Growing UP! Monday

Welcome everybody! I thought it would be fun to start a weekly meme called "Growing UP! Monday". I have my new button, so make sure to copy it to your site.

I thought it would be fun to check in with other sisters around the world and see what we are learning in each of our churches on Sunday mornings or in our weekly Bible studies.

We are the body of Christ. We gather on Sundays in our church homes to learn and grow from His word. Each week there is something our pastor shares or teaches from the Bible that speaks (sometimes shouts) right to my heart.

What about you?

What is it you are studying? What lessons did God want you to learn this week, and what did you take away from your pastor's lesson or church family today that you can apply to your lives now?

Add your blog to McKlinky below and tell us all about it!





"Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." Ephesians 4:15-16

Peace Be Still

For those of you going through a difficult time right now, this song is for you.

Is it a financial burden?

Has a relationship derailed?

Are you waiting for God to answer?

Have your words hurt someone you love?

Do you have a child who is breaking your heart?

Are you having a hard time trusting God?

Then this song is for you.

...and for my sweet and dear friend, who I absolutely love to pieces, this song is especially for you.


"And He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea,
Peace, be still.
And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm"
(Mark 4:39)

Does this mean I'm nosey?!?

I LOVE getting to know all of you girls. I have so many questions I'd love to ask you. If only we could have a chat over coffee...I'd have tea...and a cinnamon roll, or two.

If I have questions, does that mean I'm nosey? Well, I'm going to ask anyway.

I promise to return the favor and allow you to ask me a few yourself.

First me. What Bible study are you gals doing this year? If you've read Blessed... for more than a few days, you know how much I love me my women's Bible studies.

This fall I'm doing "The Patriarchs - Encountering the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob" by Beth Moore. Just started last week. I had to hold back tears during the first video, where Beth explains the meanings of the names of God.

Am I pathetic, or what?

What about you? What study are you girls doing? What study are you thinking about doing?


Was that too nosey? Then let me be the first to open up the lines for any questions you may have about me. Go ahead and fire away. I can take it!

I have a surprise gift for the best question.

Hmmm...maybe this isn't my best blog-post idea.

Remember how much I adore you girls and play nice now.

Over the River and Through the Woods...

Heading off to my secret writing hideaway today. Going to my sweet friend's cabin in the woods. I tried uploading a cabin picture but they all looked way too Ted Kazinsky-like. It didn't do her home justice.

Then I tried to find a Thomas Kincade type picture to post, but those looked to cartoonish. **Fun Fact Sidenote: Thomas Kincade grew up only ten miles or so from me in the Placerville area in the Sierra Nevada Foothills. He met his wife Nan while on his paper route when he was thirteen.**

So, try to imagine me writing away, the words flowing like Niagara Falls...off behind those gorgeous pines!

Friends, I covet your prayers. I have to be completely honest here. I have no idea what I'm doing. I'm calling my day today, "a journey of obedience".

Please pray I'm not distracted by anything.

Rest In Peace - Facebook

I pulled the trigger.

Yes, I finally did it. I'd been thinking about it for awhile - had fantasized about it even longer. It was completely premeditated.

My Facebook account is dead.

No more snowballs or hidden eggs, quiz's about every possible thing, or Farkle.

Never again will I wonder why I'm looking at pictures from someone who I had in my high school biology class twenty-three years ago.

Yes, there were people I enjoyed reconnecting with. (You know who you are!) For the most part,with my attention span of a gnat problem- it was a time-sucker-extraordinaire.

So, if you are really and truly my friend, not my FFF Fake-Facebook-Friend, as my husband would call it, we will email or chat on the phone, or even...dare I say it...spend time together in person.

For now I have a job to do. God has put it on my heart to write, and write I will. (My best Yoda impression.)

It's time to loosen my load and throw Facebook overboard. My attraction-to-distraction syndrome can't take much more.

So, please tell Nancy Grace to move on along. There isn't anything to see here.



I'm guilty as charged.

You're Invited!

Now, I know not many of you live close by, but if there are any of you in the Sacramento area who would like to attend an AMAZING Christian Writer's group let me know.

We are having an informational meeting about it this Thursday, August 27th.

Email me and I'll spill the beans about time and location.

Or you can just click here.


...back to your regularly scheduled programming

Growing Up! Monday

From the moment we are born we begin the process of growing up. As Christians, the spiritual process is much the same. My greatest desire is to grow up in my faith.

I've met many Christians who have been believers for umpteen years but have refused to grow up. They are spiritually stunted, being spoon fed each Sunday at church, but never reaching out for more of Him. These believers fall into what I call the "thirty-year-old-five-year-old" group. If I am a ten year old Christian then I want to be a ten-year-old Christian. I don't want to be a baby-believer all my life. I want to be continually GROWING UP!

So friends, what are you learning? How are you actively working hand in hand with Jesus to mature and grow in your faith in Him? Post about it, allow us to be a part of what you are learning and link up below. Let's grow up together!


***One of the things that helps me grow by leaps and bounds are Bible studies. I'm participating in our women's Beth Moore Fall study of "The Patriarchs". And my teenage daughter and I are doing "Believing God" together. I also purchased Warren W. Wiersbe's "Be Encouraged" study on 2Corinthians to work on during my daily quiet time. Being in the Word is a great spiritual fertilizer for me!***

Help, I need your two-cents worth!

I'm helping my friend Vicki learn how to blog. (I almost feel guilty opening her eyes to this world of social networking, she may never do her dishes again!) She is moving with her family and needs a way to keep in touch with all of us who love her to pieces.

We have been perusing Facebook too. So friends, what do you think, should she do a blog or just have a Facebook page?

She LOVES to cook and would add recipes to a blog, but she is concerned about having something out there everyone will see.

We'd love to hear your two cents worth.

I've never begged for comments before, but I'm on my knees now. I want to show her how this all works!

Thanks friends!!!

Take Him at His Word

What Has God promised you? Is there something specific He has whispered to your heart He would do? Do you feel like His promise is so big and wonderful it couldn't possibly be for you? What is holding you back? Why aren't you taking Him at His word?

Why haven't you finished what you started for Him?

I have been feeling the sweet nudgings of my Lord to finish the book He put on my heart to begin last year. I have written eight chapters of a twenty chapter book, sent off book proposals and I'm far from finished. My friend Celia has offered to let me write in her home in the woods not too far from where I live. This means I will be able to head over there one day a week and sit on her wooden deck overlooking the most beautiful pine trees in our area. I am looking so forward to it. We just finalized my writing plans last week.

And then I read my devotion yesterday.

When I finished up the Book of Acts for my morning devotion, the most natural for me would have been to continue on and read the Book of Romans. But, for awhile 2 Corinthians kept coming up in my day to day goings on. So, I went there instead. This was the verse I read yesterday;

And in this I give advice: It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago; 11 but now you also must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have.
2 Corinthians 8:10-11


He has spoken to me loud and clear. I am feeling quite inadequate for the job at hand, but I am going to take Him at His Word.

What about you?

911 Call of the Year

I was at work last night, pulling a graveyard shift. (7pm-7am) After a pretty busy evening, the city I work for finally gave us a few moments of peace. Around 1:00am our 911 line rang. I had no idea that what awaited me on the other side of the ringing line was to be one of the sweetest calls I've ever received.

Me: 911 Emergency

Male Caller: My wife is giving birth to our baby. (sounding a little out of breath)

Me: What is your address?

Male Caller: (gives me his home address)

Me: Sir, stay on the line with me while I transfer you to the fire department.

For the next five minutes I was privy to the most beautiful call of my career. I stayed on the line as the fire dispatcher gave pre-arrival instructions. I was a silent witness to both the caller and his wife as they quickly worked together to bring their baby daughter into the world.

The cries of new life pierced the early morning hour, as I whispered a silent prayer of thanks.

And wept along with her.


I love my job.


Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.

—Psalm 139:16

Growing Up! Monday

When I meet fellow Christians, quite often the topic drifts to how long we have been walking with the Lord. People love to share the length of time they have known Jesus.

My greatest desire is to grow up in my faith.

If I am a ten year old Christian, then I want to be a ten-year-old Christian. I don't want to be a baby-believer. I've been saddened to meet many thirty-year-old-five-year-olds.

We are to grow up in the knowledge and understanding of Christ. Are you maturing in Him? Are you growing up? What is it He is trying to teach you? What are you learning?


Let's share with one another what we are learning and how we are growing up in Christ. Come on friends, add your name to Mr. Linky below.

Be your hometown church representative and fill us all in!

Buckle-Up Moms...It's Gonna Be A Busy Year!

I know summer is officially over when my calendar begins to look like it's been taken over by a freakishly mad scientist with a spelling problem. Crazy scrawling and odd symbols are beginning to fill my days and months into November already.

What's up with that?

In the next ten weeks we will be travelling to approximately sixty soccer practices, twenty-four soccer games, at least five birthday parties and three back-to-school nights.

...and a partridge in a pear tree.

My car is already screaming, "Drive me over a cliff take me out of misery, will ya!?!" But with my children showing their ability to balance sixteen half empty Starbuck's cups and receiving a blue ribbon in prison-wine making, the driving continues.

So, to keep in step with my week of fluff-n-stuff posts, and in honor of the last few days of summer break, I thought I'd share a video that will surely bring a smile to your already tired-mommy faces. Enjoy.

Happy Birthday Sweetheart!!!

Since you are now a young man of fifteen, I didn't think you'd want me to go on and on about how beautiful you were when you were born.

I figured you probaby wouldn't want me to talk about how precious you are to me or how from the moment you came into my life you have blessed my heart with more joy and happiness than I can convey with words.

So don't worry, I won't share how I'm sad you can't curl up in my lap anymore. I won't speak about how I know God has an amazing plan for your life. I know you are sick of me telling you that. I will hold back from shouting from the rooftops that I have the best fifteen year old in the whole wide world.

I promise David. I won't say a word.

Love, Mom

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Blog Hop Anyone?

The clock is ticking off the last few days of summer vacation. It has me running fast and furious to do all I can with the kids. All of my good-mommy promises made when I thought summer would last forever...yeah, well, it's time to pay the piper.

I will be filling my next few days with lots of fluff n' stuff, so I thought I would do the same over here with all of you.

Blog Hop anyone?

The dangers of interrupting your father on a business call.

Mr. Mcklinky hosts a blog hop, which is kinda like my monthly Blessed... Blogs on steroids. This week they are asking we include a favorite photo. Thus, the tape-face picture of my son above. One of my favorites!

Ok girls, time to skedaddle and commence hopping. But don't forget to set your timers - you could get lost in blog land and never find your way out.

It's entirely possible you know.

... just ask my husband.

Growing Up! Monday

Welcome everybody! I thought it would be fun to start a weekly meme called "Growing Up! Monday". Wouldn't it be fun to be able to check in with other sisters around the world and see what we are learning in each of our churches on Sunday mornings or in our weekly Bible studies?

So, what brought all of this on? Well, let's just say worship was the beginning of the beginning...

When I stand and worship on Sunday mornings I often wonder how many hours Christians around the world have already been singing to Him. Those of us in California have been handed the worship baton by those in Arizona and Nevada,who had received it from those in the midwest and on and on it goes. Just like how the fans in a football stadium experience the infamous "wave", worship begins around the world the moment the sun kisses the earth's face and continues throughout the day. What a sweet incense lifted up to our God and King.

Then I began thinking about how our worship is different. Some of us worship Him from the old hymns, others worship by way of gospel songs to the sound of an organ, while still others sing and praise His name to contemporary worship music accompanied by guitar and piano.

It got me to thinking about church for all of us. I truly love going to church. I am grateful at the end of a sometimes difficult week to gather with my sisters and brothers in the Lord. It is a resting place and a refreshing place.

And a teaching place.

"Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." Ephesians 4:15-16

We are the body of Christ. We gather on Sundays in our church homes to learn and grow from His word. Each week there is something our pastor shares or teaches from the Bible that speaks (sometimes shouts) right to my heart.

What about you?


What is it you are studying? What lessons did God want you to learn this week, and what did you take away from your pastor's lesson or church family today that you can apply to your lives now?

Let's share with one another what we are learning and how we are growing up in Christ. Come on friends, add your name to Mr. Linky below.

Be your hometown church representative and fill us all in!

A New Baby For Us! I Mean For Them...

See this adorable couple to the right here? They are going to have a baby.

NO, not my seventeen year old daughter in the red dress on the left (praise the Lord!), my sister-in-law Bonnie and her husband, my brother George on the right.

Our newest member of our family is here, but we will have to wait until April 2010 to love on him or her.

Is there any gift more precious than a child?

With my little brother beginning his own parenting journey next spring, at thirty years old (on Saturday), I can say with complete honesty, I have never seen a man so excited to be a daddy.

I'm not sure if I've seen a woman as excited as he is!

Though I do not hold a degree of higher learning as far as schooled education is concerned, being around children all of my life should give me at least a Master's degree in child development, nursing, psychology, government and public policy, and just about anything else under the banner of the learned. My brother, on the other hand does hold a Juris Doctorate in Law, but will be the first to tell you how little he knows about fatherhood.

He has already signed up for the "What to Expect while Expecting" blog site, figured out how far along his wife is, and managed to carry around her positive pregnancy stick to church last Sunday and in his pocket to work on Monday and Tuesday.

I know how precious it is to hold your first glorious bundle of love. For almost eighteen years my brother has sat by while his three older sisters have been pregnant and given birth to his ten nieces and nephews. His smile broader and wider with each new baby placed in his arms. In a few short months he will experience his very own beautiful little one, placed gently in his arms.

And once again I am speechless at a God who loves us so much He would allow us the opportunity to play a tiny part in the greatest miracle in existence, to bring a life into the world.

We are so very Blessed...


Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,the fruit of the womb a reward.Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth.
Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! Psalm 127:3-4

Blog Trolls...Do you have one?

(In case you're wondering, this is most definitely a PMS-induced post. ANY SIMILARITY TO ACTUAL EVENTS OR CHARACTERS IS NOT COINCIDENTAL .)

Ok girls, since it's coming up on two years since I began this journey called blogging, I have been reflecting on the good, the bad, and yes, the ugly.


It got me to thinking about trolls.

Do you have one? Hmmm, maybe you have two or even more. You may have never met your troll. It's even more possible you know your troll personally. Your troll might be your relative, or a close friend. Sometimes trolls are former friends and even church family.

Not sure what I'm talking about?

Blogging Trolls (v.) (1) A person who deliberately posts derogatory or inflammatory comments.

Or as I personally define them...Nosey-Nellies; people who lurk with the intent to gossip or slander. Reading a blog to feed a deep-rooted passion to be in the know.

Most often these trolls know you personally. They find it impossible to pass up the opportunity to take a peek, for no other reason than curiosity. And sadly, they often play a part in holding back the blogger from sharing all that is on her heart. They are takers, plain and simple.

Please don't confuse trolls with lurkers. I LOVE lurkers. They are a precious part of my Blessed... community. These people stop by and spend a quiet moment to enjoy a quick visit. They are faithful and helpful. Sometimes even emailing words of encouragement. I was once a faithful lurker myself.

Trolls are different.

Sadly, my trolls have kept me from sharing quite a bit. They are my reasons and excuses for second thoughts and hesitations. If you only knew how many blog posts I have not shared because of them.

Hmmmm, maybe I need a little prayer about that. Whaddya think?

I wish I could slay my trolls and live happily ever after in my perfect Blessed...kingdom.

I would LOVE to hear how you have slayed your trolls. Or, maybe, you've learned to live with yours.

Which is it?

Got Friends?

Some say I'm a bit social. Others probably think I talk too much. I can't help it. It's how God wired me. I LOVE TO TALK. What women doesn't? If talking were a sport, I'd be a gold medal winner in every event. I am quite the overachiever.

Now, add my chatty nature and a heart to love on people and you have the recipe for a new friend. I have been blessed with quite a few.

This past week I've had a great time. There were my coffee dates with Sue and Aly, my day by our pool with Kellie and another day poolside with my friend Vicki. I had my girlfriend Holly over for lunch today and tomorrow I am having my friend Kim and her kids over to swim. Oh, and my friend Carolyn is stopping by tomorrow for our soccer team BBQ, so that counts for friend time too, doesn't it? (I still need to make a date with you Beth!)

But, the bestest time of all was spent this weekend with my precious friend Celia. She picked me up yesterday morning and took me to her house in the woods. Oh, mercy me, what a great time we had. God has knit our hearts together. We were friends years ago before Jesus came in and scooped us out of our miry muck. Today, we are friends who have been redeemed by His grace. I don't believe there is anything more special than that.

Each beautiful friend I have mentioned is precious to me. Each one has blessed my life with something different. One is a woman who I glean from with her writing and perseverance, another I am linked to by her patriot's heart and strength, another is a sister who went to high school with me and is burdened by our hurting world. I have a friend who I am in awe of when it comes to her parenting skills, another who impresses on my heart to make my home a place where God lives, and yet another who I lean on as my prayer warrior. And I can't leave out a sister in the Lord who makes me laugh myself silly with her dry sense of humor and miraculous patience for her husband. Have I mentioned yet my friend who speaks God's words over my life with her counsel?

Nor will I leave out my sweet sisters Pen and Sandie in Australia, or my countless blogging friends who I love. Some I will see very soon!

I believe each special friend is in my life for a purpose. There are lessons to be learned and joy to be received from all of these beautiful women.

So, fill me in on your life. Do you have a special friend? How has she made an impact on your life? Has she helped you grow in your walk with the Lord?"

If you don't have one, take a moment today to pray for one. But, in a pinch, please remember -you have a friend in me.


Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!—Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Blessed... Blogs of the month

Yep, it's that time again. If you haven't already noticed the left side of my blog - it's time you did. This is the part of my blog-real-estate that I use for my monthly blogging hall of fame. (Below the pictures of my kids. Cmon' cut me some slack, I'm a proud mama!)

Pay attention to the left side of Blessed...it's here I highlight seven blogs each month. You will discover blogs that inspire, encourage, make you laugh and sometimes even make you cry, right over there at your finger tips. Take the time to peruse their sites and get to know some of these precious people.

I look forward to having all of you there soon. But, if you're impatient like me and just can't wait, then hop on over to my BlogFrog thingamajiggy on the right side there and check out my blogroll. Make sure to add your name to the list. That way, people don't have to wait, they can visit you today.

Now, take your cursor and make a sharp left turn and check out my Blessed...blogs of the month list. I hope you have your comfy shoes on - pop on over and pay a visit to all of these Blessed... blogs. And make sure to tell them Joanne sent ya!

***And to those of you chosen this month, your words have blessed my heart. Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am a life that has been changed.***


p=align="right">