Tree Swing Reading

I need a sign

So, we went to Disney World as you know. We had a great time with my husband's perfect family (I'm not joking, they are really, really nice and kind and, well, perfect). We got back and I looked through the pictures. I feel like I'm part of that Seasame Street song "which one of these things is not like the other." Remember that song? Well, I'm the one thing that's not like the rest of the family. They are all tall, lean, beautiful! I am round all over.

It's time for the quarterly self-flogging about my weight. It sucks to be fat.  I'm feeling ready to commit to another diet/weight-loss program, but I'm so confused about what to even try!

So today I prayed and pleaded with God for a sign. Do you think I'm wrong to ask Him for help in this?  I'm so tired of being torn up about this. I'm willing to work really hard at some kind of diet/exercise program, but how do I pick one? There's low-carb, which made me have muscle jerks and didn't help me lose more than 7 pounds after 3 weeks of effort. There's Jenny Craig, which worked once in my life, but drove me to using laxatives to get the weight down each week before the weigh in. There's the "weigh down" eat only when hungry craze, but I can't seem to really follow it. There's pressure from my family to try "gluten free" since that has helped some of my family members with their overall health, but wow! to give up all that stuff seems scarey!  There's countless other programs!  What should I do?  I already walk 6 days a week, but I want to add weight lifting, but what program to follow with that too?

God seems silent to me on this. Does anyone else have any help for me? I don't want to live like this anymore. I don't want to hate myself anymore.

Sorry for bringing this up again, but I am still struggling, like this is my "thorn in my flesh" that will torment me forever. Would that be God's will for me that I accept this ugly body for the rest of my life? Why won't He heal me from being overweight?

Alphabet Soup Giveaway: letter J

Alphabet Soup Giveaway is back!

Here are the rules:

RULES FOR ENTERING:

a. Post a comment to the posts of the books you'd like to win. You can enter for as many of the books as you would like. Every 2-3 days the next letter's giveaway will be posted.

b. Answer the day's silly question for fun.

Today's question: J is for jokes. Please share a nice, clean, appropriate joke with us today!

Here's one of my favorites:

A man was talking to God one day and he said, "God is it true that for you a second is like a hundred years and a hundred years is like a second?"

God says, "Yes, that's true. A hundred years is like a second for me."

So the guy says, "Then God, would it also be true that a penny is like a million dollars and a million dollars is like a penny to you?"

God answers, "Yes, that's true. A penny is like a million dollars to me."

The man says, "Well then, can I have a 'penny'?"

God says, "Sure. I'll be back in a 'second.'"

 

Get it?

c. Enter on or before July 6. Winners will be drawn on July 7. Claim your prize, if you win, within 10 days of being notified or I will redraw. (In other words, let me know you want the book and where it should be sent, should you find out your name was drawn.)

d. Check back for the next giveaway!

Today is letter J! And the book is Riven by Jerry Jenkins. A pretty amazing book, if you ask me.

Description:

When a condemned man with nothing to lose meets one with nothing to gain, everyone washed by the endless ripples of that encounter will forever recall the day a little bit of heaven invaded a whole lot of hell. Brady Wayne Darby and Thomas Carey could hardly have been more disparate individuals. Yet when Darby, a no-account loser raised in a dingy suburban trailer park, encounters Carey, a weary man of God, an entire--state indeed, a nation--is affected. Embark on a wondrous journey where death, guilt, and despair are unfathomably trumped by rebirth, forgiveness, and hope.

Author Jerry Jenkins says: "This is the novel I have always wanted to write. I determine whether a fiction idea has merit by how long it stays with me. Does it rattle in my brain, and do I find myself telling it to my wife and other confidants? Is it the type of a tale that will draw me back to the keyboard every day? Two-thirds of my published books have been novels, and only three have had that effect on me. I give my all to every one, but special joy and anticipation attend those that genuinely feel like the best ideas. Riven is my fourth such labor of love. The two main characters have remained in my memory since high school 40 years ago. The story idea is perhaps 20 years old. And those mystical, interweaving elements I hope make it all work have been tugging at me for more than a decade. If a novelist has a life’s work, this is mine. I hope in the end you agree and that Riven stays with you long after the final page."

My original review is here.

RULES FOR ENTERING:

a. Post a comment to the posts of the books you'd like to win. You can enter for as many of the books as you would like. Every 2-3 days the next letter's giveaway will be posted.

b. Answer the day's silly question for fun.

Today's question: J is for jokes. Please share a nice, clean, appropriate joke with us today!

Here's one of my favorites:

A man was talking to God one day and he said, "God is it true that for you a second is like a hundred years and a hundred years is like a second?"

God says, "Yes, that's true. A hundred years is like a second for me."

So the guy says, "Then God, would it also be true that a penny is like a million dollars and a million dollars is like a penny to you?"

God answers, "Yes, that's true. A penny is like a million dollars to me."

The man says, "Well then, can I have a 'penny'?"

God says, "Sure. I'll be back in a 'second.'"

 

Get it?

c. Enter on or before July 6. Winners will be drawn on July 7. Claim your prize, if you win, within 10 days of being notified or I will redraw. (In other words, let me know you want the book and where it should be sent, should you find out your name was drawn.)

d. Check back for the next giveaway!

Today is letter J! And the book is Riven by Jerry Jenkins. A pretty amazing book, if you ask me.

Description:

When a condemned man with nothing to lose meets one with nothing to gain, everyone washed by the endless ripples of that encounter will forever recall the day a little bit of heaven invaded a whole lot of hell. Brady Wayne Darby and Thomas Carey could hardly have been more disparate individuals. Yet when Darby, a no-account loser raised in a dingy suburban trailer park, encounters Carey, a weary man of God, an entire--state indeed, a nation--is affected. Embark on a wondrous journey where death, guilt, and despair are unfathomably trumped by rebirth, forgiveness, and hope.

winners

Congratulations to the following winners:

Carol M: winner of Dogwood

and

Grams: winner of Finder's Fee

Thanks to everyone for entering!

Alphabet Soup Giveaway: Letter I

 

Alphabet Soup Giveaway is back!

Here are the rules:

RULES FOR ENTERING:

a. Post a comment to the posts of the books you'd like to win. You can enter for as many of the books as you would like. Every 2-3 days the next letter's giveaway will be posted.

b. Answer the day's silly question for fun.

Today's question: I is for Inspiration. Share one quote or verse that is inspiring you today.

I was inspired by something from "Mary Poppins" today actually. LOL! At one point Mary says to the children, "enough is a feast." It is making me think about trying to do too much, eat too much, etc and how, well, enough is a feast!

c. Enter on or before July 4. Winners will be drawn on July 5. Claim your prize, if you win, within 10 days of being notified or I will redraw. (In other words, let me know you want the book and where it should be sent, should you find out your name was drawn.)

d. Check back for the next giveaway!

Today is letter I! I don't have an author whose last name starts with "I," so I picked a book with an word that starts with I in the title.  (A bit of a stretch, I know, but you're stuck with it!) Anyway, I picked Women's Intuition by Lisa Samson (2002).

Description:

Lark Summerville's life has few surprises-and that's just how she likes it. All she wants is to live out her angst-riddled life in her blue-collar Baltimore neighborhood, punctuated by weekly trips to her local parish, where Lark is organist, and telephone conversations with desperate souls who dial her hotline at 1-777-IPRAY4U.
Then one night, Lark's home is destroyed by a fire, forcing her out of her comfortable nest and back to the childhood home she has avoided for years. At Stoneleigh House, Lark is surrounded by three very different women: her grown daughter, Flannery; her barely tolerable socialite mother, Leslie; and Prisma Percy, housekeeper and family confidante, all of whom believe Lark was widowed years before.
In this circle of women, Lark's carefully constructed existence begins to unravel, even as the promise of a new one unfolds. But when her contrite ex-husband shows up, longing to assume his role as Flannery's father, twenty years after his desertion, Lark finds that she must face her own lies-and her past-before a new life can unfold.

My thoughts:

I always love Lisa Samson. This book was a beautiful story of four women and their journey toward coming together and finding freedom. I love the character Flannery! How wonderful to be described as a butterfly! I also loved Prisma and her open and lovely relationship with Jesus. The melting of the ice between Leslie and Lark was a wonderful storyline as well.  The story is told from the women's different perspectives, but each chapter starts with their name as a heading, so it is clear who's voice is being heard. 

I've been wanting to read Lisa Samson's ealier books, and was grateful to be able to enjoy this one poolside!

RULES FOR ENTERING:

a. Post a comment to the posts of the books you'd like to win. You can enter for as many of the books as you would like. Every 2-3 days the next letter's giveaway will be posted.

b. Answer the day's silly question for fun.

Today's question: I is for Inspiration. Share one quote or verse that is inspiring you today.

I was inspired by something from "Mary Poppins" today actually. LOL! At one point Mary says to the children, "enough is a feast." It is making me think about trying to do too much, eat too much, etc and how, well, enough is a feast!

c. Enter on or before July 4. Winners will be drawn on July 5. Claim your prize, if you win, within 10 days of being notified or I will redraw. (In other words, let me know you want the book and where it should be sent, should you find out your name was drawn.)

d. Check back for the next giveaway!

Today is letter I! I don't have an author whose last name starts with "I," so I picked a book with an word that starts with I in the title.  (A bit of a stretch, I know, but you're stuck with it!) Anyway, I picked Women's Intuition by Lisa Samson (2002).

Description:

Lark Summerville's life has few surprises-and that's just how she likes it. All she wants is to live out her angst-riddled life in her blue-collar Baltimore neighborhood, punctuated by weekly trips to her local parish, where Lark is organist, and telephone conversations with desperate souls who dial her hotline at 1-777-IPRAY4U.
Then one night, Lark's home is destroyed by a fire, forcing her out of her comfortable nest and back to the childhood home she has avoided for years. At Stoneleigh House, Lark is surrounded by three very different women: her grown daughter, Flannery; her barely tolerable socialite mother, Leslie; and Prisma Percy, housekeeper and family confidante, all of whom believe Lark was widowed years before.
In this circle of women, Lark's carefully constructed existence begins to unravel, even as the promise of a new one unfolds. But when her contrite ex-husband shows up, longing to assume his role as Flannery's father, twenty years after his desertion, Lark finds that she must face her own lies-and her past-before a new life can unfold.

My thoughts:

I always love Lisa Samson. This book was a beautiful story of four women and their journey toward coming together and finding freedom. I love the character Flannery! How wonderful to be described as a butterfly! I also loved Prisma and her open and lovely relationship with Jesus. The melting of the ice between Leslie and Lark was a wonderful storyline as well.  The story is told from the women's different perspectives, but each chapter starts with their name as a heading, so it is clear who's voice is being heard. 

I've been wanting to read Lisa Samson's ealier books, and was grateful to be able to enjoy this one poolside!

Back from Disney World

Mickey Mouse says hi! I'm sorry my posts have been few lately...I've been at Disney World with my family and my husband's whole family.  We had a great time!  It was very, very, verrrrrrry hot, but we made the most of it and really enjoyed out time together.  I love Disney and can't wait to go back again.  There's something so wonderful about feeling like a kid again and enjoying the magic of Disney's parks!

Back to Alphabet Soup giveaways again tomorrow. :)

Alphabet Soup Giveaway: Letter H

 

Alphabet Soup Giveaway is back!

Here are the rules:

RULES FOR ENTERING:

a. Post a comment to the posts of the books you'd like to win. You can enter for as many of the books as you would like. Every 2-3 days the next letter's giveaway will be posted.

b. Answer the day's silly question for fun.

Today's question: H is for hic ups.  I hate getting the hic ups!  What are your solutions for getting rid of them?

I try drinking water through a napkin, but it doesn't always work...

c. Enter on or before June 26. Winners will be drawn on June 27. Claim your prize, if you win, within 10 days of being notified or I will redraw. (In other words, let me know you want the book and where it should be sent, should you find out your name was drawn.)

d. Check back for the next giveaway!

Today is letter H! The book is The Will of Wisteria by Denise Hildreth. (picture coming soon...I'm not at my regular computer)

Description:

When wealthy Edward Wilcott dies, his children have to "earn" their inheritance. Attorney Elizabeth must work pro bono for a year; plastic surgeon Jeffrey must find a less superficial practice; Mary Catherine has to stay in one place and teach; and Will is to build homes for the poor. Will they defy Wilcott's wishes---or end up rich?

My Thoughts:

I love Denise Hildreth! Her characters are lovable and real. She combines humor with real soul. This book is very good.  It reminds us that change is possible and God is hoping and waiting for his children to return to him when they stray.

If you haven't read anything by Denise Hildreth yet, I highly recommend her books!

RULES FOR ENTERING:

a. Post a comment to the posts of the books you'd like to win. You can enter for as many of the books as you would like. Every 2-3 days the next letter's giveaway will be posted.

b. Answer the day's silly question for fun.

Today's question: H is for hic ups.  I hate getting the hic ups!  What are your solutions for getting rid of them?

I try drinking water through a napkin, but it doesn't always work...

c. Enter on or before June 26. Winners will be drawn on June 27. Claim your prize, if you win, within 10 days of being notified or I will redraw. (In other words, let me know you want the book and where it should be sent, should you find out your name was drawn.)

d. Check back for the next giveaway!

Today is letter H! The book is The Will of Wisteria by Denise Hildreth. (picture coming soon...I'm not at my regular computer)

Description:

When wealthy Edward Wilcott dies, his children have to "earn" their inheritance. Attorney Elizabeth must work pro bono for a year; plastic surgeon Jeffrey must find a less superficial practice; Mary Catherine has to stay in one place and teach; and Will is to build homes for the poor. Will they defy Wilcott's wishes---or end up rich?

My Thoughts:

I love Denise Hildreth! Her characters are lovable and real. She combines humor with real soul. This book is very good.  It reminds us that change is possible and God is hoping and waiting for his children to return to him when they stray.

If you haven't read anything by Denise Hildreth yet, I highly recommend her books!

Alphabet Soup Giveaway: Letter G

Alphabet Soup Giveaway is back!

Here are the rules:

RULES FOR ENTERING:

a. Post a comment to the posts of the books you'd like to win. You can enter for as many of the books as you would like. Every 2-3 days the next letter's giveaway will be posted.

b. Answer the day's silly question for fun.

Today's question: G is for giggles. What are three things that make you laugh like crazy (movies, books, certain phrases, TV shows...)?

Mine are: The show "Wipeout" tickles my funny bone, reading Anguished English (a hilarious grammar blooper book), and my kids. 

c. Enter on or before June 26. Winners will be drawn on June 27. Claim your prize, if you win, within 10 days of being notified or I will redraw. (In other words, let me know you want the book and where it should be sent, should you find out your name was drawn.)

d. Check back for the next giveaway!

Today is letter G! The book is Finders Fee by Alton Gansky

From the Back Cover
“I know your secret if you defy me, then the world will know.”

A terrifying phone call sweeps rich and powerful businesswoman Judith Find into a desperate search for a kidnapped boy. If she involves the authorities, the child will die … and Judith’s darkest secret to the world.

Judith is teamed with a mysterious stranger with a carefully guarded secret of his own. But is Luke Becker an unwilling ally or an agent of the kidnapper? As Judith and Luke’s mutual distrust wars against a growing attraction, the life of a small boy hangs in the balance. A boy unlike any other Judith has ever met.

Eight-year-old Abel Palek will help Judith discover a faith and a life she has never imagined. But freeing him could cost her everything.

Her career. Her reputation. And very possibly her life.

RULES FOR ENTERING:

a. Post a comment to the posts of the books you'd like to win. You can enter for as many of the books as you would like. Every 2-3 days the next letter's giveaway will be posted.

b. Answer the day's silly question for fun.

Today's question: G is for giggles. What are three things that make you laugh like crazy (movies, books, certain phrases, TV shows...)?

Mine are: The show "Wipeout" tickles my funny bone, reading Anguished English (a hilarious grammar blooper book), and my kids. 

c. Enter on or before June 26. Winners will be drawn on June 27. Claim your prize, if you win, within 10 days of being notified or I will redraw. (In other words, let me know you want the book and where it should be sent, should you find out your name was drawn.)

d. Check back for the next giveaway!

Today is letter G! The book is Finders Fee by Alton Gansky

Winner of "SAHM I Am"

Congrats to Sandra Jensen! Your name was drawn to win SAHM I Am by Meredith Efken. 

Thanks to everyone who entered!

Review of "SAHM I Am" by Meredith Efken

This book is part of my alphabet soup giveaway.  I wanted to give you a quick review as I just finished reading it.  I really enjoyed this book!  I could totally relate to the "stay at home mom" issues and the frustration that comes from the "know it all" moms... You know, the super moms who seems to have it all together, who are part Martha Stewart.  It's a good reminder that even those moms have some pain in their lives and that making their lives look perfect may be their way of coping.  The email format was a bit strange a first, but I got used to it and really enjoyed it!  Funny and tender-hearted, a great book for mom of young children especially. 

Winner of "Watching the Tree Limbs"

Congrats to Deb! Your name was drawn to win this book!

Thanks for everyone who entered!