Write 2B Real

Letter to God #2

2011-03-13T16:51:00.000-06:00

Dear God, I've been thinking about when you led the Israelites around in the desert. Remember that? Do you also remember giving them an obvious sign of when to move? I believe you used a pillar of fire and a cloud. (Was it a gray storm cloud or a fluffy white cottonball one?) Anyway, I've been thinking that perhaps you could do that for me? Although I would much prefer something more modern. A

Would I Recognize God?

2011-02-28T08:51:00.000-07:00

This morning I read Matthew 9:1-9. (Remember there is a Bible app on the sidebar if your Bible isn't handy) Jesus goes into his own town and heals a paralytic man - after proclaiming to the paralytic, "Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven." Verse 8 says that when the crowd saw this miracle, "they were filled with awe and praised God, who had given such authority to men." I'm not a Greek

Two Words

2011-01-12T07:45:00.001-07:00

Two Words A poem... by Britt... from God God says: Be Still Let Go Trust Me I cry: Help Me God says: I AM

Happy New Year...1 week Late

2011-01-08T10:44:00.000-07:00

Wow. I'm amazed I remembered my password to get in here! Time flies when you're having fun.... and that is what I've been doing the past THREE weeks. Our family went back "home" to Iowa for Christmas. While I missed regular doses of Hotmail, Blogger, and Facebook, it was wonderful having real face time with loved ones - some whom I hadn't seen in over 2 years. Last January I stated my goal

2010-12-11T16:16:00.000-07:00

A couple mornings ago I had an unusual experience. While brushing my teeth, my toothbrush snapped. Snapped. There I was brushing away and suddenly my fingers grasped a headless toothbrush handle! Shouldn't toothbrushes be dependable? At least for 6 months until the next dental checkup freebie? Had I placed too much trust in a physical object? I do that with people sometimes. No - not snap

My Latest(?) Bookmark

2010-11-30T08:41:00.000-07:00

You might recall my usual choice of bookmark. I'm either gaining a little class or else I was downstairs yesterday when something interrupted my reading. My bookmark choice? An event ticket stub off the kitchen counter. The event? The Rodeo.......in July. This begs the question: Would I rather use toilet paper or a ticket stub reminder I am 4 months behind in cleaning off my kitchen

God. The Perfect Planner.

2010-11-22T23:56:00.002-07:00

Several of you know that I am my church's Awana Secretary. (a youth outreach/scripture memory club). This is a perfect fit for a DETAIL minded person such as myself. (Some might call it control-freakiness) Tonight at club, the Bible Lesson Lady (official title) wasn't able to be there - unexpectedly. So I literally last minute volunteered to teach the two 15 minute classes. (K-2nd graders

Overheard from Over the Fence

2010-11-20T20:59:00.000-07:00

If you live in my neighborhood and at 8:00pm you overheard a hysterical woman yelling, "At the Fence! At the FENCE! Get busy at. the. FENCE!" It was me. Hershey, our dog, knows to poop (get busy) along the fence line. Tonight he tried pooping not 18 inches off the back patio! So I ran after him, clapping my hands, and yelling like a crazy person. Then I realized what it must sound like to

Two MEs

2010-11-17T21:12:00.001-07:00

1) I love homeschooling the children. Extra time with them before they're grown up in a blink of an eye. I know Christian beliefs are being reinforced instead of torn down. I can challenge them in areas they need to be. They have time to play together and relax at home and just be kids. 2) I want to send my children to public school. Tomorrow. I am constantly surrounded by questions, whine,

Decoder Ring - Part 2

2010-11-12T11:03:00.001-07:00

If you missed my last post, click here and read it first..... Caught up?! Ok. I missed one very important phrase my 5 year old daughter, Krystin, uses. She made this phrase up a couple years ago and it has stuck around. She calls me: "MA-ma-Mi-mi-MOO-moo-CEreal-box" There is plenty in that phrase I could take offense at, 1) My name is not Mama Mimi! 2) What woman likes to be compared to a

Decoder Ring Needed

2010-11-10T22:38:00.000-07:00

If you are are ever in the neighborhood and stop by, you might need a secret decoder ring. That is because my children have their own language. What's funny is that I don't notice it anymore - it seems almost normal. Here are a few choice examples: "pei-wei" (pay-way) = penguin "March of the Minis" means you better not stand at the bottom of the stairs because they're rip-roaring,

Don't be a Stopwatch

2010-11-08T21:43:00.000-07:00

As a homeschooling Mom, I felt the need for a stopwatch. There are so many things I could use it for: Math Flash Cards - beat your time from last week P.E. Class - (possibilities endless here) Geography - How fast can you name all 50 States and Capitals? I finally purchased a stopwatch on my last Wal Mart trip.... ....on Thursday.... ....4 days ago..... and that thing beeps

Can't Catch Me - I'm the Gingerbread Man

2010-11-05T20:42:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I read The Gingerbread Man to my children. Let me recap: An old woman, who never had children, lovingly created and baked a gingerbread man to be her son. However, as soon as she pulled the gingerbread man out of the oven, he leapt off the cookie sheet and ran out the door; crying, "Run, Run, as fast as you can. You can't catch me, I'm the gingerbread man!" He continues running past

The Letter "T"

2010-11-03T17:37:00.000-06:00

Hi. My name is Britt and I used to post on this blog. Actually, I think I am back. With a profoundly deep post ........ I dedicate this post to the letter "T". T stands for Tea. In my last post, I reported feeling like an over-used bag of Earl Grey tea. I am happy to report that I have (literally and figuratively) just sat down with a new cup of tea. T stands for Time. I just haven't had

Call me Earl ...

2010-10-01T12:20:00.001-06:00

... as in Earl Grey. I feel a little like the below pictured tea bag. This morning I woke up with a scratchy throat, so I am drinking lots of tea. However, I am too lazy thrifty to toss the tea bag after just one three uses. I believe this was Earl's 4th or 5th cup.Notice how diluted the "tea" is? Practically water. I apologize, but you, Write2Breal blog friends, are my last cup of tea. First

Inspired

2010-09-18T13:05:00.001-06:00

Today I attended a women's brunch at church. I didn't want to go. Saturday mornings are for lounging around in pj's while I tootle on the web. Maybe get something accomplished around the house and occasionally take on the kids in Mario Party 8. However, I've felt for awhile now that I need to make better efforts at connecting with women in our church. Specifically, women at different life

New Witnessing Tract

2010-09-13T18:31:00.000-06:00

Forget Romans Road or The Bridge. I've got a great new idea for a new witnessing tract. I shall call it ..............(drum roll) .............. "Don't wait to P. It might be too late." By "P." of course, I mean Pray. Specifically the Sinner's Prayer. The one admitting to God you are a sinner whose relationship with a holy God has been severed due to your sin. Realizing you are hopeless

Funky like Jonah

2010-09-10T08:50:00.001-06:00

I've always enjoyed the old testament story of Jonah and the Whale Big Fish. Like all Sunday school staples, there are lessons for the adults, too. As a child, Jonah represented "Obey God" or "You can't run away from an omnipresent God". Later in life, the lesson of God's provision (sending the big fish so Jonah wouldn't drown) in spite of human failings or disobedience emerged. This week

Time flies when you're having fun

2010-09-04T12:51:00.001-06:00

Wow. Has it really been a week since I last posted? Sorry 'bout that. Two weeks ago I was on family vacation, yet still managed to post at least twice a week. But this past week? A different kind of fun. Year two of HOMESCHOOL has begun. :) And this year... I am so excited..... we are part of a Co-Op. A group of like-minded families that want to offer fun, elective courses to our children

Not Seeing the View for the Tracks...

2010-08-29T11:38:00.001-06:00

I'm back home from a wonderful family vacation in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The most amazing part? Spending time with family. That included my brother and his wife, whom we haven't seen in 2 years, and the kids in 4 years! :( (No family feud... they've just been living overseas) On Thursday, we rode the Cog Rail to the top of Pikes Peak.Elevation 14,115 feet.This is a view from the top:

Thankful to be alive.....

2010-08-25T07:28:00.000-06:00

Today I am thankful to be alive in the 21st century and married to a white-collar job husband. Nothing against blue-collar jobs. I'm specifically thankful my husband isn't a coal miner or gold miner. We are on family vacation this week. Having a wonderful time together. Yesterday we went 1,000 feet underground on a guided tour of a gold mine. I was excited how educational the visit would be

Old/New Saul

2010-08-21T08:03:00.000-06:00

Okay, really random here. I was reading the story of David and Goliath to my children yesterday and a thought popped in my head. King Saul persecuted David. (Future king David..... great, great, great....grandfather of Jesus) In the new testament, Saul persecuted Christ's church. (until his miraculous conversion and he became Paul). I wonder if there is any significance in that?!? Have a

Random Acts of Kindness

2010-08-19T08:50:00.000-06:00

Most of you are aware of the movement Random Acts of Kindness. If not, or you want to learn more, click here. Did you know words of encouragement are an act of kindness? I'm not sure if it is technically listed, but yesterday a stranger shared random words of encouragement.... and it was very kind of her. I and my three children were coming out of PetSmart with 4 month old Hershey in tow.

Super Star Mom

2010-08-13T10:43:00.000-06:00

If I write about my less than brilliant Mommy moments, I figure it's only fair I share a more shining moment. Shining like the stars, actually. Yesterday this article popped up on my browser. So last night this morning around 12:30, I spread an old comforter on the ground, grabbed a blanket, and woke up all 3 children (and the dog). We laid under the stars in our backyard for a good 45

Rock On

2010-08-11T21:37:00.000-06:00

My husband and I are getting ready to play some Rock Band 2. Dan plays lead guitar and I rock a mean bass. I'm currently at "hard" setting and I'm sure I could advance to "expert" if we played more frequently. Alas, it's been awhile.... I better hurry up and get this posted so I can warm up the strings check my guitar's batteries. You know why I love playing Rock Band? (besides time spent

Friday Fun Video

2010-08-06T09:57:00.000-06:00

I enjoy cooking. I enjoy music. Anyone want to start a band with me???? http://thebubble.msn.com/#/video/?id=0d08a3f3-2ca6-49af-b592-804ecedc0e59 Have a great weekend.

Wanted: Stay-at-Home-Homeschooling-MOM

2010-08-03T08:30:00.002-06:00

Wanted: Woman in mid 30's to raise, nurture, and teach 3 young children. Experience Needed: None. On-the-job training provided (by yourself) Pay: $ 0 *Applicant will be able to cook (passably) healthy meals, clean the home (at least when company is coming), coordinate everyone's schedules, chauffeur children to multiple activities, and be involved in said activities. *Applicant must be able to

It's Coming.... :)

2010-07-29T22:37:00.000-06:00

I can NOT believe it! I was thrilled to see this trailer pop up on my MSN entertainment page!!! Hollywood has finally made an update to a classic movie. One I remember staying up late to watch with my Dad on T.V. CAN. NOT. WAIT I. AM. GOING. (to the big screen................ full price) ;) The movie? Tron: Legacy http://disney.go.com/tron/?cmp=dmov_dpic_tron_psg_cc_title_tron%20legacy

Praise Gone Wrong

2010-07-28T09:23:00.001-06:00

A couple days ago, my MSN browser provided me with this link: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38417221/ns/health-kids_and_parenting Since I was procrastinating washing dishes and folding laundry, I clicked. The article is titled: "Healthiest state for kids? New Hampshire, study says" Wow! If I were New Hampshire, I would cut that article out and frame it! But wait. Maybe not. After the glowing

Mommy Fail

2010-07-25T08:04:00.000-06:00

Flipping open my Bible this morning, Proverbs 12:18a caught my eye... "Reckless words pierce like a sword..." Ouch! Sure wish I would have meditated on that verse yesterday. It was the end of a looonnng week of Dan being out of country, lots of activities going on, pain in the neck (literally), and more than enough projects to keep me overly busy. Still no excuse, though. My main job this

I Needed This...

2010-07-22T08:15:00.001-06:00

I've been re-reading a Bible passage lately that God has used to speak to my heart. Let me give you the bare bones outline of Philippians 4:4-8 "Rejoice in the Lord always......Do not be anxious about anything,.......And the peace of God.... will guard your hearts and your minds....... if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." As great as the above passage is, the

In Another Life.....

2010-07-21T09:45:00.000-06:00

No. I do not believe in reincarnation. Hebrews 9:27 says, "Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgement." But, I can't help but think what my life would be like if I lived a different life. What if I had been born to famous parents? Or in a poverty stricken third-world country? What if I was raised in the big city; or on a large pig farm? What if I was a famous

Lessons from a Dog

2010-07-17T12:41:00.001-06:00

I've been the proud owner of a puppy 4 weeks now. In case you missed it, Meet Hershey, a now 3 month old English Setter. How Hershey has been good for me: 1) Gets me up in the morning. I can't sleep in if I want to. I can't tell him to fetch a granola bar snack, buying me an extra 20-60 minutes of snooze time, like I've done with the kids. 2) Exercise. Sure, due to the fact Hershey isn't

Will I Never Learn?!?

2010-07-14T08:43:00.000-06:00

"I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do." - Apostle Paul - Romans 7:15 Great verse with tons of spiritual implications to unpack. I'm just using it for a springboard to talk about stuff I've regretted doing / not doing in recent days. Things I should know better than to do / not do..... 1) Paint My Fingernails. I grew up a tomboy. I'm

Updates

2010-07-12T17:13:00.000-06:00

If you are interested in Homeschooling or Good Food ..... I updated both sites. Click on the desired link at the top of this page.

Hard Good-Byes

2010-07-09T08:37:00.000-06:00

Woke up this morning to an "empty" house.In-Laws caught an early flight home today and Dan is off at work.My Dad and Uncle were able to stop in for a day visit this week... they're both gone, too. Goodbyes are hard.But I'm so thankful for all the fun we had this week!

Happy 4th of July

2010-07-04T08:09:00.000-06:00

Happy Fourth of July! I love this holiday. I feel so blessed to have been born in the land of the free. Where I am free to worship God. Free to choose my life's course. Free to say what I want. Sure America isn't perfect. (What country is?) But she is perfect for me. Of course, I'm also partial to the 4th for all the fond memories. * Large extended family camp outs at my great Uncle

Empathy Gone Wrong

2010-06-28T07:39:00.002-06:00

empathy: the action of understanding, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another without having those feelings, thoughts, experiences fully communicated in an explicit manner. (Websters) Oh. My Bad. I thought empathy gave me the right to jump in a conversation and tell my similar story. I'm not sure how I got the notion telling my

Soap Sculpture Idol

2010-06-26T08:20:00.000-06:00

Anyone else remember making soap bar carvings in elementary art class? I do. It was fun. Probably why I still have the memory floating around in my brain. Anyhoo - While praying this morning, I had a bit of confession time with God over my failing to keep HIM real and alive in my life. My prayer went something like this: "God, Thank You for being a real, live God. Not some stone statue

Dog Days of Summer

2010-06-24T08:58:00.000-06:00

I need to apologize for my infrequent posting lately. [For an update on this past weekend, see this post] This week, I really can blame it on Hershey... and swim lessons. Trying to figure out our new schedule. But prior to this week, I have no excuses. It is summer, for crying out loud. I should have more time. I'm perplexed at the following formula: a (more time) + b (less activities to

Weekend Update

2010-06-24T08:51:00.001-06:00

* My Birthday went well. I successfully turned 1 year older. * Cherry Festival was fun. But rides way over priced and I kinda expected more cherry delicacies to taste. The kids and I enjoyed splitting a $3 cup of Bing cherries, though. * Had a WONDERFUL time with Uncle Les and Aunt Rosie * Hershey is home! He is SUCH a good puppy! Still.... he is a puppy..... :) * On the downside, I

Whirlwind

2010-06-18T11:40:00.000-06:00

... This is whirlwind semi-picked up!This past Friday night my friend's 3 kids (same age as our 3) spent the night. I wish I could blame them for the state of my house, but I can't. They were all 3 well behaved and a fun time was had by all.Sunday was church followed by a picnic and new officer election meeting.Monday evening we went and selected which English Setter puppy we wanted. We are

Letter to God - #1

2010-06-12T09:35:00.001-06:00

Dear God, Just wanted to drop you a quick note to say everything on my end is fine. Especially now that my nasty head cold is going away and this morning marks two days in a row of sunshine. Thanks, by the way. (...it's about time...) Quick favor. I need help discerning which puppy to get. I want to make the right choice as this is a big, long-term commitment. I have prayed about his before,

Feeling Under the Weather

2010-06-09T09:33:00.000-06:00

A mostly cloudy forecast......I've had a pretty nasty head cold this past week. Starting to feel a bit better today, though, thank the Lord.I'm sure this unusual rainy, chilly, windy weather is not helping. I think there have been maybe 10 nice days in the past month and a half. Very atypical. And this weather has me fooled. I don't believe it's summer yet. Therefore my mind and body have

Saturday Funnies

2010-06-05T10:11:00.000-06:00

(Sorry didn't post yesterday - had a nasty sinus cold) Would you like a little light-hearted reading for your weekend? Then might I suggest the following 3 websites. They make me laugh. Good, clean fun, too. 1) Stuff Christians Like - by Jonathan Acuff. I've mentioned his site before. If you haven't gone there - do so now. 2) TylerStanton.com - by Tyler Stanton. This is the same guy in

Tips from 12 Years of Marriage

2010-06-02T12:47:00.006-06:00

This past Sunday Dan and I celebrated 12 years of marriage! One woman commented on my FB page, "You're off to a great start" (She's been married 46 years!) Do you realize the current divorce rate is 33% ?!? Even in the Christian community. One-in-three marriages will end in divorce. While I don't consider myself a marital wisdom expert, I am reaching a point that I need to follow Titus 2:

I did it! I did it!

2010-05-29T09:29:00.004-06:00

I DID IT!Thursday morning I RAN 1 full mile. (Note the lack of " " around the word ran)Of course, on the down side, that means I'll expect myself to run a full mile from here on out.Lower expectations (ie: run a couple laps) are easier to achieve.Higher expectations offer greater satisfaction.I bet there is a life lesson in there somewhere ;)......................................... And NO.

All About Me Video

2010-05-26T10:18:00.011-06:00

In light of yesterday's post, I thought this video relevant. O-kay. Can't embed it for some reason, so you'll just have to click here to see it. (scroll to the bottom of the post - after reading the article, of course)My thanks to Robin Dugall and his blog Spiritual Regurgitations, where I found the video.And did I mention relevant in that first sentence?Click here for another funny video.My

Missing the big picture

2010-05-25T09:18:00.006-06:00

I love details. I love lists and cross-check color-coded spreadsheets. Excel is my friend. If I don't take frequent breaks to come up for air, I miss the big picture. The why of why I am performing a detailed task. The purpose of my precious little details. Read Matthew 20:17-21 and the same story in Mark 10:32-37. If you don't have your Bible handy - use the sidebar Bible gadget. On

Painting Friendship

2010-05-22T10:05:00.003-06:00

Stereotypically, men bond by watching or participating in sports and doing a project of some sort together. Women bond through shopping, eating, and talking (usually involving large amounts of crying, laughing, or both). So when my good friend Marci called Thursday morning and invited me to help paint mutual friend Joelle's nursery on Friday, I wasn't thinking, "Oh goody! A chance to bond!"

Ketchup Scrambled Eggs

2010-05-19T08:32:00.001-06:00

Good Morning. Kinda hard to wake up this morning. I have yet to do my Wednesday Pilates, shower, read the Bible, or make my children breakfast. Instead, I am cooking you up a tasty cyber breakfast of ketchup scrambled eggs. 1) First of all, how do you spell ketchup? KETCHUP or CATSUP? For the purpose of this post I really should have spelled it CATCH-UP. Hang on, This post covers

Mis-Matched Flatwear

2010-05-17T09:49:00.000-06:00

If you are ever at my house and you open up my utensil drawer, mismatched silverware flatwear will greet you. Laying in their green untensil holder, they'll put on their best face, hoping you'll pick them. You might have to rumage through the top few spoons to find your favorite. You see, I own two different styles of butter knives and tablespoons, three different forks, and five styles of

Street Evangelizing

2010-05-14T09:24:00.005-06:00

I did it............. almost. Remember my Lysol post? The one about reaching out to non-believers where they are? Well, I was *this* close to some street evangelizing last Sunday. See the diamond shadow on the sidewalk? Yah. That was me. Inches from the street. Who was my mark, you ask? My neighbor four houses down. Four. It's as if God brought a foreigner to my doorstep sidewalk.As Dan

Zilch

2010-05-12T08:39:00.000-06:00

Isn't that a fun word? ....... Zilch Not bothering to look it up, I'm not even sure it is a word. But in my mind it means nothing. Appropriate since I have nothing to write about this morning. Nothing.... Nada...... Zilch. Not even a funny kid-story comes to mind. Sure, I could find something in the Bible to talk about. Plenty of good stuff in there. I just don't feel like being "preachy"

Mother's Day 2010

2010-05-10T13:07:00.001-06:00

How was your Mother's Day? I enjoyed a very peaceful and relaxing day. Nothing special, but everything wonderful. The weather even cooperated with a warm and sunny day. (Thank you, God) As we piled in the minivan for church, I had just clicked my seatbelt when all 3 kids piped up at once, "Happy Mother's Day, Mom. We love you!" (Dan's idea - coordinated by Ethan) :) After church we enjoyed

Top 3 Survey

2010-05-07T09:39:00.001-06:00

I don't care for those "favorite" surveys. The ones where you have to pick chocolate or vanilla. Coke or Pepsi. Or you have to list your favorite cereal, movie, book, ice cream, etc................. I just can't commit to those either-or scenarios. And picking a favorite ice cream is kinda like picking my favorite child........impossible! So I've decided to create a "Top 3" Survey. Have a

Being like Mary

2010-05-05T08:48:00.000-06:00

This morning I am wondering if I tend to be a "Mary". I'm not referring to Mary as in Mary and Martha of the famed Bible story (see Luke 10:38-42). I'm referring to the Nursery rhyme Mary,Mary, quite contrary sort of Mary. Last night at supper, my husband and I started rattling off our four-year-old daughter's catch phrases. Phrases she'll regularly throw into a conversation as random and

Easy-to-assemble Altar

2010-05-03T08:49:00.000-06:00

Recently, a friend helped me assemble two dressers for my newly decorated Master bedroom. I am SO thankful for her help! If you've never assembled a big piece of furniture-in-a-box........well, you just don't know what you're missing! Guess what God pointed out to me in Exodus chapter 20 this morning? Directions for an Easy-to-Assemble Altar. The passage is Exodus 20:24-26. God had just

Random Lysol Thoughts

2010-05-01T16:19:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, as I Lysol-wiped my kitchen counters; a random thought link ran through my head. And since I have no better blog post ideas and I'm a day late - I'll share it with you :) Several years ago, while I was pregnant with my firstborn, a woman co-worker shared the following with me: "When my babies were born, I put Lysol in the air humidifiers and when people came over to visit those first

Mind Games

2010-04-28T21:20:00.003-06:00

As an expert in the field (I ran 1/5 of a mile yesterday), I've got to tell you running is all about mind games. In my long and prolific "running" carrer, I've encountered at least 2 mind game scenarios. (sidenote: I feel compelled to use " " whenever using the word "running" in reference to me) 1) A mile is not a mile. My track is a sidewalk loop around a grassy playground area directly

Running Strong

2010-04-26T10:39:00.003-06:00

Starting this morning, my husband, Dan, and I are back on the exercise wagon. Neither one of us enjoys getting up early. Far from it. Neither one of us loves to exercise. (Yah, yah - Dan ran a marathon last year. It was a temporary lapse in judgement) However, you know what we both do enjoy? Fitting into our clothes and being healthy. So this morning we set our alarms for 6:00 ....... and

Friday Word Fun

2010-04-23T20:27:00.000-06:00

Huh- I guess my theme the past couple days has been "words". Perhaps a subconcious probing to get back on track with my writing. Anyhoo - I digress. Please read the following: You have got to be freakin' kidding me! That is awesome! No way, dude. That is just crazy! Now I ask you; how do these words work their way into our everyday, common-speak? There have been others, of course: "cool", "

Wednesday Words

2010-04-21T10:33:00.000-06:00

Sticks and Stones may break my bones, But words will never hurt me. Remember that chant from childhood? What a lie. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 12:18 - Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. I haven't done a "word" count or anything, but there are many references to words in the Bible. God must care what comes out of our mouths. Proverbs 17:27, 28a

Pictures are worth a 1,000 excuses.... right?!?

2010-04-19T10:07:00.000-06:00

Well, I didn't make my M-W-F post goal last week. I had 3 very good reasons. I thought posting picures might strengthen my story. So without further ado, here are my 3 excuses for not posting last Wednesday and Friday: 1) Dan was out of country on a business trip to India last week. Yes, his return flight (through Frankfurt) had to be re-routed due to the Iceland volcanic ash ordeal. But,

Monday Morning Catch-Up

2010-04-12T10:16:00.001-06:00

Good Morning! Sorry I didn't post on Friday. We were rushing around getting ready for our Family Birthday Celebration Extravaganza (Dad came home early on Friday to celebrate our son turning 8 and our oldest daughter turning 6). I thought I would use today's post to catch you up on my life this past week. It has been a fun one. In the past 10 days we have...... Gone bowling (kids first time)

Updated the Food Blog

2010-04-07T10:04:00.000-06:00

I posted a few more recipies on the Real Good Food Blog. If you are interested, click on the link at the top of this page.

Egg Hunt

2010-04-05T09:27:00.000-06:00

Good Morning. I trust everyone had a great Easter - celebrating Jesus Christ our risen Lord with family and friends. We enjoyed our church's traditional pancake, ham, and fruit breakfast before service. Then the egg hunt. At our church, eggs are laid out all over the huge open-grass lawn. My almost 6 year old daughter asked why they call it an egg-hunt, if the eggs aren't hidden. Good Point.

Gold Nuggets

2010-04-02T20:45:00.000-06:00

On Wednesday, I posted about pebbles. I ended the post wondering when I got to become pure gold. (Know that I understand I'll never be pure gold this side of heaven. I'm simply saying that I'm tired of seeing all pebbles - no gold!) :) So I looked up gold refining in the Bible. (You know that verse I was thinking of actually deals with silver? Oh well - analogy wasn't completely in vain.

Pebbles

2010-03-31T08:59:00.002-06:00

Yesterday I had the pleasure of spending time with close friends while our children played together. Seated at the dining room table, two of us browsed the latest Family Christian Bookstore flyer. A couple popular books caught our eyes - Beth Moore's "So Long, Insecurity" and Max Lucado's "Fearless". In passing, we commented on how neither of us felt the need to read either book. Then, almost

Spring Break

2010-03-29T10:06:00.000-06:00

It is spring break season. I'm curious. What are your plans for Spring Break? I don't really get a spring break. Due to family visiting recently, kids being sick, birthdays coming up, and Dan gearing up for an out-of-town work trip - Well, we've been doing -and will do - lots of "easy days" in homeschool. So with all those easy days, we aren't going to take an acutal week long spring break.

Being There

2010-03-26T08:41:00.000-06:00

I must confess: I lifted this title from Marla Taviano's blog. Am I stopping there? Nope. I am in fact lifting this entire post off her blog. :) I've never met Marla, but it is SO evident from her blog that she's a woman striving to follow the Lord in every area of her life. And she is so real (bonus!) Anyhoo, I just loved her post Wednesday on "Being There". The post comments were also

Duplicity

2010-03-24T10:30:00.001-06:00

Du-plic-i-ty \ n \ 1. contradictory doubleness of thought, speech, or action I might be using this word wrong (it's been known to happen), but I think it fits my life as a Christian. The Spirit of God screams from within my soul, hoping my ears will hear..... and then prompt lips and limbs into obedience. The problem? Somewhere between soulcries and action lies a pesty little thing called

Big Gov Monday

2010-03-22T12:44:00.002-06:00

I don't normally have too much to say politically. However, today I am sick. Gut sick that the Health "reform" bill passed, that is. Link here for an article covering the general overview of the newly passed bill. And if you want a good bed time story, here is the link for the full 2300+ pages :) http://budget.house.gov/doc-library/FY2010/03.15.2010_reconciliation2010.PDF There are good

Friday Findings

2010-03-19T08:52:00.002-06:00

Seeing or hearing about people worse off than me helps my perspective. Keeps me focused on how good I have it. Enjoy the following list of web links...... and Happy Friday :) * I thought my goal to workout 3 times a week and lose 15 pounds was rough. I was wrong. Check out this woman's lofty goal. * Being a Transportation Logistics major, this next article caught my eye. It also makes me

Meeting a goal

2010-03-17T22:34:00.000-06:00

Hello, this is my mid-week posting. (Wednesday posting goal met - hence the post title) <<<<< Mainly, I want to remind you of that little box on the left. Please click. It is free and painless :) In other news, it was a busy, but good day today. Woke up very early and dropped my Mom off at the airport. OK - that part wasn't good :( Followed by a breakfast of KrispyKreme with the 3 kiddos

Daylight Savings Time

2010-03-15T09:50:00.000-06:00

I don't understand. WHY do they call it Daylight Savings Time? I certainly feel this morning as if I have lost an hour of sleep :) Setting my clocks forward an hour Saturday night made it harder to get up early the past couple of days. Yes, another excuse for Britt to procrastinate daily Quiet Times or regularly scheduled work out videos. However, more than being physically tired, I am tired

Happy Friday!

2010-03-12T09:42:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday, ladies! Way to make it to the end of another busy week. In honor of our great achievement, I shall post a top 9 list of Happy things in my world. (I didn't want to infringe on the over-done Top-TEN list ;) Britt's Happy Friday Top 8 list of things to be Happy about 9) This post is the third - yes third - post within 1 week's time. I made my M-W-F posting goal! 8) It was sunny

Life Topic Sentence

2010-03-10T09:01:00.000-07:00

I plan on someday soon blogging a mini-series (or 1 really long post ;) on what God is teaching me about standing firm. However, if I attempted to write it now, the post would be full of run-ons and discombobulated (isn't that a fun word? I have no idea if I spelled it correctly, but just had to use it!) So the "stand firm" post is postponed, but I simply must write something today. I'm

Stand Firm - Speak Truth continually to Our Kids

2010-03-08T08:32:00.001-07:00

Growing up, there are two quotes I remember my Mom pounding into my brain. Well, besides the usual "chew with your mouth closed" or "work before play", etc.... :) Did Mom stop spouting these two quotes when I turned 18? Oh No. Somewhere in a college dorm addressed letter, or tucked into an email my Mom inevitably quoted 1 of 2 Bible verses: 1) 3 John 4: I have no greater joy than to hear

Gutting a Sick Soul

2010-03-05T12:41:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel as if everything is spinning a bit out of control? That you can do nothing right? That everything is against you and you have to wonder if God truly is for you? Do you ever doubt the effectiveness of prayer or the goodness of God? That is where I have been lately. And I can't really put it all on this blog as to everything that is bugging me and getting me down. But after

Toilet Time

2010-02-27T22:00:00.002-07:00

Ok, I hope you don't think I'm going all potty mouth blog on you; with a "P" and "toilet" post back to back. I promise my next post will have nothing to do with doo-doo! I apologize, but I really couldn't think of a more appropriate title today. It seems that I'm doing alot of spiritual thinking and praying while going to the bathroom lately. I'm not trying to give TMI, just noting that I'm

To P or not to P

2010-02-20T12:13:00.000-07:00

And by "P", I mean PUPPY. Several months ago we started chores for allowance around this house. Two motivators were behind this decision: 1) We want to teach our children financial responsibility (I know, kind of ironic in light of this post!) ;) 2) The kids (and me) are wanting a dog. But dogs are a lot of responsibility and work, and we wanted to make sure the kids would be of consistent help

I'm ba-ack. Happy Happenings Post

2010-02-18T12:27:00.000-07:00

Hello - for the second time in a 7 day period. :() Thank God (and I am not swearing here) I finally feel a bit more chipper again! (helps the hubby is home - yay) So for those who endured the blah's lately - thanks, and this post is dedicated to you. :) Happy Happenings: * Dan is back from his recruiting trip to Iowa State University (Go Cyclones!). * Praise God, Dan's Dad comes home from the

Suffering Joy

2010-02-13T11:27:00.000-07:00

Obviously, I did not meet my goal of posting at least twice last week. My apologies. I'm still developing discipline in writing..... and it was kinda a rough week. Dan was out of town for business. And Dan's Dad was in the hospital in a lot of pain. Turns out he (my Father in law) has a torn carotid artery (yah - the juglar) and a clot had formed - putting pressure on a nerve that paralyzed

Spiritual Warfare - Finances

2010-02-06T12:55:00.000-07:00

Good weekend, Ladies, I gotta be real here. I'm feeling pretty emotionaly shredded and bruised today. If you have followed this blog for a little while, you probably have noticed that I currently reside in an under 1400 sq. foot house and would love, Love, LOVE to be in a bigger, nicer house. It is probably my biggest struggle with covetesnous at this stage in my life. You may also have read

Hello, Jon Acuff!

2010-02-04T19:32:00.000-07:00

Sorry, Ladies. I gotta be real here. This post is not for you, but for me. You see, I really enjoy reading a blog entitled Stuff Christians Like. The author of this site (and a soon to be released book by the same title) offered to guest post on a few people's blogs. I signed up. I am really hopeful as I was comment number 696 :() Anyway, If you are reading this, Jon, thanks for taking the

Perspective

2010-01-31T16:43:00.001-07:00

Two of my sisters-in-law are the inspiration for this post. Both are very creative writers. One sister (shout out to JULIE) occasionaly writes on her family blog as her 2 year old daughter. Even her 4 month old son recently wrote his debut blog post. These posts are written through the child's perspective, complete with phonetic mis-spells. My other sister (shout out to KARI) takes mundane,

Family Personality - Affecting Our Adult Relationships

2010-01-30T11:05:00.001-07:00

This is a continuation of discussing how our past influences our adulthood relationships. Again, I want to make it clear that I hold no degree in child or family psychology, so the following ideas really have no clout, whatsoever! ;) I personaly feel the family environment (personality) in which we were raised plays a very important role in who we become as adults. Specifically, our adult

Economic Past - Affecting Our Adult Relationships

2010-01-25T15:19:00.001-07:00

Discussing the past, I thought perhaps we could chat a bit how family influences who we are as adults. Specifically our adult relationships. (Thanks, Keely, for the idea). I want to make it clear that I hold no degree in child or family psychology, so the following ideas really have no clout, whatsoever! ;) I personaly feel the family environment in which we were raised plays a very

Reflections on my Past

2010-01-20T20:50:00.001-07:00

Keely challenged me with a question last post. She wanted to know about my past and wrote in the comments section: How have you incorporated the good and bad into who you are today? Um, Kee-ly. What do you think this is, an interactive diary? You want me to be real, or something?!? Personally, my biggest regret from my younger-years is that I did not live more boldly (grass always greener

What to pAst?

2010-01-17T22:26:00.002-07:00

Hmmmmm, What to post? What to post? I have to post something, or I won't make my goal of at least two posts a week. Maybe I should write about my past as three times straight, I keep accidentally typing "pAst" instead of "pOst"...... I don't particularly find my past that interesting, except to realize that I now have more of a past than I would like to admit. I turn 34 this year. I think I

Off-Balance

2010-01-13T19:56:00.000-07:00

Realizing I have not been very consistent with my blog posts so far in 2010 - sorry :( And I havn't been very good at consistent "quiet times" with God, either. But I have been pretty joyful. Does that count? Seems like I can only manage 2-3 things really well at a time -- and the rest slide. Right now I feel I am doing really well in the following areas: 1) homeschool 2) SS teacher,

First week of 2010

2010-01-07T20:08:00.000-07:00

Wow! Is it really already Thursday? Thanks be to God, this week has been a good week. Mind you, not all that super productive, but I figure just getting back in the swing of things is accomplishment enough this first week of the new year :) Homeschooling is going well. Only 1.5 meltdowns this week. (That is 1 total meltdown from my kindergartner on Monday and a .5 meltdown from my 2nd-grader

Joy to my World

2010-01-03T19:34:00.000-07:00

This is my last evening of freedom. Well, that is a bit over-dramatic as there will be more weekends and holidays, but my 2 week all-family staycation is rapidly drawing to a close :( However, I am determined (at leat attempting to be determined) to have a positive outlook tomorrow morning. Monday morning. Monday morning after 16 days of vacation. Getting up and out of pajamas by 8:00......

Merry-Happy Time

2009-12-30T12:47:00.000-07:00

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas. I did. I really enjoyed participating in our church's Christmas Eve services. Watching the kids open their presents. But now I am enjoying having a break from church obligations for a week. I'm enjoying spending time with my Dad, who is visiting. And since my Dad is visiting, the kids are enjoying having a grandparent around to spoil them with

Christmas Fruit Cake

2009-12-24T11:43:00.001-07:00

Merry Christmas! Hey! I finally made homemade cinnamon rolls! They turned out yummy, but I have a long way to go until they are perfected and gift-giving worthy ;) So since my rolls weren't out-of-family shareable AND the pesky fact I couldn't send you one via cyberspace anyway, I have decided to whip up a batch of Christmas Fruitcake. The kind I can share with you via the internet. Enjoy!

Random Reminders

2009-12-18T22:28:00.000-07:00

Okay, So remember from last post that I sense God working on me again? One of the ways I know this is that my heart and brain are more in tune to the Spirit's promptings. Usually in the form of everyday, mundane, random things. The Holy Spirit will interrupt my sinful thoughts of selfishness or judgementalism with whispers of Truth. I don't like seeing my sinful self through God's Truth

Spiritual Teeth Cleaning

2009-12-16T21:21:00.001-07:00

So this morning I was thinking I needed to update the blog, but nothing came to mind. Then throughout the day, God popped ideas into my brain. Now to decide which one to choose! Remember back a couple weeks ago when I challenged myself to read the Bible and spend time in prayer every M-F before breakfast? Update: God is faithful and every day, except Thanksgiving, that happened. I needed it

New Links

2009-12-12T15:51:00.004-07:00

If you share a passion for Homeschooling, Food, or Writing, check out the new links at the top of this blog. They are still blogs in progress, but I have recently updated "Homeschooling". I may add other blog links in the future, but I think these 3 are enough to launch for now! ;) Enjoy! PS - Have you checked out my sidebar gadgets? Beauty Tip of the Day, Bible Reader (read what is playing or

Top 5 - Holiday Foods

2009-12-11T08:34:00.000-07:00

Ok, there are two things compelling me to write this post: 1) It is FRIDAY! 2) Within a 24 hour period, two different people have mentioned the word "cinnamon roll" (thank you, Ping and Dan) So without further ado, Here is my list of favorite holiday treats. 1) My Grandma Werner's Danish Puff (almond flavored pastry)(1 thing of hers that, thankfully, I can make) 2) Christmas morning traditional