January Goals Update/February Goals

#3 and #9

I did okay with my January goals. 

I did read three books. (I was a little distracted with reading because I got hooked on the SERIAL broadcasts. Have you listened? So intriguing! It's about a real life murder where a young man is serving a life sentence for the death of his former girlfriend. I listened to all twelve episodes and still feel torn about his guilt or innocence. Let me know if you have listened and what you thought!)

I did NOT clean out my attic. Can you say February?

I did reconnect somewhat with a few friends. Mostly by email, text, etc. only because of my work schedule right now.

I got to spend some time with my grandchildren this month. Not near as much as I would like though….more on the *one on one* time later.

February Goals

~Clean out the attic.

~Lose four pounds.

~Read *24/6*. A book written by Matthew Sleeth, MD about keeping the sabbath holy. I just started it and I think it's going to be encouraging.

~Drink more water.

Wish me luck! Believe it or not, the hardest thing for me is the water. 

What's my deal???????????

2014

I love to read...love it! But since grandchildren and facebook and blogs, I have put reading on the back shelf. I miss it. So, I am making a list of books that I'd like to read in 2014. Some of the books are real life stories. Some are fiction. I probably will check most of them out from the library, but, I am reading one now on my IPad. I much prefer turning the pages of a book and I LOVE a library! Here are some of the books I want to read. Do you have a favorite you want to add to my list? I would love to hear what you are reading or plan to read. I often get my book ideas from YOU, my readers!

• The Wednesday Letters by: Jason Wright
• What Alice Forgot by: Liane Moriarty
• Rena's Promise:Two Sisters in Auschwitz
• Coming Home by: Karen Kingsbury (reading now)
• Unbroken by: Laura Hillenbrand
• Killing Jesus by: Bill O'Reilly

There are more books that I would like to read this year and I will add to this list as I think of them! Share some that you just COULD NOT put down!

Christmas 2013 was overwhelming to me. That's not how it's suppose to be. Christmas 2014 will be different. I have a plan. Already. I will order my card envelopes in a few weeks. I have been doing a 5x7 picture card so that's what I'll stick with this year too. I plan to address the cards by the end of March. I know there are a few people who may move and I will order extra envelopes for those few people. I also plan to have all my shopping done and gifts wrapped by December 1. All of it. My people will need to give me their lists in October! I want to have our family picture taken in early November and my cards ready to mail on December 1. I have a few other plans to get ready early that I will share later. I want to spend the month of December the way it should be spent. Loving and caring for others and making Jesus famous.

Hubs has had the flu since last Friday. Yesterday, on Day Five, he started turning the corner! He did not get the flu shot this year. I'll bet he will next year. He had a headache, body aches and 102 temp. for four to five days. Pretty miserable. There are a lot of people in our area with the flu. Not fun.

Soooo, what are YOU up to in 2014 so far?

Enough Said

I started, and finished, the 30 Day Squat Challenge.

It was truly a challenge.

But, I did it.

Listen to me people, 

250 squats is a challenge.

Enough said!

Do you read NieNie's blog?

I just read her book:

*Heaven Is Here*

It was good!

However, I started reading it on my flight to Nashville last week.

That was NOT good.

It's about a plane crash.

Enough said!

Speaking of the plane ride to Nashville:

I went to THE PEARL EVENT!

It was everything I wanted it to be.

The speakers were amazing.....

Women who trusted God to give them the courage to share their stories.

God showed up.

And blessed our socks off.

And there were pearls 

AND Peonies.

Enough Said!


Remember when I told you about baking the four ingredient bread?

My mom was excited to make it....

SOOOO,

I gave her one of the enamel pots for Mother's Day.

She made the bread.

It did not rise.

She made it again.

Same thing.

She bought new flour, and yeast, and bottled water.

Nope.

Then, she went to a different store and bought different yeast.

She sent me this picture:

Enough Said!


I have lots more to share and some REALLY exciting news.

But, for now, 

Enough Said!

A Great Read...Or Two!

I love to read! 

Often, I let the computer take over my reading time, so I haven't been reading as much lately.

When I read fiction, I love Karen Kingsbury books. But I also love Francine Rivers. (As a matter of fact, my all time favorite fiction book is *Redeeming Love* by her.) Well, tied with Wisdom Hunter by Randall Arthur. 

Anyhoo, right now I am reading a two book series by Francine. 

The first book I read was *Her Mother's Hope.*

The second was *Her Daughter's Dream.*

Both books were so, so good. 

Heartbreaking at times, but one of those *can't put down* series that's great to take to the beach!

Have you read them?

Do you have any great *on the beach* books to recommend?

Summer Reading

I've actually done a little reading this summer. I've read some great books!!! Two of them were *different* reads for me, as I usually enjoy christian fiction. But, I truly enjoyed these two books.

The first book I read is titled *Left to Tell*. It is an autobiography of a Tutsi woman who lived in a small, cramped bathroom for three weeks, with seven other women. She was trying to escape the Rwandan Holocaust. This is an amazing story of her remaining faithful to God during the very worst of times. Immaculee' Ilibagiza is truly an inspiration and a picture of HOPE to many.


The next book I read is titled *Same Kind Of Different As Me*. Again, an autobiography. The paths cross of two men from completely different walks of life. Their story is incredible. Ron Hall and Denver Moore's story is both sad and sweet. It will change how you feel about racism, the less fortunate and our God..... who is, by the way, amazing.


I need some ideas of other *good summer reads*. Can you help? I especially love reading christian fiction during my beach vacation in August. I have read most of Francine Rivers and Karen Kingsbury's books. Can you recommend any others?????????