Book Review and Giveaway

Okay, so this is my first momma book and I whole heatedly recommend this book to any mom or mom in waiting..Tricia is a honest and open mom that will encourage you and make you look at yourself in a more honest way. I read this book between 2 12 hour shifts at work..Its a great, easy read, that you don't want to put down. Make sure you read this whole post as you will find info for my give away and some info and the author and what she has planned..I have reviewed books of Tricia's before, you need to get to know her!!

As a new mom, Tricia very quickly shared her heart and I know some of my feelings aren't totally crazy!!!! Tricia has a heart for teens and moms. She wants to get out and help others..This is a transparent book about her highs and lows and how God can mold you into the mom you desire to be..Sometimes its the process thats more important than the end result..

Please check this book out..Its awesome..Don't forget to keep reading..Check out the book tour as well!!!

A note from Tricia: Are you a mommy who feels squeezed by Motherhood? Could God be shaping something beautiful in you?



In my new spiritual memoir, Blue Like Play Dough I invite women to discover the extraordinary in the ordinary! To learn to see God's hand lovingly at work in every aspect of your life---from laundry-folding to the umpteenth reading of Goodnight Moon.



And now I’m inviting YOU to come bring your stretched self and attend a fun Facebook Launch Party for Blue Like Play Dough! I know you’re busy (and tired) so I’m bringing the festivities to you! So grab your comfiest chair and slip away from that long To-Do list and join me for a two hour Play Dough Party. I’ll be sharing some of my mothering experiences (the good and the bad), hosting a fun trivia contest, giving away Mommy Play Dough Packs, answering questions, and getting to know YOU!



I’d be honored to have you as my guest – and to prove it I’ll be giving away 2 ginormous Mommy Play Dough Packs to two party attendees at random! The winners will be announced at the end of the party. Grab your friends and let’s party! oh, and don't forget your camera! Snap pictures during the party and upload them during the festivities. I'll be giving a prize away for the best photo!



So come join me on July 27th from 5-7 pm (PST)! Friend me on facebook and join the fun!



Get One, Give One Campaign (GO-GO)! (http://triciagoyer.com/gogo.html)


With the release of this book Tricia is also launching the Get One, Give One Campaign!

For every copy of Blue Like Play Dough purchased, she’ll donate a copy of My Life Unscripted or Generation NeXt Parenting to a pregnancy, teen or family support ministry (while supplies last).



All you have to do is buy a copy of Blue Like Play Dough on Christianbook, on Amazon, or at your local bookstore, and then go to Tricia's Go-Go page and fill out the form. EASY!


About the book: In the everyday stretch and squeeze of motherhood, Tricia Goyer often feels smooshed by the demands of life. In Blue Like Play Dough, she shares her unlikely journey from rebellious, pregnant teen to busy wife and mom with big dreams of her own. As her story unfolds, Tricia realizes that God has more in store for her than she has ever imagined possible.



Sure, life is messy and beset by doubts. But God keeps showing up in the most unlikely places–in a bowl of carrot soup, the umpteenth reading of Goodnight Moon, a woe-is me teen drama, or play dough in the hands of a child.



In Tricia’s transparent account, you’ll find understanding, laughter, and strength for your own story. And in the daily push and pull, you’ll learn to recognize the loving hands of God at work in your life… and know He has something beautiful in mind.

Read an excerpt: http://triciagoyer.com/cmsdocuments/Blue_Like_Play_Dough_Prologue_CH_1.pdf



About the author: (shorter bio here)Using her own experiences as a teen mother, and leader of today’s generation, Tricia’s vision is to be a voice of hope and possibility for teenage girls, pregnant teen girls, mothers and wives through her educational and inspirational speaking, workshops and books. Her intention is to serve ordinary women by encouraging extraordinary things with God’s help. Tricia expresses real life, real hope, for real women.

Tricia is the author of 20+ books and has published over 300 articles for national publications such as Guideposts for Kids, Focus on the Family, Christian Parenting Today, Today’s Christian Woman and HomeLife Magazine. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from American Christian Fiction Writers, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion Book Award in 2005.



In her fiction novels, Tricia writes contemporary and historical stories that feature strong women overcoming great challenges. She recreates historic wartime eras with precise detail through perseverant and comprehensive research.



Each of her World War II and Spanish Civil War novels tell the inspiring stories of engaging characters—and a God whose hand is evident in the landscape of history and the obstacles of ordinary lives.

Tricia speaks to groups interested in these eras, with the intention of preserving and honoring the memory of the men and women who served.



She also speaks and conducts workshops for teens around the nation, and offers programs to assist teens and teen moms through Hope Pregnancy Ministries in Northwestern Montana, which she founded. Tricia is a frequent workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Convention.



Author website: http://www.triciagoyer.com/ watch a video and read the endorsements



Link to purchase the book: http://triciagoyer.com/store.html


SO if you have read this far and want to win my copy, leave me a comment about a wonderful memory you have of your mom or one that you have had as a Mom!!!

randomness

Just to let you know, I'm doing another book give away tomorrow on a book especially for busy moms..Stop by tomorrow and learn more!!!

Just got home from work and I was surprised to see Michael and LynnMarie up. She wasn't acting right last night and Michael was worried..As I expected, he did fine..It was a wonderful feeling to see her smiling and to get a great big hug..I can not believe how much I love this little girl..Its a most amazing feeling.As people told me I would, I can see how my parents did certain things to and for me just because they loved me. I do see my parents in a different light.

Someone asked me what the hardest part has been. She has been a wonderful baby, a very smooth adjustment. The hardest part for me is losing weight again. I was doing so well. Between Michael being in the hospital and not being able to walk, I have found no time to go to the gym. I am sure the time i s there, but I am just not getting there. I'm snacking more which is not good as I want LynnMarie to have good eating habits. We are trying to make sure she gets her fruits and veggies every day..Anyway...

I wish you could all meet this precious gift..Don't forget to check the adoption blog for new pics and updates..

SO what cheap activities are you doing this summer? We have been to the pool a few times and LynnMarie and I go to music/story time at the library.Regal movie theaters are showing free family moves Tues-Thurs at 1oam so I would like to try that again too!!

thats it for now....

Keep rockin on
and dont forget to stop back again tomorrow

Great Book review

Winner chosen. Couldnt get pics but I put everyone name on a slip and let let LynnMarie pick it out. So congrats Tymm, you are the winner!! Ill get it to you next week. Next week, I will also be giving away a book especially for moms!!!

Make sure you read below to get even more info! What a great book. I was asked to read a non fiction book and review it! Awesome. Ha vent gotten into a nonfiction book in a very long time. Religion save by Pastor Mark Driscoll is awesome. He takes 9 topics that churches have questions on and gives scriptural based answers to them. Its the first time I have personally ever thought thought about what the Bible really says about some of these things. I didn't start reading the book until this week which is unfortunate because there is a lot of good stuff on there. I dont want to give too much info but the author covers topics such as birth control, predesination and even humor in the church. Its not a total philosophical book. In fact, its a good ready and you really want to finish when you start it!!!

I loved it sooo much and I want all of you to go and get it but I also want to give away my copy so leave me a comment at the end of the post and at the end of the week, LynnMarie will draw a winner.
Religion Saves:

And Nine Other Misconceptions



After 343,203 online votes on the Mars Hill Church website, nine questions for Pastor Mark Driscoll emerged as the ones most urgently calling for answers.



Inspired by 1 Corinthians, in which Paul answers a series of questions posed by the people in the Corinthian church, Pastor Mark Driscoll set out to determine the most controversial questions among visitors to the Mars Hill Church website. In the end, 893 questions were asked and 343,203 votes were cast. The top nine questions are now each answered in a chapter of Religion Saves.



After an introductory chapter devoted to the misconception that religion is what saves us, Driscoll tackles nine issues: birth control, humor, predestination, grace, sexual sin, faith and works, dating, the emerging church, and the regulative principle. Because the purpose of this book is to address commonly asked questions, all readers will find relevant, engaging material, written in Driscoll's distinctively edgy, yet theologically sound style.



In his distinctively edgy, yet theologically sound style, Pastor Mark Driscoll addresses the nine most controversial questions posed by visitors to the Mars Hill Church website. This book is part of the Re:Lit series.


Link to buy the book: http://www.amazon.com/Religion-Saves-Nine-Other-Misconceptions/dp/1433506165/ref=sprightly-20



About the author:

Meet Pastor Mark!

Mark Driscoll is the founding pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, one of the fastest-growing churches in America. He is president of the Acts 29 Church Planting Network and is the author of several books, including Vintage Jesus.



Pastor Mark preaches on Sunday, trains pastors, and writes curriculum. Mark is married to his high school sweetheart, Grace, and they enjoy raising their three sons and two daughters. More about Mark here!



Link to read and/or listen to an excerpt:

http://relit.org/religionsaves


Want to read more reviews of the book? Come follow the book tour and see whats going on!

Schedule: Link to schedule http://www.litfusegroup.com/latest/current-blog-tours/86-blog-tour-for-religion-saves-by-mark-driscoll

Need you to share

I am so ready to hear some good news. What is making you happy. Brag about someone, something, ANYTHING!!!

I am personally thankful that Michael is so good with the baby. I am thankful she is home and that she is AMAZING. I am happy that I have a job that I still enjoy!

I am so tired if hearing nothing but sadness, gossip, celebrities and negativity!

Mommyhood

Its Crazy. I cant imagine her not here..I forget what it was like without her. I relive gotcha moments in my head all the time. I wonder why she loves us soooooo much. Big tears are seldom, but crazy smiles occur A LOT!

We are working in routines..Most of the time, I get her up but once dad gets back to work, we will share the load. She sometimes gets up in the middle of the night for maybe a few minutes which includes a heavy diaper and a bottle. When we get up (and lately, I have snuck in her room to quietly wake her up) we change our diaper and play on the floor in our room for a few minutes..Breakfast usually includes some toast and fruit and we know she likes eggs. WE have been watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse while having breakfast and sometimes we watch Dora too!!! What do your toddlers eat for breakfast? IN fact, what is your routine?

Then playtime, lunch and nap. We love music time on Wednesdays and looking forward to more playdates hopefully this summer. We love the pool and cant wait for daddy to join us.

Its crazy how she becomes the priority in your life. You never really stop and think about, she just becomes your life. We have started saying prayers at bedtime and she always has the sweetest smile. We have posted some recent pics up at the adoption blog at www.thechristopherfamily.blogspot.com

She is wonderful. Everything I dreamed of. She is funny, content, doing really well with attachment and bonding, although we are still working on it.

Haven't found time to go to the gym, which is my next priority as well cleaning the house..

I know its a long way off, but I am thinking of Halloween costumes, Christmas season cloths and her first birthday. I have waited for this soooo long, its nice to be home with my baby..

My goal now is to become a mom she can be proud of. I want her to see me giving to others and not being selfish, I want my weaknesses to be her strengths. I want God to just use her and allow us to see what He created her to be.

So now, weight loss, organizational skills and creating a healthy lifestyle physically, mentally and spiritually are my goal!!!

I still cant believe I am a mom. This is sooo much better than babysitting!

Kate needs your prayers

Meet Kate. then pray for kate..Or just pray. her story is going around..Not hard to be touched by this family's story!!! Pray for kate, her family and every medical person involved in her care!!!

Click here for her story.

life

Its really nice to be back at work. Love the night shift. Miss my family, but I know MIchael needs time with baby girl and doing well. To think that he hadn't had much baby time before, he is doing great with her!

Its now Tuesday, I have the day off. So after some sleep, I am hoping to take LM to the pool or the park. We will see how it goes. I don't want her in the sun too long.

I have 4th of July off again this year..Nothing special planned, but hoping to find something fun to do soon!

I have 2 book reviews coming up, one is called Religion Saves and it talks about different controversial topics in the church. I'm looking forward to that one. The other book is a mommy book written by an author I have read before. Be on the lookout, I will be giving away my copies.

So how are you, any good movies? Read any good books? listened to any good music that I have to check out.

Catching up on my blog reading. If I haven't commented lately, its either because you link on bloglines isn't showing me you have updated or I don't have you on bloglines. If you read this blog, leave a comment so I can you to my must haves. I'm finding such encouragement on so many new blogs lately..!!!

totally random

I need some mental motivation. I have decided that all of my weaknesses could be strengths if I just turned on a little switch in my head, anyone else like that?

Seriously many people who know me know my obvious weaknesses, fear, paranoia, eating habits and organizational skills. I just cant get my house clean. Its like I get one room totally clean and by the time I start the second one, the first one is dirty again. I tried Fly Lady a few years ago, just couldn't do it.. Ugh, its very frustrating. Because I really do desire a clean and organized house and my daughter deserves the best..Not sure how to turn that mental switch on.

Losing weight- have struggled for a long time. Weight Watchers does work. So does regular portion control and exercising. I have done it, why am I not doing it? There are no excuses except laziness.. Once I start losing, I get on a roll but I am a sucker for temptations- showers, ,parties, friends inviting me out for lunch. Ugh, hope to get this under control one day as well.

paranoia- enough said

Fear-We live in a scary world. The economy, nuclear war threats, the prediction of the end of the world. Here is my problem. I have not spent enough time in the Word and so therefore, I just trust everything I read in the news. I'm putting faith in man and not my God.. Have to keep reminding myself that God knows everything. There was never a "before God". He Has and will always be. I haven't been digging into His word like I should and I know that would calm some of my fears.So that's my solution to those fears.

Other topics

Jon and Kate- I'm one of the many who watched the show. Not surprised by the divorce, but I am sad. The world was just too interested in them. Mind you, they asked for the publicity (raising 8 kids cost a lot of money). But if we had chosen not to watch, could this have been helped. Its hard not to judge, but divorce is sad, praying for them.

Ed McMahon, Farah Fawcett and MJ- wow, what a week. Tired of hearing about all the celebrities..

and our daughter is just wonderful. New pics are up at www.thechristopherfamilyblogspot.

If you are on twitter or facebook, come find me!

Vacation Give Away

Ok seriously, one of my first friends in Atlanta (and fellow adoptive mom) is giving away a trip on her blog..Ever heard of the Great Wolf Lodge in NC? Its the one with the indoor waterpark and cool cabin type rooms? They are giving away one to a someone who posts on her blog..

Go here and post on her blog and tell her where you are vacationing..

Shes very legit and very cool!!!

Happy Father Day

SO nice to see one his dreams come true. As LM told him this morning, he hasnt had an easy physical experience into fatherhood but that has not stopped him un being the sweetest, silliest dad ever.. We love you Dada!!!

Happy Fathers day to you out there! To those who are serving our country and not able to spend time with your family, we say thank you! For those who are fathers at heart and waiting to see your child, YOU ARE A FATHER! Be patient, its worth it!

Work

Some of my blog friends have asked me what I do for a living.I am a pediatric nurse but I work on a craniofacial/neuro floor. I work with patients with seizures, mitochondrial disorders, spina bifida, cleft lip/palate and other facial deformities, skull fractures, head injuries and brain and spinal cord tumors.

We also get the overflow patients Which mean we take care of patients with anything like fever and infections, resp issues, blood disorders, broken bones and every now and then we get some neat stuff. For the person not in the medical profession, "neat stuff" would not be that neat for you..

Brain tumors and cleft kids are the ones that I get passionate about. I have gotten close to a lot of my brain tumor patients and have seen them from diagnosis to remission and sometimes, home to Jesus. Both of these families teach me a lot even though they are so different. But both diagnosis can change your life. Cleft surgeries are not only just 1 surgery and then all is well. Sometimes, you get several surgeries over several years and a lot of time you deal with speech delays and other cosmetic surgeries..Love my families. They have taught me a lot.

Brain tumors..Ok, well first of all, they suck. But the families, oh the rockin, awesome families. They teach us nurses so much. I don't know why brain tumors hit the sweetest, loving families who have such strong faith. I just don't know. I don't know why the sweetest families are the ones who lose their babies after many surgeries, chemotherapy and hospital stays..I just don't know. But even the families who have lost children and still keep in touch, find goodness in their sorrow and that helps strengthen my faith. To know God sees the bigger picture when we can't seems to help. We had a patient pass away last week that a lot of nurses took care of. I never did but I always said hello to the family and they were so compassionate to other families.

Connor used to say, "God is good all the time,All the time, God is good" Oh sweet Connor, yes he is!!

Some of you may have seen another one of patients on the news a few weeks ago. Haley and her mom have touched every single life in the hospital Haley is just over a year and has a really yucky stinky tumor with a poor prognosis. But they keep fighting. Haley is a fighter. She has experienced so much and has even scared a few nurses..But they have hope, we have hope..

Please pray for Haleys family.. Hope ya got to see her on the news..

Click here to read about the little rock star

Comments on Motherhood and other random things

Still kind of odd to read that word. But filling out paperwork that doctors office, I did right mom under my name but I think I was supposed to write mother..Whatever!!

Love LM. I love love love her..I love her smiles, her noises, her dances, her responses, everything about her.

It is crazy. Life really changed once we got her..People were right. My routine changed..My views on things changed. I love Little Einstein, Mickey Mouse cartoon thing and some of her fun toys.

She teaches us things every day..That happiness can come from such simple things..her smile lights up the room...

Going to my first bday party as a mom tomorrow. That doesn't sound right..I will be one of the moms..So very cool!!

2nd week at work was great..Nice to see everyone and be back in the groove. So many random things in my head, perhaps I will be getting them out on the blog soon.

The good news is someone switched with me so I am off Thanksgiving and Christmas this year and boy are we going to have some fun!

No substance lately to this blog. Very Sad..I did asked to do 2 more book reviews which will hopefully come with some free books for my readers..look out..

tomorrow we are having a garage sale here at Casa de Christophers. Hoping to make some money to pay some bills and I am looking forward to simplifying things. We just have too much stuff. Junk. things we have collected over the years that we do not need or use. I mean, how much junk can one house hold? There are things that help us remember Good times, but we even have to much of that ! There are people all over the world ( even here in the good ole USA) that have nothing. nothing. I can not believe how much stuff we have. I feel pretty selfish sometimes when I "want" things.

I go back Sunday night to work, which means Michael gets baby duty. Since he is still on crutches, we are setting up nursery central in the TV room, so that everything will be close by. Of course we have our emergency numbers in case he needs anything, but I think he will be okay. He is still on disability and we are hoping he will get his cast off soon and get back to ambulating better. His blood numbers have started looking better and instead of going weekly, that doctor doesn't want to see him for another month..We will have infections disease and ortho to visit.

its been a crazy month. Stressful, YES? Do I have something to worry about every hour? YES! DO I choose to worry? NO!!!! I think I worry just enough to keep me on my toes. It has been nice to be forced to have quiet time at the house. WE have been watching lots of RED BOX movies and eating dinner at the house..Even though we ate dinner at trivia for 5 bucks (all 3 of us!!!)

LynnMarie is adjusting.Starting Sunday, we will begin our new routine. I am going back full time but will hopefully go to 32 hours once Michael gets back to work.

I am enjoying time with LM and hubby. Ready to go to work. Nervous as heck though!!!

Praying about changes in the near future

Monday shopping

Yesterday was my first day of frugal shopping and I did pretty good. I spent more than most people cutting coupons, researching sales and even looking at some sites..I had all my stores organized but decided to stay with just 2 yesterday, Publix and Walgreens..

So at Publix I got
A1 SteakSauce
6 pack of dial soap
BIG bottle of Kraft dressing
Ball Park hotdogs
something else but i forgot.
I Had 2 bags for 5$!!!!!! Oh so proud!

At Walgreens I only got
Tropicana OJ (2.99- 1 dollar coupon plus 1 dollar register reward)
Colgate (same deal as above)
Because of the RR program, Walgreens has discontinued the rebate program

I took one of the RR from Walgreens at got a printer cartridge refill which was 10 dollar. The cashier found a 5 dollar coupon so I only paid 4 dollars.

Then we ended the day with a free movie from RedBox

So I am going to have to make some rules for our family.
-only use and print coupons for items we may actually use. It may for a different brand but we wont be stocking up for liver or anything
-be careful what I print off the coupon. Its not worth spending money of printer ink to save money at Publix
-Organize my trips
-stock up on the nearly free items
-use what I have on hand and constantly look at expiration dates.
-only buy mi;l 2 dollars or less a gallon (its possible, BJs and Publix)
-something else I learned bananas are very cheap at gas stations..didn't know that but thought I would share my knowledge with you!!

Thats it for this week. We are still hoping for a great garage sale this Saturday so if you live in Atlanta, come say hi!

FYI, new family vacation pics up at www.thechristopherfamily.blogspot.com

we are home

We are home. Christy, you won the book, I will get it to you soon. We had a great time and it was nice to see MIchael relax. He has more drs appts, home health visits and other things to do this week, so please keep praying for him. Please pray his blood levels stay up and his foot continues to heal.


I loved being with family, loved being in Florida. Even took a look at some job openings. Pics to come soon.

Not much going on. Idol has been so biased this season. They pretty much told Kris that Adam was winning and just told him what a great competitor he has been. They got rid of Lil so much earlier than expected. As much as I did not like Alison, I am surprised she left at the time she did. She had a great fan following and a lot of talent for her age.

No spoilers, but I am going to watch the Greys finale. The interview with the Shonda Rhymes )creator of the show) gave some hints and I think I missed a couple. I dont think the show ended the way we all thought it did!!!

Going back to work in less than 2 weeks, looking forward to the income, not worried about the baby, just nervous about the work itself!!!

Book review and contest ( gotta read the review to find the authros contest)

SO I once again got to read and review a book by Susan May Warren, one of my new favorite authors. Reading her books goes by so quickly and her stories are so easy to visualize. I hope you have picked one up, but if not, try this one!!!!! Want to read more about God's unconditional love, check out this book and Susan's other ones. I Loved Nothing But Trouble, just like her other ones. Pj is such an interesting character and I guarantee to you will see yourself just a little bit in PJ~~~

This book tour is going on all week. Go check out other book reviews and interesting blogs
at http://www.litfusegroup.com/latest/current-blog-tours/81-nothing-but-trouble-blog-tour-schedule

About the book: PJ Sugar knows three things for sure:

After traveling the country for ten years hoping to shake free from the trail of disaster that’s become her life, she needs a fresh start.

The last person she wants to see when she heads home for her sister’s wedding is Boone—her former flame and the reason she left town.

Her best friend’s husband absolutely did not commit the first murder Kellogg, Minnesota, has seen in more than a decade.

What PJ doesn’t know is that when she starts digging for evidence, she’ll uncover much more than she bargained for—a deadly conspiracy, a knack for investigation, and maybe, just maybe, that fresh start she’s been longing for.

It's not fair to say that trouble happens every time PJ Sugar is around, but it feels that way when she returns to her hometown, looking for a fresh start. Within a week, her former teacher is murdered and her best friend's husband is arrested as the number-one suspect. Although the police detective investigating the murder--who also happens to be PJ's former flame--is convinced it's an open-and-shut case, PJ's not so sure. She begins digging for clues in an effort to clear her friend's husband and ends up reigniting old passions, uncovering an international conspiracy, and solving a murder along the way. She also discovers that maybe God can use a woman who never seems to get it right.

Read the first chapter: http://gotsugar.susanmaywarren.com/

About Susan: Susan May Warren is the award-winning author of seventeen novels and novellas with Tyndale, Steeple Hill and Barbour Publishing. Her first book, Happily Ever After won the American Fiction Christian Writers Book of the Year in 2003, and was a 2003 Christy Award finalist. In Sheep’s Clothing, a thriller set in Russia, was a 2006 Christy Award finalist and won the 2006 Inspirational Reader’s Choice award. A former missionary to Russia, Susan May Warren now writes Suspense/Romance and Chick Lit full time from her home in northern Minnesota.

and just in case you are still wondering about this book, read what the author has to say

Here is a contest from the author

PJ Sugar's first novel - Nothing But Trouble is popping up all over the country! Go Hunting for Trouble, and let me know where you see the book.
Send me the Name of the Bookstore where you found it (and the city, please), and we'll put your name in a drawing for a preview copy of
The Great Christmas Bowl my Christmas Novella, coming out this fall! (Promo coming soon!) And…send me a PHOTO of you and the book in the bookstore, and we'll add your name 5x!
And you'll also be eligible to win a cool SUGAR Personal SPA BASKET!!
So go....Hunt up Trouble! All the details here http://susanmaywarren.com/contest.htm

A note from Susan May Warren
Sometimes, do you feel like you just don’t fit in? You look around you and if anyone knew how difficult it was just to put yourself together, to smile when you feel completely overwhelmed, to even figure out what you were making for supper, they’d know what a mess you were. Maybe you totally relate to those words in 1 Peter – God’s elect, strangers and aliens in the world. Do you feel like when you look in the rear view mirror, all you see are your mistakes?

Maybe not. But if so, then PJ is your gal. I wanted to write a story about the person in so many of us who just wants to get it right…but can’t seem to stay out of trouble. My friend and I have what we call the “stupid mouth” club…and we report our weekly foibles (usually on Monday, after Sunday church!). PJ is our charter member. She’s the girl that changes her mind, always hopes for the best, is always discovering that she is just a little different than everyone else. PJ is us.

And that’s good news. Because God loves PJ. He loves her messiness, and her impulsiveness, her heart bent toward others, the hope that fuels her actions. And He has a plan for PJ – one that includes her weaknesses as well as her strengths.

Yep, I need to hear that – need to hear that I don’t have to be perfect for God to love me, use me, sing over me. Need to hear that although I don’t fit in, well, I’m not supposed to…in fact, I’m supposed to be a little…alien.

I wrote PJ for everyone who feels just a little messy, just a little like they can’t quite get it right. And who needs to hear that God loves them. Period. Full stop. Hallelujah.

and if you read all the way to the end, if you leave a comment on this blog, I will draw a name to receive my copy of the book.

Catching up

Just wanted to check in. We are 3 or 4 days in on our trip home to Fl and family feels good. its so nice to see everyone loving on LM. Its also nice that Michael could come. Keep praying that is IV antibiotics are doing their job and that when this first cast comes off, there will be no issues with his foot. He is hobbling around on crutches, but making LM smile all of the time!!

Life is good. This trip makes me want to move home, really move closer to family. We will see! Although, I sure do love my job and friends in Atlanta!!!!

This afternoon, LM goes swimming for the first time!

Ok, what the heck!

Greys- About 70 minutes in, I said, there had not been to many surprises or shockers but that last 20 minutes..WOW 007. If you are worried about next season, find the interview with Chonda Rhymes, the creator of the show. She may put your worries to ease.

LOST- rock on Sawyer, what a great scene. Loved this episode

Hells Kitchen- this afternoon, we will be in the winners hometown, Edgewater, Fl. Apparently Danny and my brother our friends and no one ever told me. Yeah Danny, the underdog..Cant wait to see the episode and maybe try his restaurant here!

what a crazy week

First of all, I apologize to all the blogger friends I have. I have not been a good commenter and plan on getting better again soon. I promise I have not forgotten about you!!

What a crazy week. Its been a crazy,fearful, full of praying and crying to God, just crying, laughing, serious, scary, makes you think thoughts you never thought you would be thinking kind of weeks.

Thanks to all who have helped. To all of you single moms out there, ROCK ON!!!

Michael has been in the hospital since Monday night and until yesterday, yucky fear tried to control my spirit. My fear robbed me of joy, and my sweet girl deserves more than that. Some crazy thoughts have run through my head, so crazy I am embarrased to post them. I can not wait to have my Michael home. Life will be different for the next few months, but we will manage.

As much as I have had some really really hard emotional moments this week, I still heard God. More than a whisper sometimes and that makes those moments okay. I will say this, if you are going to ask God for something, give Him time and room to do it. You can not control God or the things in your life.

It was also a humbling week. LynnMarie got to play with several new friends this week. You have to understand, I despise asking for help. I feel like a failure, always have. This was another burden, as I did not want to burden my friends. I can not stand that feeling. Friends took LM for a few hours each day so I could spend time at the hospital with Michael and talk to some of the doctors. Friends, the time you gave me was the best gift in the world. Sometimes, you have to ask for help. Some people need the opportunity to help.

LM and I have some moments of our own. Talking to God together is a precious thing. She has no idea what I am doing, but she gets quiet at the right time. Oh she is the sweetest thing.

So, keep praying for the Christopher family. Gonna leave you with some lyrics that are pretty summing up how I feel these days.

Whatever You're Doing by Sanctus Real
It's time for healing time to move on
It's time to fix what's been broken too long
Time make right what has been wrong
It's time to find my way to where I belong
There's a wave that's crashing over me
All I can do is surrender

(Chorus)
Whatever you're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos somehow there's peace
It's hard to surrender to what I can't see
but I'm giving in to something heavenly

Time for a milestone
Time to begin again
Revaluate who I really am
Am I doing everything to follow your will
or just climbing aimlessly over these hills
So show me what it is you want from me
I give everything I surrender...
To...

(Chorus)

Time to face up
Clean this old house
Time to breathe in and let everything out
That I've wanted to say for so many years
Time to to release all my held back tears

Whatever you're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but I believe
You're up to something bigger than me
Larger than life something heavenly

Whatever you're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but now I can see
This something bigger than me
Larger than life something heavenly
Something heavenly

It's time to face up
Clean this old house
Time breathe in and let everything ou

pray

Pray for my sweet sweet husband who is back in the hospital with something going on with his foot and anemia. he has already had a transfusion, bone marrow aspiration and now we are waiting for treatment for his foot.

Honestly, there are too many needs in my heart but God is good and knows all!

Pray for peace, joy and comfort for my sweet husband