Simple Woman's Daybook 6/28/2011

FOR TODAY


Outside my window...
beautiful sunshine!!!!  I love summer!!


I am thinking...
about life ... my life ... my family's life together ... where we've been, where we're going, what God is doing ...

I am thankful...
for God's provision with our recent vehicle problems - first a flat tire along a busy interstate & the State Trooper that came by almost immediately to help - and then our car's transmission giving out the next day only about a mile from a seemingly-reputible transmission shop ... all this in a city 4 hours away from home!

In the kitchen...
We were on "vacation" last week ... or should I rather say we had "a week off" ... so we ate out quite a bit - today it was REALLY GOOD to get back into my own kitchen and make my family's favorite "Mexican soup"  (basically a taco-seasoned ground beef in a tomato/beef broth based soup with potatoes and corn - topped with sour cream and cheese).

I am wearing...
comfy clothes ... we only have one vehicle right now & I was very, very content to sit at home allllllllll day and take it easy.

I am creating...
a cleaner, more organized home (or at least that is my goal)

I am going...
to sleep well tonight - in my own bed!!!!  I love my own bed. Too many hotel beds last week - too soft, too narrow, too cold, too hot ....

I am wondering...
what God is up to ... We don't always understand His ways, but we can always trust His heart. 

I am reading...
blogs. 

I am hoping...
July is a less eventful month for my family than June has been ... in every way!

I am looking forward to...
my mom is coming at the end of the month.  :)  She's already told me she wants to watch Miriam for me a lot as I don't often have a chance to have a babysitter ...

I am hearing...
my husband snoring as he "watches" the baseball game.  ;)

Around the house...
a lot of laundry - as is usual after a week away.  :(

I am pondering...
what all I need to do coming up ... hoping to re-organize my life again ...

One of my favorite things...
HOME.  :)

A few plans for the rest of the week:
tomorrow - hair cut for me & Anna
Thursday - my first ever baseline mammogram ... lucky me ... and routine bloodwork.  Oh the joys of being 40.......at least my doctor's office is located near some fun places to browse/shop!!  :) 
Friday - seeing my husband's sister and 2 of her children from Montana who are visiting their parents. 

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...
my "perfect" kids!  ;)

Perspective

On our several trips from our home to Tulsa, Oklahoma over last weekend, we drove by Joplin, Missouri each time.  On Monday, we drove into Joplin for fuel and some lunch.  Originally we saw a sign for Chick-Fil-A (and if you know me, you KNOW that's where I'd be voting to eat!) ... but as we began to see the tornado devastation, we began to be distracted by the torn-off rooves and destroyed buildings ...

In fact, Chick-Fil-A was gone ... being rebuilt.  Because the tornado hit on a Sunday - and Chick-Fil-A is always closed on Sundays, no one was injured or killed at that location.  

My pictures can't do justice to what it is really like along this road of devasation.  It is heartening to see the rebuilding going on in full force.  Many of the buildings have signs on them thanking God and others for the help and provision.

I guess a drive through an area like this puts our own recent vehicle troubles in perpective ... losing tires and a transmission isn't nearly as difficult as loosing your home, livelihood, a family member, or your own life.

We have to drive by Joplin at least one more time next week to go pick up our abandoned car (it does need its transmission rebuilt), and I hope I will remember to count my blessings.  Even through the difficulties of our recent "vacation" and of life in general, God is completely in control ... NOTHING can touch us that He doesn't allow or give us His strength to get through.  We just have to rely on Him ... and I'm hanging on to that hope.  I know it isn't going to be easy for me because last night I had the worst migraine headache I've ever had in my entire life - and I know my body and subconscious are working overtime to process the exhaustion and stress and worry about all that is involved with our situation ... but I don't ever want to lose my trust in God's goodness and provision for me, for my family, for those I know facing  even worse trials, and for people who live in Joplin, MO.

Home Sweet Home

I guess God has His ways of making a person grateful for the things they forgot to be grateful for ... today as our zippy little red rental car crossed over the Oklahoma/Missouri border, I was humming along with John Denver:

It’s the sweetest thing I know of,
just spending time with you;
It’s the little things that make a house a home
Like a fire softly burnin’, supper on the stove,
The light in your eyes that makes me warm
Hey it’s good to be back home again.
Sometimes this old farm house feels like a long-lost friend ...
Yes ’n’ hey, it’s good to be back home again.

We decided that instead of spending more money on another night in a motel, we'd just rent a car and come home instead.  Tomorrow it's back to Tulsa (why does that sound vaguely like it should be a country song??!) ... back to Tulsa ... where my dead car waits for me ... back to Tulsa ... payin' the toll road fee ... back to Tulsa ... I'd really rather not be ... back to Tulsa. Oklahoma. USA-AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.   Hmmm, probably better keep my day job - my lyric writing stinks.  ;)

Anyway, I think we all lit up about about 100 watts when we pulled into our driveway this afternoon!  As we took turns finding our favorite spots in our old house, you could hear the kids say "it's SO good to be HOME!!" ... and Miriam couldn't decide which way to go first to find her beloved books and toys.  Personally, I can't wait to sleep IN MY OWN BED ... I've felt like Goldilocks on this trip with most beds at motels being "too soft" - definitely none were "just right."  :( 

So, tonight we enjoy HOME ... tomorrow, who knows.  Dan and I are going back to find a mechanic and get an assessment of the car (praying it might just be something simple, not a complete transmission fail).  Thankfully, we can drop the kids off with Dan's parents along the way.  That is a blessing they live along the route. 

In the end, I do know God isn't surprised at the trouble we've had on this trip (to include being pulled over by a state trooper even on our way home!!  He said I was "following the truck ahead of me too close" but Dan thinks he just wanted to check out the new red car that was hiding behind a semi!) ... thankfully, I only got a warning and a lecture on counting car lengths on the interstate.  I am trying to remember to count my blessings - and not worry about the future expenses and consequences if worse comes to worse.  Mainly we need wisdom as we talk to mechanics (becasue neither me or my husband are mechanically inclined in any way). 

I told Dan though - after all the added expenses we've had between new tires and now this mechanical problem, we probably should have just gone to Hawaii instead.......

Family Fun?!

If I believed in jinxes, then I'd avoid the city of Tulsa, OK for the rest of my life ... if I believed in "karma," I'd think the universe was misaligned against me right now. 

Thankfully, I believe in God ... I believe in His providential care and that He is good.  The quote I mentioned the other day remains true:

"Our circumstances are not an accurate reflection of God's goodness. Whether life is good or bad, God's goodness, rooted in His character is the same."-Helen Grace Lescheid

Friday - on our way to going to some old friends' son's wedding in middle-of-no-where, Oklahoma, we had a flat tire near Tulsa.  Thankfully, within a few minutes of pulling off the interstate, before Dan could even open the trunk to get out the spare, a state trooper pulled up to assist him!  Ironically, we had just been talking about needing to replace tires on both our vehicles and about the time frame and budget to do so ...

Well, the plan was soon expedited because we had to buy 4 tires when we got to Tulsa since our 1996 Buick's original-to-the-vehicle tires were basically dry rotting!  (This was Dan's grandma's car which only has about 75,000 miles on it which we inherited/bought when she passed away a while ago).  Truthfully, I was just glad to get tires on the car and be on our way without having to anticipate the ordeal of finding good used tires at our local good-ol'-boy resource near our home.  Brand new tires ended up costing only about $10 more each than we pay at the resale place Dan usually goes to.  God provides. 

We had reservations to spend the night in Tulsa anyway, and all was well.  The wedding of our friends' son today was such a blessing.  This was a child we met when he was about 4 years old (about 18 years ago!) ... and now he has graduated from Bible college and found a precious Christian mate.  It makes me feel old ... but it encourages me greatly to see the rewards of faithful parenting.   We hadn't seen our friends in 10 years - and it was so great to catch up in person! 

As we left the wedding, our new tires humming along the remote Oklahoma roads, I was feeling pretty good about the whole weekend and was so thankful to just be with my little family .... As we cruised into Tulsa, I was wishing I didn't have to go home just quite yet.  And ironically, the car began to make a funny noise, which turned into it not wanting to accelerate.  Thankfully we were not on the interstate as we were looking for a shopping center to walk around in for a short break - and so we were able to coast into a motel's parking lot.  And here we sit - one more night together out of town, just like I wished. 

Since tomorrow is Sunday, I'm not so sure if we can get our car looked at.  Dan has called his parents - and they can come "rescue" us if need be ... but it doesn't look like we may be going anywhere until Monday at this rate.  No doubt God will provide answers in His perfect timing.  At least we have somewhere to stay ... and we have much more time to look forward to spending together.  Ironically, I now want to go home ...

Ten Reasons I Love Home-Schoolers!

We (or should I say Dan) have always had a heart for Christian education.  It is the main reason why he gave up his career with the Army in order to walk through an open door to teach at our children's Christian school.  In the last two years, however, I have found myself surrounded more and more by families who homeschool!  And I love the insights I am getting into their lives.  These people aren't as scarey and "unsocialized" as they are sometimes made out to be (that's a JOKE, homeschooling friends!!!!); at least the ones I know, who homeschool responsibly and well, are an inspiration to me ... and frankly, some days I'm just a little jealous of the time they get to spend with their children, focusing on their own families, and the flexibility they have to plan their own schedules and control how busy (or NOT busy) to be.

Through ordering Chrisitan character-building material from a catering-mostly-to-home-school-type-families company, Doorposts, I was approached by them as a customer in Missouri to see if I was interested in representing them at the Christian Home Educators Fellowship Conference and Curriculum Fair this week (even though we don't homeschool!).  Since we really have no plans or extra money for a real vacation this summer (going to visit family & staying with them - in my opinion - just does not a vacation make), we decided we may as well have a "working vacation" this year and help Doorposts out.  While I'd much rather be in Hawaii, Colorado, Europe, or anywhere BUT Missouri, since that is all impossible, I may as well spend some quality time with my family, teaching them that sometimes you can have fun just by working together.   Nothing says UNCONDITIONAL LOVE than spending about 11 hours in a 10x10 booth with your entire family for 2 days in a row!!!! ;) 

Here are my top 10 reasons I have enjoyed being at the conference (and you'll please excuse my generalizations, I am trying to be optimistic!):

1.  Plenty of time to study the books we are selling while we wait for customers - and if you know Doorposts and/or if you want to influence your children with principles straight out of the Bible, you know this GOOD STUFF. 

Simple, straight-forward, practical.   

 2.  Our lives are busy during the school year ... and even during summer, we are seldom just together as a family ... This curriculum fair is requiring us to spend 3 days almost solely working together, traveling together, and being together.  <3

 3.  How's Miriam doing???  Well, she is LOVING it!!  She is getting a lot of attention because HOMESCHOOLERS LOVE CHILDREN!  :)  

 4.  The vendors all around us.  We are located catty-corner (is that a word?) to Vision Forum.  We even glimpsed Doug Phillips (who is one of the key note speakers) as he stopped by their booth!!  Across the way from us is Grace and Truth Booksellers ... my husband and son are in HEAVEN as they LOVE books so they sneak over to browse when things are slow.  They carry a full line of books by G.A. Henty, the Lamplighter series, and Andrew's new favorite the Kingdom series by Chuck Black.  History, biographies, family, education and theology books galore!

5.  Long talks with moms in the next booth beside us (representing the math curriculum they use).  We've spent literally hours talking, getting to know each other, chit-chatting, laughing, and overall finding that though we have chosen 2 different methods of Christian education for our children, we value our children as gifts and responsibilites from God! 

6.  Seeing Abraham Lincoln browsing the vendor's booths.  This conference has a Civil War theme, and there are re-enactors all around!!  Abe walks among them - he is even speaking in a session or two. 

7.  FREE samples ... which include a handy tote bag, a copy of the US Constitution (everyone should read it though I will admit I never have...), donuts, and coffee from the conference caterer. 

8.  Seeing old "friends":  Dr. John Stormer, who was so active in Missouri's legislature advocating for Christian education & the author of None Dare Call it Education (among other books), has a table set up with his books; he is a friend of our pastor's and of our church.   Also, the Abeka rep who is responsible for our school's territory and visits once a year, leaving us lots of sticky-note pads as a thank-you gift.  He walked by just as Dan was talking to the homeschool rep from Bob Jones Press and telling her how we are switching some upper level classes from ABeka to BJU!!  :-O 

9.  Making new friends.  Anna has been reading the Rachel Yoder series by Wanda Brunstetter ... and is fascinated with the Amish lifestyle right now.  Rod and Staff Publishers, a Mennonite company, has their representatives a few tables down from us.  Anna spied a girl in her Mennonite garb who appeared to be about her age.  The girl kept walking by our table, smiling ... and Anna finally got up the gumption to speak to her.  Turns out the little girl was hoping to talk to Anna too - and the girls have been wandering around the fair together, playing at the Discovery Toys booth (with the seller's ok), and talking.  I love it that Anna is exposed to people of different and wonderful life styles and befriending other families who are also seeking to serve God through Christian education. 

10.  Learning something new, enjoying the fellowship of like-minded people, stepping away from the mundane to re-gain perspective, keeping it simple, and forgetting that there is a world going on back home and all around us that is full of issues to reconcile, decisions to make, and routines to step back into. 

So, it hasn't been as relaxing or exciting as a real vacation trip ... but the rewards - I suppose - might just reach further, into our hearts and even touch just the edge of eternal worth.  

Conny

The Altar

In 1900, Elisha Hoffman wrote the hymn we know as "Is Your All on the Altar".  This song was sung at our school's recent high school graduation, and it has not left my mind since.  The tune keeps creeping into my head, and I wonder if it is God speaking to my heart?

Elisha Hoffman was an interesting man.  I had to look up his biography as I wanted to get to know the man whose song is currently driving me to think deeper about my life and God's plan for it. 

Mr. Hoffman lived to be 90 years old, from 1839 to 1929.  He was the son of a minister and accepted Jesus as his Savior at a young age.  He experienced the Civil War period, and his first wife died after just 8 years of marriage, leaving him with 3 little boys.  He worked for a Presbyterian publishing house but was also ordained and worked as a pastor most of his life.  Though not musically trained, he wrote 2,000 songs and hymns (you would probably recognize many of them if you've been in church for any amount of time)!  He did remarry and enjoyed a long life with his second wife and their daughter. 

His hymn of surrender begins with the question I have asked myself a lot (in my own way) recently:

Have you longed for sweet peace and for faith to increase
(yes, yes, I have!)
and have earnest, fervently prayed,
(often - that God would show me what I am doing wrong, asking His help to control my thoughts and emotions.)
But you cannot have rest or be perfectly blest
Until all on the altar is laid.
(I've laid a lot of things on the altar in the last few years, but I know I am still hanging on to a few areas that I struggle with letting go)

Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid?
Your heart does the Spirit control?
(As Christians we believe we have the Holy Spirit living inside us, but how much do we  listen to Him?  How easy it is to suppress Him because I don't think God forces Himself on anyone!)
You can only be blest,
And have peace and sweet rest,
As you yield Him your body and soul.
(I know I am blessed - God's been better to me than I ever deserve ... but the peace and rest are sometimes lacking ... Is it because I haven't totally yielded Him my body and soul?)

Oh, we never can know

What the Lord will bestow
Of the blessings for which we have prayed,
Till our body and soul
He doth fully control,
And our all on the altar is laid.


Who can tell all the love
He will send from above,
And how happy our hearts will be made;
Of the fellowship sweet
We shall share at His feet,
When our all on the altar is laid.

Giving up control is not easy for me ... to fully rely on a person to take care of me is hard, to trust in a God I don't always understand is even harder.  Blame it on my childhood, blame it on my past experiences, blame my cynical nature ... but something inside me balks at giving God EVERYTHING, trusting Him to take care of things I have no control over anyway.  While I know He has never failed me, I sometimes wonder why I can't just trust Him more completely for my future. 

I guess human nature makes us all want to be independent; the world tells us we have power within, to take charge of our own destiny ... and while I don't like or believe the propaganda, I fear I've formed my own self-sufficient way of thinking and acting.  Some people are easier going about surrendering control, but for us control freaks, it isn't quite as simple.   And yet, day by day, step by step, God is working, dealing gently, softening up the hardened heart, and even when I don't understand, asking me to lay everything on the altar before Him. 

Conny

My Kids are Perfect....

NOT.

 Last Sunday by complete fluke, my children all ended up dressed in some variation of green ... I thought that would be the PERFECT time for a picture opportunity as I am seldom so together that my children would actually match!!  Usually, I'm fortunate if all my kids get to church with Miriam's shoes on, Andrew's outfit ironed and Anna's hair combed well. 

Oh how our children ... especially the littlest of ones ... have a way of keeping us grounded in reality. 

Conny

LUCKY WINNER!!

Last week I shared with you about Marla Taviano's new eBook about ... well, you know what about.  ;) 

Marla offered one of my readers a FREE copy of her book:

AND the WINNER is ....


Bobbie Jo

BJ, I'll be getting in touch w/ you about how to get your eBook download as soon as I hear from Marla.  Congrats & Happy Father's Day TO LONNIE!  :)

If you didn't win but are still interested in the eBook, you can get it for "only" $4.99.
Remember proceeds go toward Marla's families' missions trip to Cambodia!

Conny

The Tale of 2 Fathers

I am one of those people who have 2 fathers ... It's not really unusual these days, but growing up I was one of the few in my Christian school/church environment to come from a broken home; although I think, in our case, "broken" wasn't a good word for it.  My step dad, who adopted me and who will always be Dad, FIXED a lot of things for us.  Although, as many a non-biological child would feel, sometimes I resented him - or probably didn't treat him with the respect he deserved when I was growing up, I appreciate that he allowed me to mature and work through my problems until I understood more about why he and my mom did what they did.  A lot of that came after I became an adult and a parent myself. 

My dad is also ultimately the one who led our family to God.  He knew the Lord but had been disregarding him while he lived his younger days.  After marrying my mom, together they began to seek a way to keep their marriage together - and that started with first the Army chapel and then going back to my dad's Baptist roots.  It wasn't the "roots" and tradition that saved us though - it was finding a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that we all eventually shared.  For over 30 years now, I have had Jesus in my heart and as my Guide and Friend.  Many people are responsible for sharing God with me, but it was my Dad that initiated us moving closer to Him.  Again, I am thankful today more than ever.

My biological father is really the antithesis to my dad.  My father (as I'll call him to make the distinction between him & my dad) is independent, doesn't want to be tied down, and has no interest in anything to do with God.  While he is a "good" person as such, he really is ultimately in this life for himself.  I think that was one of the reasons he and my mother got a divorce ... he didn't want a family to tie him down.  I spent a lot of time with my father each summer growing up, but sadly, I can't say that the things I learned from him will do me any good in my own life or for eternity.  I guess I learned mostly how the decisions we make affect us and others, negatively and positively.

For example, my father's father died on the Russian front in World War II.  My father grew up without him and with a mother who had to work all the time to make ends meet, so he basically raised himself.    Now, you might say that is sad ... and it is ... but it is no excuse for my father's irresponsibility.  His sister, who grew up in the exact same situation, has been a responsible wife and mother for many, many years and has always tried to be a responsible, caring, selfless person.  My father was responsible in that he held down a job, threw some token money at me occasionally, invested some time in me when I was younger, but in the end, he really only cares about himself.  I wish he cared enough about himself to realize he needs a Savior, but I can see how pride and self-sufficiency will not allow him (just yet) to acknowledge that need.  He - in his mind - doesn't need anything or anybody.  :( 

I love both of these men, both of my fathers ... I know God had a plan for them both being in my life.  As they both are now reaching the ages of 75 (my dad's birthday is this week), I think more and more about how they are both ending their lives as such (I realize & I hope that they both have a lot more living to do, but you know what I mean).  My dad is living for God, continuing to be faithful in church and in his life, trying to build strong relationships and leave a godly heritage for us.  My father is trying to get as much as he can for himself; he doesn't make time to invest in his grandchildren aside from giving them money (which we appreciate but we'd rather SEE HIM); and every decision he makes is for himself without regarding anyone else.  

What a study of contracts.  As I share both of my fathers with my children, I leave them with fond memories of my biological father as he did try in his own way to be on edges of my life, but just as I was adopted into my dad's family, it is this adopted heritage that I will pass down to my children that will benefit them for eternity. 

Of course, I am most thankful for the father of my children ... Dan's influence is the best thing my children have going for them!!  I am truly blessed to have him in my life every day, sincerely striving - with God's help - to be the best father he can be ... and as a bonus for me:  the best husband too.   :)

Happy Father's Day

Conny

An Interview with Marla Taviano

Previously I mentioned that Marla Taviano has written a new eBook for husbands (and wives).  This eBook that was released yesterday is available for $4.99 ... or you can WIN A FREE COPY from me by commenting on my previous post!! 

Check out The Husband's Guide to Getting Lucky.  I think you will find that Marla has attempted to write a candid book based on godly principles - reflecting her heart for marriage - seasoned with her humor.  I would like to introduce you to Marla Taviano by sharing an interview I conducted with her via email (my questions are obviously in blue):


1. You've got such a heart for marriage, family, and pregnant woman (as evidenced by your recent involvement with pregnancy center in Haiti- is that right?). Is this just something that has always been your interest/burden OR have you seen families/couples/women over the years who need help and prayers?? In other words, what has inspired you to want to help in these areas and write about them?
Wow, great questions. Yeah, I don't know that I always had a heart for women. In fact, I know I didn't. In college, I hung out with guys a lot of the time, because girls got on my nerves. Isn't that awful? Then somewhere along the line, God just started giving me a love for women and a desire to help them see their value in him. And it's kind of just grown and grown, and my heart has gotten bigger and bigger. And God in his awesomeness has really blessed me with some amazing opportunities in recent months. My friends and blog readers have donated over 550 copies of my book, Expecting, to crisis pregnancy centers, and 50+ of us have been praying for pregnant women in Haiti (through Heartline ministries). And I'm up for whatever God brings my way next.


2. Personally, I think you relate so well to us "ordinary women" and to those of us who just want to be REAL, especially in our Christian walk. For me, it has been a journey, a series of events that have brought me to this kind of heart and desire. How about you? What life events or experiences have made you be able to relate to us ordinary folk? :)

I used to be jealous when I'd hear missionaries share crazy adventure stories of their lives in foreign lands. Or former prostitutes/drug addicts who God rescued in a miraculous way. My life was flat out BORING. I grew up in a Christian home, accepted Christ at an early age, and lived a good girl life in the Midwest with absolutely no adventure. It took me quite awhile to realize that God wanted to use my boring for his glory. And wouldn't you know it? Ever since then, he's taken me to foreign lands (and 52 zoos) with lots of adventure on the horizon. As for being real, yeah, I don't know that I have a choice. Being someone I'm not takes entirely too much energy. That's part of what I love to do--convince women that they are beautiful and valuable JUST AS THEY ARE.

3. I know you've done surveys and such for your new eBook ... What other "research" do you do when you write a book - or especially for this book? Just life experience, the Bible (obviously!), classes taken in the past, sermon notes, etc????? In other words, what lends credibility to your books and writing? Opinions, experience, studying, interaction with others?

Yes, yes, yes, and yes. Life experience, informal surveys, Scripture, and other books on my topic make up the bulk of my research. I actually did the least amount of research for this book than for any of my others. I basically just took all I've learned/written about sex and marriage already and applied it to the guys instead of their wives.


4. This eBook is really for the men, right? However, do you think the wives should read it too? Why?

Yes, this book is for men. The Husband's Guide to Getting Lucky. But I absolutely think the wives should read it. And I think they'll be too curious not to. I'm all about reading each other's stuff to get a broader understanding of the opposite sex.

THANK YOU, Marla, for taking time to "talk" to me and for sharing your heart with my readers.  I will be praying for you ...

My Most Discreet Post Ever - and a Give Away!

I will begin this post by confession that I am very prude ... If you are even more prude than me and reading about marital --- ummmmmmmmmmmm - "relations" makes you uncomfortable or is against your own convictions, STOP READING.  I do NOT want to offend anyone!  However, after seeing so many of my friends and family recently go through marital problems and nearing divorce, I have such a burden for marriage ... and part of marriage happens to be ---- ummmmmmmmmmm ---- "being intimate."  A very important, and yes, a sacred and private part. 


Well, for those who are looking for a little help, a little encouragement in this ---- ahhh --- "department," I would like to re-introduce you to Marla Taviano.  I first "met" her when her books were recommended to me.  I started with this book:














And then I started reading Marla's blog.  Marla has a heart for women, marriage, and pregnant women.  She has used her blog not only to connect with her readers, but also as a catalyst to get Christian pregnancy information to unwed mothers and pregnancy crisis centers and most recently has begun a "prayer doula" group for pregnant girls at a center in Haiti.

  After I got pregnant in 2009 - and I reviewed and used this book by Marla:















I have found all of Marla's writings to be not only real and very open but also written with a heart to know God, founded in biblical principles and full of Bible verses. 

Marla also has a heart for missions and the lost world.  She and her husband Gabe want to go on a missions trip to Cambodia with their 3 precious girls ... and so, combining her love for writing about marriage with her desire to go to Cambodia, she has written an eBook which was released on Wednesday (June 15).   This book is written to husbands but is really for couples.  In my next post I will share an interview I was able to conduct with Marla via email. 

I have already skimmed Marla's ebook out of curiosity and do plan to share it with my husband soon when he has time to really focus on reading it (which I'm sure won't be hard to convince him to do, considering the ---- well --- "subject matter").

Want to find out more about this NEW eBook by Marla Taviano??  Please go check out the website The Husband's Guide to Getting Lucky.  You can get the book in PDF form for your computer, or if you have the fancy reading gadgets, it is also available for the Nook and Kindle ... and even the iPad.  The eBook is $4.99 and proceeds will help Marla and her family get to Cambodia ... the other benefit may just be for your marriage!!  *wink*

Marla has graciously allowed me to GIVE AWAY a FREE copy of her eBook to one of my blog followers.  Are you interested in reading this book and sharing it with your husband??  If so, please leave a comment - just a simple statement that you'd like to be entered in the give-away.  I will pick one winner some time on Sunday, June 20 (Happy Father's Day to you and your man!).

Phew, this is the most difficult post I've written in a while ... I've really tried to be discreet and not mention --- ummm - "you know what" because like I said, I'm prude.  But I think you get the message.

On Marriage

Nothing is more sobering than spending an hour and a half on the phone with someone you've known almost 20 years who is going to see her attorney tomorrow to begin the divorce process ...

I have no words, no advice - except to seek the Lord - but that falls flat when the person you are talking with doesn't really seem to know Him personally, hasn't sought Him until now when things are at their worst.  I am praying for her, for her husband, and for her children. 

At the end of our conversation this person reminded me that I am blessed.  She told me to remember to cherish what I have, to nurture my relationships, to tell my husband constantly that I love and appreciate him because he truly is one of the good guys.

My heart is broken - and not just for this family but for SO MANY who are going through this same thing right now - or who are healing after having gone through this.  I am a child of divorce, and sometimes I wonder if you EVER "get over it."  Only with God's grace ...

I know God allows things to happen for a reason.  I know He allowed this person to choose me to call, even though I feel absolutely helpless in situations like this.  I am not a wise counselor.  I have survivor guilt because by the grace of God my marriage has survived through the trials and continues to be strong.  Right now I wonder if God allowed this phone call, not so much for the caller (she's already made up her mind what she is going to do tomorrow), but for me to be reminded of what I have and to not take it for granted.  

And so, I am reminding you - pray for marriages, broken relationships, and families!  And if you have a good husband (or just have a husband), tell him often that you love him and appreciate him.  That's good advice from someone who thinks they did not follow it enough....

Conny

News from Togo, Africa

Dan (and I) went to Bible college with a - back then - young man from Togo, Africa; his name is Kokou Loko.  After graduating from college and seminary, Kokou went back to Togo to marry his faithful Christian bride, who had waited many years on him to finish his schooling and gain some financial support, and together they began a ministry in their homeland. 

A few years ago (June of 2006, I think!), Kokou, his wife Yvette, and their 3 children came to America to check in with their mission board and visit supporting churches.  We personally have supported them since we've been married, and so, this family came to visit us here in Middle-of-No-Where, Missouri.  They spent a week with us - and me, being worried about their comfort, booked a hotel for them to stay in the first few days they were here.  However, the hotel was booked for the rest of the week, and so, the family stayed at our home for a few days as well.  How humbling to have them with us!! 

Our house isn't very big - and all we had to offer the family of 5 was one bedroom - children sleeping on the floor.  When I kept going on about how badly I felt about that, they reminded me that in Togo that the bedroom they were staying in was about as big as some ENTIRE HOUSES in their homeland! 

I wish I could scan the pictures for you of my children with the 3 missionary children, who dressed in their gorgeous, colorful African clothes to go to church with us on a Wednesday night!  I am so thankful for the insight that we have into the lives of people who are doing the hard things to serve God - to go back to a land that has the highest poverty rate in the world - when there were plenty of ministry opportunities for them right here in comfortable America, "land of endless McDonald's" as Kokou joked to us! 

Just today I got an update from Kokou.  He's recently returned to Togo after a trip to the United States to pack up some containers for his country of medical supplies and a vehicle for their ministry.  I can't imagine the hardships they have already gone through to get their stuff!!  And yet, they remain faithful.  This letter has given me so much perspective tonight about WHY we do what we do.  We are here, not for our own comfort or purposes - but for God's glory.

Dear Friends,

We would like to give you an update on us and our ministry. Our family is healthy and the ministry is fine. Yesterday we had a great Pentecost-Sunday and 5 first time guests responded to the invitation to accept Christ.

First, here is a quick update on both containers. The last container that sailed did not make it on time and is scheduled to arrive today, June 13^th. The first one arrived since May 13^th but it was with a lot of headaches that we finally get it out of the port on Saturday, June 4^th. Two main problems: Our port is over crowded and over its capacity because of the unrest in Ivory Coast that added more customs from inland countries to our list and thus everything is slow. The second reason is that the French company that is currently is charge of our port is determined to suck every blood out of our veins. The customs value that our customs officials asked me to pay on all the items (hospital beds, equipment…) was only $375 and I could say that they honored their tax exemption promise. However, you would be sick and outraged to learn that we paid an additional $2272 just for paper work (a lot) and things that made no sense and sad to say that company has our government’s full blessing. The vehicle that we purchased last May is still at the port due to excessive taxation. A Canadian company is currently running and setting up taxes on used vehicles for our government and both seem to be really enjoying the ride. Prior to that company arriving in Togo a few months ago from Benin where it was let go we would have paid less than $2000 for taxes on the used vehicle that we purchased. Now we are asked to pay $5681 and it is not negotiable – no bargain! And two weeks ago the gas price went up again… Last year Togo was classified and admitted into the “poorest and most indebted countries in the world”. Socially, economically and politically Togo has hit the bottom and misery and human suffering are unparalleled and the ministry is becoming more difficult because many people are discouraged and many have questions...

Second, we did take down our rusty radio tower in May because it became too dangerous. We all, including our listeners are impatiently waiting for the second container that has the new radio tower to arrive. In addition to radio studios that should be air-conditioned, our government is requiring an Audio Processor and we never owned one and that is a must have in order to pass their technical inspection. We need one, please.

Finally but not the least, we want to share a few things about our 2011 summer ministries. On the agenda we plan to break the ground for our long prayed for hospital project. I am assuming that we all understand what a powerful evangelistic tool a hospital could be in a Third World country like Togo and we should make no mistake about that. However, the main thing that we all should be praying for is how God might use and involve each one of us in this big ministry. After much thought I am convinced that at this stage of the project we could all do something. We could all invest our Change (coins) into that ministry and let’s call that: “Change For Change” (CFC). That way any church or any one who wishes to see this ministry come to fruition could donate or collect CHANGE toward CHANGING lives for Christ in Togo. Children and young people would do great collecting coins for this great ministry.

The ground breaking ceremony will be held on Sunday, July 17 as an “evangelistic service”. Because a lot of people in the area are afraid to come to church for fear to be killed by their voodoos the ground breaking event will be used to attract and then present the gospel to many. Our goal is to have at least 500 unsaved people come. A first Team from MS should be arriving in Togo on Saturday July 16^th and should be ministering during the ground breaking service and start building a warehouse on Monday. A second team will be arriving in Togo on July 23^rd and some will be conducting medical clinics in five locations and some, VBS at 2 locations. Please, pray earnestly for travel mercies and safety for our friends. Also, pray that we might see many souls saved through their ministries because that is the only reason behind everything that we do. And please, do not forget to pray and collect many coins for the July 17^th hospital ground breaking service.

Alongside with many thanks,

Kokou Loko & family

Evangelism Missions, Inc. – P.O. Drawer 550 – Thorsby, AL

Dear Diary ...

Dear Diary ... I mean, Blog,

I am sorry I have been neglecting you.   I miss you, but the information in my head is not for me to share with you right now.  We've been staying busy - having a little fun along the way - accomplishing a few things - and struggling with a few other things.

Thank you for being patient.  I'll be back. 

Conny

It's a Secret!

The Bible has a lot to say about being content. 

But godliness with contentment is great gain. I Timothy 6:6

Let your conversation (life style) be without coveteousness; and be content with such things as ye have.  Hebrews 13:5

..for I have learned that whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.  Philippians 4:11

And overall, I am at peace that my life is in the center of a plan that God ordained, led by choices we have prayerfully made and resulting consequences that have brought us to where we are today.

My bills are provided for.  My children are healthy.  My marriage is happy.

The things that really matter aren't things.

And yet I can say with the apostle Paul (in my own small way as I nowhere near can compare myself to this great man!!):

I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. Philippians 4:12

I've had more; I've had less.

A commentator said the above verse means:

"I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need."

and that secret is found in verse 13:

I can do ALL THINGS through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Honestly, I've never gone hungry a day in my life, except by choice ... but I've certainly had more money in the grocery budget!!

I enjoy being a homebody ... but I've also traveled all over Europe and the United States.

I've lived in some big cities ... and I live in a very small community.

I've been a position of greater responsibility ... and I've definitely been humbled (more often than not), humanly speaking.

I have been able to be independent and carefree ... and I've been very dependent on others for benevolence and limited by resources.

And I'm thankful for every experience.  I know God means it for my good ... and I know I can be happy in His will.

So, if I know all this ... and believe all this, then why am I writing this post?!

Because suddenly I have this envious need to go somewhere far away for a week or two and be relaxed and carefree like some of my friends & family are doing this summer:

 or to go back to Europe and explore the charm, history, and cuisine.

 or I'd even to go to a near-by state like Colorado where we could enjoy the scenery and "God's creation" and beauty of the majestic mountains and forrests beyond the tick-infested, white oak woods and rolling hills of Missouri. 

Today I just kind of feel like running away ...

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Happy Homemaker Monday

It's been a while since I participated in either Happy Homemaker Monday or the Simple Woman's Day Book.  I like both sites so I alternate every so often.

Today I'm joining Sandra: 

The weather in my neck of the woods:



About 85 degrees right now ... the high today is supposed to be about 95 degrees.  I love summer ... I don't even mind being hot as long as I have access to a cool place - ha!!!  ;)



Things that make me happy:

Having my kids home for the SUMMER! 

Book I'm reading:


Actually I'm reading 2 of my kids' books ~
The Kingdom Series by Chuck Black
 
Wanda Brunstetter's Rachel Yoder series:



What's on my TV today:

With the kids home this summer, Andrew likes baseball or ESPN - Anna likes Little House on the Prairie and is recently getting into the Walton's - and Miriam has started paying attention to cartoons (yes, I let her watch TV for a while in the mornings while I gather myself & enjoy some quiet time and coffee).

On the menu for dinner:

Probably left overs --- yesterday I made roast, potatoes, and carrots with enough for another meal. 

On my To Do List:


Andrew is excited to help me clean out the garage!  I'm so thankful for a child who is like me in wanting to clean out, clean up, and organize!!   :) 

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:


I have a Greek Salad recipe from the Pioneer Woman I want to try soon.  Also, I'm dying to have some homemade bread - somehow though my last few attempts to work with yeast have been major fails :(

 In the craft basket:


Believe it or not, I have crafting plans again!!   I want to make this easy craft with Anna.

Looking forward to this week:

Our calendar is pretty empty this week!!!  That's how I like it!!  We are going to Branson to visit my inlaws this weekend and will probably end up at Silver Dollar City, which is exciting for most people - but if you've had season tickets for years, it kind of loses its appeal.   My kids love it though, and it is something we can do with my inlaws (who live nearby) so off we go! 

Tips and Tricks:
I really don't have anything up my sleeve today ...

My favorite blog post this week:

An encouraging thought from Traci Michelle at Ordinary Inspirations
No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share):
Andrew & Anna dressed up as Charlie Brown & Sally for a book-themed birthday party on Saturday~

Lesson learned the past few days:

This quote sums it up - a good reminder for me:
"Our circumstances are not an accurate reflection of God's goodness. Whether life is good or bad, God's goodness, rooted in His character is the same."
-Helen Grace Lescheid

On my mind:
What God is doing that I don't see ... what God is allowing that I don't understand ... what God is using for His glory and our family's good.  He sees the big, completed puzzle - we only get one piece at a time to put into place.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:


And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [His] purpose.
Romans 8:28
 

Having a Bad Day?

"Our circumstances are not an accurate reflection of God's goodness. Whether life is good or bad, God's goodness, rooted in His character is the same."
 -Helen Grace Lescheid

I have started to write a kind-of essay on how I tend to label my days as "good" and "bad," dismissing that God ordains each element that touches my life; but I can't completely wrap my head around God's work to write coherently about my thoughts. 

I'm a duty and responsibility, "get-'er-done" (to use my Missouri venacular) kind of personality; I see life that way - do the hard things, consider what is right, and try not to complain about it.  I don't enjoy all the things I have to do, but I do them because it is what I'm supposed to do.  That isn't to say I don't have joy in my life - there are always moments each day where even the ordinary things like watching Miriam look at her books or my older kids play nicely with each other or when my husband comes home from work that make me smile.  There are times of ease when things happen to go my way or we actually get some down time or an unexpected break.  The rest is just necessary.  Good or bad. 

However, it doesn't matter if my lot in life is hard or easy - made worse when I compare myself to others who have more or less -- who have it easier or harder.  What touches ME and my life is all in God's perfect plan.  My past and my present are neither deserved or earned or lucky- they are what I need because Someone wiser than me is in control.  If the situations were bad, they have a purpose; if the situations are good, it is a blessing.  Either way, God loves me no more or no less than those who have harder  or easier circumstances.  All He does works together for good according to His purpose ... Romans 8:28. 

"That is good for the saints which does their souls good. Every providence tends to the spiritual good of those that love God; in breaking them off from sin, bringing them nearer to God, weaning them from the world, and fitting them for heaven."
~Matthew Henry

Good Grief!

 Today Andrew & Anna (and Miriam and us) were invited to a book-themed birthday party.  Each child was supposed to come dressed up as a favorite book character. Can you guess what my kids dressed up as??!

 Miriam somewhat got in on the act.  Introducing Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Sally, and Linus (?!!).   Perhaps the blanket gave Miriam away?!