Romans 12:1-2

So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. Romans 12:1-2

Monday, November 28, 2011

America: The Last Best Hope Vol. III


America: The Last Best Hope (Volume III) From the Collapse of Communism to the Rise of Radical Islam
By William Bennett


Twenty years is a long time. However, Bennett believed that more time needed to pass to digest the history of 1989 – 2009 before writing this third volume. Many, especially in the education community, though persisted in asking for this history book to be written to bring us as up to date as possible. I love history, but have seen my share of boring history books. This is not one of those! “America” Vol. III is warm, relational and thought-provoking. Bennett writes with first-hand knowledge having served as Secretary of Education under President Reagan and as Drug Czar under President George H.W. Bush.

I, like many, lived during the events in the book so I have my own memories of what happened and where I was when I heard about the events. I appreciated the insight to what was going on on a deeper level and seeing how the events fit together to form a bigger picture. Even though the book is political and world event (including great changes in media and technology) in nature, Bennett included mention of country music. It fit though and was reflective of culture.
Most interesting to me was the epilogue. The book was written in 2009 and in the epilogue Bennett reflects on the hopes and fears of Americans. He is very hopeful in America rising to its challenges. Unfortunately, it seems that in the two years since, we have spiraled downward instead of rising. I wonder what will be written as history eighteen years from now.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Cooper & Me and the Winter Adventure




When I returned from traveling for Thanksgiving, a new book was waiting in my stack of mail. I laid it on my desk and thought that I’d get around to reviewing it in the next week “sometime”. I read it while waiting on the phone and had to write the review right away because it was so good! I wanted you to have time for some good opportunities before Christmas too! First the book – from a Mom standpoint, I loved that the book had fun, lovable characters and taught a valuable lesson (what to do when you are lost). From an educator’s standpoint, I loved that the book had wonderful rhyme and flow, used rich language and included higher level thinking questions. I am both Mom and educator and Cooper & Me and the Winter Adventure is worthy of your home and/or school library.

This book is perfect for PreK – 2nd grade and will offer a wonderful springboard for discussion. “Life Lesson” and “Connections” are included to help you with that too. Often young children have trouble talking about “what to do in a difficult situation”, but adventuresome dogs, Cooper and Bella will give children a story where children can relate and easily discuss what they would do if they were in a situation like the dogs (lost).

Here are some specifics on the book:
Website: http://www.cooperandme.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cooper-and-Me-Inc/214695101924101
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/cooper_and_me

Now for the OPPORTUNITIES:

First, $1 of every Winter Adventure book sold will go to advance research & treatment of pancreatic cancer, via the Lustgarten Foundation (http://www.lustgarten.org/)

Next, our friends at Cooper & Me are offering an EXCLUSIVE DEAL FOR YOU

Make any purchase of $25 or more at CooperandMe.com and get FREE SHIPPING now through December 15.

MUST USE THIS CODE @ Check Out: COOPERBLOG

Finally, you can enter to win a copy of Cooper & Me and the Winter Adventure. Simply visit the Cooper & Me website and make a comment here specifically about it. I will close the contest at 11:59 pm on Dec. 2 (so you don’t have much time!) and use random.org to select a winner.

I hope you take advantage of these opportunities. Enjoy Cooper & Me!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of Cooper & Me and the Winter Adventure for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Multitutudes on Monday - November 28


Even though I have sick kids and need to be leaving for a dr's appt. soon, my uncle is in the hospital and the stress of being in charge of Christmas parties is setting in (click here for the Crazy Mom Challenge - a great reminder from iMOM), I want to pause and reflect. I want to share that we are richly blessed with a multitude of grace...

915 Day in Kindergarten
916 The Lord is faithful to all His promises
917 Friend here
918 Lunch with friends
919 Hearing family stories
920 A new sweater
921 Chasing the sun
922 Cousins
923 Movie
924 Attending a wedding together
925 200 year old adobe home
926 Seeing children I love dearly – 2 of whom I have wonderful memories of them playing with my children
927 Clearing skies
928 A song on a guitar
929 God’s amazing grace
930 Entertaining dinner (Japanese Steakhouse)
931 Hearing memories
932 Redeeming time
933 Gifts
934 Getting to go to Trader Joe’s
935 Talking to family member on phone/timing – while driving by our old house
936 Going home
937 Dion’s & Blake’s
938 Late night conversations
939 Appointment made
940 Flannel sheets
941 Hospitality for a stranger
942 A special snow globe
943 Spontaneous drive through a light display
944 Fun dinner out and watching part of the game
945 Safety for many miles traveled
946 Pine trees and mountains


Nourishing our bodies and spirits.
Thankful for grandparents and thankful for them helping the kids fill their plates on Thanksgiving.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

On the Home Front - November 26

No fancy graphic - I'm not at my computer. Only a few starters (the ones I remember)
A daybook written on location in Albuquerque.

Outside my window... a wonderful deck with views of the mountains and lots of glorious sunshine!

On my mind... being present in our Christmas celebrations. I probably have a bit more responsibility than I care too, but we are looking forward to our part in Toys for Tots and to Hubby being home (not working) between Christmas and New Year.

Reading.. I read "Lead for God's Sake" on the way here and started skimming Billy Graham's new book "Nearing Home" (belongs to family). I have a history book for the ride home (not light reading at all).

What the boys are doing...they worked filing at their grandparents' store yesterday. Basketball practice starts this next week.

Plans for the week...I'm not working Monday and Tuesday - going to chapel (at Christian school) where Hubby is preaching Monday and trying to catch up from being gone and work on Christmas plans.

Menu planning ... delicious traditional meal on Thanksgiving. Enjoyed ham, twice baked potatoes, green beans, rolls, and fresh veggies on Tuesday night with my uncle, the boys, Hubby, Aunt and friend C. Will make chicken morsels Monday night, but now it's time plan for the month...again (sometimes this task feels like laundry, it never ends).

I am richly blessed... have so enjoyed having family around my table this month - and joining in with family for Thanksgiving. It was a joy to read my youngest nephew bedtime stories and to catch a movie with him and my sis in law. Hubby and I were immensely blessed to attend the wedding of a dear friend yesterday. God's grace is amazing!!!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

One Month to Live

When we first moved back to Oklahoma, several churches in the area were going through the book One Month to Live. I hadn’t had the chance to read it yet, so when I was given the opportunity to read it for review, I quickly took it.

Besides the authentic, clear way the book is written with doable and real life examples, I love the methodical lay-out of this book! It is designed for a chapter to be read daily with each week having a different theme: live passionately, love completely, learn humbly and leave boldly. After a little bit of writing there is a “Make It Count Moment” that is designed for you to reflect on what you’ve read and think about your own life. At the end of the chapter is “Make It Last for Life” where three action steps are outlined. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming either. If we just took one of the three or one or two steps from each week and made some lasting changes – it could really improve our life!

At the beginning of each chapter are also two quotes. My favorite one in the book is “A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are for” By William Shedd. The quotes, call for reflection, action steps, and style of writing are great for several different learning styles and provide “hooks” to make the message of the book stick.

I’m sure if we found out that we only had one month to live, our perspective would change and we’d strive to live each day to the fullest. We would focus on what truly mattered. One Month to Live has encouraged me to live that way now. When it is my time to leave this fleshy self, I want to have lived life on purpose.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Integer Race

My oldest, M - just doesn't feel very well right now. The nurse at school called today and when she didn't get me called my Hubby. After a second call - M got picked up at school. He was supposed to finish up some science project trials tonight, but I think that's going to have to wait.

Last week he turned in his math project. The assignment was to create a grade level appropriate math board game. M. did this racing theme where the object was adding and subtracting integers. (I must say that besides a few standardized tests, after college I never used negative numbers!).

The classes played/graded the games last Thursday and Friday. Here's M's creation:



Game of Your Life


Family Movie Night's 'Game of Your Life' is set to air on NBC Friday, December 2nd at 8/7c,
Synopsis: Zach Taylor gets a scholarship to Digital Institute of Game Design (DIGD). For his freshman project, he, his two roommates and strong leader, Sara Ramirez spend hours developing an interactive game. Will Zach get to stay at DIGD or will his project fail? Will he be enticed to take a prohibited side job? What can he do to help his father facing troubles at home? Zach has several tough choices. This movie is all about making decisions and how those decisions affect others.

Website: http://www.familymovienight.com/game-of-your-life/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/familymovienight
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/fmnib
Trailer: http://vimeo.com/31917601

This movie was not enjoyable for me to watch. However, I think that may have been because of my age or because I’m not a gamer. My ten year old spent a lot of time trying to figure out how the movie flowed together and kept asking me what was going on. Don’t let that stop you from watching though. Your kids might love it!

Overall, I really appreciate Walmart and Proctor and Gamble for sponsoring movies that you can feel comfortable sitting down and watching with your family. ‘Game of Your Life’ was clean with no questionable words or content and taught a character building lesson. It would be a great springboard to talk about loyalty, fairness, honesty, tough decisions, and commitment.

I received special access to a screening of this movie and all opinions are certainly my own.

Multitutudes on Monday - November 21


This is Thanksgiving week and our multitudes keep overflowing. We've had some health issues to deal with - M's headaches and my carpal tunnel; the weather is dreary now; and we have a couple issues we're working through - yet we still have so much to thank our Provider for graciously giving...

901 Finishing a math project together
902 Solution worked on
903 Free stuff
904 Cfa with M
905 Starting science project
906 Hearing boys talking in bed
907 Walk with J on a windy day
908 So warm I had to open a window on Saturday
909 Absolutely wonderful human video
910 L using his talents to praise the Lord
911 Shopping for shoebox
912 Hubby going with us
913 A shirt fitting
914 The grove of trees in the park that I can see from sitting at my desk

Sunday, November 20, 2011


A peek through my window… Foggy and windy. It even looks cold! S – 47 M – 55 T – 53 W – 63 Th – 67. Our van is parked on the street with only one headlight waiting for the new one. I’m sorry for Hubby that time got away yesterday (soccer game and too many other things) and he has to replace it today. Yesterday it was so warm I had to open a window and change to short sleeves!

What’s going on this week… Thanksgiving! Aunt’s best friend comes to town. I’m having lunch out with them and another friend on Tuesday and Tuesday night we’re going to have Thanksgiving here with my uncle (this is my Mom’s only brother).

What “the boys” are doing… Downtown missions is today for M. and L. starts practice for Bible competition. No soccer this week! Before or after missions M needs to work on his science project more. We had a good time together yesterday starting it – lunch at Cfa, shopping for supplies and then testing out what he needed to do.

On my mind… my things to do list sitting right here – some Christmas shopping before going to Abq., some reviews, Thanksgiving cards, getting to the P.O. (I don’t like going there at all!), and cleaning out the car (yes, mine – the one that still smells like a skunk!)

On my bedside table… One Month to Live

I am richly blessed… with a warm home and my family here. We worshipped together this morning (Aunt along with both boys in the service and Hubby preaching) and now one boy is upstairs playing video games and another is watching the game and cheering for the Cowboys. Hubby’s in the cold fixing the above mentioned light.

I’m praying for… many things. I'm praying for our small group and upcoming travels and holiday celebrations.

Our home… new candles are making it smell wonderful – and it’s almost clean – I had to take a break and write/post this.

Menu planning… Finger foods tonight for small group, chicken tacos, rice and broccoli tomorrow night and ham Tuesday.

A photo or two…

M and Cousin last weekend

Friday, November 18, 2011

A Truly Ordinary Evening

The main purpose of Our extra-Ordinary Life is a family journal (with some reviews thrown in) - so I wanted to post what a very ordinary evening is like here. On Thursday, a soccer practice night,I had subbed so I got home "late" (4). I checked email and made dinner while the boys did some chores and whatever else they did. M. took these pictures at dinner mostly from the perspective of the camera on the "J" bar counter.





We left the house around 5:45 to take L to Hubby's office so they could go shopping for indoor soccer cleats and go to practice. I got a call from a friend in Texas and we talked during the 20min. drive to the office (and back!). M. and I went to the YMCA basketball meeting and really didn't find out any new information, but it was nice being part of community and running into people we knew. He and I then went and picked up canned food goods for the school's food drive. We retired to the couch to study fungi and cells, etc. for his science test - while the football game was on (I know it's awful that I let him study like that!).

Hubby and L. came home with new cleats, but with uncertainty about keeping them (sometimes I feel like store exchanges are the story of my shopping life!). The indoor season is only 8 games and if L can wear his regular cleats, he'd rather put the money towards better outdoor cleats. Whatever - it was nice that they had a better selection at the new sporting goods store.

I spent some time working on Bible quizzing/competition with L. and then after we had put both boys in bed, Hubby and I watched the news and then went to bed.

Update: After this ordinary evening - I overslept about 45 minutes. Yay!, Hubby for sticking around to take L. to school (since there was no way the boys were going to make the bus). I subbed near Micah's school so I took him (and we even had time to stop for sweet tea for me). I made it to my school with these shoes on...

Wouldn't you like to have such a beautiful pair?

Monday, November 14, 2011

Multitutudes on Monday - November 14




These are really #870-899, but I can't figure out why when I copy from Word and paste here that the numbers turn. The point isn't what number I'm on though, it's that God continues calling me to see His grace and beauty all around. Multitudes - there are many many blessings in my life every single day!

708 Brothers getting along
709 Curiosity of a quake
710 Shelled pecans
711 Grocery lists
712 People we know to chat with when we’re out
713 Give thanks to the Lord
714 Prayer time with a dear sister in the Lord
715 God continues to answer and guide
716 L’s excitement to make something
717 The sparkle in M’s eyes
718 Time, warmth and cuddles
719 Helping someone
720 Taking time to stop
721 Living in the U.S.A.
722 Flannel sheets
723 Cars with out of state plates in our driveway
724 Family around our dining table
725 Apples to apples
726 Putting a puzzle together
727 Shopping with family
728 Dogface
729 Car not being in the driveway when the basketball goal blew over
730 Yellow cake with chocolate frosting
731 Time alone together
732 Aunt home safely
733 Treated to lunch and dinner out
734 A wonderful reminder in the Sunday sermon
735 A pastor who preaches truth
736 Prayer on the front porch
737 I really enjoy that the boys enjoyed the weekend so much!

Sunday, November 13, 2011

On the Home Front - November 13


A peek through my window… It’s 73 degrees on Nov. 13. Enough said!

What’s going on this week… Soccer season ended yesterday – soccer practice continues this week. Toys for Tots registration starts this week and I plan to help on days I’m not working – I have a sub job for Wed. through Friday already.

What “the boys” are doing… M has a school math project due Wed. and L. has three nights of drama practice for a performance on Saturday.

On my mind… I agreed to coach a Bible competition for 4th – 6th graders and offer some guidance for memorization and “sword drill”. The CD is sitting right here on my desk and I need to get going on preparation because our first practice is in one week.

On my bedside table… New book – but I think I’m going to save it for the drive to Albuquerque to read.

I am richly blessed… I was so ecstatic to have cars from other states in my driveway and family around my table for dinner this weekend!

I’m praying for… a large number of people at church going through difficult times.

Our home… is not messy from company, but I hope to have time tomorrow to put it back “together”. I need to get a Christmas gift wrapped (so I’ll have to make a trip to the attic) and a baby gift sent off in the mail.

Menu planning… Leftovers, something chicken, sweet & spicy pork, cube steak & bumble bee (shell) mac n cheese (the staple Sunday dinner at my house growing up).

A photo or two…

Saturday, November 12, 2011

FFH One Silent Night




This Christmas album has totally changed my outlook! I have long been a “nothing Christmas until the day after Thanksgiving” kind of person. After reviewing this album, I wanted to put up the tree, shop, and write Christmas cards! This is not just another Christmas album and you’ll definitely want to add it to your Christmas celebrations.

FFH, On Silent Night” is a wonderful mix of classics and original songs. You’ll recognize songs such as Winter Wonderland and O Little Town of Bethlehem and quickly fall in love with original ones such as The Birthday of a King and One Silent Night. My absolutely favorite song was “Glorious Impossible”. I have listened to it over and over and will throughout the year. It is a beautiful Christmas song and wonderful praise song at the same time.

I love how “homey” this album made me feel. It felt like FFH was sitting in my living room playing their music in front of the fireplace while we enjoyed hot tea and conversation around the Christmas tree. However, one of the best compliments of “One Silent Night” came from my 12 year old son. He walked into the office when I was listening to the album – he had no idea what I was doing – he just heard the music and exclaimed “We need to keep this!”

I’m looking forward to making “One Silent Night” part of our Christmas. Would you like to also? One reader of Our extra-Ordinary Life will get to enjoy FFH, One Silent Night with a free download of the whole album! Do the first one or all of these:
1) Leave me a comment about your favorite Christmas song in general (Mandatory Entry).
2) Follow my blog. (2nd Entry)
3) Put a link to this contest on your blog, fb, or twitter (3rd Entry)

I’ll hold the contest open until November 19 and then use random.org to select a winner. If your profile page does not show your email address, please include your email address in your comment.

Website: http://ffh.net/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FFHmusic
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/FFHMusic
iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/one-silent-night/id474548207

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”.

Honoring Our Veterans


My Dad was a Veteran. He served in the Air Force and was in Greenland during the Korean War. (It's because of this service that Dad was able to live his last year at a Veteran's Center - and I am so grateful to the wonderful care he received, especially at the one close to my home.) I was looking for a picture of him in uniform when he was young to post, but I didn't find one on the computer so I'm posting this one. He and Aunt had come to visit us in Texas and we ate lunch at Arby's before they left for home. I don't remember who or what it was that made me laugh - but I like that the picture shows we were having a good time.

Yesterday after I finished subbing I went to the cemetery to put a flag on Dad's grave. It reminded me that he always had a flag on the antennae of his car (how funny that kids growing up today aren't going to know what car antennas are!)

I had the privilege of attending L's school's Veteran's Day assembly Monday (in the second picture he is on the back row, 3rd from the right) and the one at the school I subbed yesterday. I am posting these pictures in honor of all Veterans. I'm very grateful for their service and sacrifice!




Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Blame It On the Rain

Though I leave my purse at the frozen yogurt place, though I run over a dead skunk on the way home and can't park the car in the garage because of the smell, though the earth keeps shaking, though the roof is leaking (again) and we need to call a repairman, though my car now smells like wet skunk, yet I am thankful for the rain. I am thankful for a car to drive, money to buy frozen yogurt and someone to share it with, and for our home. I will rejoice in the Lord, my covenant maker and keeper. I will be joyful in God my Savior.

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. Habakuk 3:16-18

Monday, November 7, 2011

His Steadfast Love by Golden Keyes Parsons


I was first drawn to the novel, His Steadfast Love, by it’s tagline, “A Civil War Novel”. I am a history buff and that particular time period has always fascinated me. In the book, Amanda Belle is “in the middle” of: her brother fighting for the Confederacy and the man she loves, an officer for the Union; a promise made and the stirrings of her heart; life as she has always known it and wartime; how she views slavery and challenges to her views; and finally, her Father’s faith and wrestling with what she believes about God and His working in our life.

This plot and sub-plots serve to make His Steadfast Love well-rounded and fully developed. I am not a fan of romance novels so it was a welcome relief that the book wasn’t drippy and only focused on Amanda and her beloved. Love stories of other friends and family members were even included. Those who are fans of romance novels won’t be disappointed by the romantic encounters, waiting and love notes.

Author, Golden Keyes Parsons, uses vivid details and words that painted wonderful pictures for me and kept me fully engaged. The week that I read this book, I substituted all week, and I almost couldn’t stand it when I had to stop reading.

I appreciated historical facts that were included. Some I had not considered before and some gave me ideas for further exploration. I also liked that a reader’s guide was included. The questions are perfect for further personal consideration of issues raised in His Steadfast Love, or for a book club discussion. I would definitely recommend this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Multitutudes on Monday - November 8


Oklahoma experienced several earthquakes on Saturday. Although, there have been some in the past, the one felt Saturday around 11pm, was recorded as the strongest ever in Oklahoma at a 5.6. This was the only one I felt due to either being asleep or distance from the epicenter. It was my first experience like this and although a novelty, not something I want to happen frequently. I am thankful that there was no loss of life due to the earthquakes and minimal damage.

This continues my list of counting my multitudes - I am blessed. He freely gives grace...

846 The #24 waiting on our table
847 An explanation – a kind word – much appreciated
848 Hubby taking the time to explain what’s important in life
849 Inspiring movies
850 He (M) played for me again (trumpet)
851 Skipping across the parking lot with L
852 Unseasonably warm weather
853 Baby H born!
854 Pink and purple sky Sun. night and Wed. morning.
855 Glorious Impossible
856 Silliness
857 My first giveaway
858 We are going to ABQ!
859 Time with Hubby is absolutely wonderful!
860 His right hand will guide me, His right hand will hold me fast.
861 Beautiful mornings and time to walk
862 The sound of the leaves under our feet
863 Seeing my favorite runner in the park
864 The Canadian geese are here
865 A breakfast date
866 The American flag
867 Veteran’s program
868 Smiles and hugs from L
869 L in his Scout uniform

Saturday, November 5, 2011

On the Home Front - November 5


A peek through my window… S – 70 , M –71 , T – 69 , W – 56. Even though we’ve had some chilly mornings, I can’t complain. It’s November and is feeling pretty warm still! It looks kind of windy out right now and the skies are still grey. Hubby couldn’t fly this morning because of the clouds.

What’s going on this week… 31 Party tomorrow, Family comes on Thursday and more on Friday.

What “the boys” are doing… M – see “On My Mind”. L’s school Veteran’s program is Monday. Friday he’ll miss school in the afternoon to help at a “show”.

On my mind… I need to be picking M up at his game soon (boy the time goes quickly). Hopefully he’ll pass the “test” on Monday and can practice that night and play Tuesday.

On my bedside table… I started reading One Month to Live this week.

I am richly blessed… we are going to travel for Thanksgiving after all and I’m really looking forward to it. I was also blessed this week with a free Christmas album.

I’m praying for… opportunities and stirrings of my heart.

Our home… after working all week, our home finally got some attention last night when I cleaned the dining room, living room, and boys’ bathroom.

Menu planning… My usual song “I still need to do this.” It will look a little different because of family visiting.


M ready for dinner. I know, it's disgusting to think we had hot dogs for dinner one night last week. I even only buy all beef hot dogs, but I'm still thinking I need to come up with some other menu plans! I really took the picture to show how warm it was even at 7 o'clock - I left the door open while I grilled.




Friday, November 4, 2011

Ever Grateful to Stop and Give Thanks and a Giveaway

When our boys were little and November rolled around, I would cut out paper leaves in red, yellow, orange and brown. At dinner we would draw or write on the leaves the things for which we were thankful. The boys got older, we got busier, and I stopped making leaves. This summer as I was reading 1000 Gifts, I issued a challenge to the boys (it had to be in the form of a challenge, right? – They’re boys after all!) to start their own gratitude journals.

As our weather turned crisper, I started thinking about those paper leaves and a new challenge was issued: write more in those journals and we will share them on Mondays at dinner. Hubby joined in and is keeping his list on his phone. The boys have even started a game where one person names a number and someone else reads that number from their journal.
Last Monday, we gathered at a deli and shared our lists. I’m so grateful that our boys enjoy showing thanks! This Monday, we will gather at our table decorated with our Ever Grateful Reversible Table Runner from Dayspring.
I was so excited to open this when the Dayspring box came to my doorstep! The workmanship is wonderful and I love the colors! There’s a hint of color, but it is very neutral and won’t clash with other décor or tableware. One of the best parts is the message, “Let there be thankfulness to God”.
I love the warmth and inspiration it brings to our table. The runner is 72” long and 14” wide and coordinates with other items in the Ever Grateful line. It’s on sale this month and you can find it at the Dayspring Online Store.

Did you find other wonderful things when you looked? Thanks to the wonderful people at Dayspring, I am giving away a $20 coupon code to the
Dayspring Online Store. This will be very simple to enter – visit the online store and leave me a comment telling me your favorite Dayspring item – that’s it.

If your profile page does not show your email address, please include your email address in your comment. I will use random.org to select a winner and will then notify you via email. (Contest will remain open through November 10.)
Disclosure: I received an Ever Grateful Table Runner free from Dayspring in return for my blog review. All opinions are completely mine and true.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

One Thousand Gifts - November 3 and A Special Memory



800 Holding hands
801 84 degrees on October 24
802 Sub calls
803 A week’s worth of dinners planned
804 Seeing one of Mom’s old friends at Aldi
805 More free books
806 Pepper jack cheese
807 How God shares the same thing through several ways – sermon, small group, Bible study
808 Early morning light
809 Found wrist brace
810 Convenience of online forms
811 Challenges issued
812 He is my Watchman
813 L. being able to do something he enjoys with Aunt – the rats – because I don’t want any part of them!
814 All the Trunk r Treat cards passed out
815 Homemade croutons
816 Coram Deo
817 Most of the trees changed overnight!
818 Pumpkin projects
819 Wednesday night Bible Study
820 Clean clothes
821 Good health
822 A smile that makes me smile
823 Purple pens
824 Finishing grading papers
825 Unexpected free evening
826 Polite children
827 A clown picture made by someone special
828 Pumpkin spice hand lotion at school
829 All four of us at dinner together at a regular time
830 Roasting marshmallows over the stovetop for
831 Smores
832 Watching the World Series
833 Jesus is my joy and salvation!
834 The arrows in our quiver
835 Walking in the rain
836 Consistently writing thank yous for over a year
837 Clear CT scan for M
838 I am fearfully and wonderfully made
839 M & Ms
840 Photo collage
841 God Bless America
842 Goodie Day at school
843 Winning a giveaway
844 Text from a friend
845 The beautiful sound of a bird singing as I walked

M was in kindergarten seven years ago and I am still thankful for his kindergarten teacher, Mr. Bunch. He was perfect for M and exactly who we prayed for! M. is the boy in bright blue standing next to the girl in hot pink and in front of their assistant teacher.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Revolution Worship...Live at Joy Church International and My First Giveaway


“Revolution Worship…Live At Joy Church International” is a praise and worship album that I recently had the privilege to review. From the first download, I was impressed at how celebratory the music was. The album was released mid-October and climbed eleven spots this week on the Billboard chart.

An online Christian book distributor says this about “Revolution”: “The live band and full choir seamlessly blend gospel, funk, rock, and soulful R&B into an exhilarating worship celebration.” I loved the music, but my favorite part was how all the songs pointed to Christ and not feelings. With songs like “Joy of the Lord”, “We Lift You Up” and “Praise Your Name”, from start to finish the album centers on authentically praising the One who gives meaning to the “Praise & Worship” category of music.

This is not typically the style of music I listen to, but I can honestly say, I enjoyed this album.

One reader of Our extra-Ordinary Life will get to enjoy their own copy of “Revolution Worship…Live At Joy Church International”. There are two ways to enter the giveaway:

1) Follow my blog (however you choose)and leave me a comment about it (Mandatory Entry).
2) “Like” Revolution on FB and leave me a comment about it (2nd Entry)

If your profile page does not show your email address, please include your email address in your comment. I will use random.org to select a winner. (Contest will remain open through November 15.)

Check out“Revolution Worship…Live at Joy Church International"at these great spots:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MyWorldRevolution
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/MWRevolution
iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/revolution-worship-live/id467741849
Video: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=2371896618238

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services
mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I
only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255:
"Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”.