Did You Know?

I watched this in...wait for it...church yesterday! As Bob Dylan said ....
These times they are a changin'

Our world is changing and how we view and learn information is ever changing...our churches need to evolve! I love this video! Enjoy...

Kathryn Magendie's Tender Graces

This month's Bloggy Book club choice was Tender Graces by Kathryn Magendie.

(I have started this first sentence three times each differently trying to say the same thing...without it sounding like a cliche.)

It is a great novel.
I care about these characters as they are beautifully described and their words seem authentic.
I was sad to reach the end of the novel as I knew I wouldn't be spending time with them anymore.

Back Cover states:
The death of her troubled mother and memories of her abused grandmother lure a woman back to the Appalachian hollow where she was born. Virginia Kate Carey, the daughter of a beautiful mountain wild-child and a slick, Shakespeare-quoting salesman, relives her turbulent childhood and the pain of her mother's betrayals. Haunted by ghosts and buried family secrets, Virginia Kate struggles to reconcile three generations of her family's lost innocence.

My favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee and while these books are dissimilar ...the stories are equally powerful and I equally care for the character of Virginia Kate in the same ways that I care for Jean Louise "Scout" Finch.

I loved Tender Graces and Kathryn Magendie has written a story of triumph over sadness and the release that comes with the acceptance of all the frailties of our lives.

I found out that this author is writing another novel based about Virginia Kate by reading her blog ... and now... I want to leave comments asking...

Are you rested? Are you getting enough sleep?
I am wondering if she has enough to eat...Can I make you a sandwich or anything?
Is she working lovingly on this next book?

... as I miss my time with Virginia Kate.

Seriously...no cliche...I enjoyed reading this book and I look forward to the next one!

Ad Man... The Cutest-Boy-In-America

Awhile ago I won a box full of Poprs and here is my grandson trying them! This is the cinnamon flavor and he put it on his toast for Cinnamon Toast! They have many, many different flavors...your kids will love them!
We have decided that The-Cutest-Boy-In-America (who just started pres-school on Monday) might make a terrific Ad Man!

Visit Aunt Julie for more about Poprs and to say "Hi"!

And for more Wordful Wednesdays visit Angie at Seven Clown Circus!

It's*Not*All*About*Me...

Angie from Seven Clown Circus Hosts Tuesday's It's not all about you...This is my first time participating. The point, I think is we often blog for ourselves and/or about ourselves and this is a day we can highlight someone else! I thought about a previous post and some insight a commenter, Lauren gave me and I wanted to share it!

Hubby and I, once a month feed the homeless at a meal and shower shelter that also provides a clothes closet. We met a man that seemed to have some mental health issues and he was very scary and I at one point mishandled him...resulting in a very Scary Man Moment!( You can click on Scary Man and read the original post if you would like.)

He has continued to scare people and intimidate but I still smile and greet him and try to be kind to him. It's not always easy.

But last Monday... a young volunteer came up to me and said while I served food..."He's here!" and I knew who she was talking about because she is especially frightened of him.
I walked outside and I watched as he walked back and forth like a caged animal...my first reaction was fear so I prayed... "Let me see him as you do."...and instantly I did.
He was scared!

I remembered my earlier post and one of the comments...
Lauren wrote.
Maybe he is not really Scary Man, just scared man?

Scary Man was scared!
I smiled and waved from the kitchen door but I did not approach him and within minutes he was walking in the back door...

I smiled and walked slowly to him and spoke softly (for me, anyway) and yet he still shushed me and said crossly..."You speak too loud...too much buzzing!!"

I tried to look contrite and said even softer..."I am so glad you are here...May I bring you food"
and he smiled and said...

"I am so glad you are here...you weren't here before!"

I came back and told my group...myself smiling..."Prince Charming would like to eat."
We fed him and while he can still be rude and seem ungrateful and certainly scary...I do see he is scared.
My fellow blogger Lauren helped me see him as he was...
she and I don't agree always on politics but I value her as a friend and fellow blogger!
My Tuesday's Tribute is Lauren....cause it's not*all*about*me!

Tangling with Tyrants

Tangling with Tyrants by Tony Deblauwe is a must read especially in today's economic environment where finding a new job may not be a quick or even a viable option!
I think, all of us have at one time or another experienced a difficult boss and all of us have tried varied ways of coping with varied levels of success.
Deblauwe gives great tips in determining exactly what is going on and a process to outline a strategy for change for a lasting solution!

The back cover states:
Through exercises and real examples taken from workplace, Tangling with Tyrants can help you break the conflict you have with your boss. Specific techniques demonstrate how to improve your thinking and change your behavior to ultimately enhance your power in a relationship.

I did learn quite a bit from this book...apparently you can teach an old dog new tricks!

I learned the role I have been playing in conflicts in my work environment ( I work with my husband!)
I now know which behaviors I have participated in that have undermined my power in our company decision making.

I have also learned that while turning things over to God in prayer is important you shouldn't just be "hoping" things will change without any work on your part.

I have also learned how to have a "plan" for lasting change.

Tangling with Tyrants is a great book that I highly recommend...it retails for $19.95 and it is a small price to pay for great career advice!

This is Mickey Mouse Tired...

Our sweet grandson sleeps soundly on his Papa's shoulder after a very long but fun day at Disney World!
This very big boy turns 4 soon and I can't tell you how quickly it has gone by...
He is just the best grandson!
He started preschool and we are so proud of him!

My son and daughter-in-my-heart have raised him and his little sister to be caring and loving little people!
We are blessed!

For more friday fotos visit Cute Candid Carrie...although I hear some squatter has taken over her blog!
For my latest book review go here!

Is Your Ghost Holy by Shay Bills

I have just finished reading Is Your Ghost Holy
Eight Principles for evaluating Your Walk in the Spirit by Shay Bills. I am actually late in reviewing this book as I wrote the date down incorrectly when I agreed to read the book.

I was intrigued with the title and topic of this book...there are not many in my denomination, that feel comfortable talking about the Holy Ghost, Holy Spirit, Helper or Comforter. I am sure I have just made all my Presbyterian friends angry with this blanket statement and convinced the author of this book of our quick trip to hell...but I am just telling my experience. We, I believe as a denomination do not acknowledge what we know to be true and that is the evidence of the Spirit working in our lives.

The Back cover states:
Discover how his Word shatters residue doubt and uncertainty. Learn how to walk in the power of the Holy Ghost, by applying the Word of God and trusting His promises. His Holy Spirit will awaken and reveal the hidden crevasses of your heart, mind and soul and fill you with His wisdom. Called by some, a spiritual journey, Bill leaves no stone unturned when removing the superficial layers of spirituality.Once read, you will walk boldly and confidently in the knowledge that your inner man is holy, therefore you are called to holiness, according to Scripture. From uncovering Truth to understanding your Purpose, you will conclude this book having gained more wisdom, knowledge and power of the Holy Ghost that dwells inside of you.

First, as I mentioned I was supposed to have had this done two days ago but I wrote the date incorrectly on the calendar...had I done this two days ago I would not have had the opportunity to discuss it with my daughter beforehand. I think this matters as the conversation was enlightening to me and I know this blog entry will be richer and fuller because of it...Thank you my daughter! Thank you to the Spirit of God as well because I do know when it moves in my life.
As I wrote earlier, I was intrigued with the topic of this book and while the author and I do disagree with some theological aspects...she and I most definitely agree of the importance of the Holy Spirit in one's life!

Bills writes eloquently and knowledgeably about the Holy Ghost...my criticism is that while she writes in words that many Christians use everyday, this will make it difficult for people new to their faith to understand some of her better points. She is in essence preaching to the choir.

My favorite truth from this book is on page 84...
It is in regards to forgiveness and I believe many times in my live that without Spirit's help I would not have been able to do it!

You have to search deep within and make sure you are not harboring unforgiveness toward anyone, past or present. You have to dig to the marrow of your bones for any fragments of lingering emotions intertwined in unforgiveness. You have to do it. You have to be honest with yourself and forgive those you know who have deliberately wronged you, accused you, and abused you.
Forgiveness is for your healing...

If you are interested learning more about the Holy Ghost and evaluating your walk in The Spirit...I recommend this book...but I also want you to talk it over with someone you love!
You...do remember...Where two or more are gathered...

I Am No Longer with Stupid!

I am reading a great book that I think many people would enjoy. I am half way through it...life has interrupted my finishing it as quickly as I would like, however.

I am sure there are many of us out there that at one time or another have had jobs that have become impossible because of an awful boss! You know the kind where you dread getting up and going...you know in your heart it's bad when you wake up throwing up and you are happy about it because you won't have to deal with your boss!

I had a job once where I worked for a woman who was demanding and critical. She was paid according to her sales and God help YOU if something went wrong with any of her closings.
She once screamed at me over the phone...
"Are you STUPID?" while her customers sat across from me at my desk...so I replied "No" and then promptly proved my point by giving two weeks notice to the HR Department.

In today's economy I am sure many of us can't afford to just up and quit over an awful boss and from what I have read so far this book would be helpful in ensuring you maintain your sanity as well as your job!

Have any of you had an awful boss or supervisor?
What makes them so awful?

I have thought about this woman on occasion and I think she was very insecure and fearful of her own inabilities to do her job.
Let's just say she did not "play well with others" in the sandbox of her life, as I was not the only person she had problems being "human" to!

So...How about you? Having problems at work...Consider reading Tangling with Tyrants by Tony Deblauwe. I will do a book reveiw on Monday, August 24th!

I Had a Bad Day...

Sometimes I feel like my bucket is too full...and it's my fault entirely. You see for me...when I pray and literally put my problems in God's hands...they really are not my problems to carry as I have put them in "His Bucket!"
This is the image I use as I pray...and it works. No matter what you believe about prayer...this works for me.
Now whether you feel this is an exercise in mental health or as I believe... God in spirit taking them from me...
It only works if you do it...

I let too long a time go and too many things happen in between my times with God.
I forgot...once again that this time is priceless and yet costs me very little.

We, human beings always say or do the wrong thing accidentally but God doesn't...He has the words...
If we are still and listen.

What happened yesterday...
Unexpected bad news on top of a full bucket...
I had a moment of real sadness and an inability to think in a meaningful way...

I typed on my facebook page that I was at a low point...
Within minutes, my friend's from church, former neighbors, family and my blogging community were reminding me of ways to cope and saying prayers...
I tearfully read meaningful scripture reminding me of God's promises...
I left for a long walk alone but not feeling alone...
I talked later with a friend via instant messaging on facebook...we brainstormed ideas for my continued sanity!!

Technologies change but God and His love for his people do not!

Thank you to all my blogging friends whether you believe or not... I felt God's love from you!

Can I Just Say Grace or Do I Have to Mean It?

I have read the most amazing novel... Tender Graces by Kathryn Magendie. I literally haven't stopped thinking about it...it is the kaleidoscope I view all that has happened these last few days. It is through this lens I view my mothering and certainly many of my choices.

When I think of the word grace...I think of forgiveness although I know it has many different meanings and it is a word of significance for Christians in particular.

I struggle with accepting grace and giving grace...but I am ashamed to say that I struggle with forgiving others. My husband on the other hand is a very forgiving person who has shown me incredible grace as well as to others...He just does!
I on the other hand ( y'know the one you want to cut off...) revisit the trauma and ruminate until it's all fresh and new! Why?
I honestly don't know...I do the very thing I do not want to do.

I have been hurt in my life but no more than I have hurt others I am sure...
Why do I keep this record of wrong doings...when it is not what I want to do!

I do know that this flaw in my nature has kept me close to God...I mean I don't think he would like someone like me to roam too far away!

I loved this book...it has a few broken and interesting characters ...like me!

How about you? Is it easier to receive grace or to give it?

Bloggy Book Club: Tender Graces by Kathryn Magendie

Bloggy book club choice for August was recommended by two different bloggers....Elizabeth and Jeanne... both women are great bloggers...Jeanne is also a great writer!
The really great news is the author for this month is a fellow blogger, but more than that...the book is a beautifully written.

I am not a writer but ...I am a reader...I love to have a book transport me to another life, another place and to be immersed in all of it's telling. I was reading two other books...which I have now put aside, the day my package arrived (I am not saying what I was reading!)

My package came on Thursday from Amazon and in it was my copy of Tender Graces by Kathryn Magendie...

I opened it at once and read the first paragraph...
I rarely care about what others say on the outside flap...
It is the first paragraph of a book that captures me and this one surely did...

All my tired flies out the window when I see Grandma Faith standing in the mountain mists that drift in and out of the trees. She's as she was before, like one lick of fire hasn't touched her, whole and alive and wanting as she beckons to me. Grandma whispers her wants as she's done all my life.

...and like that...I could not put it down.

Join me in reading for the month of August Tender Graces by Kathryn Magendie and stop by her blog and say "Hi"!