial, but they were good reads alouds for my family. James Herriot, another author I reread, and am planning to introduce to my sons and my niece; they’ve read his children’s works and will appreciate his more grown-up stories. Jane Austen—I was late to the party, but fell in love with her.
If you decide to do this loooooooooooooooong meme, let me know. I'd love to know more about your reading and find more books. Because there are never enough books.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Faith Lift Friday: You are My All in All
You are my strength when I am weak
You are the treasure that I seek
You are my all in all
Seeking You as a precious jewel
Lord, to give up I'd be a fool
You are my all in all
Taking my sin, my cross, my shame
Rising up again I bless Your name
You are my all in all
When I fall down You pick me up
When I am dry You fill my cup
You are my all in all
Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name
Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name
You are my strength when I am weak
You are the treasure that I seek
You are my all in all
Seeking You as a precious jewel
Lord, to give up I'd be a fool
You are my all in all
Taking my sin, my cross, my shame
Rising up again I bless Your name
You are my all in all
When I fall down You pick me up
When I get dry You fill my cup
You are my all in all
Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name
Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name
Sung by Nichole Nordeman
Written by Dennis Jernigan
Visit Sheryl at Taking the Challenge for more Faith Lift Friday participants.Week in Review
Well I just left it hanging there, didn’t I? On the road…and then nothing.
We did make it home, and I kept thinking I would get caught up and sit down and have me a nice blog session.
Well…I’m still catching up, although I’m amazed what can be done if I get up from the faithful pink blogging chair and get over myself and “just do it.”
Dishes keep materializing—what is up with that? I’m thinking we need to give up eating for a while…no, probably not a good idea. Maybe for me, but not two growing boys.
My school calendar is staring accusingly at me, pointing out the fact that I am not prepared for September. We are "doing school," but in a very informal way, easing back into a routine.
My menu calendar is next to the school calendar, showing me its blank pages needing to be filled, reminding me of my promise to have more organized and intentional meals (and grocery shopping—hopefully bringing the budget lower).
We have been inundated by hornets. Thankfully not aggressive, but still HORNETS with STINGERS!! And our landlord really doesn’t care much because, well, it’s not her backyard. I should not have been surprised.
I have a box of magazines I need to go through and decided what I cannot live without.
We’ve still got some mornings left of getting up near the Dark Hour—5:30-ish for me so we can leave the house by 8 A.M. to drive across a state line during rush hour to a dance class. At least we don’t have to stay there all day. And it’s only a few days a week. And they’re having a lot of fun.
There has been tending of my friend’s garden. My friend who is in Europe…and I am here in the Midwestern summer.
My presence has been requested for afternoons of supervising the swimming pool. My evenings have had offers of child-free conversations on the patio (sans hornets after dark) with my husband—who can turn down a man who wants to actually talk with you?? Not me! We’ve even had some early morning coffee outside when I’ve not had to be out the door.
All leaving my computer a bit sad and lonely. But I’ve noticed y’all have been a little quieter too when I have had a few moments to browse my Bloglines. Summertime is the time to do all those outdoor things, kids are busy and fun is waiting.
Fall is looming. Back to school is up at the Wally-World so summer is half over.
Maybe I’ll find a routine next week.
Doubt it, but maybe.
We did make it home, and I kept thinking I would get caught up and sit down and have me a nice blog session.
Well…I’m still catching up, although I’m amazed what can be done if I get up from the faithful pink blogging chair and get over myself and “just do it.”
Dishes keep materializing—what is up with that? I’m thinking we need to give up eating for a while…no, probably not a good idea. Maybe for me, but not two growing boys.
My school calendar is staring accusingly at me, pointing out the fact that I am not prepared for September. We are "doing school," but in a very informal way, easing back into a routine.
My menu calendar is next to the school calendar, showing me its blank pages needing to be filled, reminding me of my promise to have more organized and intentional meals (and grocery shopping—hopefully bringing the budget lower).
We have been inundated by hornets. Thankfully not aggressive, but still HORNETS with STINGERS!! And our landlord really doesn’t care much because, well, it’s not her backyard. I should not have been surprised.
I have a box of magazines I need to go through and decided what I cannot live without.
We’ve still got some mornings left of getting up near the Dark Hour—5:30-ish for me so we can leave the house by 8 A.M. to drive across a state line during rush hour to a dance class. At least we don’t have to stay there all day. And it’s only a few days a week. And they’re having a lot of fun.
There has been tending of my friend’s garden. My friend who is in Europe…and I am here in the Midwestern summer.
My presence has been requested for afternoons of supervising the swimming pool. My evenings have had offers of child-free conversations on the patio (sans hornets after dark) with my husband—who can turn down a man who wants to actually talk with you?? Not me! We’ve even had some early morning coffee outside when I’ve not had to be out the door.
All leaving my computer a bit sad and lonely. But I’ve noticed y’all have been a little quieter too when I have had a few moments to browse my Bloglines. Summertime is the time to do all those outdoor things, kids are busy and fun is waiting.
Fall is looming. Back to school is up at the Wally-World so summer is half over.
Maybe I’ll find a routine next week.
Doubt it, but maybe.
I Hearted Gev
If you’ve read my blog for any length of time, you know that I don’t blog about television much, if ever. Mostly because I don’t watch it. Home & Garden’s House Hunter’s is about the extent of my viewing. I watched the last two or three episodes of @merican Idol because we knew someone who knew someone who knew the winner (who I hearted quite a bit—but I always watched him on YouTube).
But a while back I started watching So You Think You Can Dance. I was head over heels. If you know much about me, you know I love dance. Specifically ballet, but any form of dance gets my attention. Now I passed on Dancing with the Stars, I peeked at Your Mama Don’t Dance (cute idea) a couple of times, but So You Think You Can Dance caught my heart because in ten years or less my oldest son could be doing that. My youngest would only be a few years behind.
My sons dance. A fact that gets us some quizzical looks and some unenlightened remarks sometimes. But I am very proud of what they do. They’ve joined me in my watching and have become quite the dance critics. We all have our favorites, but one of the ones we all agreed on was Gev. Gev got sent home last night. And Roo ended up in a surprising emotional state. I had to explain to him, that this is the way of the world of performing in any way—it is always an audition. Some will get the part, win the competition, do better one night than anyone else. Some won’t.
And in a way, that is really a metaphor for life; job interviews, relationships, competitions of any sort, athletic or artistic. This has been a great show to open the boys’ eyes. A few lessons we have learned vicariously are: take your corrections with a positive attitude and a smile, never speak negatively to judges (or teachers) or in front of a camera, win and lose graciously, when you dance—throw it all out there and dance your heart out. You will never second guess yourself that way.
Gev is a street dancer/break dancer who during the show has done contemporary broadway jazz, hip hop, ballroom, and jive. His attitude has been so positive. His smile is so sweet. I’m easily old enough to be his mom, and like I said, can see my boys doing this kind of thing. I had a tear or twenty when Gev got cut.
Shows like this break my heart, but at the same time they can be a really fun thing. This seems to be a sweet group of excellent dancers who, for the most part, I would be proud to know. Bittersweet fun.
I don't know how long these links will stay up. But if you haven't seen the show, here are my favorite three dances from Wednesday night.
Disclaimer: If you are easily offended by dance costumes or content, probably best to skip over. If not--enjoy!
Chelsea and Gev
Courtney and Joshua
Katee and Will
But a while back I started watching So You Think You Can Dance. I was head over heels. If you know much about me, you know I love dance. Specifically ballet, but any form of dance gets my attention. Now I passed on Dancing with the Stars, I peeked at Your Mama Don’t Dance (cute idea) a couple of times, but So You Think You Can Dance caught my heart because in ten years or less my oldest son could be doing that. My youngest would only be a few years behind.
My sons dance. A fact that gets us some quizzical looks and some unenlightened remarks sometimes. But I am very proud of what they do. They’ve joined me in my watching and have become quite the dance critics. We all have our favorites, but one of the ones we all agreed on was Gev. Gev got sent home last night. And Roo ended up in a surprising emotional state. I had to explain to him, that this is the way of the world of performing in any way—it is always an audition. Some will get the part, win the competition, do better one night than anyone else. Some won’t.
And in a way, that is really a metaphor for life; job interviews, relationships, competitions of any sort, athletic or artistic. This has been a great show to open the boys’ eyes. A few lessons we have learned vicariously are: take your corrections with a positive attitude and a smile, never speak negatively to judges (or teachers) or in front of a camera, win and lose graciously, when you dance—throw it all out there and dance your heart out. You will never second guess yourself that way.
Gev is a street dancer/break dancer who during the show has done contemporary broadway jazz, hip hop, ballroom, and jive. His attitude has been so positive. His smile is so sweet. I’m easily old enough to be his mom, and like I said, can see my boys doing this kind of thing. I had a tear or twenty when Gev got cut.
Shows like this break my heart, but at the same time they can be a really fun thing. This seems to be a sweet group of excellent dancers who, for the most part, I would be proud to know. Bittersweet fun.
I don't know how long these links will stay up. But if you haven't seen the show, here are my favorite three dances from Wednesday night.
Disclaimer: If you are easily offended by dance costumes or content, probably best to skip over. If not--enjoy!
Chelsea and Gev
Courtney and Joshua
Katee and Will
Friday, July 11, 2008
Faith Lift Friday
I am still on the road, but going to head home today. Looking forward to finding "normal" again if there really is such a thing.
This song was on my heart this morning.
Cares Chorus
by Kelly Willard
I cast all my cares upon You,
I lay all of my burdens down at Your feet.
And any time I don't know just what to do,
I will cast all my cares upon You.
I cast all my cares upon You,
I lay all of my burdens down at Your feet.
And any time I don't know just what to do,
I will cast all my cares upon You.
I will cast all my cares upon you
Visit Sheryl at Taking the Challenge to find some great blessings to take you into the weekend.
Many prayers,
Julie
This song was on my heart this morning.
Cares Chorus
by Kelly Willard
I cast all my cares upon You,
I lay all of my burdens down at Your feet.
And any time I don't know just what to do,
I will cast all my cares upon You.
I cast all my cares upon You,
I lay all of my burdens down at Your feet.
And any time I don't know just what to do,
I will cast all my cares upon You.
I will cast all my cares upon you
Visit Sheryl at Taking the Challenge to find some great blessings to take you into the weekend.Many prayers,
Julie
Selective Vision
It's nice to know to some people I will always be young.
Dad and I were talking and the subject of hair color came up. I told him that I had decided against covering my grey. Bless his heart, he said, "But you don't have any grey hair."
I laughed and leaned over to show him my significant number of greys, visible to many from across a room.
He said, "I still don't see any."
Well it might have been the lighting, but I'm guessing it is Selective Vision.
You think I could get people to see me as having no grey hair AND weighing 135 lbs???
Hey, I can wish!
Dad and I were talking and the subject of hair color came up. I told him that I had decided against covering my grey. Bless his heart, he said, "But you don't have any grey hair."
I laughed and leaned over to show him my significant number of greys, visible to many from across a room.
He said, "I still don't see any."
Well it might have been the lighting, but I'm guessing it is Selective Vision.
You think I could get people to see me as having no grey hair AND weighing 135 lbs???
Hey, I can wish!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
What Women Want in a Man
Original List:
1. Handsome
2. Charming
3. Financially successful
4. A caring listener
5. Witty
6. In good shape
7. Dresses with style
8. Appreciates finer things
9. Full of thoughtful surprises
10. An imaginative, romantic lover
What Women Want in a Man, Revised List (age 32)
1. Nice looking
2. Opens car doors, holds chairs
3. Has enough money for a nice dinner
4. Listens more than talks
5. Laughs at my jokes
6. Carries bags of groceries with ease
7. Owns at least one tie
8. Appreciates a good home-cooked meal
9. Remembers birthdays and anniversaries
10. Seeks romance at least once a week
What Women Want in a Man, Revised List (age 52)
1. Not too ugly
2. Doesn't drive off until I'm in the car
3. Works steady - splurges on dinner out occasionally
4. Nods head when I'm talking
5. Usually remembers punch lines of jokes
6. Is in good enough shape to rearrange the furniture
7. Wears a shirt that covers his stomach
8. Knows not to buy champagne with screw-top lids
9. Remembers to put the toilet seat down
10. Shaves most weekends
What Women Want in a Man, Revised List (age 62)
1. Keeps hair in nose and ears trimmed
2. Doesn't belch or scratch in public
3. Doesn't borrow money too often
4. Doesn't nod off to sleep when I'm venting
5. Doesn't retell the same joke too many times
6. Is in good enough shape to get off couch on weekends
7. Usually wears matching socks and fresh underwear
8. Appreciates a good TV dinner
9. Remembers your name on occasion
10. Shaves some weekends
What Women Want in a Man, Revised List (age 72)
1. Doesn't scare small children
2. Remembers where bathroom is
3. Doesn't require much money for upkeep
4. Only snores lightly when asleep
5. Remembers why he's laughing
6. Is in good enough shape to stand up by himself
7. Usually wears some clothes
8. Likes soft foods
9. Remembers where he left his teeth
10.Remembers that it's the weekend
What Women Want in a Man, Revised List (age 82)
1. Breathing
2. Doesn't miss the toilet.
1. Handsome
2. Charming
3. Financially successful
4. A caring listener
5. Witty
6. In good shape
7. Dresses with style
8. Appreciates finer things
9. Full of thoughtful surprises
10. An imaginative, romantic lover
What Women Want in a Man, Revised List (age 32)
1. Nice looking
2. Opens car doors, holds chairs
3. Has enough money for a nice dinner
4. Listens more than talks
5. Laughs at my jokes
6. Carries bags of groceries with ease
7. Owns at least one tie
8. Appreciates a good home-cooked meal
9. Remembers birthdays and anniversaries
10. Seeks romance at least once a week
What Women Want in a Man, Revised List (age 52)
1. Not too ugly
2. Doesn't drive off until I'm in the car
3. Works steady - splurges on dinner out occasionally
4. Nods head when I'm talking
5. Usually remembers punch lines of jokes
6. Is in good enough shape to rearrange the furniture
7. Wears a shirt that covers his stomach
8. Knows not to buy champagne with screw-top lids
9. Remembers to put the toilet seat down
10. Shaves most weekends
What Women Want in a Man, Revised List (age 62)
1. Keeps hair in nose and ears trimmed
2. Doesn't belch or scratch in public
3. Doesn't borrow money too often
4. Doesn't nod off to sleep when I'm venting
5. Doesn't retell the same joke too many times
6. Is in good enough shape to get off couch on weekends
7. Usually wears matching socks and fresh underwear
8. Appreciates a good TV dinner
9. Remembers your name on occasion
10. Shaves some weekends
What Women Want in a Man, Revised List (age 72)
1. Doesn't scare small children
2. Remembers where bathroom is
3. Doesn't require much money for upkeep
4. Only snores lightly when asleep
5. Remembers why he's laughing
6. Is in good enough shape to stand up by himself
7. Usually wears some clothes
8. Likes soft foods
9. Remembers where he left his teeth
10.Remembers that it's the weekend
What Women Want in a Man, Revised List (age 82)
1. Breathing
2. Doesn't miss the toilet.
Blood Brothers: Blog Book Tour
Blood Brothers by Rick Acker
I received Blood Brothers by Rick Acker not long ago and realized that Dead Man’s Rule had preceded it. I really don’t like starting in the middle with characters so went that night to the library and found Dead Man’s Rule. I was thrilled with the book.
Dead Man’s Rule—Ben Corbin is a Christian lawyer and has his own law firm, but the income isn’t coming as fast as he needs it to. He has several clients, not all of whom are capable of paying well. He has one big case that could shore up his firm and attract more cases with bigger payoffs. He shares his office with his wife Noelle, an accountant who also acts as his office manager. The last thing Ben needs is a client with a dubious case, not likely to be won. But that is what he gets. Enter former Russian scientist Mikhail Ivanovsky claiming ownership of a safe deposit box but no proof in hand.
Dead Man’s Rule is a lean, fast paced thriller that is based on biological warfare, Russian and Chechen gangs, and a rarely used legal statute that causes Ben and Dr. Ivanovsky’s case to spin out of control. A fantastic, rapid fire read. Part of me breathed a sigh of relief at the finale, part of me wished that it would just keep going. Thankfully the sequel, Blood Brothers was waiting for me.
Blood Brothers finds Ben Corbin and his wife Noelle expecting a baby, a little bit better off financially and maybe a bit more mature. Rick Acker takes us to the world of pharmaceuticals and board rooms where egos and intrigue meet, where the testing and preparation of new drugs for FDA approval could be miraculous or disastrous.
I would say Dead Man’s Rule had a bit more action (just a bit) but Blood Brothers is possibly more of an intellectual thriller. Oh there is still crime and danger; it just comes in a different package.
Blood Brothers brings back private detective Sergei Spassky and FBI agent Elena Kamenev. They were exciting secondary characters in the first book and we get a closer look at them in the second story.
Acker’s books are well written, appear well researched (to my untrained eye), he certainly has the inside scoop on the courtroom and his perspective is definitely Christian without being legalistic. My opinion is that his work will appeal to suspense and action/mystery lovers, both men and women. I’ve got a few men on my list to give copies of these books to.
Well done!!
From Kregel Publications and Glass Road Public Relations press releases:
Neurostim is a brand new drug that dramatically increases productivity and creativity. Developed from the seeds of a long-extinct Norwegian tree, Neurostim dramatically improves response time by allowing subjects to think and process information more quickly. The implications are staggering. It could help people in all walks of life, but could easily become a lifesaver for policemen, fireman, doctors and other first responders. But initial tests reveal a hiccup—some of the monkeys tested exhibited maniacal, homicidal behaviors. As the lead lab tech was approaching company authorities with the evidence, however, she was killed in a mysterious one-car accident.
Without any reported side-effects, the FDA authorizes human trials of Neurostim and the trials appear to go smoothly. Brothers Karl Bjornsen and Gunnar Bjornsen, however, are deeply embroiled in a bitter legal battle for control of the company—and Neurostim. Gunnar developed Neurostim while working as President of Bjornsen Pharmaceuticals and he’s the only one who knows the secret formula. When Karl ousted Gunnar as President, Gunnar took the formula with him.
What begins as a simple trade secrets case, however, quickly escalates and becomes more complex as Gunnar’s lawyer, Ben Corbin, discovers embezzlement and bribery with Karl as the prime suspect. When Ben and his team travel to Norway to investigate the accounting discrepancies with the company’s Norwegian branch, Bjornsen Norge, their very lives become endangered.
Is Karl Bjornsen behind the Norwegian attacks that endanger Ben and his team? Is Neurostim safe? Can the FDA stop the human trials on Neurostim before its too late?
About Rick Acker
Rick Acker does his best work while traveling, and he pecks out pages every dayon the commuter train to his “real job” as a Deputy Attorney General in the California Department of Justice. Rick’s other books include Dead Man’s Rule and the Davis Detectives series for tweens. He lives in Northern California with his wife, Anette, and their four children.
Q&A with Rick Acker, author of Blood Brothers
Q. Where did you get the idea for Blood Brothers?
A. Blood Brothers really sprang from three different ideas: First, I've had a ringside seat to several fights between former partners, and they were among the most intense and compelling cases I've been involved in. How much more intense and compelling would a case like that be if the partners were also brothers?
Second, the ancient Norse sagas are filled with fascinating stories that took place just before reliable historical records began to be kept in Scandinavia. Some of these tales are undoubtedly true, but which ones? And how might the lost knowledge behind them matter today?
Third, I've long felt challenged by Christ's admonition that it's easier for a camel to fit through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. The secular psychologist William James had some surprisingly similar observations. What does it mean to be a "rich man" in modern American society?
So, how do those three pieces fit together into a biotech/legal thriller? Read Blood Brothers and find out.
Q. What is your greatest inspiration as a writer?
A. Deadlines. There are lots of things that inspire me as a storyteller--unusual people I meet, compelling cases I litigate, interesting articles in the news and so on. But what actually inspires me to sit down, focus, and turn the stories running around my head into books? My publisher's deadlines.
Q. If Blood Brothers became a movie – who would you cast in the lead roles?
A. Good question. I have an unlimited budget, right? In that case:
Tom Cruise: Ben Corbin, the handsome but not particularly tall lawyer who tries the case at the heart of the book
Penelope Cruz: Ben's lovely wife--and reluctant forensic accountant--Noelle (This might be a little uncomfortable for Tom, but I get to make the casting decisions, not him.)
Adrien Brody: Russian-American detective Sergei Spassky
Uma Thurman: Elena Kamenev, FBI agent and Sergei's on-and-off love interest
Cilian Murphy: the vile cybercriminal George Kulish
I'm drawing a blank on who should play Gunnar and Karl Bjornsen, the brothers of the title. Know any six-foot-plus actors in their late fifties with weightlifter arms and faces like the Old Man of the Mountain (before he collapsed)?
Q. What was your greatest obstacle to overcome in writing this novel?
A. Self-discipline. This book took a lot longer to write than it should have, mostly because I didn't have a deadline at first due to a little contract mix-up.
Q. How would you suggest that aspiring novelists avoid similar obstacles?
A. Give yourself a deadline. Better yet, have someone else give you a deadline and hold you accountable. If you don't have a publisher (who will generously provide this service for free), have your spouse or a good friend do it and give him/her the right to fine you if you blow your deadline. It works.
I received Blood Brothers by Rick Acker not long ago and realized that Dead Man’s Rule had preceded it. I really don’t like starting in the middle with characters so went that night to the library and found Dead Man’s Rule. I was thrilled with the book.
Dead Man’s Rule—Ben Corbin is a Christian lawyer and has his own law firm, but the income isn’t coming as fast as he needs it to. He has several clients, not all of whom are capable of paying well. He has one big case that could shore up his firm and attract more cases with bigger payoffs. He shares his office with his wife Noelle, an accountant who also acts as his office manager. The last thing Ben needs is a client with a dubious case, not likely to be won. But that is what he gets. Enter former Russian scientist Mikhail Ivanovsky claiming ownership of a safe deposit box but no proof in hand.
Dead Man’s Rule is a lean, fast paced thriller that is based on biological warfare, Russian and Chechen gangs, and a rarely used legal statute that causes Ben and Dr. Ivanovsky’s case to spin out of control. A fantastic, rapid fire read. Part of me breathed a sigh of relief at the finale, part of me wished that it would just keep going. Thankfully the sequel, Blood Brothers was waiting for me.
Blood Brothers finds Ben Corbin and his wife Noelle expecting a baby, a little bit better off financially and maybe a bit more mature. Rick Acker takes us to the world of pharmaceuticals and board rooms where egos and intrigue meet, where the testing and preparation of new drugs for FDA approval could be miraculous or disastrous.
I would say Dead Man’s Rule had a bit more action (just a bit) but Blood Brothers is possibly more of an intellectual thriller. Oh there is still crime and danger; it just comes in a different package.
Blood Brothers brings back private detective Sergei Spassky and FBI agent Elena Kamenev. They were exciting secondary characters in the first book and we get a closer look at them in the second story.
Acker’s books are well written, appear well researched (to my untrained eye), he certainly has the inside scoop on the courtroom and his perspective is definitely Christian without being legalistic. My opinion is that his work will appeal to suspense and action/mystery lovers, both men and women. I’ve got a few men on my list to give copies of these books to.
Well done!!
From Kregel Publications and Glass Road Public Relations press releases:
Neurostim is a brand new drug that dramatically increases productivity and creativity. Developed from the seeds of a long-extinct Norwegian tree, Neurostim dramatically improves response time by allowing subjects to think and process information more quickly. The implications are staggering. It could help people in all walks of life, but could easily become a lifesaver for policemen, fireman, doctors and other first responders. But initial tests reveal a hiccup—some of the monkeys tested exhibited maniacal, homicidal behaviors. As the lead lab tech was approaching company authorities with the evidence, however, she was killed in a mysterious one-car accident.Without any reported side-effects, the FDA authorizes human trials of Neurostim and the trials appear to go smoothly. Brothers Karl Bjornsen and Gunnar Bjornsen, however, are deeply embroiled in a bitter legal battle for control of the company—and Neurostim. Gunnar developed Neurostim while working as President of Bjornsen Pharmaceuticals and he’s the only one who knows the secret formula. When Karl ousted Gunnar as President, Gunnar took the formula with him.
What begins as a simple trade secrets case, however, quickly escalates and becomes more complex as Gunnar’s lawyer, Ben Corbin, discovers embezzlement and bribery with Karl as the prime suspect. When Ben and his team travel to Norway to investigate the accounting discrepancies with the company’s Norwegian branch, Bjornsen Norge, their very lives become endangered.
Is Karl Bjornsen behind the Norwegian attacks that endanger Ben and his team? Is Neurostim safe? Can the FDA stop the human trials on Neurostim before its too late?
About Rick Acker
Rick Acker does his best work while traveling, and he pecks out pages every dayon the commuter train to his “real job” as a Deputy Attorney General in the California Department of Justice. Rick’s other books include Dead Man’s Rule and the Davis Detectives series for tweens. He lives in Northern California with his wife, Anette, and their four children.Q&A with Rick Acker, author of Blood Brothers
Q. Where did you get the idea for Blood Brothers?
A. Blood Brothers really sprang from three different ideas: First, I've had a ringside seat to several fights between former partners, and they were among the most intense and compelling cases I've been involved in. How much more intense and compelling would a case like that be if the partners were also brothers?
Second, the ancient Norse sagas are filled with fascinating stories that took place just before reliable historical records began to be kept in Scandinavia. Some of these tales are undoubtedly true, but which ones? And how might the lost knowledge behind them matter today?
Third, I've long felt challenged by Christ's admonition that it's easier for a camel to fit through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. The secular psychologist William James had some surprisingly similar observations. What does it mean to be a "rich man" in modern American society?
So, how do those three pieces fit together into a biotech/legal thriller? Read Blood Brothers and find out.
Q. What is your greatest inspiration as a writer?
A. Deadlines. There are lots of things that inspire me as a storyteller--unusual people I meet, compelling cases I litigate, interesting articles in the news and so on. But what actually inspires me to sit down, focus, and turn the stories running around my head into books? My publisher's deadlines.
Q. If Blood Brothers became a movie – who would you cast in the lead roles?
A. Good question. I have an unlimited budget, right? In that case:
Tom Cruise: Ben Corbin, the handsome but not particularly tall lawyer who tries the case at the heart of the book
Penelope Cruz: Ben's lovely wife--and reluctant forensic accountant--Noelle (This might be a little uncomfortable for Tom, but I get to make the casting decisions, not him.)
Adrien Brody: Russian-American detective Sergei Spassky
Uma Thurman: Elena Kamenev, FBI agent and Sergei's on-and-off love interest
Cilian Murphy: the vile cybercriminal George Kulish
I'm drawing a blank on who should play Gunnar and Karl Bjornsen, the brothers of the title. Know any six-foot-plus actors in their late fifties with weightlifter arms and faces like the Old Man of the Mountain (before he collapsed)?
Q. What was your greatest obstacle to overcome in writing this novel?
A. Self-discipline. This book took a lot longer to write than it should have, mostly because I didn't have a deadline at first due to a little contract mix-up.
Q. How would you suggest that aspiring novelists avoid similar obstacles?
A. Give yourself a deadline. Better yet, have someone else give you a deadline and hold you accountable. If you don't have a publisher (who will generously provide this service for free), have your spouse or a good friend do it and give him/her the right to fine you if you blow your deadline. It works.
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