May, Madi, And A Mother's Prayers

May is a big month for Madi!

Yesterday she had her very first class presentation.  Each of the students could pick any topic they wanted to "teach" on, and were assigned a day to present their information.  Madi chose to talk about American Girl and yesterday afternoon she had her big moment!

It was very fun, a nice gentle way for these little ones to get some of their first experience in public speaking.  I helped her bring in quite a few of her dolls, books, and accessories, and watched her teach.  I was amazed how well she did once she got going!  She shared all sorts of historical and regional facts about the different dolls, as well as other information about the books, website, and her interest in collecting.  Her classmates were attentive and asked good questions at the end.  Many of the girls shared which American Girl dolls they had at home, which was neat!

One of the things Madi shared with her class was how I read many of the American Girl books to her when she was younger, before she could read.  I have so many fond memories of her curled up on my lap in the green chair, back in the days before school when she was home with Mommy all day.  We read about Kirsten, Felicity, Kit, Addy, and were transported into their worlds long ago.  Madi also shared how she is now reading these chapter books on her own.  I absolutely love to see her curled up with these books, learning history as she engages in a story!  She is currently reading through the Samantha series.

Speaking of reading, the other day I found this in her backpack.  I was delighted at her words!

Last night we had a storm come through.  While it thundered, the kids and I curled up inside with a well worn book from when I was young.  Did any of you read the Grandma's Attic series years ago?  These stories take place in the late 1800's and are full of great character lessons. I read the first two chapters/stories while the rain came down.  Brought back so many memories!

Madi was chosen to be part of a group of first graders to dance The Twist at a program tonight.  She was grinning from ear to ear and her ponytail was flying as she and her partner twirled around in their tutus!  Such a fun experience, and neat to see her become more comfortable on stage!  I could see her dimple from my seat.

Later this week she has yet another program for a club she was selected for, as well as Field Day.  This month is so full of activity!  But I must say, we are proud of our daughter and all she has accomplished this year.  I can see God working in her life, building confidence in her spirit, developing her mind, stretching her talents.  I am thankful beyond words for the teacher He placed her with this year, and the way she has thrived.  All of these are direct answers to a mother's prayers, and to God be the glory for the great things He has done this year.

I will remain on my knees for my daughter.  For her heart.  For her soul. For her mind.  For her spirit.  For her life.  For her today.  For her future.  For her eternity.

I will be the one behind the camera, capturing memories as we make them.  It is my only way of freezing time, as it insists on going by more quickly each day.

And I will continue to take the time to record our moments, so one day she will read these words, remember life as we knew it, and be assured that she was infinitely loved.

Simplicity

It's a theme my heart often goes back to.  

It's a topic I often find myself pondering or writing about.

"I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all."

Laura Ingalls Wilder

I once again recalled that quote as I watched my daughter snuggled up next the window on a cool afternoon, reading her very first chapter of Little House In The Big Woods.

Last weekend I was blessed to attend the Women of Faith conference for the 8th year in a row.  I am always spiritually enriched by this weekend, and I also look forward to bringing home new Bible study materials each year.  This year one of the books in the study trio was titled Choosing Simplicity: Embracing the Benefits of a Simpler Life.  I have been working on some of the lessons this week and have been drinking in the wisdom in this study along with my morning coffee.  

The first lesson talked about Gideon's army.  How God narrowed his enormous army down to a mere 300 men.  And how God worked through that simplicity, and showed Himself great.

The second lesson talked about David.  How when he faced Goliath, the coat of armor was just too big and cumbersome, so he simply took that sling and those 5 stones.  And how God once again was shown mighty and strong to defeat the enemy through a small boy with simple ammunition.  

The third lesson talked about the simplicity of the greatest commandment.  When asked what it was, Jesus summed it up in such basic terms - love God, love people.  It sounds so simple, but it is so profound and all-encompassing.  

The fourth lesson talked about relying on daily bread, something I have written about before.  And the fifth lesson talked about God moments; how He sometimes appears and speaks to us in the simplest moments, when we least expect.

I have a faraway friend named Janet.  For a season we both lived in Maryland; now I am in Florida and she is actually in England!  But we keep in touch and recently sent me this post written by a missionary in Indonesia.  She said she knew I would love it, which I did; and I had to stop for a moment and think of the wonders of the internet.  How neat that the hearts and souls of women literally around the world can connect via facebook, blogs, and other avenues!  It's astounding, really.  But that post and this Bible study I have been doing inspired me to put this together.

I made it entirely from items I had.  A leftover jar that earlier in the week held spaghetti sauce; a scrap of burlap; a scrapbooking sticker; some Scrabble tiles.  It reminded me of autumns I spent in Maryland and Virginia.   The changing colors of leaves have to be some of the greatest simple pleasures I have ever known.  And this little jar also reminds me of the simplicity I strive for.

Because I'm starting to believe that simplicity is a mindset.  A Biblical mindset, really.  It's being content with what you have; living with a grateful heart of thanksgiving; seeing each day, each breath as a gift from God and embracing it; not getting entangled in worry but casting your cares upon Him; enjoying every gift from above and the things God gives us to richly enjoy; living abundantly and freely; not storing up treasure here, but rather in Heaven; realizing this is just a temporary home, and living with purpose with eternity in mind.

I really think simplicity is not necessarily about what you have or don't have, or how you decorate, or what your schedule looks like, or what you do or don't do.  It's how you think.  It's when your heart is settled.  It's when your soul is uncluttered by the insanity of this world, and content in Christ alone.

I am beginning to understand that is what simplicity looks like.

October Bliss

October has been blissful so far in Florida!

 The first day of the month brought in cooler temperatures and refreshing breezes, a welcome relief after the brutal months of August and September here.  I know things will probably heat back up before they settle in, but we have all been enjoying this gorgeous week!  The mornings have been perfect, the kind of mornings that make me want to put on my walking shoes and get some exercise and fresh air.

The evenings have been perfect too, making me want to tie on a scarf or bring along a light sweater.

This time of year also brings evenings of breathtaking sunsets.  I never realized how beautiful sundown is during fall and winter in Florida until I moved here.  Last night I enjoyed watching the October skies during the high school football game.  

We fed the cheerleading team at church before the game and it was so fun!  Great meal shared and an impromptu singalong at the end that makes me smile when I think about it.

This morning I was up dark and early, and the kids were not far behind me.  It was so refreshing not to have to rush out the door  ~ we had a pleasant, slow start to our morning even though we were up before dawn.  When the light did start to shine through the windows, it started to rain.  And what is better than an early, rainy Saturday morning when you are not in a rush?!  Not much!  It was comfy.  We snuggled, played, and I enjoyed watching Madi continue to read the books that came in yesterday from a Scholastic book order.  I thought Scholastic book orders were the best thing ever when I was a kid.  And now I get to enjoy them with Madi!

Today is also a date day around here!  Jimmy and Trev just went out on a date to Lowe's (also known as Wowe's) to build a project together.  Trev has been excited about this for days.  They went to McDonald's for pancakes first.  Talk about a cool Saturday morning for an almost 5 year old boy.

Later today Madi and I are going on a date to the library for some American Girl fun.  We can't wait!

Then tonight, Jimmy and I are going on a date to see Courageous again, this time with some fab friends from a church group.  

We are blessed.

I am praying for Jimmy because he will be preaching tomorrow in the Sunday morning service.  He is going to talk about investing - investing in people that is, a topic that is dear to our hearts.  

Enjoying these October days of family, ministry, and life as we know it.

Yum For Kids Magazine

My mom brought by this magazine for me the other day...

I'm pretty sure this comes out seasonally, and she gave me the spring edition a few months ago.  I love looking at inspirational magazines or blogs to spark ideas and creativity, as well as get new recipes.  Madi and I already made smoothies from a recipe in this edition.

I think the next recipe I want to try is an Overnight Banana-Cinnamon Oatmeal that is prepared in the crockpot.  There were some other great ideas in the magazine, including a spread about a Coney Island themed party that was adorable!  Those of you readers who have kids at home would probably enjoy checking this magazine out - just wanted to pass along the inspiration!

On Chocolate Chip Cookies and Wisdom

We recently had some sweet friends of ours from Maryland visit with their one year old daughter.  I have known Steph since she was a baby, but our relationship really started forming back in my college days when I would do summer Bible studies with middle school girls.  We did some more Bible studies when she was in high school and I was a young married girl.  Joey came along their senior year of high school and his life was drastically changed when he got saved and gave his life to Christ.

During their college years, they spent many weekend nights around the kitchen table in our little townhouse.  We would play cards and games, laugh and joke around, get in deep conversations about spiritual things and the meaningful stuff of life. Oh, and I would bake homemade chocolate chip cookies.  When I knew the gang was heading over I made sure I had ingredients for cookies, and just told them to bring a couple gallons of milk.  I can't tell you how many Friday nights we opened our door to see our little stoop filled with college students holding milk!  Our milk and cookie game nights forged some deep friendships.  Joey is now a youth pastor, and on the last night of their recent visit, he requested some homemade chocolate chip cookies like old times.  And after sneaking some of the dough we ate them hot out of the oven with cold glasses of milk, just like we used to.

It's funny how something simple like homemade cookies can make you feel.  Warm, accepted, loved, comforted.  They make you feel at home.

When Madi was a baby, my sister-in-law Karen gave us what has turned out to be one of my all time favorite children's books.  It is titled Cookies: Bite-Size Life Lessons, written and illustrated by Amy Rosenthal and Jane Dyer.  I think she gave it to Madi on her first birthday, and we read it countless times, to the point where some of Madi's first words were completing the little sentences in this book.

The little nuggets of wisdom are all explained in terms of cookies with charming illustrations.  Here are a few examples...

COOPERATE means,

How about you add the chips while I stir?

MODEST means,

you don't run around telling everyone you make

the best cookies , even if you know it to be true.

LOYAL means

that even though the new person has a much bigger cookie

I'm sticking by you and your little cookies

because you're my very best friend.

And one of my favorites, found on the last pages of this delightful book...

WISE means,

I used to think I knew everything about cookies,

but now I realize I know about one teeny chip's worth.

And isn't that true?  I mean, a decade or so ago I was sure I "knew" so much about life, marriage, parenting, ministry, and lots of other things.  Ha. What I do know now is that the more I actually know, the more aware I am of how much I have to learn.  The further I get into life the more I realize how much I need God's direction because I am desperate for Him.  As I grow in wisdom I am aware I need Him with every breath, with every step on the journey.

Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

One more thing about homemade cookies, though.  I have discovered that they are always a well received pick-me-up!  It is a very simple but special way to tell someone they are loved and thought of.  So next time you make a batch, set aside a few for your family and give the rest to some friends or neighbors or someone in need of a hug.  Because as the little child says to a tearful and distressed kitty in our cookie book,

COMPASSIONATE means,

Don't worry, it's okay.

You can have part of my cookie.  

The More That You Read...

Last week was Dr. Seuss' birthday.  I remember celebrating this when I was a librarian at a school.  Madi came home one day talking about it, and it was neat because lately she has been using her new reading skills to read some of his books.  One of the books she has been into is the ever popular The Cat in the Hat.  I happened to open up the book the other day and notice the inscription...when I was pregnant with Madi my girlfriend Michelle gave me a book shower.  It was such a great idea, especially since she knew how much I loved to read.  She invited some of my girlfriends as well as the girls from the youth group, and they all brought their favorite children's book as a gift.  Some were new, some were actually their copies handed down.

I realized Madi's copy of The Cat in the Hat had been given to us at that shower by our beloved friend Emilie, the beautiful bride in whose wedding Madi had the joy of being the flower girl this December.  The inscription was dated March 11, 2005...6 years ago today.  Pretty special!

Then I found this drawing, depicting some of the characters from this story, in Madi's backpack.  She made it during her free time at school. I am always so delighted by what my little artist comes up with!  Her little imagination is always working.  And her details are fantastic!

We read to our kids almost every single day.  I even have this sign hanging in the our playroom...

 I think reading opens up another world to all of us, awakens our imaginations, allows our minds to create pictures for us, increases our vocabulary, knowledge, critical thinking, writing skills, and so much more.  I grew up in a family where all four of us were avid readers.  Growing up my dad always told me readers are leaders and leaders are readers.  I believe this is typically true.  There is so much learning and discovery at our fingertips when we are holding a book.

I hope you and your family are enjoying some good books together!  Because in the words of Dr. Seuss, 

"The more that you read, the more things you will know.  The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."

What I've Been Reading...

This is what I've been reading the past few days...

Isn't this time of year inspiring?!?!!

Books, Books, Books!

...Oh, how I love them!!

And I came home from Women of Faith with a stack of new ones just waiting to be read and written in and enjoyed and pondered and applied to my life.  I can't describe the excitement I get from seeing a fresh pile of books and an empty mug waiting to be filled with coffee or tea!

I have always enjoyed the Women of Faith novels of the year...this year they sold the three fiction pieces in a bundle that I bought and can't wait to get into!

As you know, I love using the Women of Faith Bible studies - I am in the middle of one right now, but they were also selling three new ones in a bundle for a great price this year, so I purchased that and can't wait to dive into those as well.  The titles were captivating...

I also got Lisa Whelchel's book Friendship for Grown-Ups, and finished it today.  It was packed with very good information, but there was a portion I wanted to share with you tonight.  It is a conversation she once had with her daughter...

"One morning, my younger daughter, Clancy, came downstairs and sat on the couch beside me.  I could tell she was upset even before she said, "Mama, you taught me that if we bring sin into the light, that it takes away its power.  I can't keep this inside of me anymore. I need to get it out." Clancy proceeded to confess her struggle and failure in an area.

Although she was sixteen years old at the time, I scooped her up, put her in my lap, and held on tightly.  I kissed the top of her head and thanked her for trusting me enough to invite me into her hidden places.  I assured her that her imperfection only made me love her more.

She looked at me with tears in her eyes and said, "I think some mothers think they give birth to angels, and when they mess up they think they are more like fallen angels.  I'm glad that you know you gave birth to a human."

That touched my heart deeply.  Isn't that what we all want?  To be seen in all our glory, for better or worse; for the good, the bad, and the ugly - and to still be embraced and kissed and held?"

Oh, how I long to offer that kind of unconditional love and acceptance to my children.  They are flawed in their humanity yet so loved by the deepest parts of my heart, even though I have the closest view of the broken places. Oh, how thankful I am that God offers unconditional love and acceptance to us, to me, His daughter. And how grateful I am for the few people in my life who love me unconditionally in my own broken humanity.  I was inspired as I read this book to be a person who is safe with the hidden places in others, to pray that God will always provide someone safe for mine, and to thank Him that no matter what, He is that safe place.  My heart is safe in His love.

So much wisdom can be found in a book.  What are you reading that is impacting your life for good?!  Turn some pages that will help turn your heart further to the Father!!  

Good night and good reading to you, sweet friends!

A Journey of Struggle and Hope

Last Friday afternoon I had about 30 spare minutes and I used those minutes to start a new book.  I read the first few chapters then had to put the book down for the rest of the afternoon and evening.  By 6:45 the next morning I was in my green chair with a cup of coffee and this book while the rest of my family slept.  I don't think I moved until about 9:45, then I made myself put it down.  Later that night when the kids were in bed, I finished it.

The book was Choosing to See by Mary Beth Chapman, wife of Christian singer and songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman.  The subtitle was A Journey of Struggle and Hope, and that was indeed a good synopsis of what Mary Beth shares about her adult life thus far.  It was one of the most honest books I've read, and I loved it for that.

It was one of those books that takes you all sorts of places emotionally.  Some parts were simply interesting details about their journey from young college newlyweds to a very famous couple in the Christian music world.  A few parts were extremely funny, one part so funny I laughed out loud until I cried!  Other parts were so painful I found myself feeling it physically.  I literally ached through a few chapters.

I don't want to share the details of why she chose the specific wording for the title, but it gives me goosebumps when I think about it.  What she and their family have endured, particularly through the loss of their daughter Maria in an unthinkably tragic accident, is beyond my understanding.  But I was so inspired that even in raw pain and questions, the Chapman family is choosing to see God and choosing to see hope, even in the struggle.

An overall theme of this book is that we can make all the plans we want, but God's plan prevails.  The more I journey into my adult life, the more I see this play out.  Proverbs 19:21 reads "There are many plans in a man's heart, nevertheless the Lord's counsel, that will stand."  Proverbs 16:9 says "A man's heart plans his ways, but the Lord directs his steps."

I am thankful for the gift of this book as Mary Beth shares her story with both honesty about the struggles and hope for the journey.

Lord willing I will have the privilege of hearing her and Steven speak at Women of Faith this weekend, and I can't wait!!

Be blessed, friends.  And choose to see.

Love, Jennifer

Today...

So, last night I came home from a long praise band practice with that scratchy, sore throat, tired feeling.  I was hopeful it was just exhaustion from the past few weeks of running in circles, this past one being particularly busy and involved.

But I woke up with that same feeling in my throat.  And I also just couldn't get going, you know?  I'm usually a pretty high energy person once I'm up and at 'em, but after getting my daughter ready for school, getting her breakfast and packing her lunch, sending her out the door, and drinking my morning coffee I still felt totally and completely exhausted.

And after I starting dosing off in my green chair at 10:30 in the morning (unheard of - and that was after taking two non-drowsy cold/sinus pills) as my son was pretending to be Santa Claus delivering me gifts, I knew I was definitely not feeling well.

My plans for the day were for some major house cleaning.  Didn't get done.

I was also planning on going to a get-together at my parents' house tonight.  I am currently sitting here alone as the rest of my family gets to party.

But the good news is my husband just walked in the door to drop off some food from the party, including my mom's bruschetta and some sort of pumpkin cupcake with cream cheese frosting (that was in a seasonal wrapper with a pumpkin pick, totally something I love); I read an entire book today, a very gripping and thought-provoking piece of fiction; the Aldi's Pumpkin Spice coffee creamer that I purchased yesterday and got to try this morning turned out to be better than the name brand version of the same flavor; and the tomato soup I made earlier hit the spot.

I am still tired and not feeling well.  I am still wearing an old sweatshirt and covered in a blanket and feel like my head is heavy.  But it's okay.  Most likely it's the start of a head cold or some very aggravated sinuses.  No big deal.

And it was  a good day nonetheless, because if I felt my usual self there is no way I would have sat still long enough to read a 324 page book that I didn't want to put down.  Sometimes being still is a good thing, most of us don't just let ourselves do it often enough. And I wouldn't have heard my sweet three year old son spontaneously pray for me to feel better, and tell me not to worry, that God is with me and would make my "froat" feel good.

So nice things do sometimes come on days when we feel under the weather!

Well, I'm about to go take the drowsy nighttime version of the cold/sinus pills which means I'll be useless for at least twelve hours.  So I'm signing off for now, and hoping to feel better tomorrow so I can tackle that housecleaning.

If not, I guess I'll read another book.  Hmm....maybe I shouldn't take that medicine.

Just kidding!  Hoping your day was a good one and that, sick or not, you'll find time for a good book and a pumpkin cupcake sometime soon!

Blessings,

Jennifer

Same Kind of Different

I have been meaning to write this blog entry for months now.

I love to read.  Of course I was an English major in college.  I taught middle school English for a few months.  And I was a school librarian and middle school vocabulary teacher for a year.  So reading sort of comes with the territory.

However, I have loved to read since I was a very young girl and am thankful for the way books have expanded my thinking and impacted my life.  And I am extremely thankful that my cousin gave me a particular book this past Christmas that transformed a piece of my heart.

The book Same Kind of Different As Me is written by two authors who tell the incredible true story of how their lives became intertwined.  One of the authors was a wealthy, elite art dealer when he met the other author, who was a homeless man whose story of growing up in virtual slavery will knock you off your feet. It is a gritty, honest, and raw story.  The honesty and authenticity is definitely part of what drew me into this memoir.  I love real.  And the real lessons they learned from each other and from an unbelievable godly woman with a compassionate heart made me cry, made me hurt, made me consider.  

A lesson that has stuck with me is that true love gives with expectations of nothing in return, which is admittedly a challenge, especially in a very self-centered society.  I am trying to work on this kind of love, and it is hard.  But in reality, it's a picture of Jesus.  And I want to be like Him.

I loved the book so much I bought the sequel What Difference Do It Make?, which further explores the idea of how far compassion and giving can go.

If you are looking for a worthwhile read I would encourage you to check out Same Kind of Different As Me.  The story is both fascinating and gripping and the message, which may make you feel uncomfortable at times, holds the potential to change, expand, and transform.

That's What Grammies Are Made Of

My kids call my mom Grammie.


And just as she was a stellar mom, she is a top notch Grammie.


We had not gotten to spend any time with her for over a month due to various life circumstances, so this past Monday she took my daughter and me out on a Grammie/Madi/Mommy date.


We started our day by going to see the movie Ramona and Beezus which was absolutely delightful!  I just loved it!  Of course, I have always been a fan of Ramona.  I started to love the Ramona books, as well as all of Beverly Cleary's books, in the third grade when my teacher, Miss Taylor, read them out loud to us.  There is just something about a teacher who takes the time to read out loud to the class!  I was an avid reader as a kid, and read as many of  Beverly Cleary's books as I could get my hands on.

When Madi was 3 and 4 years old, I read her all the Ramona books except for the last one.  She adores this literary heroine, and often says she is a spunky girl just like Ramona  Though thankfully, she  hasn't squeezed a tube of toothpaste in the sink...yet.   ;)

After the movie we got our photos taken in one of those little photo booths (which cracked my mom and I up as it now quite a modern experience with a digital voice guiding you through the process!) then we walked to the bookstore where we browsed and I picked up the final Ramona book we need to read.  The Beverly Cleary books were buy 2 get 1 free, so I also picked up Henry and Beezus and Sister of the Bride which was absolutely, positively one of my favorite books as a girl.  I use to check out the same hardcover version of that book over and over from our local library.  I can still feel the plastic cover in my hands and smell the musty scent of the pages, and remember how I felt after I finished it for the first time.  It is right up there with Cleary's book Fifteen, another absolute favorite.

After taking our time in the bookstore, we walked to a favorite boutique of ours that has a large Vera Bradley selection.  Madi is starting kindergarten in the fall and my mom, who takes her role as Grammie very seriously, wanted to make sure we sent her off in style.  After all, what kindergarten girl wouldn't have a little more pep in her step sporting some chic Vera Bradley on her very first day of school?  My daughter picked out her own patterns and we had lots of fun laughing about how there was no way she would have ever gotten me these types of school supplies!  But that was when she was Mom.  Now she is Grammie.

When we walked out of the store with two packages and one excited little girl, we made one more stop.  The three of us had lunch at Mimi's Cafe, one of our favorite places.  My mom and I split a hummus appetizer and an albacore and avocado sandwich and Madi got her typical macaroni and cheese and applesauce.  Since we were having such a special day, my mom and I decided to try the beignets.  Oh.my.word.  When we dipped those hot pastries - which were filled with custard and coated in sugar and spice - in the hot strawberry and caramel sauces, we knew we had found a new favorite dessert.

Sugar and spice dipped in strawberries and caramel, and special splurges to make the first day of school memorable, and treating your girls to popcorn and a matinee just because, and cramming into a photo booth to capture a moment, and a day simply celebrating being together, and a life that is a constant and vibrant outpouring of love...well, that's what Grammies are made of.

Well Said, Mr. Lewis!

C.S. Lewis said, "You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me."

Well said, Mr. Lewis!

Two of the joys of my life are drinking tea and reading books.

In fact, having a day to myself with unlimited tea to drink and unlimited time to read sounds like a dream! Can you imagine such a day? I think somewhere in my former life I used to have these occasionally, but not so much anymore since a certain two children came along. Maybe I'll ask for a day like that for my birthday...!

Despite the busyness of motherhood, I still manage to squeeze in regular time to read. It may be done in fragments, but it remains an important part of my life. Actually, I am still often in the middle of several books at a time!

I recently read three books, each completely different from each other, that I really enjoyed and thought I'd recommend to any fellow book lovers out there.

Take Two by Karen Kingsbury

This is the second in the Above the Line series, and it explores issues like trying to live a consistent Christian life and make an impact in Hollywood, facing temptation on a college campus, overeating as a result of stress, the confusion falling in love can bring, and more - but all while telling an engaging, entertaining story. As usual, Karen Kingsbury weaves Biblical principles into her characters and story lines, making it inspirational as well as enjoyable. I have read all the different series that led up to this one, and have grown to love the characters that remain in the background of this particular series and am enjoying getting to know the new ones.

A Year of Blind Dates by Megan Carson

I picked this up at the Christian bookstore because the title intrigued me, and I finished it in a mere few hours. It was engaging from the start as it followed Megan, a nearly 30 year old single who previously only had one relationship, through a year of blind dates thanks to a very expensive and "reputable" dating service in town. I literally laughed out loud several times along the way, but the book was not just funny but often touching, sometimes sad, and in the end, inspiring. It's a quick, fun read that makes you think about what a single girl in today's world is up against trying to hold out for a godly man. While you, like I, may not agree with every move she makes along the way, I think in the end you'll be rooting for Megan, yourself, or your single girlfriends who are still waiting for a wonderful man of faith to come along while experiencing much personal growth and increased trust in God during the dating/waiting process.

12 Steps to Becoming a More Organized Mom by Lane P. Jordan

My mom gave me this awhile ago, and I am constantly picking it up and re-reading bits and pieces of it. While much of the information in this book is familiar, it is nice to be reminded that other women out there are trying to juggle marriage, motherhood, work, chores, relationships, finances, etc. This book gives practical, Biblical advice for all these areas of life and more! It is encouraging and motivational, challenging us women to gain balance in our busy lives, but the challenge is given with a tremendous measure of grace from someone who has been there. Since I am constantly struggling with organization and balance(sigh), I really enjoyed this one am sure I will continue to go back to it again and again when I need a little loving motivation!

So there you go, three good books to check out- one novel, one account, and one resource!

Oh, and just for the record, the Bridal Tea (purchased at the Camellia Rose Team Room) and the Godiva Dark Chocolate Almonds (given to me, but purchased at Steinmart) pictured in the photo were good picks as well!

Happy tea drinking and book reading!

(P.S. And I bet Mr. Lewis would completely approve of enjoying some Godiva for good measure...)